Review: Samsung Juke

I got this phone about five days ago, and it's been good to me so far. Quick and sweet, an intro to the Samsung Juke.

Having been faced with the decision on obtaining a new phone, my brother and I had numerous lengthy discussions on this one and that. This was actually one of my early choices, but the lack of removable media really discouraged my brother, along with the novel opening method. I thought it looked really techy and quite forward.

In the end, this phone fit into our current plan and was available under a "Current Offer" for gratis. Life sometimes smiles down upon you.

I chose red, as the navy and teal just didn't do it for me. While I worried about those chauvinistic assholes quipping about the slim phone and red color, I've yet to really encounter that.

Getting the phone in the mail, I activiated the phone. A simple procedure assuming that you have all the pertinent information. Once that was done, I really began to play with the phone. Initially, you hold the phone so that the circle toggle is lower; this will tell you the current time and date. Tap the center of the circle toggle and you will then rotate the phone so that the circle toggle is towards your right. Pressing the toggle again will activate the music player; using the player the display is read while the phone is horizontal. To use the phone, rotate again ninety degrees so that now the circle toggle is up and flick the faceplate clockwise. It flicks out with a subtle click.

The small size take a bit getting used to. Most modern phones are wider, but albeit slimmer. This makes texting a bit more challenging, but not impossible. I would not recommend this phone for heavy texters; it ain't gonna happen folks. You'll regret it. Period. Now, music listeners, you'll really like it. I can't say love it just yet; I'm not sure. I really like the interface. Making playlists are easy. Loading and changing songs is near-choice: Play for Sure with Windows Media Player 1x (whatever version it is right now). It's not iTunes, but it works well.

Gripes? Well, battery life is dramatically affected with music usage. BlueTooth is too new for me to say anything yet, but so far, you can't swap stuff with other like you can on other phones/services. I don't have a case that will protect it yet and still allow instant access to the phone (I have a sleeve case, but you have to take the phone out to utlize the phone). No video.

Likes? Large 2 gig memory perfect for my fickle tastes. It's not about storing music, but having plenty for a few days. Nice camera for little things. Cool factor upon flicking the phone open. Lighter-sized perfect to fit in pocket without fear of cracking face (a la RAZR).

Okay, Kevin Fowler's "100% Texan" is winding down. That's all for now. If the phone craps out on me, I'll let you know. If I still love the phone six months from now, I'll let you know.

Cheers.