We hardly like the name -- How about something a little catchier Ted? -- but Rogers' Jack will make up for it with a pile of features and some pretty decent pricing. We've been all over this guy before and this is indeed the same handset but with Rogers branding -- oh, and we're still not seeing WiFi. Pricing is set from $199, on a 3-year stint, $374 on two years, and $399 for a one year contract. Availability is listed as sold out so if you want to get your mitts on one, better line up, like right now.

In case our really poorly constructed pun in the title didn't help reveal what we're talking about, let's come right out with it: we're hearing that the LG CU720 Shine slider should be launching as soon as today, and certainly within the next handful of days. Along with it will be the CU515 in "plum" (also from LG), the Samsung A747 flip, and the BlackJack2 on the smartphone end of the spectrum. It's a 3G cornucopia -- just in time for Thanksgiving, eh?

[Thanks, kal]

So Samsung and AT&T introduced the BlackJack2 today, but it ended up being none other than Microsoft that showed the device doing its thing on the CTIA show floor. While the original BlackJack could be seen as a revolutionary device for the carrier (it was AT&T's answer to the Q, after all), its successor is clearly destined to be an evolutionary upgrade; yeah, the GPS is great, but Windows Mobile 6 and 3G are both totally mandatory in new smartphones hitting the market at this point. From our brief impression, the new keyboard seems like a key improvement over the BlackJack's testy pad, there's a larger battery in store (no more high capacity kit needed for a full day of use), and the jog wheel, glossy shell, and choice of colors all give it a softer, more consumer-friendly look. Samsung tells us we can expect it for about $150 in time for the holidays. Click on for more shots!

Don't get too excited -- you can't order it just yet -- but AT&T's at least ready to admit that the Samsung BlackJack2 exists. It seems the carrier's pulling the same stunt it did with the Q9 Global, taking email addresses for notification of availability without giving any indication as to when it might be available. Compared to the original, the keyboard and d-pad both look considerably hotter, Windows Mobile 6 comes installed (just imagine the horror if it wasn't!), "faster 3G speeds" are being touted, and perhaps most importantly, GPS capability is integrated. Oh yeah, there's some Video Share action in there too, but we're not too sure we'd call that a "feature." When it's launched, look for it in "wine red" and black.

[Thanks, Chris P.]

Yep, we kinda knew about all these, but it's good to get a little more confirmation that they're still all on track. The LG Prada (alias "Vu2," alias CU920) has shown up for inventory tracking alongside the Motorola Z9 slider and the Samsung BlackJack II. The Vu2 could end up being one of AT&T's first MediaFLO-compliant handset for mobile TV on the network, and we don't really expect it until early '08 at this point; the BlackJack II looks ready to launch from the press shots we've seen, though, and we wouldn't be surprised if it hit before the year's out. The Z9 could be the hot slider we mentioned earlier today, suggesting a launch some time in the first quarter.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]