Samsung's BlackJack II is Set for a Q4 Release.

Here's a handy thing about having an office in downtown San Francisco: lots of places to eat. We're also just a few blocks away from Moscone Center, where wireless technology association CTIA is having their annual convention. Expect a lot of new cell phone news to drop in the next few days.

First out of the gate is the sequel to Samsung's popular BlackJack smartphone, and it's gotten things off to a rockin' good start.  The BlackJack II is noticeably thinner than your father's smartphone, runs faster than fast, and ups its operating system to Windows Mobile 6. Headset-supported stereo Bluetooth, built-in GPS technology (complete with 3D moving maps and traffic alerts in the navigation software), and new VPN security all sounds good to us, but you can also get it in a red wine color. Snazzy! The camera's been upgraded to 2 megapixels, too.

You'll find it in AT&T stores by the end of this year, with a reported $150 price tag. Yeah, we're not sure we believe it either, but that's what they're saying.

That would make its 3-year SquareTrade warranty right around fifteen bucks... or about what you'd pay AT&T for 2.5 months of cell phone insurance. We'll also offer you Accidental Damage Protection, too, just in case you drop your new toy.