Samsung unveiled the Blackjack 2 today during Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's keynote address kicking off the CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment Conference in San Francisco, CA.  The Blackjack 2 is the follow-up to the Blackjack smartphone, and will be available in two colors - Black and Wine Red - as an AT&T exclusive when it launches later this year.

Blackjack 2 features a slimmer form factor with a larger battery compartment that Samsung says will address battery life issues that plagued the original design.  The new device will run Windows Mobile 6, and features a 2 megapixel camera and compatibility with AT&T's HSDPA 3G data network.  Gone is the side-mounted thumb scroll wheel, replaced by an iPod-like jog dial mounted front and center beneath the LCD display.

Blackjack 2 also features an improved QWERTY keypad and larger screen as compared to its predecessor.  I got a chance to play with the new device and the keypad is definitely a bit easier to work with than the original Blackjack's - the spacing is better, and the keys themselves have a textured finish that provides better tactile feedback.

Check out my hands-on video overview of Blackjack 2 for a comparison with the original model.