Pros: Windows OS means lots of software. Build quality. Wifi connectivity. Outstanding phone and fuctions.
Cons: Wireless B?? Feels cheap but its not cheaply built. Screen protector a must!
The Bottom Line: If you use a PDA and a phone this is the best option, hands down. Lots of software titles, Wifi, Bluetooth, GPRS, and an outstanding keyboard/form factor to boot.
I have now completed the first 48 hours of use with my new Cingular 8125. This is essentially the same phone as offered by Imate (K-Jam) and HTC (Wizard) with a couple of key exceptions.
This is my first smart phone. Previously I had a Motorola Razor (flip) and an Ipaq. I love the convenience of this convergence device. It offers me the ability to store my entire database of contacts, keep up with my calendar, run most of the programs I used in my Ipaq, make calls, and surf the web all in a single small device.
The overall design
The build quality of this phone is truly remarkable. The screen is bright and vivid. The sliding keyboard feels quirky and flimsy at first, but after a couple of days of actual use I realized that it is just light not cheap. The Window OS is excellent, but not without flaws, and there is a lot to like about this small all in one.
The phone is much smaller than it looks in pictures. When the keyboard is pushed in, it is roughly the same size and shape a Palm Treo. The screen takes-up most of the front of the device giving it the look of a ultra small TV set. The phone is exceptionally light which in my opinion gives it a cheap feel. However, I don’t believe it is built cheaply. The stylus is inserted in from the bottom and buttons are reasonably well placed considering the overall smallness of the device. I have accidentally hit the Com Manager button several times when taking the phone out of the holster, but no big deal.
Sure it does everything, but does it do it well?
Lets just start off with the most critical feature, the phone.
The 8125s phone works outstandingly well. When I received the phone from Cingular (via FedEx) I simply took my SIM card out of my old phone, put in the 8125 and it worked flawlessly. This is the way the SIM technology is supposed to work. I was a bit concerned about how easily the back slid off of the phone (where the battery and SIM are housed), but after a couple of days of use I don’t think it is going to be an issue.
The sound quality of both the caller and the receiver are excellent. I have made at least 70 calls in the last 48 hours and everyone was able to clearly hear me regardless of my location. Better yet, even in noisy environments I could hear them quite well. The earpiece has a strong speaker. I actually had to turn the volume down in several locations so as not to disturb others.
The other great thing is the speakerphone. It works as it should with no disappointments. I used it in a conference call while driving and was able to set the phone on the armrest so everyone in the car could talk and hear the call.
I have not had the opportunity to pair the phone up with a bluetooth headset. I am considering the Motorola H700, but at this time have not had a chance to test it. That said, the headset is a must. Although answering a call is very easy and straight forward (just push the talk button), getting the phone out of the included leather case is another issue. I have missed several calls because I just could get to the phone fast enough.
The 8125 as a work device
There is no doubt that this device is designed for the professional on the go. The Built in 802.11b WiFi and Windows OS offers so many options I don’t know where to start. Let me begin by outlining what applications I have installed so far and rating their performance:
Pocket Informant – The best plug-in for Windows Pocket devices. This lays on top of the calendar and contact program making them much more powerful. This is a must have!
Worldmate Pro – If you travel I highly recommend this program. From your WiFi or GPRS device you can easily access real-time weather (both maps and local forecasts), flight info (including gates and schedules), time/weight/currency conversion, tip calculations (just in case you didn’t know), and multiple time zones. Weather and time zone data is displayed right on the Today Screen.
HiCalc – It is just an outstanding do it all calculator
Pocket Stars – If you love Astonomy like I do, this is a must have. This may be the best tool for generating real time star charts from any location in the world. There are so many other functions in this outstanding program it will amaze you.
Lextionary – An outstanding dictionary and Thesaurus
Sudoku – it is a free little program I found on the web. Its really cool you can use one of the included templates or input a puzzle from the paper and work it out. When you are stuck, there are hints and the system will solve the puzzle for you when you just have to give-up.
Pocket Music – Outstanding MP3 player. Who needs and IPOD?
HP12C SE financial Calculator – Simply the best financial calculator on the market. Every MBA student has one, so why not put it on your smart phone and carry it everywhere!
Every one of these programs worked great in my IPAQ with window 2003, now they work great in my 8125 with Windows Mobile 5. I had no problems reinstalling the software on the machine. However, as is so common with all windows mobile devices, the programs often continue to run in the background sucking-up precious memory. This it not uncommon, but it does tend to slow the device down quite a bit when in use.
OK, now for the bad new!
The one huge issue is the WiFi connectivity. I have to admit one thing I was really excited about was the ability to check my email from this little device. The keyboard simply slides out of the side and tapping out emails is a breeze! However, I could not get the 8125 to communicate with my Linksys Wireless G router. I could see all of my neighbors networks (and even connect to a few), but I could not get online at my own house. To make matters worse, Cingular does not support this function. So I spent about 2 hours on the phone with HTC support and they could never figure it out. While reading the box I noticed that the 8125 is a Wireless B device. Now, my router is broadcasting in mixed mode (both B and G), so I set it to only broadcast in B and what do you know I linked right up. Hmmm. This may be bad! Since most of the networks out there are mixed and using Wireless G and B I wonder how many I will be able to sync-up with. Only time will tell. Once connected though, the 8125 was able to connect to my broker, yahoo, CNN, even my several online database I use. I was also able to easily setup pocket outlook to send and receive mail from my SBCYahoo account.
All in all, this device is outstanding. Through Cingular’s Corporate channels I paid $244.00 which is in my opinion a fair price for something with such a myriad of functionality. I have to say the Treo may be more “sexy” to look at and of course the Blackberry may be the tool for the modern day corporate warrior, but the 8125 is the next real deal make no mistake about it.
Brand new non-OEM. Quantity: 1. Perfectly fits in the integrated stylus slot. Built in Ballpoint pen, you can easily write down notes any time to assi...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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