The 2125 from Cingular caught my attention and I couldn't be happier about making the purchase. It's such a great phone in my opinion that I am still using it. I rated the phone excellent down the line because I was unable to find any faults to justify ranking it any lower.
Even products or features that you may have found in other devices will not be a part of this phone, but the updated programs replace them. So join me in exploring this outstanding device. I hope you will enjoy all of the great new features, and the 2125's all around superb quality.
Design
The 2125 device is almost the exact size of the SMT5600. The only real difference is the hump that protrudes out of the top. The real difference between the two is the joystick. While I have become comfortable with the SMT5600's rocker switch, I really prefer the joystick on my devices. The joystick on the 2125 is very easy to use. There will be some learning curve with it as it is very sensitive, but it is much easier to pick up than the initial switch to the rocker pad.
Another appreciated update is the addition of the key above the volume keys on the side. This key brings you directly into the Comm. Manager application. The keypad itself is a little larger than the SMT5600 and is very responsive. It is definitely a step up from the keypad quality on the previous versions from HTC.
Features
With so many great things to say about the features offered with the 2125, I decided to summarize this section for you. From basic to advanced features, this phone does not miss a beat.
- Quad-band world phone that lets you make calls in over 200 countries
- Hands-free communication with Bluetooth® wireless technology and built-in speakerphone
- Long battery life with up to 5 hours of talk time and 6 days of standby
- Big, bright display shows text and images clearly
- Life just got easier.
- Access your personal and corporate e-mail
- Synchronize contacts and calendar with your PC
- Send instant messages with MSN Messenger®
- Surf the Internet from anywhere
- Download data fast on the Cingular EDGE network
- Personalize your device with Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ software
- Take and send high-resolution photos
- Listen to your favorite music
- Record, play, and send videos
- Download thousands of games and applications
- Transfer data to and from your PC
- Use a mini SD memory card to store hundreds of songs or pictures
- Take advantage of the high-storage capacity
Smartphone Information
Most of us know Windows Mobile Platform really hasn't compared to the palm platform but this phone along with its big sister the 8125 have really proved the Windows Mobile Platform. Built with Microsoft's latest and most powerful mobile operating system; Windows Mobile 5.0.
This device handling ability is incomparable to any other platform. Its predecessor the Audiovox SMT5600 (HTC Typhoon) was a little bit slower but had Windows Mobile 2003 and had some issues. With this new release the handheld is amazing, as I run windows media player and games as well as ClearVue (Opens Documents such as PDF, DOC, EXCEL, POWERPOINT) the unit responds very fast and efficiently.
Ease of Use
The 2125 is as simple as ABC, no really! With the familiar start button the handset is capable of even delivering the most complicated applications with 1 or 2 clicks. Applications such as internet Explorer and Windows Media Are launched easily, with no delay time.
The 2125 also features a very nice keypad, one that is not too small or too big. Phonebook on the 2125 is very easy to access, not to mention you can sync your contacts straight from Microsoft 2002 or higher with Microsoft ActiveSync 4.1 or higher. Both of these applications are complimentary with the purchase of this handset.
Display
I can officially say that I?m a QVGA convert. Going to the 2125's screen from the SMT5600 is like night and day. The text and icons are crisp and clear and the color is very nice. Browsing the web with the QVGA layout is great. Pictures are clear as can be. I won't go so far as to compare this to the screen of my Sharp GX-32 (QVGA/262k colors), but it is the best smartphone screen I have seen to date.
Connectivity
Well the device doesn't have WiFi. As I stated earlier, I don't really care. With EDGE I have been seeing speeds between 150-210kb/s. I ran 6 tests on the Mobile Speed Test at dslreports.com. For the tests I selected either the 200kb or the 600kb file size. I think they best represent actual speed of the device.
On average I would say I was seeing about 175kb/s for either file size. Sure it would be nice to have the 1mb/s+ speeds of WiFi, but with the relatively low cost ($19.99) for unlimited data on Cingular, I?m ok with not having it. With a device like the wizard which has a larger screen, it would be a different story, but the small screen really doesn't need it (IMHO). If you HAVE to have WiFi, you?ll be paying the $499 for the SP5(m) or waiting who knows how long for the TMobile device.
Construction
This phone means business, it will not come apart with a couple of drops, I have personally launched this handset out of the window of my Dodge Ram 1500 going 30 miles per hour and it may be a little beat up but it as strong as an ox! Hard to believe, but true!
Conclusion
While I?m still planning on getting the 8125 (Wiz), I think this is a definite contender for the ?Best Smartphone? that I've used. Some may say the upgrade from the SMT5600 is not enough, but I think the addition of the QVGA screen, EDGE, quad-band and Windows Mobile 5 is enough.
The device is responsive and has a very solid feel. If you don't need a keyboard and prefer the Smartphone OS over the PocketPC OS, this is the device for you. I?m still a firm believer that HTC is making the best Windows Mobile devices on the market. My experience with the Motorola and Samsung Smartphone devices has been lack luster. Until another manufacturer produces something of decent quality I will be sticking with HTC
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