Cingular 2125 Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Review on msmobiles.com

[Kris Kumar]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://msmobiles.com/news.php/4691.html' target='_blank'>http://msmobiles.com/news.php/4691.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Its not really a surprise that Cingular stores don't have the Cingular 2125 in stock yet, most managers don't even know what it is, makes sense since the device was officially released just this week. Of all the managers we talked to, for the most part they simply couldn't get past the fact that the 2125 is Cingular branded, they believe all phones have to be a Nokia or Motorola. Here is a phone that makes Symbian Series 60 devices look like technology from the 80's. We got our hands on a Cingular 2125, and we are reviewing the hell out of it!"</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-dec05-2125msmobiles.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Adam has reviewed the Cingular 2125 Smartphone over at msmobiles.com. I must warn our readers, in case you are expecting some <i>hump-bashing</i> in the review. You are going to be disappointed. ;-) Wondering if any of our readers got their hands on this Smartphone? Would like to hear your comments.

[Rocco Augusto]

Adam should have called my store, I would have talked his ear off for hours about the phone :D

[Jerry Raia]

I just called my local store: "The what? Never heard of it" :lol:

[Rebecca]

Let me add the mandatory Hump Bashing:

&lt;/start bashing>

The Quasimodo Humpphone sucks! This is the ugliest phone ever offered by cingular. :x

&lt;/end bashing>

By the way I just found out how the RAZR provides such excellent reception: The battery cover has a build in antenna that conects to the phone by two tiny metal conectors on the battery case.

HTC should have done the same on this phone and they could have had an antenna 3 times as large as the current one without the stupid Hump.

[Jerry Raia]

This isn't going to turn into RAZR hugging is it? 8O

[robertotores]

This isn't going to turn into RAZR hugging is it? 8O

I would better kiss the RAZR's arse than hug the fugly Quasimodo.

Just MHO

-------

On my Desktop: Intel Inside!

On my Phone: Hump Outside!

[Jerry Raia]

The hump is growing on me. So to speak. :mrgreen:

[Rocco Augusto]

i like the hump, it makes it look like the phone has a lil junk in the trunk :roll: :wink:

[robertotores]

The hump is growing on me. So to speak. :mrgreen:


I hope you are talking about the phone and not something else. :p


Is that a Cingular 2125 in your pocket or are you happy to see me?

[Kris Kumar]

By the way I just found out how the RAZR provides such excellent reception: The battery cover has a build in antenna that conects to the phone by two tiny metal conectors on the battery case.

Cool design.

[Global Mobility!]

I think there will be a time when we can just retrofit the C600's back antenna cover on the 2125 if the hump is too bothersome. But, instead of doing that, there are other options such as the i-mate SP5/m that use the normal antenna found overseas. Mike has reviewed this handset and has stated that it provides more than adequate reception.

So.. we do have options. Still fixated on that large antenna? What about all those people with humps on their noses? Bash them too? I guess they wouldn't apply to this thread since they don't operate on the Windows Mobile platform.

[robertotores]

By the way I just found out how the RAZR provides such excellent reception: The battery cover has a build in antenna that conects to the phone by two tiny metal conectors on the battery case.

Cool design.


If Motorola just did a WM powered RAZR, it would kick Quasimodo's hump.

[robertotores]

I think there will be a time when we can just retrofit the C600's back antenna cover on the 2125 if the hump is too bothersome. But, instead of doing that, there are other options such as the i-mate SP5/m that use the normal antenna found overseas. Mike has reviewed this handset and has stated that it provides more than adequate reception.

So.. we do have options. Still fixated on that large antenna? What about all those people with humps on their noses? Bash them too? I guess they wouldn't apply to this thread since they don't operate on the Windows Mobile platform.

The C600/SMT5600 body is different the hump is not just in the antenna cover, it starts on the body.

i-mate SP5/m are prohibitibely expensive for many people like miself :(

I know some girls with "humps" on their noses and I find them attractive unlike the fugly 2125.

[Rebecca]

The hump is growing on me. So to speak. :mrgreen:


I hope you are talking about the phone and not something else. :p


Is that a Cingular 2125 in your pocket or are you happy to see me?

Cingular 2125 the SexPhone!

[Global Mobility!]

The C600/SMT5600 body is different the hump is not just in the antenna cover, it starts on the body.

i-mate SP5/m are prohibitibely expensive for many people like miself :(

I know some girls with "humps" on their noses and I find them attractive unlike the fugly 2125.

LOL. Thanks for the info on the antenna cover. I didn't realize that the fascia/housing were completely different between the two models. The SP5 does cost about $100 more than the 2125 if you don't consider a new service contract with Cingular. But the SP5 is unlocked and does offer the 802.11b feature + streamlined antenna cover.

OT: In So. California, I have run into various independent Cingular agents willing to subsidize new phone costs with a new service contract as much as $300 off the price of the phone for a 2-year agreement. Many of them do carry the latest GSM handsets.

2125 - $399 + Tax
SP5/m - $499 + 15 S/H.

It's not too much of a difference in my opinion given the difference in features and aesthetics.

I would also prefer the handset not have an unsightly "hump" on top of the phone, but if it does provide for better function, I am willing to sacrifice on the form a bit. Moto GSM Q could be the Smartphone you're looking for, if it ever is released.

[rperalta]

I got my Cingular 2125 on Tuesday and it's awesome. :beer:

The phone is well built and the buttons feel solid. I really like the new navigation button (over the rocker on SMT5600) and it also tells you if you are using GPRS or EDGE, it displays G or E next to the reception bars.

Let me know if you have any questions.


rperalta

[Kris Kumar]

I got my Cingular 2125 on Tuesday and it's awesome. :beer:

Tuesday 8O 8) How on earth did you manage to pull that trick?

[rperalta]

How on earth did you manage to pull that trick?

I called on Monday and shipped it as priority (meaning overnight for most cities or 2 days for remote areas). I had my SMT5600 since 10/94 and this device is really great, yes even the hump. :way to go:

Hope you get yours soon!

Regards,
rperalta

[Jerry Raia]

Well now my local store is saying they will have them this week. At least they have heard of it! :lol:

[robertotores]

I got my Cingular 2125 on Tuesday and it's awesome.
Let me know if you have any questions.


rperalta


How's the hump?

Is the screen viewable angle any better than in the SMT 5600?

Has Java support been improoved?

Thanks

[rperalta]

How's the hump?

Is the screen viewable angle any better than in the SMT 5600?

Has Java support been improoved?

Thanks

The "hump" doesn't look bad at all, its well designed and still looks nice. I noticed my reception bars are great everywhere, where in some areas I only get 1 bar from my SMT5600, the 2125 gives me 4 bars.

The screen over the SMT5600 is like comparing night and day. It's very sharp and crispy on all angles - the higher resolution really does it.


Java support has been improved on 2125.

[jtheun]

I received my 2125 on Thursday morning... I like the phone, but there are a few things that bother me.

1) The looks of the hump does not bother me, but I had this fantastic clip-on holder for my old 5600 (http://smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9100&amp;highlight=holder)
Obviously, this does not work with the hump form factor.

2) Some of my favorite software does not work too well on Windows Mobile 5 yet...
eWallet - I cannot get the synchronization to work. It worked fine on my 5600.
Clearvue Suite - I use this for viewing xls, doc, ppt, pdf documents. But it does not run on Mobile 5.
PageOne Express - The front page of this app (menu) is MUCH worse on Mobile 5 than on the 5600. Horrible! But at least it works
Thinkoutside Bluetooth keyboard - the Driver for Smartphone Windows Mobile 5 is not out yet, and the native Bluetooth pairing is horrible. Need the driver

The phone is beautiful, great screen, and the email experience is great on this device. But not having my favorite programs working yet is making me wonder whether I should wait a bit longer until Windows Mobile 5 becomes a bit more *complete*...

And I could not get Edge to give me more than 50kbps using the 2125 as a modem... :-(

[Kris Kumar]

Clearvue Suite - I use this for viewing xls, doc, ppt, pdf documents. But it does not run on Mobile 5.

Doesn't the 2125 come with ClearVue suite or a similar application pre-installed. In the specifications Cingular had mentioned Office Mobile. We safely assume that it does not have Office Mobile but it should have third party app for document viewing. :?

[xultar]

Clearvue Suite - I use this for viewing xls, doc, ppt, pdf documents. But it does not run on Mobile 5.

Doesn't the 2125 come with ClearVue suite or a similar application pre-installed. In the specifications Cingular had mentioned Office Mobile. We safely assume that it does not have Office Mobile but it should have third party app for document viewing. :?

I thought Cingy inlcuded ClearVue on the disk. It doesn't work?

[choo_choo]

hey all you 2125 owners. Do you have any problem getting the phone to recognize a mini-SD card (per the MS Mobiles review)?

[rperalta]

hey all you 2125 owners. Do you have any problem getting the phone to recognize a mini-SD card (per the MS Mobiles review)?

No problem at all with my SD card (512 MB). I don't know why it was mentioned. A lot of 2125 owners don't mention it also.

[iJITSU]

The copy of ClearVue on the 2125 CD does work (straight dowload from Westek's site doesn't), but you have install to the actual phone and you have to reboot your phone before it works.

[Bill Harrison]

Just a side note, anyone "Forced" to buy a humpphone, and would rather have the FAR more stylish smt5600, is more than welcome to contact me, and I will gladly send my smt5600 and a shiny 100$ bill in exchange for your "Humper".

:D

[raaden]

After "working" with the phone over the weekend, I must say this is definitely v2.0 of the 5600. The screen is incredible; Edge is much better than GPRS; The OS seems a bit more refined than 2003; the hump is not as bad as you would think; and I don't really miss the 802.11.

My only probs with the phone are
The power button: It is impossible to tell if you have actually pressed it hard enough. It provides no feedback and is very hard to actually press.

For SMS the keys are a little bit awkward. I agree with a previous article that says it would have been nice to have a little space and to not put them quite so far down on the bottom of the phone. Especially since you have the hump space to use.

I am sure it is something I am doing wrong but I have not been able to get the modem working with my Axim after having no problems with it on my 5600

Overall I am very happy with the 2125

Raa

[rperalta]

My only probs with the phone are
The power button: It is impossible to tell if you have actually pressed it hard enough. It provides no feedback and is very hard to actually press.


raaden,

I was actually having a hard time also in the beginning and nothing happens even when you press hard.

Solution:
DO NOT press the power button.

DO slide the power button towards the screen. A little practice and you should be able to do it once or twice. You should also see the Profile menu screen.

Regards,
rperalta

[dwellers]

I received my 2125 on Thursday and am enjoying it. Few things:

Screen is beautiful. What a step up from the 5600.

Keys are a lot nicer in general (power switch excluded). Much nicer entering text and phone numbers.

In an interesting twist, I use GoodLink which there is a direct link to on the 2125. Problem is that the over-the-air installation will not work due to lack of available space. Did anyone test this? I was able to get it to load but had to use the cable option rather than OTA. Good is investigating...

I don't really get the memory configuration of "storage" memort and "program" memory. Is there any way to adjust this like on PPC? I have installed GoodLink and one other program (eWallet) and the phone complains from time to time that I need to remove some stuff to free up memory. This could be a major problem.

No problems with a 1GB mini-SD card.

Movies play quite nicely with this processor. No flickering or skipping.

The included STEREO headphones/mic combo are a nice addition. Not great sound quality but they are there in a pinch.

Vibrate seems a bit timid to me. Missed a couple of calls. Speakerphone is great though.

Joystick is nice but I find left/right selections to be difficult. Perhaps a longer thumbnail is required.

Figuring out that the nine icons on a screen map to 1-9 on the keypad made navigation much easier!

No driver for the Stowaway bluetooth keyboard yet. They have said that it should be available late December.

By the way, with a business account with Cingular (very easy to setup, I do them all the time for clients), you can get the phone for $169.99. That's an amazing deal really.

--David

[rfang]

2) Some of my favorite software does not work too well on Windows Mobile 5 yet...
eWallet - I cannot get the synchronization to work. It worked fine on my 5600.


I initially had the same problem until downloaded the synch proggy from iliumsoft directly. good luck.
http://download.iliumsoft.com/download/phn/eWalletSync_PHN_PRIV.arm.cab

[jtheun]

I initially had the same problem until downloaded the synch proggy from iliumsoft directly. good luck.
http://download.iliumsoft.com/download/phn/eWalletSync_PHN_PRIV.arm.cab

Thanks, that did the trick! One more q about eWallet... my icons are not displaying on the listing view or the icon view on my 2125 (v4.0.1.1111). Is it just me?

[Mike Temporale]

Thanks, that did the trick! One more q about eWallet... my icons are not displaying on the listing view or the icon view on my 2125 (v4.0.1.1111). Is it just me?

Nope, it's not just you. Ilium has some work to do on this app. I just hope they aren't ignoring it. I have emailed them about it, but maybe you guys should too. :(

[rfang]

Thanks, that did the trick! One more q about eWallet... my icons are not displaying on the listing view or the icon view on my 2125 (v4.0.1.1111). Is it just me?

Nope, it's not just you. Ilium has some work to do on this app. I just hope they aren't ignoring it. I have emailed them about it, but maybe you guys should too. :(

I don't see any icons either.

A different question, does MS make its voice command v1.5 for smartphone? I did some research on it but only found versions for PPC or PPC phone. If not, why did Cingular 2125 disk include a link for download?

[Curly_in_FL]

raaden,

I was actually having a hard time also in the beginning and nothing happens even when you press hard.

Solution:
DO NOT press the power button.

DO slide the power button towards the screen. A little practice and you should be able to do it once or twice. You should also see the Profile menu screen.

Regards,
rperalta

:D :D :D WOW! This is the best tip for 2125 owners!!!! I was afraid that I was going to damage my phone by pushing so hard on the power button. But with very little force, I can turn the phone on and off by following this tip.

Moderator, you should make this tip a pinned item or default post in all the 2125 forums.

Just my .02 worth.