After almost three years with a Treo 650, which I simultaneously loved for its features and hated for its flaws, it was time for an upgrade. I chose the Cingular 8525 as it seemed to have all the features I was looking for: 802.11 wireless, touchscreen, Bluetooth 2.0, 3G support, and a large screen.
But before I get into the details, I want to get on my soapbox for a second...
Though I will not be buying an iPhone, I'm very excited that Apple is entering the phone market, because there will finally be some pressure on mobile software vendors to create truly compelling mobile experiences. When Steve Jobs joked about adding a stylus to the iPhone at his keynote, he could not have been more right. The stylus is the WORST thing ever to happen to a phone. I promptly lost mine in the first week and I sure as heck don't want to fuddle around with it every time I need to do something on my phone. I use my fingers like everyone else.
To top it off, Windows Mobile looks like it was BUILT for use with a stylus. Instead of making a software experience that works great 12 inches from your head, they built a desktop PC experience but made it a lot smaller. Where's the creative vision? Don't get me wrong, it does the job and is fun in a tweaky sort of way, but it doesn't really offer anything for a mobile experience.
I look forward to 2009 when no doubt Microsoft will release a new version of Windows Mobile that works well FOR YOUR FINGER (probably looking as much like Zune as Windows Mobile I'd wager).
...end rant. Now, the phone...
Despite the cons, I would still highly recommend this device. It's great fun, it's excellent for both business use and multimedia, and it's loaded with features.
But before I get into the details, I want to get on my soapbox for a second...
Though I will not be buying an iPhone, I'm very excited that Apple is entering the phone market, because there will finally be some pressure on mobile software vendors to create truly compelling mobile experiences. When Steve Jobs joked about adding a stylus to the iPhone at his keynote, he could not have been more right. The stylus is the WORST thing ever to happen to a phone. I promptly lost mine in the first week and I sure as heck don't want to fuddle around with it every time I need to do something on my phone. I use my fingers like everyone else.
To top it off, Windows Mobile looks like it was BUILT for use with a stylus. Instead of making a software experience that works great 12 inches from your head, they built a desktop PC experience but made it a lot smaller. Where's the creative vision? Don't get me wrong, it does the job and is fun in a tweaky sort of way, but it doesn't really offer anything for a mobile experience.
I look forward to 2009 when no doubt Microsoft will release a new version of Windows Mobile that works well FOR YOUR FINGER (probably looking as much like Zune as Windows Mobile I'd wager).
...end rant. Now, the phone...
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The Good:
- 3G support! I was able to get UMTS service in San Francisco and San Jose.
- Nice network support. Connecting to wireless networks was easy and fun. (Finding VPN buried in the settings was not so fun.)
- No antenna sticking out. It's embedded in the form.
- 2MPixel camera and MP4 video camera.
- Bluetooth 2.0, fast enough for stereo listening.
- Scroll wheel on the side like the Blackberry.
- Cingular Xpress mail worked great the first time for mobile email access.
- Love the slideout keypad - it automatically changes the screen from vertical to horizontal and a light sensor backlights the keypad in a cool blue when it's dark out!
- Powered with a USB mini connector. Smart.
- Voice Speed dial built-in, works great.
- Push email support with our Exchange system. My email, tasks, contacts are always updated and setup was a breeze.
- SIM card support so I can pop in another card when in a foreign country and get local network rates.
- It's generally pretty snappy to use.
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The Bad:
- Medium to Low light performance is quite poor with the camera, shutter lag is significant (hey, it's a phone, what can you do).
- Battery life not so great, especially if you forget to turn wireless off or set it for auto-shutoff. I sometimes barely make it through the day with the juice from an overnight charge.
- Push-To-Talk not activated yet.
- No on-screen button to turn off the bluetooth headset (I liked that about the Treo.)
- I do miss immediately typing in a few characters to find contacts. With the slideout keypad it's not as simple. I tend not to use the on-screen keypad or handwriting detection because I find it annoying.
- Camera modes take too long to switch between, confusing interface (no text help).
- Takes too long to sign into MSN IM. Chews up battery.
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The Ugly:
- Crashes 2-3 times per week, always at the worst times of course.
- No external volume control for shutting off the speaker.
Despite the cons, I would still highly recommend this device. It's great fun, it's excellent for both business use and multimedia, and it's loaded with features.