Cingular 2125 Review
So I’ll actually start writing more reviews more often, I’m starting with this review to actually just make a blog posting instead of writing a separate web page and having to move it to my blogging tool (RapidWeaver). To start off this new concept, I’m going to tell you about the new Cingular 2125 Windows Mobile Smartphone. (Currently $149.99 with rebates from Cingular).
I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a particular fan of the WM Smartphone platform. For my particular needs, I need a larger screen and I’ve become accustomed to using a thumb keyboard to enter my emails and text messages. But for those who may not have my specific needs and who are Cingular customers, the 2125 may be just what the doctor ordered for a super compact and powerful phone. It’s a rebranded HTC Faraday Smartphone similar to the iMate SP5, but with some notable differences including a “hump” at the top of the case (see picture below - some people have been calling this the “hump phone”).
Here are some specs:
* Weight: 3.74 ounces
* Dimensions: 4.57 x 1.81 x 0.69 inches
* Warranty: 1 yr on the phone and accessories
* 850/900/1800/1900 MHz - Quad-band for international compatibility
* Memory: 64 MB SDRAM, 64 MB Flash ROM
* Processor: TI OMAP 850 200MHz
* Talk Time: Up to 4 Hrs
* Standby Time: Up to 6 Days
* All talk, data and standby times are approximate and depend on network configuration
Features include:
* Microsoft® Windows Mobile(TM) 5.0 Smartphone Edition
* Windows Media®Player 10 for playing music and video
* Bluetooth® connectivity for connecting wireless accessories
* 1.3 megapixel camera and video recorder
* GPRS/EDGE High-Speed Data Access
* 850/900/1800/1900 MHz - Quad-band for international compatibility
* Large 2.2″ TFT color display
* 64 MB SDRAM/64 MB Flash ROM
* Mobile versions of Microsoft Office programs
* TI OMAP 850 200MHz processor
* Pocket MSN® (Hotmail®/MSN Messenger)
* Multimedia messaging - send text, pictures and sound
* Downloadable polyphonic/full-audio ringtones, graphics and games
* Stereo audio jack for listening to music
What I Liked:
The screen on the 2125 is amazing. It’s just a 320 x 240 display, but it is extremely bright and easy to read inside and out. This is also a very well-built phone. Although it’s made of plastic, it didn’t feel like it. In fact, it was one of the most solid Windows Mobile Smartphones I’ve ever used. Since the review unit was a loaner, I wasn’t able to drop it onto the pavement to see how well it stands up to abuse but I think it would do OK.
I also like what Microsoft has done with the Smartphone flavor of Windows Mobile. This version seemed much snappier, easier to navigate around, and less buggy than previous versions. Rather than the horrible UI of the previous incarnation of WM Smartphone, which required you to leaf through page after page of lists of applications, you now use the Start menu and two soft keys to perform most of your tasks. There are now good-sized icons to select, much better than the text lists they had before.
Email setup even seemed easier. I was able to set up three separate accounts in a matter of moments. It used to take me much longer to set up email on the “older” Smartphones.
Voice quality was outstanding! My wife could tell I wasn’t talking to her on my Treo 650, since my voice was much more clear and the signal was stronger.
What I Didn’t Like:
Unless you use the 2125 with a Bluetooth Headset, you’re going to get face oils and/or makeup all over the screen. That’s a problem with all Phone / PDAs, not just the 2125, but its highly reflective display seemed to show the oil much more easily. And of course you know my feelings about phones without QWERTY keyboards…
The Bottom Line:
If you like the Windows Mobile Smartphone platform, then you’ll love the Cingular 2125. It’s tiny, it’s well-built, it has a ton of features, and with Windows Mobile 5 installed, it’s actually even easier to use than previous models.
Why On Earth Is Microsoft Making 8 Versions of Vista?
I’m unabashedly in love with MacOS X. And what’s great about it is that I know that there are just two versions - Mac OS X (runs on everything from a Mac mini to a quad G5 box), and Mac OS X Server (runs on most hardware plus Apple’s XServe boxes). Each version is fully loaded and can work in both a home or business environment. Cost? About $129.
So why the hell does Microsoft need to muddy the waters with a rumored EIGHT different versions of Windows Vista? Here’s the list:
• Windows Starter 2007 - Vista without the Aero user interface elements. So why would you want it?
• Windows Vista Home Basic - Basic Windows Vista and similar to the existing Windows XP Home
• Windows Vista Home Basic N - Identical to above, but without Windows Media Player to make the EU countries happy
• Windows Vista Home Premium - The Vista version of Windows XP Media Center Edition
• Windows Vista Business - Similar to Windows XP Pro
• Windows Vista Business N - The European version of Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise - Adds things like volume encryption and Virtual PC to Vista Business (question: why would you want to run Virtual PC on a PC?)
• Windows Vista Ultimate - Who know what this will have? Probably everything. It also has an anticipated $450 price tag. Of course, you might be able to add Microsoft Office 2007 Ultimate to the mix for a measly $679.
Eight more reasons to hate Microsoft! By the way, your existing PC hardware might not be able to run Vista anyway - check out this article.
Press Release: Verizon To Release Motorola Q On May 30.
MOTOROLA AND VERIZON WIRELESS ANNOUNCE THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MOTO Q™
The World’s Thinnest QWERTY Device Delivers Email, Entertainment and Seamless Mobility in One Ultra-Thin Package
BEDMINSTER, NJ and SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – 22 May 2006 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) and Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless service provider, today announced that the highly anticipated Moto Q™ will be available starting on May 31. The Moto Q is exclusively available through Verizon Wireless and customers can purchase it online at www.verizonwireless.com on May 31 or at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store on June 5.
Perfect for customers who multi-task and want flexibility in today’s fast-paced business environment, the Moto Q’s style and phone-first mantra is built upon the design revolution created by the Motorola RAZR™ – the best-selling clamshell handset in the world. The Moto Q – which runs Microsoft Windows Mobile® 5.0 software - delivers an uncompromising mobile experience in an all-in-one handheld device that combines the reliability of a great phone, personal productivity capabilities, powerful enterprise connectivity and entertainment in a thin and stylish form factor. The Moto Q also utilizes Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess network – the nation’s most award-winning wireless broadband network – to send and receive data.
“The Moto Q is a real must-have device that enables true seamless mobility by liberating all of us from the restraints of our offices and living rooms,” said Ed Zander, chief executive officer of Motorola, Inc. “On Verizon Wireless’ broadband EV-DO network, the Moto Q brings together all of the converged solutions you need to work, stay in touch or have fun. With the best voice, data and design technology in one ultra-thin, intelligent, hard-working device, the Moto Q allows you to be productive and entertained wherever you go.”
The Moto Q will redefine what customers expect from a QWERTY handheld. With Windows Mobile® software, the Moto Q puts a “mini notebook” in Verizon Wireless customers’ pockets by providing enough power to let them leave their laptop at home to check email*, review presentations, documents, and stay connected for a week or a weekend. Couple that with its “cool enough for Friday night” design, multiple entertainment options and simple, intuitive features, and the Moto Q will help Verizon Wireless customers stay productive, creative and in-touch while on the go and however they choose.
Denny Strigl, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless, said, “Enterprise technology, consumer electronics and mobile are converging to create major productivity advantages for the work world. But those advantages have only been available to a select few – until now. The Moto Q offers power, style and ease-of-use in a cool ultra-thin format, giving Verizon Wireless customers an uncompromising experience in one device.”
The Moto Q also makes good business sense for companies – big and small – providing a converged mobility solution to help organizations improve their business, increase productivity and efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. Features of the Moto Q from Verizon Wireless include:
* Integrated Bluetooth® 1.2 wireless technology** for communicating with compatible headsets, car kits and certain other devices equipped with Bluetooth technology
* EV-DO access for fast downloads of data, email and large attachments
* Wireless Sync for anytime connectivity with e-mail, calendar and contacts synchronization
* Thinnest QWERTY device in the world – 11.5mm includes a familiar thumbwheel to enhance the navigation experience
* Seamless access to corporate applications, messaging, organizational tools and IT support, from across the campus and around the world
* Synchronization with e-mail, calendar, contacts, and tasks entries, regardless of platform or ISP
* Integrated with Windows Mobile® 5.0 software for the convenience of users and IT with access to Yahoo!, Hotmail and other POP3
* All standard desktop document views supported including: Microsoft Word®, Excel®, PowerPoint®, Adobe Acrobat®, etc.
* Supports audio and video formats
* Dual, stereo-quality speakers
* Easy integration with existing IT systems for enhanced IT support
* Enabled for leading corporate e-mail solutions
* Flexibility enables loading of standard corporate VPN
* Password authentication helps ensure network integrity
“The Moto Q is amazing,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corp. “It blends stylish design and fast network speeds with Microsoft’s powerful Windows Mobile software, empowering people to be mobile without concessions.”
Phone First
The Moto Q – coupled with the nation’s most reliable wireless network from Verizon Wireless – delivers what Verizon Wireless customers want most: an exceptional device for making voice calls. Plus, the Moto Q provides the advanced phone capabilities expected in an industry-leading phone, such as voice-activated dialing, smart contacts dialing, speakerphone, Bluetooth** capabilities for certain profiles and more.
Entertainment in Your Pocket
The Moto Q offers a portfolio of entertainment capabilities ranging from stereo music and video playback to Web browsing and instant messaging. This unique device allows customers to be entertained when they want. With an amazing color screen, wireless broadband capabilities and a full media experience with Windows Media Player Mobile, the Moto Q’s entertainment possibilities are unlimited.
Personal Productivity
Optimized for a variety of corporate and personal email technologies, the Moto Q’s form factor and QWERTY keyboard let Verizon Wireless customers easily create and manage corporate and personal email. The addition of Wireless Sync from Verizon Wireless helps make life on-the-go easier and more productive. With always-on email, customers can stay connected and get the job done while away from the office – without a delay and in a secure environment.
With Windows Mobile software, the Moto Q also offers corporate mobile messaging support out of the box with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. For additional wireless access to Exchange and other servers, Good Technologies™ is offering an optimized version of its Good Link email solution for the Moto Q. The Moto Q also offers easy access to personal email based on POP3, web mail and Hotmail™.
Pricing
The Moto Q is available exclusively through Verizon Wireless. Customers may purchase the Moto Q for $199.99 after a $100 instant credit when purchased with a qualified Verizon Wireless voice and data plan and two-year customer agreement.
Customers can choose from three calling plans that include voice calling and unlimited data access with Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service:
* $79.99 monthly access – includes 450 anytime minutes with unlimited data usage*, unlimited IN calling and unlimited nights and weekends ($0.45 per minute after allowance).
* $109.99 monthly access – includes 1,350 anytime minutes with unlimited data usage*, unlimited IN calling and unlimited nights and weekends ($0.35 per minute after allowance).
* $169.99 a month – includes 4,000 anytime minutes with unlimited data usage*, unlimited IN calling and unlimited nights and weekends ($0.25 per minute after allowance).
*Unlimited data usage for Internet browsing, email and intranet access within the National Enhanced Services Rate & Coverage Area
For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/q.
Press Release: Final Day for Club Astraware May-Hem
This is just a quick reminder that today is the final day of our Club Astraware May-hem sale.
Today’s offers are:
Bejeweled 2 - $12.95 (usually $19.95)
Link Letters - $4.95 (usually $9.95)
These offers are available to all Club Astraware members. If you haven’t joined the Club yet, why not sign up now and save some money! It only takes a couple of minutes, is free to join, and you can earn points from the games you buy which can be used as discounts against future purchases!
Visit http://www.astraware.com now to get these great offers!
The Object of my Lust
They’ve done it now…
I just bought a 20″ Intel iMac and I’ve been very happy with it. It’s fast, quiet and I can run Windows XP on it at the same time that I’m running Mac OS X (thanks to Parallels Workstation). My other Mac is a 3 year old 12″ PowerBook G4 running at 866 MHz. That sounds slow, but it’s really quite a workhorse and most Mac apps run at a fair speed on it.
Well, today Apple announced the MacBook line of low-cost laptops. These are designed to replace the iBook and move the low end of the laptop line into the Intel world. They come in two flavors, a la iPod - either black or white. To get the sexy black box, you pay a bit more (grrrr….). They have the now ubiquitous iSight camera built in, they run Front Row and have a tiny remote control, and they all use the Core Duo processor.
The specs are pretty damned good for a low end laptop:
• 1.83GHz or 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo
• 512MB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2×256, expandable to 2GB
• 60GB Serial ATA drive, expandable to 120GB
• Combo Drive (DVD-ROM, CD-RW) or SuperDrive (DVD±RW, CD-RW)
• AirPort Extreme Card (802.11g) & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 FireWire 400 port
• 13″ display, 1280 x 800 pixels
The lowest end model runs $1099, while the base high-end black model runs $1499.
Cingular 2125 and Missing Sync for Windows Mobile
Most of you know that I’m not a real big fan of the Windows Mobile Smartphones. I’ve become very used to having a keyboard on my devices and I just haven’t thought that the one-handed operation of the WM Smartphones was very well implemented. I’m currently testing a Cingular 2125 Smartphone, which uses Windows Mobile 2005, and I have to say that it’s a vast improvement over Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphones.
That still doesn’t mean I’d buy one, of course! I’m a lot more interested in the Motorola Q or a similar model with a keyboard - hell, I’d even take a Cingular 8125 without a keyboard over a smartphone. But the 2125 is significantly improved over previous smartphones. I’ll be publishing a review of the device soon.
As part of my testing I thought I’d load up the 2125 with all of the contact and calendar info on my Mac using The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile. Unfortunately, the version I had didn’t support Windows Mobile 5. A quick view of the MarkSpace web site found the answer in the form of a preview version of The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile version 2.5. Not only does it support Windows Mobile 5, but it is a Macintosh Universal Binary, meaning it runs natively on either PowerPC or Intel based Macs. It works very well, although the “preview” is limited in what it can do. The actual release version will be much faster and complete.
Stay tuned for more on the Cingular 2125!
Bits du Jour
One of my favorite software companies, Ilium Software, is adding a store called Bits du Jour, which will feature software made only for Pocket PCs, Smartphones and Palm lHandhelds. To kick off Bits du Jour, they’re going to have “Mobile Software Week” May 15 - 20. Some of the most popular PDA titles will be discounted each day from 25 to 60% - not bad, huh?
After Mobile Week is done, they’ll still be adding one or two programs for mobile devices each week. Have any questions? Visit the website at http://www.bitsdujour.com.
WiFi at sea, and another great airport
As I write this episode of the Gizmo Ranch, I’m flying a Ted A320 back to Denver from Orlando, Florida. While I was on the trip, I had a pretty good internet access, although it’s still not perfect out there. For example, the hotel where my wife and I stayed for a few days had internet service, but no WiFi - just standard old Ethernet for $10 a day. I was on a cruise ship for four days following that adventure; that ship had 802.11g WiFi on the two top decks and assorted public areas but it was rather expensive. You could purchase various plans - 100 minutes for $55, 250 minutes for $100 or unlimited minutes at 75 cents per minute. I believe they’re using the Inmarsat satellite system for this service, which should be available almost anywhere a ship can go. I’ve got to admit it was kind of cool to be able to IM with a customer while I was sailing off the shore of Grand Bahama. I’ll be on another cruise ship in a couple of months and it will be interesting to see if they use the same system.
Remember a few months ago when I made nice comments about the wonderful service provided at the Portland, Oregon airport? Well, I found another good airport today - Orlando. Frankly, most of the rest of the airport sucks - it’s impossible to get through security quickly,there aren’t enough bathrooms, and there is a complete lack of power plugs for some stupid reason. But they DO provide amazing and free WiFi, so it you’re able to get to the airport with a good charge on your laptop or can find one of the few AC plugs, you’re going to be able to get work done.
I bought my Treo 650 from Cingular for the sole purpose of being able to use it as a dialup modem for my PowerBook G4. It worked for a while, but it appears that they changed the dialup strings and it hasn’t worked properly for a while. As soon as I can get it working again, I’ll have a backup tool to use for the many times I’m stuck in airports that don’t have free Internet Aceess.
VITO Voice2Go Updated
May 4, VITO Technology updates its favorite voice controlling application VITO Voice2Go to v. 1.25. This update includes several useful features its agile users asked for alongside with new registration system.
VITO Voice2Go is basically purposed at allowing its users to manage their Pocket PCs stylusfree just by talking to their devices. With VITO Voice2Go Pocket PC you can forget about your stylus and manage your PDA with voice commands in your own languages:
• start and quit applications
• call contacts or hang up the phone
• find out who’s calling by listening to a voice tag attributed to this person
• modify system settings
• press any onscreen buttons with voice and record macros.
In VITO Voice2Go v.1.25 you can benefit by using easy macros recording feature. Macros are recorded in real time now, i.e. when performing a macro will remember all the pauses you made while recording it. To stop recording a macro you just need to click the red button that always stays on the top of the screen. Name your macros, assign a voice command to it and you are ready to go.
Another useful feature is contacts filtering. Tap the letters or numbers to filter the contacts just as in your default contacts window. The contacts list also appears without any delay now. It means less time for you to pick up the contact you want assign a voice command to.
All these features will greatly simplify managing your Pocket PC.
Program page: http://vitotechnology.com/en/products/voice2go.html
Download link: http://www.vitotechnology.com/files/Voice2Go_setup_demo.zip
Buy link: http://vitotechnology.com/en/products/list.php?BID=23&ID=724
Screenshots: http://vitotechnology.com/newsletter/20051021/voice2go.gif
Apple Gets Ambushed
OK, what was all this bullshit about yesterday? If you live in North America, you know what I’m talking about. There was an Associated Press article that talked about all of the “vulnerabilities” in Mac OS X. It basically talked about the one Trojan Horse that has been in the field lately, then went on to quote some “expert” who found some holes in Mac OS X that Apple “hasn’t fixed yet”. Yeah, this jerk told Apple about the holes, then gets upset when they haven’t sent out a patch two days later.
Of course, the rest of the mainstream media, being the huge flock of retarded sheep that they are, picked up on this immediately. “9News”, the flagship news show for Denver’s Channel 9, ran ads warning of the terror that would await anyone with a Mac. Idiots. Don’t you find it interesting that this is happening just when Apple is really starting to see market share increase? Or perhaps this is Redmond’s way of responding to Apple’s new line of ads, one of which happens to point out that there were 114,000 new viruses for PCs last year and none for Mac.
Unfortunately, most of the public believes each and every little bit of news that they see in the mainstream media. The US economy has been growing at a very rapid clip, yet most Americans still believe that we’re in some sort of horrible depression - and of course the media feeds on that. Unemployment is very low throughout most of the country, yet the media keeps pushing the story that we’re out of work. Most Iraqis are very happy about the way things are moving in their country, yet the American media can’t do anything but talk about how awful the war is. And so on.
People need to start questioning EVERYTHING they read, see or hear. Just because all of the mainstream media are in sync on their coverage of the “news” doesn’t mean that they’re reporting the truth. Hell, you should question what you read here! This IS my opinion, so you don’t need to agree or even believe in what I’m saying. Just use your brain and don’t blindly accept everything, OK?
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Joy of Tech!
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MacLevelTen
