Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

Monday, June 19, 2006

Cingular and HTC Release ROM Update for 2125 Smartphone

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 06:30 PM

http://www.htcamerica.net/support/software_downloads.htm

It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here. HTC has posted an updated ROM for the Cingular 2125 Smartphone. It's not listed on the Cingular site - yet. But we're sure it's on the way.



Jerry, Rocco, and Kris are busy flashing their devices. If everything goes well, and I'm sure it will, they'll be reporting their findings here shortly. This ROM will update the phone to AKU2 for Windows Mobile 5. That means your Smartphone will now have MSFP (Direct Push) and hopefully A2DP (Stereo Bluetooth support). If you're doing the update, please post back here and let us know how things went! :D

Note: Flashing your device with this ROM will cause all of your data to be erased. Any Text Messages, email, home screens, ringtones, camera phone pictures, and what ever else you have on your device will be lost. Please make extra certain that you have sync'ed your device and copied any important data back to your computer before you run this update.

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Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Cingular Offers Microsoft Direct Push Technology for the Cingular 2125

Posted by Jerry Raia in "NEWS" @ 09:00 AM

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060613/nytu118.html?.v=56

"Cingular Wireless will offer its business customers access to corporate e-mail via Direct Push Technology, a feature of Microsoft� Windows Mobile� 5.0 with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP) upgrade, beginning on June 19, 2006. The solution initially will be available on two of the hottest wireless devices in the market today: the Cingular 8100 series Pocket PC and Cingular 2125 Smartphone. Direct Push Technology delivers an enhanced mobile experience to organizations that use Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 by pushing updates to e-mail, calendar items, contacts and tasks as they arrive directly from the Exchange Server to the devices."



Here it comes finally! For those of you foaming at the mouth for Direct Push, the thing Moto left out of the Q, it may finally be here along with MSFP. It will also be available for the 8125 as well. The story talks mainly of corporate customers and new rate plans for this. I'm not sure how that translates as far as just getting the new ROM (or update if that's what it is). I suspect we will all be able to access it as the article references this link which won't be active until the June 19th.

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JavoEdge Silicone Case for the Cingular 2125

Posted by Jerry Raia in "HARDWARE" @ 07:00 AM

http://www.javoedge.com/reflexeshop/affiliateMtce/redirect.do?id=2379&username=SMARTPHONETH&poid=870&pbmId

JavoEdge recently released a Silicone case for the Cingular 2125. It provides shock protection and a solid grip to the phone. It boasts EAD (Enhanced Anti Dust) coating. Dust attraction was a problem plaguing other similar types of cases. It also comes in 5 colors or tints. I chose the Frosty Blue one for this review. The JavoEdge case showed up in a nice plastic container that didn't require power tools to open as most packages of this type usually do.
The cover itself looks very nice and feels good in the hand.



It fits well on the phone. Since the hump is not covered you slip the phone in through the top of the case. However, the hump not being covered has some consequences. The obvious one is the hump being nicked (like mine is) when, not if, the phone is dropped. The other is the case tends to slide down the phone. This is even truer when you pull the phone out of a tight space like a pocket. I found myself constantly pulling the case back up to line it up. It was slightly annoying like having to pull your pants up all the time. There are tiny cutouts for the microphone and light sensor. The cut out for the speaker is wide enough so that the two indicator lights are not covered up.



On the bottom of the case is the cutout for the USB and headset connectors.



The case has raised sections so you can feel the buttons around the joystick. There is a cutout for the joystick and even though it is now recessed a bit you can still work the joystick easily.



The following picture shows the most glaring flaw of this case, the uncovered hump! In addition you can see the cutout for these buttons is not the neatest I have seen.



Finally, a back view so you can see the cutout for the camera.



Overall for 19.99 USD I feel this is a decent case. It feels good to hold the phone with it on and there is virtually no dust magnet problem. I wish the hump was covered though. Covering the hump might have made the case more difficult to put on but would have protected the hump and kept the case from trying to wiggle off the phone. You can get more information here.

Jerry Raia is a Contributing editor for Smartphone Thoughts. When not flying airplanes he is playing with Smartphones and Pocket PC�s. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

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Monday, June 5, 2006

Massive Cingular 2125 Rebate!

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "NEWS" @ 07:00 PM

http://onlinestorez.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/media/pdf/WEST8_5010_1539.pdf?WT.svl=reb35

"...Cingular VISA Reward Card Offer valid only with the purchase of a qualified Cingular device with activation on a qualified service plan from a participating Cingular Wireless Retail Store, DMDR, Authorized Agent or Cingular.com between June 4, 2006 and July 22, 2006. For data devices noted above, all customers must activate at time of purchase on a 2-year Cingular Voice Plan $39.99 or higher plus Unlimited Data Feature"



The above screenshot and quote were taken from the new rebates Cingular has released this month. Looking at the screenshot you will notice Cingular�s huge $150 mail-in-rebate for the Cingular 2125/HTC Faraday. The rebate does require a new two year contract/upgrade as well as signing up for the MEdia Net Unlimited data plan ($19.99/month). If you ask me, this is a step in the right direction for Cingular since you rarely see them pushing Windows Mobile devices so aggressively.

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• Source: Cingular

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Fight Night 2006: Cingular 2125 vs. T-Mobile SDA

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 10:00 AM

http://nerdofsteel.com/index.php?id=5

"What we have here are two very solid devices. I just happen to be lucky enough to have had both of these devices fall directly in my lap, so I decided to do what I usually do in a situation like this: pick apart these phones, feature by feature. These phones have been out long enough now that if you don�t know the specs on them then I�m convinced you have been living under a rock for the last several months. Just in case though, I�ll go over them all again because I�m such a nice guy."



Rocco Augusto, better known to Smartphone Thoughts readers as optikalsaint, has just posted a nice comparison review of T-Mobile's SDA and Cingular's 2125 on his blog. If you are trying to decide between these two devices, I would suggest you check out his review. Even if you're not looking at one of these devices, there is lots of really good information in Rocco's review. And for the record, I have the exact same problem every time I try to text "foshizzle" too. :lol:

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Friday, May 19, 2006

JAVOSkin for Cingular 2125

Posted by Jerry Raia in "HARDWARE" @ 06:00 PM

http://www.javoedge.com/reflexeshop/productCatalog/getProduct.do?poid=870&pbmId=3670

"We are pleased to announce that the highly anticipated Cingular 2125 JAVOSkin has now been released and ready to order! It comes in 5 great colors, Tangerine, Frosty Blue, Twilight Blue, Steel Blue and Solar Grey...EAD coating treatment enhanced! EAD (Enhanced Anti Dust) coating gives the JAVOSkin a softer surface to grab and significantly reduce dust which would accumulate on the surface. JAVOedge's innovative JAVOSkin is designed to protect your Cingular 2125 from scratch and impact damage while retaining the sleek look of your device. It features strategically placed cut-outs to allow maximum usability."



I am interested in this because it looks like they have done something about the dust magnet problem that has plagued these kind of covers. JAVOedge is sending me one to try out and I'll be reporting back after I have used it for a bit. Alas as Kris just pointed out to me, it doesn't protect the sacred hump! :lol:

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Monday, April 24, 2006

Cingular 2125 for $50 from Amazon

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 07:45 AM

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=smartphonetho-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000FELLXG%2Fqid%3D1145804373%2Fsr%3D11-1%2Fref%3Dsr_11_1%3Fn%3D301185

It took a while longer than the T-Mobile SDA, but Amazon finally has the Cingular 2125 available from their site. The price is $199.99 when purchased with a service plan or $399.99 without. There is also a rebate of $150 from Amazon if you purchase the phone before May 3rd.



This is a pretty hard choice to make. You can have the Cingular 2125 for $50 or the T-Mobile SDA with WiFi for $30. Sure there's a contract, but for that price, does it really matter? You're getting an amazing Smartphone with the latest OS for $50 or less. I wish the carrier in Canada had these kinds of deals. In fact, I just wish they had a Windows Mobile 5 Smartphone listed. :lol:

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Thursday, April 20, 2006

Firmware Update for 2125 - No AKU2

Posted by Jerry Raia in "SOFTWARE" @ 11:00 AM

http://www.htcamerica.net/support/software_downloads.htm

There appears to be a ROM update for the Cingular 2125. Rumor has it that it addresses some 3G SIM card issues. Now before you rush off to flash your phone (I haven't yet) consider a few things. First, it doesn't have AKU2. Second, it doesn't appear to upgrade the OS at all. You end up with the same ROM version. The only thing that does change is the Radio Version. Mine is 4.0.13.20_01.09.01. The new one is 4.0.13.21_01.16.01. Cingular has no trace of this ROM on their site. This comes from HTC's site which is notorious for not explaining anything. Worth wiping out everything and starting over? You decide. :)

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Thursday, April 6, 2006

Cingular 2125 Review

Posted by Jerry Raia in "ARTICLE" @ 05:00 PM

http://www.mobiletechreview.com/phones/Cingular-2125.htm

"Good things apparently come in threes (or more). The Cingular 2125, a sibling to the T-Mobile SDA and i-mate SP5m Windows Mobile MS Smartphones offers a wealth of features in a compact, reasonably priced package. The phone follows up on Cingular's successful Audiovox SMT5600 which the 2125 closely resembles. But the similarity is only skin deep: the 2125 runs the latest Windows Mobile 5 for Smartphone OS, has a stunning QVGA display, 1.3 megapixel camera and better reception. The Cingular 2125 is a quad band GSM phone that will work anywhere in the world GSM service is available."



If you are still thinking about the Cingular 2125 (aka Humphone) here is another review to take a look at.

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Thursday, March 2, 2006

SCI-Tech Today Reviews Cingular 2125

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 10:15 AM

http://www.sci-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=41843

"The Cingular 2125 is the first Cingular-branded smartphone that features Microsoft's new Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. Packed with features, the 2125 is designed to cater to road warriors who want to be productive while on the go. Measuring 4.6 x 1.8 x 0.7 inches and tipping the scales at 3.7 ounces, the pocket-sized Cingular 2125 adds an eye-catching metallic blue-and-silver finish to the otherwise standard candy-bar format."



Here's another review of the Cingular 2125. This one lists the lack of a QWERTY keyboard and WiFi as "cons". Now, I can understand being upset that the phone doesn't have them. However, it's hardly a "con" when most other Smartphones don't even have these! I'm sure that the writer must be comparing this to the Treo's and the BlackBerry's of the world. And those phones are not the competition for this device. When will the main stream media learn? :(

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Monday, February 20, 2006

Mobility Site Reviews the Cingular 2125

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 08:45 AM

http://www.mobilitysite.com/articles/link.php?id=324

"The 2125 WM5 Smartphone by Cingular is their first private label device that definitely hits the target. Picking up where the Audiovox SMT5600 left off, Cingular has upgraded the OS to Window Mobile 5.0 and to a snappy 1.3 mega-pixel camera. Even though my initial reaction was not that good about the 2125, spending a week with it has definitely changed my mind. With the 2125�s EDGE High Speed Data capabilities and Cingular�s unlimited data plan ($19.99 a month), I found that internet browsing was surprisingly fast, including video streaming. I especially enjoyed getting my emails no matter where I was at. Even though I cannot wait to get my hands on the 8125, I still think I will miss the 2125�s great screen quality and form factor. I definitely would recommend this phone to the person wanting to stay connected and better organized, but that does not need to input a lot of data frequently."



Have you read enough reviews on the Cingular 2125 yet? Well, here's another one. Doug, over at Mobility Site, gives the 2125 a 81 out of 100. The 2125 seems to be getting a lot of positive press around the Internet. Which leads me to think all the fuss about the hump hasn't turned anyone off this phone.

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Thursday, February 16, 2006

Cingular 2125 Review by PC Magazine

Posted by Kris Kumar in "ARTICLE" @ 08:45 PM

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1927239,00.asp?kc=PCRSS02129TX1K0000530

"The Cingular 2125 ($299.99 with contract) is a powerful, good-looking smartphone that brings Windows Mobile flexibility to a truly pocket-sized handset. It's a good choice for making phone calls, syncing with PIM data, and surfing the Web. Although it's better-looking than the very similar T-Mobile SDA, we prefer the SDA's added Wi-Fi power."



The Cingular 2125 could not score the PC Magazine Editor's Choice designation like its cousin the T-Mobile SDA because it doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, but it did score more points in the style category.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Russell Beattie's Thoughts on the New Cingular 2125

Posted by Mike Temporale in "THOUGHT" @ 12:30 PM

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Friday, January 20, 2006

PMVault and PMRecorder for the Cingular 2125 Only

Posted by Jerry Raia in "SOFTWARE" @ 07:00 PM

http://www.1800message.com/

"This release of Personal Mobile Vault� for Windows Mobile Smartphone and Pocket PC Phone Edition supports Over the Air [OTA] archiving of the following Smartphone personal data elements: SMS Messages, Call History, Contacts, Pictures and Voice Notes."



I know I have seen posts here from people wanting to record phone conversations and it looks like PMRecorder does this. The other appears to be a way to store data online though if you are using exchange I don't see why you would need it. However, take a look at their Privacy Statement. Personally I don't like it. I'll let you read it for yourselves if you are interested in this. I get suspicious whenever I see the words "collecting" and "sharing" too many times in a Privacy Statement. In other words, buyer or in this case user, beware.

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Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Cingular 2125 Online Tutorial

Posted by Kris Kumar in "SITES & RESOURCES" @ 07:30 AM

http://tutorials.cingular.com/tutorial/web_tutorials/tutorialLogin?subscriberType=cing

Cingular has a comprehensive online tutorial for the Cingular 2125 Smartphone. So if you recently bought one or are planning to buy one, check out the online tutorial. Tutorials are available for the Audiovox SMT5600 and the Motorola MPx220 Smartphones also. :)

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Friday, December 23, 2005

HTC America Website Offers Updated ROM for Cingular 2125

Posted by Jerry Raia in "SITES & RESOURCES" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.htcamerica.net/

"Experts predict that by 2009 we'll be carrying around a billion cell phones. And there will be millions of Pocket PCs, too. But what good are all these gadgets if they don't make your life simpler, more productive, and a lot more fun?"



If you go to this support page you find a ROM upgrade for the 2125. According to my source at HTC the upgrade is for testers who have earlier, pre-production ROM versions on their phones. The upgrade takes the phone to version 1.8.42.14 which is what I already have on my phone. If you want to check your phone go to Settings and then System Information. You will see the OPERATOR version there.

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Saturday, December 17, 2005

Cingular 2125 Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Review on msmobiles.com

Posted by Kris Kumar in "ARTICLE" @ 03:30 PM

http://msmobiles.com/news.php/4691.html

"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!"



Adam has reviewed the Cingular 2125 Smartphone over at msmobiles.com. I must warn our readers, in case you are expecting some hump-bashing 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.

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Monday, December 12, 2005

Cingular 2125 Smartphone is Now Available

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 11:00 AM

http://www.cingular.com

Folks, the Cingular 2125 Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone is now available on Cingular's Web site for $299. With a two year contract rebate the price comes down to $199. :)



Never before has a Smartphone's looks evoked strong responses from our readers. This Smartphone is different from the run-of-the-mill smart phones, camera phones and music phones. According to one our readers, Rebecca, it has created for itself a category called the HumpPhone. :lol: Love it, hate it; It has tons of awesome features minus the Wi-Fi, at an awesome price. Here is the specifications as per Cingular's Web site:

� Microsoft� Windows Mobile� 5.0 Smartphone Edition
� Windows Media�Player 10 for playing music and video
� Bluetooth� connectivity for connecting wireless accessories
� 1.3 MP camera and video phone
� 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
� Office� Mobile - Outlook�/Word�/Excel�/Explorer�� 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

And last but not the least, it has a hump to improve the reception. ;-)

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• Source: All the 2125 fans

Sunday, December 4, 2005

First Review of the Upcoming Cingular 2125 Smartphone

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 09:30 AM

http://www.mobilegadgetnews.com/index.php?showtopic=10388

"So I was lucky enough to have a chance to have a Cingular 2125 (HTC Faraday) to play with for the weekend. Initially I didn�t think I would really be interested in this device as I plan on getting the 8125 (ie HTC Wizard) when it is released, but I�m very impressed by this device already. As many have confirmed, the device does NOT have WiFi. I�m actually ok with the lack of WiFi personally because the device actually posts some impressive speeds with EDGE. The hump isn�t the most esthetically pleasing feature on the phone, but from what I�ve been told it actually helps the 1900 frequency significantly."



The phone is not even released yet, and we're starting to see reviews posted on it! Aside from cosmetic issues and the lack of WiFi, it looks like a great phone! ;)

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• Source: mbranscum

More Info on the Cingular 2125 Smartphone - Release Expected Soon

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 05:00 AM

We have managed to get our hands on some promotional material for the new Windows Mobile 5 Cingular 2125 Smartphone. You can expect this device to start showing up in stores sometime over the course of the coming weeks. I don't know what day will be the official release day, but it will start showing up very soon. ;) Next up, I have some price information for you. I know we've seen some suggested prices already, but these are as close to official as you can get considering the phone has not actually launched yet. The phone will sell for $399.99 without a contract. If you add a 1 year contract the price drops to $349.99 and a 2 year plan will drop the plan to $299.99. There is also a $100 mail-in rebate, bringing the price down to $249.99 and $199.99. :D Finally, we also got our hands on this pretty little flyer showing off the new 2125 - with it's Quasimodo style hump and all. You should start to find this flyer in your local store by the end of the week. Click on the image to see a larger version. (570x700 / 238KB)

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