You can slide out the QWERTY thumb-operated keyboard for quick message composition or use stylus input. Sure, at 5.2 ounces, it's a bit heavier than some other smartphones, but it's got everything you might need in one attractive package.

If you prefer a Cingular device, but the 8125 is more than you need, consider its little brother, the 2125, which we also recently reviewed. That Windows Smartphone - no touch-screen - is shaped like a standard cell phone, and is a great choice for people who want quick access to the Web and office data, but don't need to do a lot of work on their device.

Design
The 8125 measures 4.3 x 2.3 x 1.0 inches, and it feels a bit larger and sturdier than many other we've tested. The front features a 2.8-inch QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) resolution screen with 64,000 colors. We always found its display bright, vivid, and easy to read.

The 8215's design - by ODM HTC - offers more buttons located around the device than its little brother 2125, due to the increased set of features, but like those on the 2125 they're well-placed and hard to click by accident. Both Cingular devices show a real attention to detail.


Open

Its power button is located on the top, along with the miniSD slot (the 2125's slot was located behind the battery, due to the compact design; thankfully that's not the case here). In the default setting, the 8125 goes into standby mode quickly, so you'll need to tap the power button to wake it up. A five-second press turns the smartphone off or on.

Two function buttons—for the Messaging and Internet Explorer apps—are located in the upper corners. Between them are two LED lights, which let you know the status of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other system items; like the battery or whether or not you're connected to a GSM network. These two lights can tell you a lot - too much, really - so be prepared to glance at the included Quick Start Guide until you have them down. A small speaker is located between the two lights.


Closed

Beneath the screen, you'll find two contextual function buttons, the purpose of which changes with the open application. You'll always find their current function printed on the screen. On the startup screen, they call up the Calendar and Contacts applications, for example.

Beneath those are the standard cell phone buttons for making a call and ending a call. A directional button sits between them, for scrolling around a page or selecting an item.

At the top of the 8125's left side you'll find a button for quickly calling up the Comm Manager. This lets you see and control the status of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, the volume, and ActiveSync at a glance. A volume control slider button sits below it, letting you raise or lower the call or system volume, or turn on vibration alerts, with the flick of a thumb.

The right side holds the voice dial button up on the top, the optimal spot for right-handed people. At the bottom you'll find the photo button, which both activates the photo software and takes a picture. Likewise, it's in the best position if you're holding the 8125 sideways to snap a shot.

Right side showing voice dial and photo buttons.

Between them you'll find the infrared panel and the reset button. Traditionally, the infrared panel is at the top of most smartphones, but that's often no longer the case as engineers need to fit more and more inside these devices.

Another change with the 8125 is the stylus is removed from the bottom, not the top of the unit. It's a compact, telescoping stylus that unfolds automatically as you tug it out of its holder compartment. The stylus is on the right side, so it's easier to grab for right-handed people. Also on the bottom are the microphone, connection port, and earphone jack.

Software & Accessories
With it's 200MHz TI OMAP 850 processor powering Windows Mobile 5.0, the Cingular 8125 was a powerful performer no matter what we threw at it. It's got pocket versions of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MSN, so you can get your work done on the road (as long as you're a skilled thumb typist). You also get ClearView PDF, for viewing PDF-formatted documents, and Zip for opening compressed files.

The Messaging and Internet software is the same as with any Windows Mobile device, and it fairly easy to use and set up. We were surprised, though, that Messaging is easier to set up on the Cingular 2125, which uses Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone edition, as it automatically fills in more settings for the user.

The 8125 comes with a belt case with a magnetic close, which holds the device sideways. We're always glad to see companies include attractive and usable cases with their handhelds. Unfortunately, the box only includes a Quick Start guide, with the full manual on CD. Perhaps few people even look through the manual, but those of us who do prefer to have a printed version.


The included belt case

Performance
The Cingular 8125 sailed through our performance tests. Voice quality was strong, and we never had a dropped call or an echo on the line. Viewing e-mail, sending SMS messages, and browsing the Internet, were all simple, and we got Web connections using EDGE that seemed nearly as fast as with Wi-Fi.

Likewise, connecting via ActiveSync or loading files shouldn't give experienced users any trouble. The 8125 includes a pocket version of the Windows Media Player, so you can listen to music or watch videos during your downtime. We also like that the camera has a flash, which makes it far more useful, as it can still take pictures in low-light conditions.


Back view showing 1.3-megapixel camera

If you're looking for a cellular-wireless handheld that thinks like a notebook, give serious consideration to the Cingular 8125. It's a all-in-one handheld toolkit for mobile professionals. The 8125 sells for $299.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.