The Cingular 8525

As mobile phones start taking greater advantage of the newer high-speed 3G wireless data networks, Cingular is leading the charge with its new Windows Mobile 5 Phone Edition device. Based on the design of their earlier 8125, the Cingular 8525 incorporates high-speed HSDPA data capability and a 400 MHz Samsung 2442A processor—twice as fast as the 8125—to handle the data throughput of its speedy 3G connection.

High-speed data capability

Both the 8125 and 8525 were manufactured for Cingular by HTC, a Taiwan company specializing in Windows Mobile devices. Like the earlier device, the 8525 incorporates quad-band GSM/GPRS technology, making it a true world phone supporting both GPRS and EDGE data access. Additionally, the 8525 is the first true high-speed global phone that can access both the mid-speed UMTS and high-speed HSDPA networks in over 50 countries. However, you can pay a steep price for connectivity. Unlimited U.S. data plus 100MB per month of usage in 26 countries will cost you $139/month. (This is much better than paying $19.50 per megabyte, which is common in European countries.) Further details can be found on the Cingular Web site (http://www.cingular.com).

In addition to faster connections, 3G allows you to make and receive phone calls and browse the Web at the same time, so you can stream an episode of The Sopranos or listen to you favorite XM station without fear of missing an important phone call. (Note that you can not only browse the Web on the 8525, but can also use it as a high-speed wireless modem for a laptop PC.) Phones that are based on 2 and 2.5G technology place the data connection on hold during phone calls and continue the connection after the call is completed.

How fast is the data connection? You can test your mobile device on one of these sites: http://www.speedtest.frontiernet.net, http://www.speedtest.net, or http://www.dslreports.com/stest. I achieved an average 3G speed of 884 kilobits download and 206 kilobits upload in the Boston, MA area. In comparison, the Boston area EDGE (2.5G) netted 169 kilobits/sec download, and in GPRS (2G) coverage areas an average of 77 kilobits/sec download (where speeds will vary depending on location, the time the test is performed, and how many people are using the tower at the time of testing).

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a slide-out keyboard, and more

In addition to the phone, the Cingular 8525 incorporates 802.11g/b Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities. The latter supports the AD2P stereo headphone stack, which allows it to work with most recent Bluetooth headsets. The 8125 does not include a standard 2.5 or 3.5mm headphone jack. Instead, it has a Y-connector that attaches to the USB port on the bottom of the device and allows you to connect the headphone/microphone accessory that ships with the 8125. Fortunately, the market research I've seen indicates that most people purchasing devices of this caliber already own a Bluetooth headset. They can leave the Y-connecter and cabled headphone/microphone behind.

The Cingular 8525 is a slender device with better ergonomics than its boxier predecessor, and its rounded edges give it a smaller feel and make it easier to hold. The 8525 also has more hardware buttons on the face of the device than its predecessor. In addition to the standard six-button array flanking the navigation pad, the device has two programmable application launch buttons above the display.

The simple QWERTY thumb keyboard slides out of the left side of the unit, automatically rotating the 8525's display for quick and easy data entry. The keys, though still fairly large and easy to press, are more closely packed than the 8125, making them easier to reach. One of the more notable improvements is the layout of the number keys. On the 8125, they were located along the top row like a traditional keyboard. On the 8525, they are embedded in the keyboard, making number access easier for those familiar with a numeric keypad layout.