Cingular's 8125 now available to one and all

Alright, we've done enough waiting here, people, and now the wait's over. Cingular's officially launched the 8125 (aka the HTC Wizard) on their site -- yes, for consumers. Expect to pay $350 retail for it with a two year contract, not including that bonus $50 mail-in rebate you'll send in that'll get the cost down to $300.

[Cliff @ Feb 11th 2006 6:57PM]

It looks somewhat better than my treo 700w because of the QVGA screen. It doesn't appear to support EVDO or any highspeed rtt 1x alternatives. Integrated 11mbit wlan support though.

[jordanbrad @ Feb 11th 2006 6:59PM]

it doesnt support EVDO..b/c its a GSM phone

[Tim Buckingham @ Feb 11th 2006 7:07PM]

Anyone know how those TI OMAP 200mhz processors compare with the Intel XScale 416mhz processors in the HTC Magician?

200mhz seems horribly underpowered nowadays.

[Cliff @ Feb 11th 2006 7:08PM]

#4 my bad, thanks

[asad @ Feb 11th 2006 7:37PM]

the ti omaps are more than sufficient for most normal use, and the battery life is significantly better. there are some overclocking progs out, and i think i remember reading that a ti omap overclocked to 240mhz outperformed a bulverde 416 in divx video playback (don't hold me to that).

dunno. mine comes on monday.

[dmcohen @ Feb 11th 2006 7:42PM]

I have an imate k-jam (same basic device) and it is fine. I had the original Jam with a 400mhz processor. there is no question that it was faster... but then again so was the battery drain. I have had the phone for 4-5 months and I like it a lot. Would I prefer a faster processor? Sure but this device is still great.
Just don't plan on using skype with it.

[quahogian @ Feb 11th 2006 7:46PM]

#5 OMAP is not twice slower than xscale intel at 416 if that's what u wanna know. OMAP has two cores and runs usually at 195-200 mhz, can't exactly compare the two by intellihertz. It can be quite easily overclocked to about 240 without huge noticable battery drainage, what will quite a bit improve usage of multimedia and skype (for low powered cpus). It can be overclocked even further, however 240 seems to be the magical number for stability/usability. So Wizard is not as horribly slow as people claim it to be, it's a very nice machine for the money.

[turkish @ Feb 11th 2006 8:08PM]

Just a reminder to folks that nearly the same exact phone (except for the case/slight style difference) will be released on T-Mobile on the 20th, according to previous Engadget posts. If you want to avoid a two-year contract, pay $10 less for an unlimited data plan, and get a lower monthly bill for phone service, i'd suggest waiting.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/24/t-mobiles-sda-and-mda-get-prices-and-dates/

[Chris @ Feb 11th 2006 8:12PM]

wow, the t-mobile version is butt ugly! i was expecting to pay at 450 for this 8125! if it is really 350 for retail that is a great price. the t-mobile version i dont like it because of the buttons and the form id rather have a square PDA phone.

[quahogian @ Feb 11th 2006 8:17PM]

#10 or if people like 8125 styling better (which i personally do) and want to use it with T-mo without waiting, just get it. You can easily unlock it and install all the settings of MDA right on it, everything necessary for this is readily available online, just google it.

I'm currently a T-mo customer myself and liking it, I just hope they are not going to worsen their voice/data plans too bad as I hear they will, starting in few weeks.

[adam @ Feb 11th 2006 8:35PM]

Does anyone know if there is a way to view "flash" web sites with this phones browser?

[Zadillo @ Feb 11th 2006 8:41PM]

Hrmm, how exactly do you get in on this if you already have a Cingular 2-year contract? I actually signed up in June 2005 (switched over from AT&T Wireless), with a 2 year contract. I just tried the "upgrade my phone" link and it says it isn't even eligible until December 2006. So what would someone in my position do if I wanted to get this phone?

[Nathan @ Feb 11th 2006 8:58PM]

#14: Pay full price.

[apeguero @ Feb 11th 2006 9:09PM]

#14, you're SOL. You'll have to pay full price or mug someone for theirs :)

#11, I have the Apache with Sprint and I can tell you that I would much prefer the keypad on T-Mobe better since I think the keys on the 8125 and Apache are way too close and cause typos.

So far I am happy that I made the switch to Sprint since I'm getting faster unlimited data for just $15.00 per month less my 15% Military discount. The only thing I did like about Cingular's data plan was that the Internet connection was always on, unlike Sprint's which has to dial #777 everytime in order to connect. But then again, that 8125 doesn't support UMTS, or does it?

[werk @ Feb 11th 2006 9:39PM]

The T-Mo MDA version may be uglier, but it's keyboard is infinitely more usable. Who thought no space between KB buttons would be a good idea? I'm getting an MDA as soon as it comes out!

[Axinar @ Feb 11th 2006 10:24PM]

Yes, this Windows Mobile 5.0 looks rather ... interesting ...

Crying shame these things don't come with AOL and Yahoo Messengers. They only come with MSN Messenger ... I suppose for obvious reasons.

Looks like these have enough of a keyboard to actually get some useful work done though ...

[Randy @ Feb 11th 2006 10:29PM]

You don't even want to know what full retail is if you only buy the phone! Try $769.00, now that is insane. I was all set to order till I heard that. Dyin to get this phone, but not at that price!

[Pat @ Feb 11th 2006 10:56PM]

#10: But if you want any sort of network coverage or reliability, they'll just go with the Cingular.

[Don @ Feb 11th 2006 11:03PM]

I'm this close > < to jumping on the TMo MDA when it comes out.

Still, I have slight reservations. Are we any closer to the best-of-breed integrated phone:

Camera
802.11g
GPS
Bluetooth
QWERTY kb
(pick your OS)

Does this exist, or are we still waiting...
(something akin to the Inventec Mercury - http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/06/palms-pal-inventec-working-on-treo-like-mercury-smartphone/)

[chris @ Feb 11th 2006 11:44PM]

Randy: sorry but that price is not correct ive called CS and they told me 400.00 without activation i even made sure she got the correct model # and she was sure so i ordered it! $400.00 great price and a great looking device

[Randy @ Feb 11th 2006 11:51PM]

Chris, wow, I hope you are right. When I called they said they were completely out of stock until Feb 16th. I hope you get the right phone, I ordered one a few days ago and got the 2125 instead for $400.00. Good luck my friend...

[Dennis @ Feb 12th 2006 12:43AM]

There's a ton of info on this phone on howardforums. I'll add some random thoughts.

The hardware for the HTC Wizard / Cingular 8125 is capable of using an 802.11g only network but apparently cannot actually benefit itself from the higher speed due to hardware bandwidth limitations in the phone. The Cingular 8125 802.11b limitation is a software limitation and can be hacked using a registry editor.
The hardware is also apparently capable of Bluetooth 2.0, once the ROM update is available. Also will work better when the WM5.0 bluetooth stack is complete. Right now it lacks headphone, A2DP, and AVRCP support.
A new Pocket Loox phone (T series) with built in QWERTY keyboard and GPS has been announced. I don't know if it has wifi and a camera. I don't personally think built in GPS is that big a convenience depending on the application. A bluetooth GPS can be installed semi-permanently in a vehicle with an attached external antenna, or it can be strapped onto a backpack for hiking. A separate GPS device can be upgraded easily. Also, the battery life of a bluetooth GPS device is usually longer than the battery life of a PPC in constant use. However, for handheld applications (urban geocaching?), a built in GPS function would have a definite benefit.
If you already have a Cingular plan with the Media Plus package, you can upgrade it to Media Works, which was the old promotional unlimited data plan for phones, for $20 / month. Full price on this phone I hear is only about $450 from Cingular, so you can just get the phone and keep your old plan. The old Media plans are no longer available from what I can tell, and the data plans are significantly more expensive.
My plan is to pick up a phone for retail price without contract to check it out. If I like it as a complete replacement for my Nokia 6230, I'll switch over and maybe upgrade to Media Works. If I want to keep both phones and switch easily between the two, I might just add a line to my current account and use both, if I can.
I've had both a Palm and a PPC device (currently using a Dell Axim x50v) and I just picked up the Nokia 770 internet tablet, which runs a version of Linux. I've never used a Symbian device. The annoyance I have with both the Palm and PPC platforms is that they are dependent on a computer for the most part. For instance, to install most PPC software or to update databases, you have to sync/update through a computer and its internet connection, even if your PPC itself has wireless internet access and could theoretically update over its own internet connection.
In my experience, Palm provides best ergonomics but has been hobbled by the failure to update the OS for like the last 10 years, and the constant concern that the company will tank. The Windows Mobile platform has the benefit of powerful applications, both commercial and from independent software developers, but it also has many of the problems of ... well, being a Windows device, like slow OS updates, need for intermittent soft resets, theoretical concern about viruses (none yet, but maybe soon). The Nokia 770 is a great device for what it is (internet appliance), and the use of Linux means that applications can be installed directly on the device from the internet. However, they are relying on the open source community to develop software, and Linux is not user friendly for the non saavy user. Until the software is better developed and/or web services for mobile devices like the 770 are developed, the 770 is kind of hobbled compared to a PDA, for the time being.
I always thought the Nokia phone PC connectivity option was fine for phone/PC integration. You can manage things like contact information and swap files (mostly media files) over bluetooth pretty easily. I would imagine the yet to arrive Nokia N80 (Symbian 9) would be a fine smart phone device that's not so dependent on a computer to function, unlike the PPC phones like the Cingular 8125. It has a much higher resolution screen, a built in web browser, and benefits from integration with a PC. However, the retail price on the N80 is going to be around $700, compared to $450 for the Cingular 8125 (if this price is correct). The N80 is also not a PDA (no touchscreen or QWERTY keyboard).

So, IMO, for an all in one device, the Cingular 8125 looks pretty promising. There's another PPC phone form factor from HTC (released currently as the 02 XDA Atom) which has an ARM xscale processor, an SDIO slot, a similar screen size (I think the same or maybe a little smaller), but no built in or slide out QWERTY keyboard, making it a little smaller. With a good software (check the SQB fullscreen keyboard, works great on my Axim) or hardware keyboard (Freedom bluetooth mini keyboard, for example), that might be a viable alternative to the Cingular 8125 for those who want a more familiar PDA style hardware platform. Also, the SDIO slot could be used with an SD GPS receiver (which has just been developed). That's apparently coming our way maybe at the end of 2006, if anyone is interested in waiting for something else.
One thing I'll say about the PDA form factor is that, even with a VGA screen as on the Axim x50v, I don't like the surf the real internet on it, because the screen dimensions are too small to see a whole web page. The Axim x50v really shines as a PDA with powerful multimedia capabilities (built in wifi and 3.5mm stereo/mic jack, large memory storage capability with both SD and CF slots, and Windows Mobile plus third party applications). It has a crappy battery life. It is great for running applications optimized for a QVGA/VGA PDA-sized screen and integrates well with a PC network for stuff like streaming media, controlling your Squeezebox network, or serving as a remote for your iTunes or whatever. The internet, however, is not one of the things optimized for a PPC screen.
The Nokia 770 is opimized for the internet in its design (800x480 touchscreen, bluetooth, 802.11g wifi, better website support), but it is not specced to be a PDA (slow processor, very limited storage capacity). However, with its web capability, you can do stuff like buy stuff online, do your banking, download jpg files or attachments (no PocketWord though). You can also stream media to it and also use it to control your Slimserver network.
I think the future of the theoretical all in one device is going to be complicated by the fact that we need a certain amount of visual information for certain things, like browsing the internet, and we need more ways of controlling devices and providing complicated input, especially for text information but also for things like controlling your phone. But I think cool things are happening right now: HTC Jasjar, the Flybook and OQO, the new Fulitsu Lifebook with Tablet OS, the Dualcor cPc, Nokia 770, Squeezebox v2/3, Neuros 442v2 (with wifi), etc. If every device could have some form of network access (EDGE/EVDO, wifi, bluetooth) and somewhere between 1GB and 100GB of memory storage (ranging from small handheld device to a portable media player), then carrying somewhere between 1 and 3 or 4 devices would fulfill almost every function, in my estimation.

[chris @ Feb 12th 2006 12:53AM]

I have an HTC wizard (qtek 9100) and I think the Omap 200mhz while "underpowered" is adequate, is generally sufficient for day-to-day use. Generally speaking, I would rather have long battery life vs. improved performance. I usually spend up to 60 hours between charges on my qtek 9100.

[partridge @ Feb 12th 2006 1:51AM]

I bought a 8125 as soon as it came out, and sent it back 2 days later. WM 5.0 stinks. The phone, despite being pretty much the same dimensions as the Treo 650, FEELS much bigger and heavier. And for someone who's coming from a 650, the device feels slow, at least the UI is. Don't get me wrong, the browser is better than blazer on the 650, but that isn't saying much. I tried replacing pocket IE with Opera, but it still stank. I'm going back to using a Nokia 770 for web browsing and a phone for phoning/modem use.

[John @ Feb 12th 2006 4:16AM]

Geez - Look alot like a Blackberry.....

[Tommy @ Feb 12th 2006 4:23AM]

GPS was the killer app for me, without even an SDIO slot to add it, this is a no go. The hw6900 looks like what I'll be waiting for. I just wish these guys would offer one tricked out Wizard instead of letting marketing dumb it down to reach a false price point. A Wizard with GPS, VGA, 416MHz processor, WM 5.0, SD etc.. hell I'd pay $900 for that with a 2 year contract.

[Kostenlose Flirt @ Feb 12th 2006 6:44AM]

Ok, i admin that it looks preety good but the price is a bit too high. For $250, i would change my mind...

[TZK @ Feb 12th 2006 9:22AM]

I will tell you first hand that the TI OMAP CPU in this device is a turtle.

*WHEN* HTC has an sequal to this device - and they will from all the complaints (the CDMA version has an xscale, obviously) then maybe it will be a fine machine to own.

Otherwise, get something else.

[Miacol @ Feb 12th 2006 10:12AM]

You viewing it all wrong, if the unit cost 700 dollars, just add a line to your plan for 10 dollars. So if you calcualte it out the unit will cost 300, and adding the second line will cost 10 dollars it will take 3 years to break even, u save the cost.

Now if the unit is 400 dollars to buy and it's 300 dollars with 2 years, just buy it.

My problem is not knowing if I should get it or wait for a UTMS/EDGE phone.

[dschamis @ Feb 12th 2006 11:04AM]

Does anyone know when MS Exchange push email will actually be out for this thing?

[rtheman @ Feb 12th 2006 11:05AM]

Now b 4 I get chew out for MHO, I'm basing my thoughts of what I've read and a quick glimps of this device at a local Cingular store (DC area).

My thinking is that HTC wizard is a good device, for its first release. Without writing a disertation out of this the main reason why I would not go out and buy this is because of how it works with what I want and would like it to do. Features such as GPS (exploiting its SDIO with SDIO GPS), Skype or other VoIP apps (exploiting its CPU performance), overall PPC features such as opening PDF/.xls/.doc/.ppt, be able to do Push E-mail (i know it's not here yet but still something that SHOULD be), and of course be able to use it as a "normal" telephone.

I just don't think this device is ready for the items I pointed out above. Now I might head down to the store and pick one up and try it out but if I was a betting man, I would say that I'll get my $400 some dollars back within 2 weeks.

So what would I do at the mean time? Wait until HTC's second version or stick around for another PPC device from BenQ or someone of its like who actually listen to its target audience - whom are of course people like you and I who makes up probably 1% of the mobile market.

[Topmounter @ Feb 12th 2006 11:18AM]

LOL, I have a QTEK 9100 and I can't understand how you could call it a "turtle"?


The thing works absolutely great for email, web browsing, MP3 playback and anything else that it is designed to do.

Of course I'm not compiling code or editing movies on mine... so maybe I'm just underutlizing mine

[brandon @ Feb 12th 2006 12:14PM]

#27, you can get bluetooth gps with TomTom software for any Windows- or Palm-based phones.

[AJ @ Feb 12th 2006 12:52PM]

damn, this is more likely a sidekick clone

[nicholas @ Feb 12th 2006 1:02PM]

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[Julie Chadwick @ Feb 12th 2006 7:58PM]

Just FYI, here's a link to a mirror of Cingular's specs on the Cingular Premier site:
http://insane.com/8125/

I got mine Thursday, and I'm loving it!

[Julie Chadwick @ Feb 12th 2006 8:01PM]

This site is retardedly munging my above post. Let's try that again, this time without a munged URL:

http://insane.com/8125/

[Paul @ Feb 13th 2006 1:39AM]

I'm running with Verizon's XV6700 (HTC Apache) and love it. Highly recommended if you're shopping towards this.

The XScale CPUs blow away the TI OMAPS. Runs Skype great, even over EVDO.

Verizon includes a push Email solution that I use. Works decent.

WM5 Devices CAN hook up to push email through a hosted exchange account. It adds another cost per month, though. Or you can be true geek and set up a server yourself. Downside is that you need the LATEST Exchange Server with the latest patches. Corporate users should be happy.

GPRS Bites. Truly and honestly. EDGE is a little better, but GPRS is so dirt slow if you're used to any sort of broadband. If you're going to pay as much as Cingular charges each month, just go with Verizon. At least you get Broadband. And like I said, VOIP works over it, too!

Only reason I might get this is because a friend of mine is trying to get me to work for Cingular. Bleah.

[Mike @ Feb 13th 2006 8:13AM]

What would you guys recommend between this and the HP IPaq hw6915? I know the screen is slightly smaller (square) on the 6915, but the other data on the 6915 seems more impressive (GPS, etc.) Also, does anyone know when the 6915 comes out?

[Bear @ Feb 13th 2006 12:23PM]

I was set! I was die hard ready to order (in spite of this thing being incompatable with the HSDPA that will be out at the end of the year)... And then, I saw the HTC Hermes, which I am ready to believe will get billed as the Cingular 8150 (8175 w/ camera, probably) and show up just in time for me to regret getting the 8125. Check google for the Hermes before ordering the 8125, just in case you (like me) are waiting for a mobile device to close the gap between smartphone and laptop a little better. Also note the Hermes will be running a 2.1 MP camera and a 416Mhz Processor.

Patience! A Jedi's strength Flows from the Force!

[Tracy L @ Feb 13th 2006 12:50PM]

Will the 8125 (or the T-mobile MDA) work as a pre-paid cellphone? 90% of my use will be as a PDA and I'll use maybe 60 minutes a month, so I'm not excited about paying $40 a month for that. I've been reading online but cannot find a good answer: Is there anything special about pre-paid cellphones to make them work as pre-paid, or can I show up with an unlocked 8125 and get a pre-paid SIM card for it?

[Ryan Noell @ Feb 14th 2006 11:45PM]

Can you view a SLINGBOX FROM SLING MEDIA on this phone? And if not, can you on any phone for that matter?

[Eric @ Feb 15th 2006 6:59AM]

I just got this phone and although I can connect to my wireless router with the phone... I can't do anything else!! I can't browse the network, I can't browse the internet over wifi, and I can't use active sync over wifi. The only options for active sync seem to be the cable, bluetooth, or infrared. Any advice appreciated on how to get the wifi working!!

[Keith @ Feb 15th 2006 12:29PM]

I ordered it on Monday. Will be in my hands Thursday. 349$.

I hope it i worh it. It looks like nice peice of equipment.

[Dmnkly @ Feb 16th 2006 12:48AM]

Keith... do you know for sure that it's shipped? I ordered mine last Wednesday (the 8th), and I was just informed via phone today that they're now backordered with no projected ship date. I'd love to know if you ordered two days ago and are receiving it tomorrow so I can call them back and rant :-)

[Bill @ Feb 16th 2006 8:19PM]

Dmnkly... at least they were honest with you. Ordered mine Monday, they said it would be here in about 2 days. Checked today, and they said the order was being "processed," with no mention of a back order.

[rich @ Feb 17th 2006 8:29AM]

Does the 8125 have a stylus?

[Jack @ Feb 17th 2006 12:32PM]

It's been about a week now since I received the 8125 and wanted to provide some feedback.

Great PDA/Phone. Connects to wireless networks, never had a problem syncs with my exchange server, has internal stereo speakers, alot better than buying a mp3, I can just play music without putting on headphones, has phone jacks, easy to hook-up to car stereo. Of course everything could be better but everything works, I can connect my laptop using bluetooth and use the phone as a 115Kbps modem (really Nice).

came with two stylus screen size is 320 x240 and able to change viewing angle.

I view this a mini computer and not as a phone. If I just wanted a phone I would get the Motorola slvr or something.

The 8125 allows me to connect thru vpn to servers and actual perform task.

Pros: does everything
cons: really none for what it's intended purpose is.


I'm sure other products will be faster, take better pictures, etcc............ Since I need a base system to develop web for this fits the bill nicly.

The internet speed even on wireless is slow, which I expected. A faster version of this phone would be welcome along with a better camera but since this is cingular first Mobile 5.0 PDA phone w/keyboard and I can't wait till summer to get a hw6900 this fits the bill perfect.


Nice to just be able to view what wireless networks are avaiable without turning on the laptop. The next couple of trips I'am not going to bring a laptop.

[Tamoor @ Feb 24th 2006 12:43AM]

Now can some please tell me if Cingular 8125 is worth getting for its performance, our T-mobile's MDA/SDA would be the best to get? I'm trying to find out which phones have better WiFi performance, and would it be able to connect at home's network?

[kris @ Feb 26th 2006 4:01PM]

Can someone tell me if the email feature works anything like the blackberry device? Does it forward emails to the device? Can we connect to the web to check our emails? Do we need to be in a WIFI area?

Thanks....