The 8125’s design, as executed, is a mixed bag.  First, the basics.

At first glance, the Cingular 8125 is a boxy, plain-looking device, but turning the unit to the side or rear exposes a much curvier and functional design.  However, while the unit is reasonably well laid-out, its overall form is too bulky for many users’ tastes, and is uncomfortable to hold to your ear for an extended period.  It’s also not terribly easy to hold, as its shape doesn’t lend itself to being mindlessly held while chatting; you’ll find yourself focusing on keeping your fingers in the correct position to keep the 8125 stable, at least for awhile.

Like all Pocket PCs, the face of the Cingular 8125 is dominated by its screen and main controls, which on the 8125 consist of a four-way navigation pad, Talk and End buttons, two hardware shortcut buttons and two soft buttons.  The left-hand side of the unit houses a third shortcut button (for the wireless control software utility, by default) and a two-way volume slider.  On the right side there’s a fourth and final shortcut button, this one devoted to Voice Speed Dial, an Infrared data port, a reset button and the camera shutter button.  The bottom of the 8125 provides access to the sync and charging port, a 2.5mm headset/headphone jack, and the stylus storage slot.  The miniSD flash memory card slot and the main power button are on the top. 

Cingular 8125 Diagram - Mouse Over Numbers for Descriptions

This layout works very well, though it’s too bad the folks at HTC didn’t do a better job trying to fit the required components into a thinner package.

Giving the screen a nudge to the right exposes the backlit QWERTY keyboard tucked underneath, and also switches the display from portrait to landscape.

When the 8125 is in this mode, it’s reminiscent of a T-Mobile Sidekick, offering fast and easy data entry.  This “keyboard mode” is where the Cingular 8125 truly shines, allowing comfortable typing, faster movement around the software environment and more.    

While the 8125’s overall layout is good, its design is lacking in comfort and ease of use as a handset.  If your primary use for the Cingular 8125 will be text messaging, e-mailing and browsing the web – with a phone call or two on occasion – the device works well.  If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a Pocket PC Phone that’s ear-friendly, look elsewhere – like to the Palm Treo 700w.