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stars
"Big Improvement Over the 8100" on by pcorning
Pros: Processor speed, WiFi, Keyboard, Software Improvements
Cons: Menu Complexity, No Touch-screen, No GPS
Summary: I just moved from the 8100 to the 8120 (T-Mobile), and am happy to report that the new model fixes most of my pet Pearl peeves.
Chief among these was the lag when you start typing a phone number from the home screen. Where the 8100 took time to collect its wits and would lose some of the input digits, the new model catches all of them for fewer required re-dials.
WiFi is nice to have at home, where GSM coverage is spotty.
The keyboard is more solid, loses almost all the 8100's squishy, cheap feel. Alpha-numeric keys are a hair shorter, to make room for larger control keys at the top, but typing feel has improved anyway.
Mail and other core applications have been dressed up to fix little flaws. Now mail shows you each mail's distribution list in the default window. SureType is faster and predicts more words, saving keystrokes. The Baroque appointment entry process has been simplified and beautified. Contact entries, too - they show the notes field in the default record view.
The 8120 adds a few new features (WiFi, video, instant messaging services), so the already complex Options menus have gotten more complicated still (you can set several different notification tones for each of the bundled messaging services...). Each time I dive into them (and whenever I use their stupid browser) I hanker for the iPhone. Then I spend some time typing with one hand, or I slip it into my pocket easily, and I'm glad to have this little thing.
At $150 after rebate it's worth upgrading from an 8100.Updated
Battery life is poor. Magazine reviewers will tell you the 8120 lasts longer than the original Pearl. It doesn't, especially when WiFi and Bluetooth are on - expect to go through a battery in a day of moderate use.
T-Mobile's WiFi is great! They don't do a good job of explaining it, but here's what I have found from web research and personal experience.
* You can make and receive WiFi calls as soon as you hook it up to a WiFi network (easy to do). No need to pay extra for T-Mobile's plan for a few WiFi calls. This is very helpful to me, since T-Mobile's coverage is spotty in my home.
* WiFi calls are counted toward your monthly call minute limits unless you sign up for T-Mobile's $10/month WiFi program.
* WiFi calls from anywhere in the world look like US-originated calls on your bill. A WiFi call made from your home in Cleveland is billed the same as one made from a public library in Moscow, or your friend's apartment in Sydney. Very cool.
* For $10/month you can make all the WiFi calls you want to US numbers, accept all you want from anywhere.
The new 8120 supports some Skype for Blackberry applications. I have made calls to Japan using Skype, received calls and chats on this client. It's clunky, but it works.
The phone supports 8GB memory cards, but the media application can only address 4GB of memory (whoops). To use more than 4GB of music go the media player app's home screen (where you can choose between movies, pics, music, etc.), hit the Option button and select Browse. You'll see all your stuff.
- 4 replies to this review
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How did you get Skype to work on the phone? I can't get a compatible version...
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Actually, as far as I know of, you DON'T need a WiFi plan on T-Mobile and if you do then two different customer service reps lied to me. I just upgraded to the 8120 since my coverage is so poor, T-Mobile suggested I upgrade to a phone with WiFi capability. Not once did they mention that I would need to add a WiFi plan onto my existing plan in order to use it. If that is the case though, then T-Mobile reps are misleading customers. I guess I'll see when I get my bill!
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Last reply is WRONG! You can make wifi calls from this phone without paying a penny. To prove this, just go into a Starbucks, Barnes & Noble or any other place with a wifi and you'll notice that your T'Mobile automatically switches to ATT if the reception is better. You can even search for and turn on your wifi to find other spots
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In regards to this statement:<br><br>>>>>* You can make and receive WiFi calls as soon as you hook it up to a WiFi network (easy to do). No need to pay extra for T-Mobile's plan for a few WiFi calls. This is very helpful to me, since T-Mobile's coverage is spotty in my home.<br>* WiFi calls are counted toward your monthly call minute limits unless you sign up for T-Mobile's $10/month WiFi program.<<<<<br><br>You can NOT make wifi calls unless you pay for the service. T mobile has no way of tracking how long a wifi call lasted, or from where it was placed, so therefore, they have no way to bill you for your regular usage as wifi usage. You MUST pay for the service for the service to work.
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