I have the 8125 version of the phone. It's a great phone. Use it at your
own risk though, because the iPhone will be major step down in functionality
(IMHO).

The 8525 adds 3G. Lots of software available for it. I also have the
$19.99 plan which works great. Voice Command from Microsoft really gives it
alot of flexibility. Screen is very good (get a protector). RF has been
been better than many of other phones I've tried. Add a memory card and you
have a good MP3/movie player. Add a bluetooth GPS (Holux makes a nice one)
and GPS software (I like iGuidance) and you have a very competent GPS. Tons
of tweeks available to really customize the phone to do what you want and
how you want. WiFi works well. Battery life is good. Bluetooth works well.
Camera is ok, but not many phones have great cameras. Syncing via
ActiveSync has been trouble free (especially over BT). Friend of mine got
one and he loves it. I've not met anyone unhappy with this phone. I've
kept this phone longer than most. I would certainly upgrade to an 8525, but
Cingular does not provide 3G in my area, so for me, there is little
advantage over the 8125. I'll get an 8535 with WM6 though.

If you are going to sell it on eBay, better move quick. Cingular should be
dropping prices soon.

Don
<karlkrandall@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:b2ds13943eb3s6kv7tmqk906jaohkv1nn9@4ax.com...
> I'm about to come into a Cingular 8525 phone,
> and have a decision to make.
>
> 1. Use it, then sell it on ebay when iPhone comes out in ~ 2 months.
> ($350 ?)
>
> 2. Sell it new in Box for top dollar on ebay. ($425 ?)
>
>
> Anyone with experience with this "SmartPhone " ?
>
>
> I do know one needs to ask for the SmartPhone Connect Plan (at $19.99
> /month); rather than be sold a more expensive data plan.