My first rendezevous with the i888 was when all the new Sony/Ericsson models were out in the market. Their prices were exhorbitant and they were all locked GSM phones.
That is when I stumbled upon an old i888. Brick like built, a little over 200 gms, compact, but big compared to the newest Ericssons, but excellent for its time.
In 2003, the i888 had more features than a Nokia 6120 or a 5110. The i888 is equiped with an infrared port. Infact it is one of the first phones to incorporate one, has text messaging, and best of all it is GSM !! It works just fine, and gets reception even the concrete confines of my basement labs or the lecture halls.
I got this phone for $30 (CAD), when other ericsson models with the same features and smaller sizes are currently costing upwards of $100 and those ones are not even unlocked.
The i888 is a worthwhile phone to own, especially if you travel a lot. Plus its size is just right, not too big like a brick, nor too small like a toy.