I had the 1661 for a year before upgrading to the 5130 b/c i wanted some more features like a camera etc.. i can say that i was pleased with the 1661 for the money. it's a basic, decent little phone, if not a little cheaply made. however, some of that cheap, simplicity can come in handy:

i accidentally went for a swim with the 1661 in my pocket. it was turned on but of course when i got out it was off and would not work. i took it apart and left it out to dry for about 2 days. when it appeared to be dry and put it back together and – voila! – it continued to work perfectly. not bad for the $30 i paid for it.

on the other hand, my cousin did the same thing with his blackberry and it is now toast, gonzo.

i would continue to recommend the 1661 for someone who wants a simple phone that they won't use to much.