thanks for the response.
forgot to add, I have pri lines so no virtual
tom
The 250 and 500 are not upgrade pathes, they are uniquely different systems.
Honestly, today you just go virtual... then just use the old MXe as a PRI gateway or grab an Adtran TA908 or similar device. If you are dead set on physical hardware, then there is a physical option, either a CXII or MXeIII depending on your usage.
There is also no reason you can't just upgrade the existing controller to the current release, it is still supported. And dump those Navigators and any 5235 sets you might have.
There is no reason to dislike the Intertel based systems, assuming they mean the MiVoice Office 250, it is actually my favorite of all phone systems out there and has been for a good 10+ years since it was the Intertel 5000. But it has it's place and isn't for all installations.
To make a proper recommendation we would need to know about your system... current release, number and types of phones, voicemail used, features used and wanted, etc.