Palm Treo 750v; the first Windows Mobile smartphone with the correct feeling
Windows Mobile on a Palm device; who ever thought about that? It has become the truth in the past couple of months and the time is right to spread the word in Europe. NewMobile got the oppportunity to the use the new Treo 750v.
Windows Mobile on a Palm device; who ever thought about that? It has become the truth in the past couple of months and the time is right to spread the word in Europe. NewMobile got the opportunity to the use the new Treo 750v during the official introduction.
The Treo 750v is the first new Palm Treo in the past year. The device shows what new Palm group is planning to do the upcoming months; introduce devices with fast access, ease of use and simplicity! As a foundation Palm chose a close cooperation with Microsoft, which offers the platform Windows Mobile. The current version 5.0 is placed on the new Treo 750v.
The main question is; what are the options Palm offers and in which way did they implement it into the new device? It is a logical question somebody will ask, which Palm answers quite rapidly and easily.
The Palm Treo 750v is build on the basis of several devices which are already available in the US (Treo 700w and 700p). The underlining hardware is these models and the Treo 650 we know in Europe. Added to this hardware is the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system which offers the user possibilities like connectivity via ActiveSync, Office Mobile - editing Words & Excel files and viewing Powerpoint files (editing such files will be possible in the new version of WM) - and an easy push mail solution.
But that is not all for Palm. Many people that have used Windows Mobile have noticed that the platform does not satisfy the basic needs out-of-the-box. A lot of changes need be carried out to get the user satisfied. Next to this stability is still an issue within Windows Mobile devices. Examples of this are the T-mobile MDA Vario, but also HTC and Samsung WM models.
Unique to the Treo smartphone is a suite of software enhancements developed by Palm that underscores its brand promise of fast access, ease of use and simplicity. Examples include the following:
All these possibilities and options have been shown to us during the introduction of the product. Palm has introduced a device which satisfies our expectation and is the first Windows Mobile smartphone that leaves you with a satisfying feeling out-of-the-box. That is a compliment for Palm and a something Windows Mobile should take notice off.
The mobile platform developed by Microsoft does now that the current movements from Palm need to be addressed. "We are a developer of a platform and until this day we are not focussed on the normal consumer. We are happy with the fact that consumers buy and use our products, but it is not our main focus" says Harco Enting from Microsoft. But the future for Windows Mobile looks bright and steps are already taken. Manufacturers of the devices will need to address these issues themselves currently. Such as Palm did, they have addressed the weak issues and have created an opinion for normal consumers.
Is the operating system from Palm itself after this step end-of-life? Andy Clipsham, product manager at Palm says; "Palm shall not loose their Palm users out of sight, but after a tough period this is the first step in addressing the European market. We need to start somewhere and Europe is the place to be for us". This is not the complete start. John Starnett, SVP Global Markets and Customer Relations at Palm mentioned to us that a second model would be shown soon. What the content of this introduction is, is not quite sure yet.
Are there no weaknesses within the product? Off course there are points that need attention. The absence of Wifi is for the European market something that we do not understand in relation to other models within the market such as the Nokia E61 and Samsung i600. The question is; do you need Wifi on board such a messaging device? The answer is no. UMTS is available - no video call unfortunately - and service providers will start opening up possibilities with low 3G tariffs.
Next to this we address the weak 1.3 Mpixel camera, the used interface port and the absence of a Mini-USB port and scroll key. Especially the last issue is not needed on a Treo. There is a stylus available. We only took it out of the device to check the beauty of it. After that it was not used anymore. Palm has brought ease of use and simplicity to the user controls and 5-way central key, which will lead to the fact that you will not use the touchscreen quite often. A Pocket PC edition used as a Windows Mobile smartphone, a better implementation of both worlds is not possible.
The device will be delivered with a small accessory package. It contains the following parts:
- Device
- Battery
- 1x stylus
- Data cable
- ActiveSync CD + add-on software
- Charger
- Stereo headset
- Screen protector
- Manual in corresponding language
Unfortunately no memory card or cradle. These can be bought seperately.
Concluding it can be said that the device offers something extra, a Palm Treo experience, which Windows Mobile needed. The device exclusive for three months with Vodafone shows that Windows Mobile is an option for the future, but that major leap needs to be taken to addressing the normal consumer. The Treo is of all Windows Mobile devices the most open and accessible. If you include the Vodafone package then it becomes a succesful package deal that is supported by two strong partners. Palm is too small to handle a new introduction and does not have the means to build a new brand quite rapidly and bring a new model on the basis of the past.
All these points addressed above shall be mentioned to the consumer in the growing market of messaging device. Devices with build-in keyboard emerge every day and the user should make its decision. NewMobile will try to be a guideline in this decision. Comparison reviews of several devices are planned and if you have any questions feel free to ask them to us or any or our partners.
For more information on the new Palm Treo 750v check out phone page.
