Just Two Nerds

Well, Palm has finally released a new Windows Mobile Treo after what seems like many years after the 700wx. While a lot of people will say that the looks aren’t that great compared to flashy devices like the iPhone and HTC Touch, and I’d have to agree that the Treo isn’t the greatest looking device, I think that functionality and performance are far more important.  I’m also not saying that the device looks terrible either… it is an improvement of the brick-like feel of the 700wx.

So, what does the Treo 800w have going for it?  Here are a few notable features:

• Windows Mobile 6.1
• Threaded Text Messaging (only available via a hack for the 700wx)
• 320×320 Screen Resolution (700wx was 240×240)
• Built-in GPS (must be initially connected to network to establish GPS tracking)
• Wi-Fi Capable
• 2 Extra Customizable Buttons (Email and calendar by default)
• MicroUSB Connector for Sync and Charging (replaces terrible Palm proprietary connector). Also, no 2.5mm or 3.5mm headset jacks, must use bluetooth or MicroUSB.

So, here are a few notes from 1.5 days of use compared to the 700wx:

• Not sure about battery life yet, it does have a notably smaller battery than the 700wx.  This is the same battery that you’d find in the Palm Centro.  I typically do not leave Bluetooth on during the day, so I did not notice a huge battery drain during standby.  Your mileage will vary.
• GPS works pretty well with Google Maps and Live Search.  I changed the program port to COM7 from GPD1 in the GPS Manager.  Had no trouble after making those changes.
• Interface seems snappier than WM5 on the 700wx.  Not sure if that is the result of WM 6.1 or other hardware changes.  It appears that the 800w may include hardware accelerated graphics.
• Still waiting on a Plantronics Voyager 510 headset to try out, will report on that later.
• HTML email support with Exchange 2007 and personal accounts is pretty neat.
• Internet Explorer feels snappier, even on full HTML pages.
• Plastic stylus feels cheap, but it is usable.
• Lack of antenna stub is nice, so is the smaller form factor.
• 800w also weights less than 700wx, more comfortable to use.
• Keypad is similiar to the 700wx, still one of my favorite features of the device.

Well, that is about it for now.  I will post more of my findings in a week or so after I’ve been able to test the device more closely.  Also, sorry for the blurry photo…  I’ll try to get a shot with better lighting at some point.  If you are looking for better photos and a very comprehensive review, check out the WM Experts review.

Tags: smartphone, treo