July 28, 2005 09:44 AM
treo, Treo, TREO!-- What's improved (part 2)
Ok, so we talked about the big 5 new features in the Treo 650. But, you know that Palm isn't just going to put in new stuff, and not fix the old. So they've also made 8 new improvements in the Treo 650!
Let me just start by saying that these new features and improvements are partially the result of product owners/reviewers sending feedback to Palm. They are an extremely responsive and dynamic company, so if there's something you can't do or if you just need help, contact their customer support, because I am beyond impressed with their responsiveness and professionalism and I know they'll point you in the right direction.
So, back to the punch-list:
1) The new phone interface is not only much easier to use with one hand, it's HOT! From the phone interface you now know if you have voicemail, unread email, unread text/picture/video messages, as well as the next calendar event for today. All of this is easily navigated with the 5-way or by tapping on the screen with thumb/stylus/etc... Also, I really like the on/off button on the keyboard; if you're in the OR or about to get on a plane, just hold it down for 3-seconds, and your radio is off and you can now use all the Palm functionality without the worry of being "connected."
2) Email is an interesting area. I believe Verizon has done what we all secretly wanted-- they've included TWO programs for email, allowing the user to CHOOSE which is the best for them. Wireless Sync is the default program that allows for push email when installed on a desktop. This program essentially turns your Treo into a BlackBerry Killer, because now you too can have push technology AND great Palm functionality. This program also allows for standard IMAP/POP sync'ing which as you all know, is not possible via the BlackBerry web-interface (only POP).
VersaMail is a second program that comes on the included CD. This program supports most desktop email programs and allows the user to download mail wirelessly (IMAP or POP) as well as synchronize mailboxes with your desktop.
3) Blazer Web Browser. So I'll start by saying that I'm not all that impressed with Blazer. It's a cute browser that gets the job done (webmail, websites, Java, frames, over-the-air downloading), but the front-end interface leaves alot to be desired. This is probably my only real gripe with their improvements. Next week I'll be reviewing a new addition to the Palm web-browsing family so definitely stay tuned!
4) QWERTY keyboard. Luckily I was blessed with small fingers, but for those of you who have pudgey thumbs, or just big fingers, don't fret, because the new keyboard rocks! They've made larger, flatter keys, included a bright keyboard backlight, and essentially made the entire layout more finger-friendly. I also love the 5-way navigator, the Home and Menu buttons, and the layout of the Send/End buttons (which has been reversed on previous models and also by many different manufacturers of smartphones).
5) Text and Picture Messaging. So here comes seamlessness! SMS and MMS are now all in a single application with a fun chat-like interface. All messages go to a SINGLE box-- NICE FEATURE!
6) World Clock. While I don't really get too excited by clocks, I love the fact that it has an included alarm clock and the fact that you can see where it's dark in the world and where it's light. It's a nice ooh/ahh factor when you first setup your phone.
7) Time Zone Support. Now you can create calendar events that are time-zone specific! So whether you're in Hong Kong, London, LA, or Long Island, you officially have no excuse for missing grand-rounds!
8) Last but not least, the new Intel 312MHz processor. While it's not blazing fast, it packs a good punch, and definitely is adequate for my power-use!
So all in all, these 13 new features and improvements make the Treo 650 a SOLID device. Would I recommend it? YES! Do I love it-- well I'll let you decide from the next few weeks of posts.
Posted by brian1 at July 28, 2005 09:44 AM
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