Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile announced

Sep 26 2005 - 12:00 PM ET | Palm, Smartphone, Verizon Wireless

Windows Mobile TreoIN PROGRESS -- As expected, Palm has announced a Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile. Top brass from Palm, Microsoft (including Bill Gates) and Verizon Wireless gathered in San Fransisco this morning to launch the device. Palm noted that this project has been in the works for, "a couple of years" and that it was one of the worst kept secrets in the industry.

Features of the Palm Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile include:

  • Windows Mobile 5.0
  • Exchange ActiveSync
  • EV-DO high-speed data (called BroadbandAccess by Verizon Wireless)
  • Bluetooth
  • 64MB memory plus SD card slot

The Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile is expected to begin shipping from Verizon Wireless early in Q1 2006. It will be available through Verizon Wireless exclusively. No specific word yet on a GSM version, but Palm says there are no plans earlier than the second-half of 2006.

NOTE: Palm has not actually announced a product name beyond the phrase, "Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile." Rumors indicated this phone will be called the Palm Treo 700w. During the Q&A session Palm noted that a product name has not been announced.

Comments from readers


Dave Sep 26 2005

What? No name? That's bizzare!


Matt Sep 26 2005

I like it, but having it be an exclusive of Verizon Wireless for such a long time sounds like a bad idea to me. The great thing about the Treo series was carrier choice. Now they won't even think about a GSM version until the second half of 2006? Note the use of half, they didn't say Q3.


Sean Sep 26 2005

That's strange. No GSM version until late next year, if at all? I think it may be time to jump the Palm ship and find me a better smartphone (I'm currently a Treo 650 owner/user).


Orlando Sep 26 2005

Hey can anyone confirm if the screen is 240x240. That would be lame since the current Treo would have a better screen resolution.

I like it otherwise though, EV-DO!


Anonymous Sep 26 2005

Palm OS is dead. Face it guys. Windows Mobile has won. I'm happy that I won't hear anymore whining from stupid Palm zelots anymore.


John Donson Sep 27 2005

I say take the stylus out and stab me in the eye. When will they see that a pda/phone doesn't need a stylus.(See BlackBerry)


sniper Oct 07 2005

we need a treo with direct connect so it can be the most complete phone on the most complete network SPRINT W/ NEXTEL ©


Frank Tze Oct 08 2005

The Palm OS has not been updated both in functionality and performance for years. Users are waiting for Cobalt OS for years but no appealing products are released. The Palm OS, compared to Windows OS, is dead.


Philip Oct 13 2005

At least stupid Palm zealots can spell.

Even if thir platform is dead.


Philip Oct 13 2005

"their" platform.

Clearly I can't spell either.

Palm zealot (failed).


Steve Oct 21 2005

I'm new at these phones, would the Windows Mobile 5.0 still load some of the Palm OS software? or it exclusive to its own software?


howard silverman Nov 09 2005

What are your thoughts on the upcoming windows treo model? compared to palm os? quality of instrument?


Greg VArtanian Dec 20 2005

I have a Samsung SPH-i700 for two years now, and I like it but it's time to up grade. I am waiting to see what this Treo 700w does. Don't rush out and get the Samsung SPH-i730 it's slighty better then i700 but I think the Treo will win on this one.


Jimmy Jimjimian Dec 22 2005

SPH-730 is the best!


Mark Dec 27 2005

Palm is way better than Windows, and by the time they come out with a GSM version, it'll be an obsolete model...c'mon, Europe's been using GSM for over ten years...Verizon and Sprint are either going to switch over to GSM, or inevitably die. Stupid.


Wes Jan 09 2006

I can't imagine CDMA dying anytime soon. The thought is rediculous. Personally, I prefer GSM only for the fact that the sim card is portable. I know it is not necesarily based on the underlying technologies, but my experience with CDMA based carriers (Sprint, Verizon) has been far superior to the GSM ones (AT&T, Orange, Cingular, Tmobile).

I just wish someone would put sim card portability into the CDMA stream. I like being able to change phones for different occasions. I currently am settled with T-Mobile(GSM). Not the best coverage, but I also use the hot-spots alot. I was orignally with Sprint for most time, but their reticense to embrace bluetooth put me off of them for good. OK maybe not for good. I stillhave one phone line account with them as a backup phone, plus they give great incentives on upgrades every 18 months.

Of course now with the merge with Nextel, I am contemplating a switch back once they get some good integrated devices. I despised nextel from day one. They always had crappy plain old flip phones and not a PDA PPC phone to be seen. Losers in my book, but with great walkie talkie tech. that is wel merged into Sprint. I hope they are eventually phased out altogether, and under just the Sprint name. The name nextel makes me cringe.

Ok finally, Treo 700w on Sprint with Walkie Talkie over bluetooth, wifi, 1.3MPIX camera, and high res screen, I would be an owner tomorrow. OK, really the last thought, please someone work out CDMA with a SIM card. It would certainly narrow the gap, but until then, GSM for me.


Harry Paratestes Jan 14 2006

Wow


jay jay Jan 18 2006

i agree with WES. I love treo phones, even though i don't own one due to the fact that im loyal GSM fan, but c'mon im dying to get one but its killing me that tmobile doesnt have it. VERIZON sucks anyways!


LD Jan 30 2006

I've used several types of cells, smartphones, and PDA's over multiple carriers. The smartphones are too heavy, the Treo 650 used Palm OS, and the Windows PDA phones are too bulky, or plastic-y. I decided to go to a new Samsung (Blade) and separate PDA ... then BINGO, the Treo 700w comes out. I am with Sprint now ... and I feel that the winner is going to be the Treo 700W on Sprint. Ready for it to arrive, and I'll buy the first one.


Nextel Palm User Feb 02 2006

To Mr. A: "Anonymous Sep 26 2005
Palm OS is dead. Face it guys. Windows Mobile has won. I'm happy that I won't hear anymore whining from stupid Palm zelots anymore."

Palm is not Dead. A nextel phone with palm would be the best of both worlds. Windows is insecure and virus prone. Even better, a nextel phone with Mac OS. Mac's totally outperform Windows and is not prone to virus attacks.


Michmaree Mar 24 2006

Got to check out the Tmobile SDA..LOVE IT!!!! Runs Win Mobile 5.0...wifi....bluetooth....1.3 MP camera...and video++++....reads all word/excel/pdf...etc.....Just came out in Feb....got one the next day....size is like a larger phone...no touch screen and have to type with the number pad of the phone....but syncs so nice with PC.....has a back button to go to previous screens...and dedicated Win Media player buttons....takes up to 1Gig SD card oh ...the card slot is under the battery....but I just keep it in there all the time and sync w/ PC ...or explore to card......gets WIFI on any open access point.....don't need extra Tmobile service.....Watch tv on it w/ Win Media Plyr 10....etc etc etc...Need I say more...all packed into one not so light but awesome phone!!! Ooops scratch that PDA with phone capability!!!....If you must have the Keyboard and touch screen....get the $400.00 MDA....SDA is only $200.00...uses a little joystick to navigate...LOVE it LOVE it LOVE it!!!!


arturo May 15 2006

I was thinking about dropping Sprint and going with VW. Now that I heard that Palm and VW has only a 5 month exclusive contract I think I will wait it out with Sprint to see if it comes.


mike geots May 26 2006

I have no phone, no one can call me, it is great...


mike goets May 26 2006

I have no phone,no phone bill, no treo650,treo700w... life is good... stop your crying and bitching...


tee May 28 2006

Will there be a Palm Treo that Direct Connects? I heard it was in the making. Let me know.


Ana Jul 04 2006

I have an old treo 650 in a drawer. I'm not sure what to do with it since it cost about 500 about 2 years ago. It has been repaired several times and now it is out of warrantee. I decided to go with Blackberry. It does not have a camera but the 650 had a terrible camera anyway.


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