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Wednesday, May 17, 2006 6:14 PM PT Posted by Melissa Perenson
Hands On with Palm's Treo 700p
First came the 700w. Today, we got our hands on the Palm Treo 700p, the latest iteration of Palm's smartphone running the Palm OS. This 700p is being offered by Sprint, which is slated to start shipping it later this month; Verizon, which is already selling the Windows Mobile-based 700w, will also be offering a 700p this month. (For more on a comparison of pricing plans, see this analysis.)As I found from my first few hours of hands-on with the unit, the revamped Palm-based Treo 700p has many fine attributes. Palm has made numerous refinements to its Treo 650 design. For Palm users, the biggest change on the Treo 700p is a most welcome one: More on-board memory (like the 700w, the 700p has 128MB total memory, 60MB available to users, as compared with 32MB total, 23MB available to users on the Treo 650), which in turn led to greater speed and response time in my experience. In handling, I found the Treo 700p was dramatically faster than my Treo 650, at everything from loading and viewing media to scrolling through files on a 1GB SD card, and switching among applications. Even scrolling around within applications--including Documents to Go 8, preloaded on the unit, and the Blazer Web browser--was noticeably faster than on a Treo 650.
Blazing speed is also in play when you use the Treo 700p for Internet access. The unit is the first Palm-based Treo to support fast EvDO data networks. And this dual-band CDMA 2000 phone's EvDO connectivity makes browsing sites (using the integrated Blazer Web browser) a real pleasure. No more hand wringing while you wait for a page to load: Instead, blink, and you may miss how fast it really is. Sprint is offering multiple data plans; for more details, see this report.)
Also improved: The media interface--for the integrated, 1.3-megapixel camera and camcorder (1280 by 1024 resolution, up from the 640 by 480 resolution optics in the Treo 650), as well as for navigating through all of your captured media--has been overhauled, and the results are mostly impressive. It's much faster to access and organize media files.
I also found a slew of interface enhancements to the 700p, both overt and subtle. For example, in the Web browser, you can now see full, long URLs, as opposed to being limited to a one-line display; and, as you enter a password, it shows you the last letter you entered, before turning it into an asterisk--a useful tweak that makes it easy to catch a typo. Also, when you reactivate the unit from sleep, the keyguard prompt now provides the date and time, too--convenient if you rely on your phone as a timepiece, too, as I do.
My one gripe with the new look: You can no longer change image or video resolution from the main interface itself--something I often do so I can send an image to a friend's phone (one which doesn't have nearly as much space as a smartphone). To do so now, you have to press the menu button, then change the resolution and press ok--two additional steps to do the same task.
The 700p, as expected, has virtually the same physical design as the Treo 700w, which runs Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5 operating system. The unit has buttons on the left for volume control (instead of the rocker switch found on the Treo 650); larger, more squared-off keys that make typing easier; a bigger, roomier, easier-to-press five-way navigational button; and six larger, more clearly-positioned navigational buttons--for phone, calendar, e-mail, and home, and for power (red) and send (green).
The new send button functions like the send button in plain vanilla cell phones--ie., press it when you've dialed a number, and it initiates the call. As critical as those functions are it, having a separate button from the phone navigational button is wasteful and redundant. This new send button occupies prime real estate, taking the place of the home button on the Treo 650. And many of its functions, including accessing the call log, dial pad, and recently-dialed calls, used to be ably handled by the dedicated phone navigational button, which now only takes you to the phone application (but, obviously, could have continued doing those functions). Meanwhile, the new position of the home button, way off to the far right of the unit, feels awkward and unfortunate, considering how integral this button is for day-to-day actions on the Treo.
Aside from having its four navigation buttons keyed to the Palm OS's integrated apps, the Treo 700p's design differs from the 700w's in one other noticeable respect: On the lower row of the keyboard, the 700w has a second shift key on the right side, just like the Treo 650's keyboard; on the 700p, that second shift key becomes the menu button.
Sprint and Palm have packed the Treo 700p with a slew of software. For starters, you get the very visual On Demand software, which delivers localized (by zip code) information to your fingertips at no charge--from weather to TV listings, maps, news updates, sports, and phone directories.
Also included: My Treo, for helping you to make the most of the device (including a full user guide); the standard version of Pocket Tunes (which replaces the Real Player software on the Treo 650; for full Windows DRM and Plays for Sure support, you'll need to step up to the Deluxe version); Dataviz's Documents to Go 8, for reading and creating Microsoft Office files and PDFs; and Sprint TV, an interface for purchasing streaming media content optimized for the Treo (program offerings span the gamut from Sirius radio to ESPN sports and Looney Toons cartoons).
Although using Sprint TV's streaming was easy enough, the device is more hit and miss with support for other streaming media sites on the Web, due to the limitations of the Blazer browser and the Pocket Tunes player. I was frequently stymied by sites such as The New York Times and Youtube.com, whose design for streaming video required Macromedia Flash Player, or other features not supported by the Blazer/Pocket Tunes combo.
I found some faults with the Treo 700p's design, and I can't say it's perfect. (It didn't crash when I used it, but it did reboot twice when our editor-in-chief Harry McCracken tried to use it.) Nonetheless, as a dedicated Treo 650 user, I found a lot to like here. In fact, the speed and memory improvements alone are enough to make me consider upgrading (even though I'm not necessarily ready to abandon my GSM-based carrier and their family plan service). The Treo 700p's other niceties and enhancements only sweeten the deal.
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I'll have to agree with you Melissa. The most distrubing functional design for the 700p is the new dedicated call buttons. That was unnessary. I'm interested to know who wanted it, needed it, or complained about the lack of it. Cramming all the buttons that I often use on the right side of the phone is going to wear my thumb out. I enjoy the balance of the 650.
Other than that and the price for all of the goodies, I'm excited about the 700p.
Does anyone know if the 700P comes with the program "Note Pad". This program allows you to hand write a note (without using the keyboard), or draw a map for example. I know the 650 doesn't and I find that program extreemly handy for jotting down phone numbers or making lists, etc.
Thanks,
Robert
Thanks for the review, Melissa! Can you speak to how much easier the keys are to use than the 650? I'm also looking to switch despite having a family plan with Tmobile. I never thought I'd go for a non-GSM phone, but it sounds like there may be no more GSM Treos after the 650?
There will be more GSM Treos later this year. Palm announced already back in January that this year will see a newly redesigned Treo for GSM (mainly for the European market), which will be smaller and thinner in size, and also not have the outside antenna anymore.
From as much as i can tell (without having used the 700p), it does not seem too much different from the 650, and there are rumors that the 650 will be upgraded via new software/firmware after the 700p is officially released. This upgrade will offer more functionality to the 650 (like BBConnect).
Also from the hardware features the 700p is not really anything new (same processor, screen, no w-lan support) except the increased memory and the new camera.
My recommendation is to hang in there with your 650, until Palm releases its new GSM unit later this year.
Robert, it will come with notepad. That's a standard Palm app. Always has been. No worries man.
I think the no antenna 'Hollywood' will be real winner but I'm glad to upgrades keep comin'!
What are the main differences between the 700w and 700p? I am in the market for a treo and can't decide between the two. Is one better than the other. Thanks for the help.
I only peruse the matter.
Actually I would like to bye one.
Can you help me now.
One of the main features that I can see between the 700w and the 700p is the operating system. The w has a windows OS, while the p uses the palm OS. I have a 700w that I recently purchased. I enjoy it alot.
Will T-mobile have the tero 700w or 700p. I want my next palm to be able to sync distribution list and you can not do this with palm software only windows
This is addressed to the question by Ms. Kay. Which is better, 700P or 700W?
Dear Ms. Kay,
Although the Treo 700P and the 700W look the same, there are several very important differences between the two. The obvious one is the operating system. The Palm OS is a much better interface than the Pocket PC offering from MS. The Treo version of Palm OS is geared to work like a cell phone, so it is very intuitive, and more importantly, it can be operated with one hand with buttons on the device. The 700W requires several forays into the menu structure for simple things. The 700W (and the pocket PC software) is more geared towards being a "computer" and not a phone.
Another less mentioned fact is that the resolution on the 700W is LESS than the 700P. To accommodate the Pocket PC software to the Treo, the screen had to be made more square and the resolution dropped to work with the software. This is an excerpt from PC magazine's review of the device from Jan, 2006.
"The 700w also uses the new 240x240 square screen format, which caused HP some grief when they introduced their hw6515 handheld and found that some third-party software didn't adapt to a square screen. Palm has been working hard with partners to make sure software is square-friendly, and will be offering a compatibility list of major applications, they said."
The 700P uses 320x320 resolution. You can confirm this on the Palm web site.
So, it depends on the use that you anticipate for the device. If you use it more as a phone, then the 700P is the better device, and if you need windows compatibility (Which is not a real issue with the 700P either, if you install third party software) then the 700W. Given the choice of the 700P or 700W, the 700P would be the better choice. The best bargain may be the 650, since two new models have been introduced after it, I am sure carriers will be giving bigger discounts for those who opt for the 650. The 650 does all that the 700's do, have the same processor, but just have less accessible memory.
I have a 650 and don't feel any urge to upgrade to the 700W or 700P. It is good enough for what I want it to do, although I did buy it when it was first introduced so paid a premium price for it. Another reason that I will hang on to it for now.
Yours Sincerely,
G. Ambrose
Does anyone know if you will be able to use the 700P with the verizon network and use it as a modem for your computer? I have had mixed information on this. You cannot do this with the 650 with the Verizon network. I believe that you can on the Sprint network.
Thanks
Rob
Rob,
Yes, the 700P can be used as a modem on the Verizon network, for a $15 monthly fee. See more at http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/002083.htm (fourth paragraph).
Haa this new 700P isn't worth spending $400 additional for !
Brad,
Your link does not work. I also went to http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/ and can not find anything there either. I will try a search but if you have a different link this would be good.
Thanks
Rob
Just purchased a 650 from verizon only a week ago and was distressed to see release of both 700p and Moto Q close on the horizon. I have 2 more days to return the 650 - my main functions used in addition to the phone are basic PIM (contacts, tasks, calendar). Would I really gain anything in an upgrade to 700p or switching to the Q?
Q might actually be less expensive, but am a long time Palm OS user. Not sure about efficiency and loss of the touch screen.
I also second Robert's question about Notepad. It came on my Tungsten, but not on the Treo? Can it be added?
I have a Sprint Treo 600 and the email functions only when my computer is on. Not exactly practical.
I've heard that the 700 is more Blackberry-like and can transmit email w/o the computer being on. Anyone know what the requirements are for a corporate email system to be compatible. Also, would the 700p be just as likely to be functional w/ a corporate email system as the 700w?
Our IT guy says the 700w works but is not certain whether the 700p model will work.
Since I just finished reading this on a Sprint based Treo 700p, figured I would reply from the device. This is my first Treo but I upgrading -- side-grading -- from my unsupported Palm based Samsung i500. (so far so good but I'm going to miss my clamshell pocketable pda-phone)
Haven't tried to many features out yet but am looking forward to Bluetooth EVDO. Keypad is not bad and camera is decent for a phone.
I'm with Cingular on a Treo 600 now and have a no longer offered unlimited data plan (30.00). I wondering will this carry through to the 700p and when/if Cingular plans to have their own 700p. Will EvDO be available? I definetly want the use of the modem for the laptop. Will Cingular support it?
Re:
adding notepad to treo.
You can add BugMe software from Handango for under $20.00
Can somebody please tell me how to set up my Treo to be a modem for my home computer?
I am considering this device, but wanted to know how SPAM is handled?
Memos and Note Pad are two different things. One lets you type out short text files, the other lets you draw suff. The memo (typing) app is included on the Tre 700p. The note pad (drawing) app is NOT included.
Also missing is Graffiti(!) which totally shocked me.
Both of these functions can be restored with 3rd party software, but it makes you wonder why the heck Palm pulled out these standard functions.