Last year my company forced me to drop my Cingular 8125 for a TREO 750 (Windows version). While I like the WM6 software, it does not seem to run applications or start-up as fast on the TREO as it did on my Cingular device. Moreover, the TREO screen was so sensitive to touch that I would often hang-up on callers or place them on hold with my cheek.
When I first received my TREO I was semi-excited. I have always been a closet PALM fan, and so the prospect of getting a PALM device was intriguing (even if it was running Windows). My myriad of application installed smoothly with a couple of exceptions. HICALC, once of my favorite a calculators installed, but due to the screen resolution on the TREO, I could not see the keys on the screen. I was pleased that the Astronomy application I frequently used ran well as did the other travel apps.
The TREO does not have built in WIFI which I often used on my Cingular device, this was sorely missed. Also, Internet Explorer seemed slower to respond on the TREO, but that could be due to the lack of WIFI and not the device itself. That said, it was an issue.
Talking on the device is also somewhat of a challenge. As I mentioned earlier, the screen is very sensitive so it is not uncommon to disconnect a caller or place them on hold. I strongly recommend a blue tooth headset, I have a Motorola 700 and it paired easily with the TREO device. The TREO also paired with my Garman GPS Nuvi 360 and enabled me to drive and use hands-free as well as share the phone book (very cool).
Calls without a headset are clear enough for business, but the earphone is picky about ear position and I noticed that you either can hear the caller great or not at all depending on the device is positioned to the ear. The caller can hear me clearly and without issue not matter what.
The TREO is a battery hog when used with blue tooth headset or hands free device. When using the TREO with blue tooth off I could easily get 3 – 5 hours of talk time with several days of standby. However, with the blue tooth enabled, 2 hours of talk was pushing it and a day of standby. Also, be aware the screen although lower resolution than the Cingular device, sucks-up precious battery life as well, not good for long stays at airports with no charger and nothing to do.
The qwerty keypad is easy enough to get used to if you have smaller fingers, but for anyone with fat fingers (like me), be aware texting or answering long emails is an exercise in patients. If typos bother you, PROOF READ YOUR WORK CAREFULY!
The biggest issue I had as that every few months the device would begin to sputter and slow down or even lock-up. The solution was to wipe the device clean and reinstall everything, Grrrr! Three times in one year I had to perform this painful task. My contacts were back-up, but the applications all needed to be reinstalled and upgrades also needed to be reinstalled.
The camera is ok, but not great. Images are grainy and the lens is very prone to dirt and scratches.
As a means of comparison to my 8125 review (http://www.epinions.com/content_221696331396), here are some notes about my favorite apps from my 8125 and how they worked (or didn’t) on the TREO.
Pocket Informant – The best plug-in for Windows Pocket devices. This lays on top of the calendar and contact program making them much more powerful. This is a must have!
TREO NOTES – works well on the TREO, but not at all with Corp Get Good email. Uses different database for contacts.
Worldmate Pro – If you travel I highly recommend this program. From your WiFi or GPRS device you can easily access real-time weather (both maps and local forecasts), flight info (including gates and schedules), time/weight/currency conversion, tip calculations (just in case you didn’t know), and multiple time zones. Weather and time zone data is displayed right on the Today Screen.
TREO NOTES - Works well
HiCalc – It is just an outstanding do it all calculator
TREO NOTES – keys are hard or impossible to see on TREO. App seems
Pocket Stars – If you love Astonomy like I do, this is a must have. This may be the best tool for generating real time star charts from any location in the world. There are so many other functions in this outstanding program it will amaze you.
TREO NOTES – works well
Lextionary – An outstanding dictionary and Thesaurus
TREO NOTES – works well
Sudoku – it is a free little program I found on the web. Its really cool you can use one of the included templates or input a puzzle from the paper and work it out. When you are stuck, there are hints and the system will solve the puzzle for you when you just have to give-up.
TREO NOTES – works well
Pocket Music – Outstanding MP3 player. Who needs and IPOD?
TREO NOTES – works well
HP12C SE financial Calculator – Simply the best financial calculator on the market. Every MBA student has one, so why not put it on your smart phone and carry it everywhere!
TREO NOTES – Does not work, requires ARM
All-in-all I would rate the TREO 750 as a fair business device. I am in the process of going to a blackberry so this should be interesting. In the mean time, I would stick with an 8125 or newer pure Windows device, or perhaps a TREO running Palm software rather than the 750 (W). I just think the device is not made for the business user who travels and needs telephonic horsepower.
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