The Treo 700w is Palm Inc.'s first handheld to run the Windows Mobile operating system. The device is being manufactured for Palm by Taiwanese ODM (original design manufacturer) HTC. It will initially be marketed exclusively by Verizon, and is designed to work with Verizon's high speed EV-DO data network, according to Palm.  |
Palm Treo 700w
(Click image to enlarge) |
Not surprisingly, the 700w's layout and hardware specs are similar to those of the Treo 650, including a full QWERTY keyboard with backlighting, along with an integrated number dial pad. In comparison to the 650, some specs are upgraded -- more memory and a higher resolution camera, for example. But at least one is disappointing -- a lower resolution screen (240 x 240, as opposed to 320 x 320).
Palm lists the following key features and specifications for the Treo 700w:
- Processor -- 312 MHz Intel XScale (model number not stated -- probably a PXA270, as used on the Treo 650)
- Memory -- 128 MB non-volatile (60 MB user accessible)
- Display -- 240 x 240 pixels, 16-bit color
- Expansion -- slot for MMC, SD, and SDIO cards
- Wireless:
- CDMA 800/1900 MHz
- Compabible with Verizon's EvDO data network -- backwards compatible with 1xRTT, IS98 and IS95 networks
- Bluetooth 1.2
- Camera:
- 1.3 Mpixels, 1280 x 1024 resolution
- 2x digital zoom
- Automatic light balancing
- Integrated self-portrait mirror
- Video capture
- Battery:
- Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Talk time -- up to 4.7 hours
- Standby time -- up to 15 days
- Dimensions -- 2.3 x 4.4 x 0.9 inches (58 x 113 x 23 mm)
- Weight -- 6.4 ounces (180 grams)
- Operating System -- Windows Mobile 5.0.2.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition
- Application Software:
- Internet Explorer Mobile
- Office Mobile -- Word, Excel, Powerpoint
- Outlook Mobile -- email, calendar, contacts, tasks, notes
- Windows Media Player 10
- Terminal Services client
- Picsel PDF viewer
According to Palm, the Treo 700w includes a "unique suite of software enhancements on top of Windows Mobile," said to include:
- Today Screen enhancements, which feature the ability to "dial by name" with a few keystrokes on the keyboard, perform a web search directly from the Today Screen and perform one-touch dialing with personalized photo speed dials
- Ability to manage a call directly from the Today Screen and stay on top of voicemail with on-screen, VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward controls for easy navigation
- Ability to ignore a call and quickly compose a text message such as "In a meeting" or "Can't talk right now" by selecting the "Ignore with text" option from the incoming-call screen.
AvailabilityThe Treo 700w smartphone is initially available from
Verizon Wireless for $400 after a $100 instant rebate, with a two-year service agreement, a voice plan of $40 per month or higher, and an unlimited PDA/smartphone data plan. Numerous accessories are available from Verizon in support of the 700w.
Additional perspective
For additional perspective on this device, read our news item covering the September
unveiling of the Treo 700w by Palm CEO Ed Colligan and Microsoft chairman BIll Gates in San Francisco.
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