Palm, considered enemy number one of Microsoft, has tied the knot with the software giant to produce a Windows Mobile-based treo 700w. What makes this new treo distinct from its predecessor, treo 650?
The chief features to compare are the following:
The hardware
The treo 700w has 128mb of built-in memory whereas the treo 650 has measly 32mb. Both the treo 700w and the treo 650 have secure digital cards slots that are useful when you plan to add memory or applications.
The treo 700w has a 1.3 megapixel camera whereas the treo 650 can only afford 0.3 megapixels. These two devices are run by a 312-mhz Intel XScale processor.
If you're into screen resolutions, then select treo 650. Its screen resolution is 360 by 360. The treo 700w is a poor 240 by 240. If weight is a factor for you, then the treo 700w is a bit heavier than the treo 650.
The network
What is appealing to the treo 700w is that it supports one of the fastest data networks available, Verizon Wireless EvDO Broadband Access Service. In Verizon wireless 3G areas, the treo 700w downloads web pages and email faster than most of the popular cellular carrier handhelds. The fastest treo 650 supports Cingular's EDGE service which performs what a good dial up does.
The software
Palm has always maintained that the treo is first a phone and second a PDA. Both of these devices are easy to use with one hand and without a stylus.
It is much easier to look up a contact with the treo 650 than with treo 700w. Getting to call logs is easy with the treo 650 since there is a call log button right on the phone screen. The treo 700w call logs are a menu option on the Today screen.
Both devices offer out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange email. For basic email management, the treo 650's VersaMail is better than the treo 700w's messaging center.
In sum, The treo 700w is fast and has some nice features. But is it worth doing away your Palm based treo? The best things about the treo 700w have little to or nothing to do with the Windows mobile.
Author Lance Daniel is the webmaster of http://www.treo700.org |
