Convince Me - Treo Forums

jmjii · 07-02-2008, 10:52 PM

Convince me that I should remain with a tired form factor, tired Palm OS, over complicated WIN OS, and lack of "modern" capabilities and conveniences etc...

My carrier (Sprint) is not the issue. I am not under contract or married to them but for who, what, when and where we need them they do us right.

The devices in my arsenal include the 650, 700 (p & w) and 755p. We need to be able to talk, surf, watch, listen, navigate etc.....

ALL are welcome to respond. Make comments, suggestions or flame away if you wish.

stevetaz · 07-03-2008, 05:44 AM

Sounds like you have convinced yourself. What is the alternative you are looking at that has caught your attention?

SteveTaz

chris · 07-03-2008, 09:09 AM

So many have jumped around from platform to platform. Some are pleasantly surprised and some rue the day they moved from their Treo. Having used a bulk of the smartphones out there, there is no perfect smartphone. I certainly agree that Palm has been slow to innovate. The Palm OS, despite it's age, is still a very capable and easy to use OS. Just ask Centro owners. There are plenty of Windows Mobile phones and they have their share of issues. The new trend is to slap a nice UI on top, but it's still essentially a WinMob phone. Not that it's a bad thing. I find Windows Mobile to be a fun OS. I say fun because there are so many tweaks, a ton of software and in my experience it's pretty stable.

Steve will attest to RIM's email advantage. Push email on a BlackBerry is phenomenal. It just works and works very well. I had a good friend who played with the Curve and absolutely hated the UI and the trackball.

Of course, the elephant in the room is the iPhone. To me, the beauty of the Treo design is the one-handed operation and QWERTY keyboard. The iPhone will have third party apps (many of which are coming from Palm development). But the iPhone is not for everyone. It's a different animal. I think RIM is doing things right. They are keeping their QWERTY based platforms and will release an iPhone-eque 9500 series.

Finally, if you are with Sprint, there is the Instinct. Not a bad phone and a great value for the money. They need to make improvements to the web browser, but overall it's a nice platform. The haptic feedback (vibration while typing) is a nice add. It also offers real time navigation out of the box.

I guess my point is that it's really a personal decision. I wouldn't jump because "everyone is doing it". The grass isn't always greener, but maybe just a different shade of green.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

-Chris

benjie · 07-03-2008, 04:02 PM

Very well put. I am going to try the 800w when it hits the shelf and hopefully will stick with it, as I have continued to stick with Palm - as you say, it works and works well.

jmjii · 07-03-2008, 11:08 PM

What a nightmare as this response was begun early this morning after stevetaz posted but nearly lost many times due to a few rather rude signal interruptions (Sprint/PDANet/Treo 650/mountains). Some quick browser dancing fortunately allowed me to retrieve and save it. After some much needed sleep, viewing the latest responses and a few major tweaks, it hopefully addresses the latest posts by chris and benjie as well.

In speaking directly to many on the question of what we know is currently available or about to be on the market, their personal experiences etc., there are obviously very strong opinions on what one uses personally be it particular platform or device. Therefore, according to "normal" human nature and behavior, most are unwilling or unable to provide an unbiased opinion. On occasion someone will own up to the fact that they wish their device would do this or that but it won't. Even rarer is when I run across an individual who admits that they may have simply made the wrong choice.

The reason for creating this thread is not only to personally elicit responses from those who have used many, if not most all of the platforms and devices on the market, but to simply generate a topic of discussion. Those with nothing to gain or the need to "save face" can be very helpful to one looking to make an investment and/or move to the next generation.

I am constantly asking questions, searching/researching the marketplace and have been personally involved in the wireless industry since its inception. As these devices get "smarter," it appears that there are more problems and/or they become less durable. An exception to the rule would be the newest devices made for the military which are rather expensive, hard to procure and/or provide fewer of the required functions.

Recently I began researching micro or mini tablet type computers that appear as if they are only slightly larger than a PSP. Everything seems to be there in an often neatly presented rugged package on a proven platform that is fully customizable, upgradeable and integrated with both hardware and software currently on the market. Though they are more expensive, larger and heavier than a Smartphone which fits into a small holster or pocket, the extra cost may be worth it for both current and future needs. In this instance, downgrading to a standard low end device for more immediate or formal occasions and using a VOIP account such as Skype on the new device connected to the wireless network seems plausible. This would provide the ability to do ALL that is both wanted and required though one may be seen carrying such a device in a "murse." (EXAMPLE: http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9976948-1.html)

In my humble opinion the whole industry owes much to Palm for its original foresight and innovation. Unfortunately, it appears as if they decided to take a break somewhere along the line and allowed others to surpass their achievements. Even the media neglects to mention Palm in most if not all of their reporting. Some of my Treos, for example, have been through hell and back yet remain in perfect working condition. Others, however, are in mint condition yet have had unresolved issues since purchase. Many have been replaced several times only to have the same or completely new and unforeseen issues (see my earliest posts).

Overall I will admit to being rather pleased and satisfied with my Palm arsenal. It is worth taking a long look at the Treo 800, evaluating WM6 and not going overboard with the changeover in devices such as the tablet notion above. However, change is in the near future for me, my associates and clients for which I must be fully prepared.

I am definitely not one to look for what's new, hot, "iCandy," or where the grass is greener at any given moment. Many of us simply want and/or need a single solution that will provide FULL access to what is available on the market and the web (i.e. Video conferencing, streaming media, play a game of choice, take a 5 MP photo, Wi-Fi, drag and drop, fully sync with Outlook, decent screen resolution, international access etc...). Those are the "modern conveniences" of which I spoke in my original post. If someone would only take the Palm, iPhone, Instinct and Blackberry to merge the best of the best together we would have a workable solution for ALL. And yes, lest I forget to add a little of what is known about the "American way" on this most glorious of weekends, I WANT IT NOW!

Many thanks to all respondents and enjoy a nice long holiday.

jmjii · 07-22-2008, 01:36 AM

Based on this thread, the reviews via ET and the mainstream media, I might as well take the time and at the very least fondle the 800w. Please advise regarding the transition issues from the Palm OS to the new WIN OS as well as any limitations of each. Personally I am particularly interested in input on browsing and the reception of streaming media (both audio and video). Many individuals and organizations are also awaiting my advice on the matter at hand.

stevetaz: Did you take note at the outrageous alternative in mind? Though not exactly cost effective or pocket sized, it will do anything anyone could want.

chris: Thank you for the time you put into your response as I know it is precious these days.

benjie: Your statement makes perfect sense and I am interested in how you are making out.

Thanks to ALL at ET as it is the ONLY Treo related site for me.

benjie · 07-22-2008, 02:48 AM

I have used the 800W in the work environment with great success. The real problem I am having though is with the Excel function - freezing columns/rows is just plain haphazard. There are times I need to keep the first few rows and maybe a column or 2 visible and the built-in application does not do that reliably. In addition, DTG does not have a release for the WM Professional OS. In addition, email bites. I am not in the least interested in leaving the home server or a laptop on at home. I am not in the least interested in redirecting email to another server. The built-in email application is functional only as a bare-bones application.

Operation and reliability is just plain great - no problems at all.

stevetaz · 07-22-2008, 06:39 AM

If you are talking about that Toughbook, I really don't consider it an alternative to a Treo, BlackBerry, smartphone, etc.

It is a very impressive device, but "...will do anything anyone could want"? How about making a call on the fly?

Not sure I get the inclusion of something like that in a smartphone discussion.

Best of luck in your search....

SteveTaz

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmjii

stevetaz: Did you take note at the outrageous alternative in mind? Though not exactly cost effective or pocket sized, it will do anything anyone could want.

chris · 07-22-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Personally I am particularly interested in input on browsing and the reception of streaming media (both audio and video).

My experience with the Treo 800w has been limited to Sprint TV. If there is a particular site, just send me the link. I'd be happy to test it out. I had zero buffering issues with Sprint TV and was very impressed. If they can stream video without issues, I'd suspect audio wouldn't be an issue. That in mind, I'm sure the source would also factor in that equation.

-Chris

jmjii · 07-23-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benjie

I have used the 800W in the work environment with great success. The real problem I am having though is with the Excel function - freezing columns/rows is just plain haphazard. There are times I need to keep the first few rows and maybe a column or 2 visible and the built-in application does not do that reliably. In addition, DTG does not have a release for the WM Professional OS. In addition, email bites. I am not in the least interested in leaving the home server or a laptop on at home. I am not in the least interested in redirecting email to another server. The built-in email application is functional only as a bare-bones application.

Operation and reliability is just plain great - no problems at all.

GREAT info and much appreciated. As far as your email issues are concerned, they should be be of no consequence on this end as should I shut down the server(s) at any one location hardly anything would function. Yes, I'm one of those people.

How (or who) am I to know what to request from the store unless the refrigerator first sends an alert?

Then again, I wouldn't want to have to leave "central command and control" (or CentCom as it is often referred to by family/friends which I simply call the couch) to change lighting, security and all else that could possibly be connected. Unless mistaken, on the rare occasion one has a chance to relax they can't possibly be expected to remove themselves from a reposed position.

"Operation and reliability" are the two words one needs to hear when considering any change in device or platform. Personally, I have been procrastinating for over one year on the issue and as the contract has long since expired it is high time to commit. Not to mention the debut of a newer device and updated OS! Again, in all seriousness, thank you for your time enjoy the day.