Some concerns before buying the 650...

[BIGtrouble77]

I'm a bit torn between the Treo 650 and the Audiovox PPC-6601 pocket pc smartphone. I've been using an ASUS My-Pal pocket pc for a while now so I am very familiar with it and it's software. Here are my main usages for the device:

* Phone- pretty obvious
* GPS- I have a Delorme Earthmate GPS for my laptop along with Topo5- I would like to export maps to my PDA/Phone for hikes
* Web browsing- I'm getting Sprint's unlimited internet plan- I would also like to use the PDA as a cellular modem for my laptop
* limited amounts of contacts
* some multimedia, like mpg 4 videos (no music)
* Emulators- NES, SCUMM, MAME, genesis, tg16, SNES, etc.

Why I want the 650 over the PPC-6601
--------------------------------------
* ScreenScreenScreenScreenScreenScreenScreen- I would love the higher res screen for web browsing.- the PPC screens are not vga (at least the ones in my price range).
* camera & Video integration (I know it's not great but it has it)
* Better phone (at least it appears that way)
* Not microsoft
* More compact

Why I want the PPC-6601 over the 650
--------------------------------------
* Familiar with PPCs
* Fast cpu/video (xscale 400mhz + ati video chip)
* good software compatibility
* very good GPS support

What concerns me about the 650
--------------------------------
1. Memory issue obviously, but I can work around that limitation being that I already have a 1gb sandisk ultra II sd card. I can't imagine that i'd ever have more than 100 contacts either.
2. Slugishness of the OS- This is huge. I used to have a MIPS cassiopeia ppc and went insane because the thing was so slow. I've been reading some concerning things here about how slow this device is.
3. GPS stuff- I can get no conformation that delorme's bluetooth cradle is compatible with this device. And it also appears that just because a device is bluetooth don't expect your bluetooth devices to work. Aslo, how sluggish are GPS apps on the treo?
4. Software- There are tons of free emulators for the PPC for MAME/NES/Genesis, etc. I haven't seen that for palm OS, although i have seen a few. is anyone into this stuff?
5. Build quality- I think this goes without saying. If I see any dead pixels or have phone issue it's going back.
6. SD memory card speed- I read some people were having speed issues with their sandisk 1gb ultra II cards.
7. Palm issues- Palm source looks like they are getting their butts kicked by MS. I made a mistake about buying a MIPS ppc when it was on it's way out so I don't want to make the wrong decision again.

That's all. Thanks to anyone who actually reads this and can give some feed back. I'd greatly appreciate it.

-BT

[BIGtrouble77]

cummon, someone's gotta have one by now... If not, can someone direct me to a treo forum that's not dead? I'm really not trying to be an ass, I just don't have a whole lot of time to make a decision.

-BT

[BIGtrouble77]

thank you very much.

[tdibook]

I apologize for my ignorance, but can one actually use the stylus to physically write...say on a memo or notepad...on the 650??? Thanks for your reply to my crazy question.

[millerhifi]

You can but typing on the keyboard is much faster! Here are a couple of options:

http://www.cic.com/products/jot/
http://www.geocities.com/nagamatu/Newpen/index-e.htm
http://www.tealpoint.com/softscrp.htm

[tdibook]

I just called T-Mobile and they do NOT have the 650 yet? Can I still purchase one and have T-Mobile service me (since I am still under contract with them)?
Also, what would be the cheapest plan out there for me? Does one have to pay for the internet service as well? Can I pay by the minute instead?
Thanks!!!

[chris]

I just called T-Mobile and they do NOT have the 650 yet? Can I still purchase one and have T-Mobile service me (since I am still under contract with them)?

No, unfortunately the only Treo 650 is for Sprint. You'll have to wait for T-Mobile or jump to Sprint.

Does one have to pay for the internet service as well? Can I pay by the minute instead?

I'd recommend a data package. I have Cingular and pay $19.95 for unlimited internet. Factor this into your carrier decision if you decide to get a Treo. Unlimited internet allows you to browse the web, get auto email push, streaming audio and not worry about minutes.

Hope this helps.

Chris

[tdibook]

Does anyone have any idea when T-Mobile will be coming out with the TREO 650??? I am locked into a contract for quite some time now...

[chris]

No word on release dates for T-Mobile, Cingular or Verizon. I suspect that we'll see other carriers in January. Sign up for the newsletter and you'll receive an update as soon as they become available.

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[mikeylikesit]

Hey, my sprint contract has expired and am considering changing my phone. I have a Palm m515 now and would like to upgrade that also. A perfect solution would be a smart phone to "lighten my load".

I've been trying to read-up on the Treo 650 since I saw it at the Sprint Store. Most of the feedback from users is not good. Memory problems, Bluetooth headset problems, and bad phone performance with conversations clipped are concerniing me.

Should I wait for these bugs to get fixed? I read also that Cingular will offer the 650 pretty soon also. Has anybody had the above issues with their 650?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Mike