Considering Treo 650 or 680

[larrytxeast]

I am about to be a first-time smartphone user. I've used old-fashioned "phone only" cellulars for sometime, now with the occasional texting I do (say, 10 texts a day or so, to family/friends) and the need for mobile web browsing and checking email (Gmail, POP3 access desired), I'm looking to get a Palm Treo 650 or 680.

I was going to get the iPhone, I loved its web browser, but when I found out it won't copy-paste, that killed it for me, much of what I do all but requires it. Besides, I'm starting out, and something like a 650-680 would be less of a waste of funds with obselescence etc, I figured; the iPhone is rumored to be in line for a major replacement.

At any rate, I have used a Palm Pilot (Zire 21) before, so I have experience with the Palm OS interface. I do like the touch screen way of operation, and I figure Opera Mini (or Piscal, whatever) would let me upgrade the web browsing experience.

My main questions are:

(1) I was mentioning getting a Treo 650 when someone said the Centro would be better. I figure to use AT&T, they don't have the Centro, so I was leaning towards the 680. I realize the 680 has more memory, any other reasons the 680 would be better?

(2) Palm OS, I could be wrong, it seems to be emerging as "the OTHER" OS out there, compared to Windows Mobile or Apple OS X. (Heck, the Treo 755 is Windows Mobile.) Is the support for it still high, would investing in software and getting used to how it works be a waste if Palm OS is drying up? Or is that platform still widely supported & used?

(3) The programs that come with the 680 would facilitate my checking Gmail with POP3 access, correct? (Or I assume many would be available for download.) And for occasional editing of Word/text editing, is this a model that can handle this?

Any other tips? I appreciate your help.

LRH

[benjie]

I would go with the 680 if you are wanting the Palm OS. I frankly believe the Palm OS is still viable, as it works well and is simple to use. The platform is still widely supported and there are lots of applications for it. The Windows platform is growing, but still not up to the Palm OS yet. As for editing word, et cetera - I use Documents To Go for extended periods every day, both the spread sheet and the DOC functions and let me say that it works well. I also use HanDBase for an extended period each day and it also works well. I also use ChatterEmail from 6:30A to 10P each day...

Ben

[porto35]

Treo 680 still expensive and the battery is suck (last one day for normal use) comparing it with Treo 650 last 3 days. The signal is also weaker. You can have a brand new 650 for $120 from Ebay.I bought 3 used Treo 650 for less than $50 each shipped from Ebay. AT&T now has Centro Gsm and the price is shooting the sky. But if you sign 2 years and activate it with Fry's Electronic store , it cost you $50 after rebate

[benjie]

A lot of it depends on usage. I used my 700P for work and the same with the Centro. With the amount of usage I put the devices through, neither lasts anywhere near a day. I had a 650 (2 replacements) and was never happy with it. Lack of available memory, db cache caused a lot of problems. The 700P was a vast improvement and the 680 even better. If you can, I would recommend looking at a Centro - it really is an excellent device.

Ben