Just got 680

[salgud]

I received my new Treo 680 today. So far, pretty neat, except the phone won't work because, well, it's a long story, but I have no SIM card until tomorrow. But I've been playing with the other features anyway. So far, so good!

I've done a lot of reading online, read a bunch of reviews before I picked this one. Mostly I just want a cell phone and Palm in one unit, don't really need the net or email on it for now. But it's nice to have it in case my needs change.

I would like suggestions on a few things.

1. What are the 2 or 3 software enhancements that you think are most useful/important to make the Treo work better? I read in some of the reviews that the phone isn't loud enough, but I can't make a call until tomorrow so I won't know until then. The ringer is certainly loud enough! But I'm looking for suggestions like that. I'm not looking for Palm accessory software at this time - I already have and will install DateBk, HandyShop, Progect (if it works, haven't found it on a compatibility list yet) and some of my other favorites. More looking for stuff to make the phone better.

2. What are the most useful accessories? I'm planning on getting a case to protect it (I'm hard on electronics). I definitely want to play music, so I want to get a SD card, 2 or 4 gig. What helps with that?

3. What are the things you know now about your Treo 680 you wish you knew then? Please, I'm not interested in someone bashing it - I'm sure there are some dissatisfied customers out there, either with AT&T and/or with Palm/Treo. I've already read as much of that as I can find, and I think I know the shortcomings of both, as much as one can second-hand. I'll find out that stuff soon enough! But constructive ideas on how to make use of it and things to avoid.

Thanks in advance to those who participate! Looking forward to learning more about my Treo!

[Stillrockin]

Originally Posted by salgud

1. What are the 2 or 3 software enhancements that you think are most useful/important to make the Treo work better? I read in some of the reviews that the phone isn't loud enough, but I can't make a call until tomorrow so I won't know until then. The ringer is certainly loud enough! But I'm looking for suggestions like that. I'm not looking for Palm accessory software at this time - I already have and will install DateBk, HandyShop, Progect (if it works, haven't found it on a compatibility list yet) and some of my other favorites. More looking for stuff to make the phone better.

Chatter email is one of my favorites. If you have access to IMAP protocol, and use multiple email accounts, this is a great upgrade to Palm's versamail! I have summary screen that allows me to see all my email from one screen and can create folders to move my mail around right from my treo! Great App! I also like quicknews for reading RSS feeds. Boopsie is freeware and pretty powerful stuff for pulling stuff from the net to your Treo. I watch movies using the The Core Player. I also turn my Treo into a modem using PdaNet! Very handy when you don't have a wireless network handy

Originally Posted by salgud

2. What are the most useful accessories? I'm planning on getting a case to protect it (I'm hard on electronics). I definitely want to play music, so I want to get a SD card, 2 or 4 gig. What helps with that?

SD Cards, Cases, and Chargers would be my short vote. Your Treo came with a version of pTUNES! I would recommend you upgrade to the pro version of that or check out Kinoma's player.

Originally Posted by salgud

3. What are the things you know now about your Treo 680 you wish you knew then? Please, I'm not interested in someone bashing it - I'm sure there are some dissatisfied customers out there, either with AT&T and/or with Palm/Treo. I've already read as much of that as I can find, and I think I know the shortcomings of both, as much as one can second-hand. I'll find out that stuff soon enough! But constructive ideas on how to make use of it and things to avoid.

Thanks in advance to those who participate! Looking forward to learning more about my Treo!

I am very pleased with my 680! There were things I know now that I knew going in! One is Edge data! Painfully slow compared to Sprint/Verizon! But when you look at price vs performance, the 680 is a solid device! ( Apple's iPhone is $600 with a two year and runs on Edge also) another complaint that I have is Palm's lack on innovation. I have been a Palm OS user for many years now! The OS has barely changed since the 600. Yes, I would like WiFi! With unlimited data, this is not huge, but I see it on every Windows mobile device out there, and do see some advantages to having it! You have to reset the device from time to time, and I miss the reset hole on my ole 650! It was much easier than having to remove the battery on the 680. On the other hand, I like how they moved the SD slot from the top of the 650 to the side of the 680. I believe this is a much better design. No volume problems with my 680! But I had them with the 650! Sorry for the lack of links as usually I attach links to software in my notes. Pressed for time this morning! Enjoy the 680!

[lmw]

congrats on your new treo - once you get used to it you will like it.

I use volumecare to boost the volume on my 680 - not absolutely necessary, but it does work. It also allows you to lower the mic volume - the treo tends to pick up a lot of background noise when you're on a call and my husband is always complaining that he can't hear me. Lowering the mic volume helps.

I realize you're not asking for additional software titles, but I highly recommend you get a backup program right away. I use resco backup, which I consider to be a necessity. Reset doctor can help you determine program incompatibility (like when your treo keeps resetting itself), and is also very useful.

Other enhancements - I use Launcher X and am very happy with it. I tried Zlauncher and didn't like it at all. I use Dialbyphoto as my main phone app - also have TakePhone but stopped using it because it makes my treo laggy. I use Mundu for IM and MiniTones to create personal ringtones.

There are tons of other great apps out there - take your time and use the trials before you shell out the cash.

Get a good SD card - mine is 2g but is fine for my needs.

Have fun!

[salgud]

I appreciate your replies. I plan on buying a case first, since I sometimes drop PDAs/phones and need to protect it. Then upgrade to DateBk6 for sure. And get at least a 2G SD card for music and pix. I already checked to see if Backup Buddy is compatible, so it will be one of the first apps I install!

Your suggestions will help me go from there. It will save me a lot of time and energy figuring out what things to buy and what to skip.

[Geo]

I just got my 680 also. So far it was great out of the box and I got the updates and downloads.
Right away, I miss the battery life that was on my 650.
I was wondering if there was another update for battery other than the camera fix?

[rlyons]

One has made mine last much longer.

Turn off the automatic clock setting feature. It apparently spends its entire life verifying the time... eating the battery.

Also... I work in radio and the GSM Bzzt Bzzt that bleeds on some equipment is much much less.