Treo 680

[glonmo]

Unfortunately, Palm still doesn't support Outlook synchronization on computers running Windows XP Media Center Edition!

[vrracr]

anyone know if the 680 is better/worse than the 700p? i really need a world phone and this seems to look really nice w/o antenna. i will switch to cingular if need be, as long as the 680 will have high speed internet and push email like wireless sync. the white looks hot!

[jreagles16]

treo 700p is a little better because has more user memory, better camera.

Downside is the color of 700p compared to the 680 and the anntenna. Also, the new phone screen is nice on the treo 680.

[chris]

I asked Palm the differences between the 700p and 680. With GSM Treo 650 watching Verizon/Sprint release the 700p / 700w/x, do they see the 680 as an upgrade for 650 owners. And, what are the main differences between the 700p vs 650. The response was the camera and lack of hi-speed internet. They found the "improved" VGA camera was more than sufficient for most peoples needs and helped cut costs. Browsing is said to be noticably improved through "smart caching".

-Chris

[chris]

Brighthand has a very good review and photos of the new 680. Recommended reading for those interested in the 680.

[cinderblock]

I think I will stick to my Treo 650 until they come out with a device that has Wireless Broadband capable of running Slingbox on. I may be waiting a long time. I may just have to make the leap to Windows Mobile which sux because I really like Palm Desktop and hate Outlook. But I want to be able to watch my TIVO from my Treo while waiting at the doctor's office and such. I hate waiting and I'm a TV addict. Also I want a better camera and to be able to use wireless hot spots and to be able to use my Treo to get my laptop on the Internet faster than a dial up connection. It is interesting to see the Treo 680's alliance with Flickr and Google Maps so it is really tempting but just a ploy to get me to spend my money and not wait for what I really want. So I'm going to try real hard not to succumb to this marketing technique and wait for the upgrades that I'm sure they are capable of delivering but want to squeeze us into buying each generation so they can get every last drop of our impulse cash. Forget that. Don't do it people.

[chris]

I think I will stick to my Treo 650 until they come out with a device that has Wireless Broadband capable of running Slingbox on.

The current 700w/wx is capable of running Slingbox. With regards to a Palm os based phone compatible with Slingbox, I think it's SlingMedia's place to develop the app. They have been promising Mac users a desktop client for over 10 months, so I wouldn't have high hopes for a Palm OS version. I recently set up SlingBox using Virtual PC and use the Motorola Q to watch via SlingMobile. It's got some "wow" factor to it, but I'm not that sure how much I actually use it.

[cinderblock]

Yeah I do wish SlingMedia would get off their arses and develop a palm app but then you really need better streaming capacity than the 650 has. Is 680 any better? It doesn't have Evdo right? I'd really like to know how to do the work around you mentioned. Would it work on a Treo 650?

[chris]

ut then you really need better streaming capacity than the 650 has. Is 680 any better?

I don't believe the streaming will be different. According to Palm reps, the browsing will "feel" faster to to "smart caching".

It doesn't have Evdo right?

Correct. EDGE

I'd really like to know how to do the work around you mentioned. Would it work on a Treo 650?

The workaround was related to getting Sling up and running on a Mac. To do so, I installed the Sling software on Virtual PC and did all of the configuration there. I'm able to access my Slingbox via Virtual PC and by using Sling Mobile on the Motorola Q. I haven't used it other than showing family -- the old "hey, look at this..". The jury is still out on the practicality of Slingbox for me. There is something very cool about controlling your Tivo from anywhere. Although I really wanted to use it last weekend, while out of town and the thing didn't work.

-Chris

[cinderblock]

Thanks for your reply. I wish I had a Mac. Very soon I'm going to make the switch because I edit video and it's so much easier on a Mac. Anyway, for me SlingBox is awesome because I toured with my band for 4 months out of this year so far and I needed quality TV to unwind in Motels after the show (I don't drink!). It worked great. Most motels barely have basic cable and I refuse to waste my time watching crap. With Tivo I record all the good stuff and with SlingBox and the motels' wireless internet I could calm my nerves to Deadwood or Weeds whenever I wanted. I just wish I could use it on my Treo during those 10 hour drives across Nebraska. If Treo is hooking up with Flickr and Google it seems a natural alliance to hook up with SlingMedia as well.