Treo 700w Design Issues

[treo_user]

Thought I'd start this thread to list out issues for the next version of Treo. One may have been started, but a search didn't yield any results. Feel free to append to this list. I'm curious what others have found during their day to day usage.

First I'd like to say that I love the Treo 700w. It's everything that I need! I've researched this thing extensively before I bought it, and wouldn't trade it for any other device - except for a new and improved 700w!


1. Reset button requires removal of the battery cover. Aftermarket covers are availabe, but a simple hole for the pen should have been included as stock.

2. SD Chip is located in a horrible location. Most users including me don't have reason to remove the chip on a daily basis. Why not locate it inside the battery compartment or somplace inconspicuous. ISSUE: Everythime I push the Treo firmly into my belt case, the chip pops out. At first I hadn't realized it until I went to remove the Treo from my belt case. The chip could have easily fallen out and either got broken or lost.

3. Side Volume Control - could use something raised between the increase/decrease buttons to distinguish between the two. In meetings when I try to adjust the volume, it is difficult to "feel" my way around. Inconvenient, especially when I'm preoccupied with everything else that's going on around me.

4. Internal Memory - by far the worst problem, and it's pathetic. Especially for the capability of this awesome device. I am constantly shutting down programs that I use very frequently, and it's becoming a hassle in order to keep response time tolerable or to prevent it from freezing up.

[skipster]

I have an issue with the outdated processor. When "real" WinMob deviices are dhipping with 6-700 mhz orocessors, we get a piddling speed. One would think that the "always on" phone and internet would dictate a faster processor. I plan on testing overclocking soon, to see if it helps. I'll report results.

[kevinmg]

This program should help you with #1: http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=14504

SD Location...I'm a bit mixed about the location. It's definitely convenient if you have to change the card...like if you have a wi-fi card you're swapping out every now and then. IMO, behind the battery door would be much less convenient...albiet a bit safer!

Side Volume...The buttons are definitely small, but i'm alright with that...personally, it keeps me from bumping them inadvertantly.

Memory....yeah, they definitely could have done more in this department.

[Drew]

The expansion card has to be external -- not everything people might plug into the SD slot is going to be the size you desire. Try plugging a GPS receiver into the battery compartment -- or a WiFi card. Basically anything that requires a greater profile than the actual card slot would be disallowed under your design theory.

[TreoDan]

By far the most aggravation I have had – numerous times – is turning the back light on by having to use the OFF button --- which BTW, is also the HANG UP button.

EERRGGG!! I have hung up so so many people simply by wanting to view call duration, or look up a contact, or .... but, because of the training ingrained, I automatically punch the HANG UP.
Can’t be that hard (or that obvious to ANY human-factors review they must have done) to use the OK button or center button, or as with all my other phones ANY button except the OFF.:mad:

Once that is fixed, I anticipate other aggravations – but for now, they all pale to this one.

[kevinmg]

Originally Posted by TreoDan

By far the most aggravation I have had – numerous times – is turning the back light on by having to use the OFF button --- which BTW, is also the HANG UP button.

EERRGGG!! I have hung up so so many people simply by wanting to view call duration, or look up a contact, or .... but, because of the training ingrained, I automatically punch the HANG UP.
Can’t be that hard (or that obvious to ANY human-factors review they must have done) to use the OK button or center button, or as with all my other phones ANY button except the OFF.:mad:

Once that is fixed, I anticipate other aggravations – but for now, they all pale to this one.

usually if you just tap the screen, it all lights back up if you've got a call in progress...i know it takes a little time to remember that, because i've hung up on people like that too :redface:

[MystaMax]

Dan use the windows key while in calls to wake the screen, not the power button.

I don't think theres anything wrong with location of the reset button. It shouldn't be easily accessible. Nothing that can possibly wipe my phone should be easy to get to.

The SD card slot is perfect where it is, as its not only used for Data storage. remember people use this slot for GPS devices, Wifi Cards, and all sorts of other cards.

My problems with the phone have nothing to do with the design of it, which I think is almost perfect (except for screen size and/or resolution). It has a lot to do with the programs that run on it. IMO I think the Messaging tools especially email is just terrible, give outlook a bad name. I wish I could uninstall outlook and powerpoint, as I'll probably never use powerpoint. Outlook doesn't allow the full capabilities of IMAP4 (makes IMAP pointless on a WM5 device). I've got others, but I'll stop here.

[StevenTyson]

A few issues, but all are absolutely acceptable except the complete lack of system memory. Every day I must either reset or shut down programs to load new programs. This is unexcusable, because when the inevidable upgrade to the unit happens in a few months, the memory probably is an issue we are stuck with.

[treo_user]

Agreed, that the card slot may be in a relatively good position, as some of you have noted. But rather than think selfishly ;-), why not a compromise that would be in everybodys best interest? By recessing the slot, or perhaps by including a removable hinged or snap on/off door, all potential problems would therefore be eliminated. It really is a hassle for those of us who frequently use the Treo in their belt case, to be extremely sensitive to the fact that any little nudge will surely eject whatever card is inserted into the slot!


Don't want to beat a dead horse, but major frustration sets in: memory in this thing plain and simple sucks! Clearly, the lamest, dumbest decision ever made by a team of developers.



Oh, and to clarify the side-volume control issue: It's not the size and position that are the problem - it's the lack of differentiating between the two buttons. Again, I would propose something like a raised separator inbetween the increase and decrease controls, so that one can feel their way around while adjusting the volume.

[mcts]

It looks like memory is a big issue. I'm about to buy a treo 700w. Is there any one who knows when a new release of treo 700 series will come out? Thanks in advance.