This review is not very formal and is basically some random observations after owning the 700w for two weeks.

I migrated to Verizon from Cingular, where I had an Ericson T616. I also own an Ipaq 3835 (decent device, very dim screen), so I'm familiar with the Windows OS.

I considered a Treo 650 for a while - the screen resolution was probably the main thing that was bothering me when comparing the two, but as I learned more about the differences, I realized that the 700 was the clear choice. Cingular does not offer "broadband" access, and this was probably the deciding factor. When I tested a 650 in-store, the internet browsing was simply intolerable. I also realized that you cannot multi-task on a Palm OS, and many reviews stated that the device was unreliable, doing resets at unwanted times.

The 650 screen does look a bit better, but coming from an Ipaq 3835, the 700w screen looks AMAZING. I was so used to that dark screen, that I am just thrilled with the brightness of the 700's screen. I use the setting that is one notch under brightest. VERY happy with the display.

Phone clarity is good. I find that my overall reception is better and the call just sounds louder and clearer. I always had trouble hearing with the T616.

The phone does have problems. Bluetooth, for example, seems totally erratic. Many times I have turned bluetooth on, got into my car (Acura TL with handsfree link), and found that it just shut itself off. Other times bluetooth was on, but it just would not pair with the car. Sometimes I can turn it off and back on and it will work, other times I have to do a soft reset. I don't know if this is a problem with the phone or the car, but I know that my T616 bluetooth connection worked every time. The Treo is also very
slow to pair (up to 15 seconds vs. immediately with the T616). Once paired, the call sounds fine.

The camera is not as good as everyone makes it out to be. I'm aware that its sort of a bonus feature, but the photos are really yellow and washed out looking. Its sufficient for a head shot for your contacts, but that's about it. The video quality is even worse.

The battery life is terrible. Last night I did a full charge which completed around 11pm. when I turned on the phone at 7:30 am it was down to about 70%. You'll find that you must have a charger with you at your office and your car, and you'll need to constantly top it off. I'm aware that the bright screen is a real drain, but this thing just sucks up juice.

One of the main reasons I got this phone was to have internet connectivity wherever I am. Web browsing is far from perfect with the default browser, but its tolerable. I get widely varying speeds depending on my location, sometimes as slow as 50 kbps and as high as 890 kpbs. I find that I have to change my view (desktop vs. one column) depending on the sites I visit. Most sites do load. There are a lot of key features missing from the browser, especially remembering IDs and passwords, which is really annoying. Favorite management is also very weak. I'll probably look into Opera's browser, but it seems to be in a very early beta stage at this time. Overall, the internet
experience is tolerable, but has a LONG way to go.

I installed two different task managers: magic button and vbar. Both work OK but do have some bugs. You really need one to help manage and close your tasks.

I also purchased IM+ for instant messaging. I use it for AOL IM and its OK. It also has problems, but it pretty much gets the job done.

I use POP3 e-mail to check a few of my accounts. It sucks that the device cannot poll all of them - it only polls the account that is currently active. You'll have to keep switching accounts and do a manual send/receive to check your other accounts.

The operating system is reasonably stable, but you will have to do soft resets every so often. I guess this is to be expected.

Overall I am happy with the phone. There is much room for improvement but this thing sure does a lot.

Comments welcome.