Treo 750 questions

[Pav]

Bunch of Treo 750 questions:

Here's my situation/problem:
I'm locked into a T-Mobile contract until 05/2007 with a $200 early cancellation fee.
A few years ago, I bought an HP iPaq 6315 (GSM) running Windows PocketPC. Then, I bought a Delorme bluetooth GPS and the StreetAtlasUSA. I don't know why it took up to 10 minutes for the arrow to appear on the screen. It just did. (Slow PDA?, slow bluetooth?, slow GPS?).

A couple weeks ago, the iPaq died (microphone & speaker). PDA functions, just no audio (no MP3 either).

I moved the SIM to a backup phone - an old Samsung. Works well.

Here are the questions:
When the 750 comes out (09/12/06?), through Cingular, will it be locked or unlocked?
If locked, how can I unlock it so it'll work with my SIM on T-Mobile until my contract expires? And a general question about unlocked GSM phones: If the phone is unlocked, can I move to ANY carrier (and take my cell number with me)? Or am I restricted to only carriers that sell GSM phones? There may be some CDMA carriers left.

Will there be a 750w and a 750p? Or just one? Which one? Does anyone have the MSRP?

If both, will a Delorme Bluetooth GPS work with the 750p? If not, which GPS and mapping application work best with the Palm OS Treos? Opinions of TomTom vs. Mapopolis vs. all others are welcome, but I only need US Maps.

I'm leaning toward the 750p (if it exists). Is there any reason I should go to the 750w?

TIA

[chris]

Wow, lots of questions. I'll see what I can offer based upon what's out there...

When the 750 comes out (09/12/06?), through Cingular, will it be locked or unlocked?

The 750v will be either announced or released on 9/12/06. That will be available overseas through Vodaphone. There have been photos of the 750 running a Cingular "Welcome to Treo" type screens, confirming it does exist. This will run Windows Mobile 5. If Vodafone does indeed release around 9/12/06, then it's possible Cingular will release shortly thereafter. Nothing official from Palm, but a hunch based upon what we've seen in terms of rumor photos and buzz.

If locked, how can I unlock it so it'll work with my SIM on T-Mobile until my contract expires? And a general question about unlocked GSM phones: If the phone is unlocked, can I move to ANY carrier (and take my cell number with me)? Or am I restricted to only carriers that sell GSM phones? There may be some CDMA carriers left.

You would have to buy an unlocked version from Palm. This would allow you to use any SIM card in the phone. Moving numbers would be a question for your provider. My guess is Yes. Since you're locked with T-Mobile, this wouldn't be an issue. You'd be buying the phone without a contract.

Will there be a 750w and a 750p? Or just one? Which one? Does anyone have the MSRP?

Still unknown, but details should start to appear soon. Last I saw was a rumored $699 MSRP on the unlocked Treo 750. This was on Brighthand and was from an employee of some sort. Pure rumor stuff, but does make sense.

If both, will a Delorme Bluetooth GPS work with the 750p? If not, which GPS and mapping application work best with the Palm OS Treos? Opinions of TomTom vs. Mapopolis vs. all others are welcome, but I only need US Maps.

I'm a big fan of TomTom, after I did a review last year. With the release of TomTom 6 (maps preinstalled on SD Card), this should solve many of the installation problems. I'm not familiar with Delorme, so cannot comment on whether it will work or not.

I'm leaning toward the 750p (if it exists). Is there any reason I should go to the 750w?

Palm OS vs Windows. The everlasting debate. Check out my review of the 700w to get an idea of differences between the OS. I've also reviewed the 700p, which is Palm's latest offering.

You still have time to make a decision. Once the fall hits, things should become clearer on what new Treos are coming and the differences between them.

Good luck with your decision.

-Chris

[jh404]

hi,

i'm interested in the 750 treo smartphone...but don't know how i'll be able to use it in Canada. Are there different service provider requirements that prevent carriers in Canada from allowing service to phones that the carrier doesn't sell? If i can get my hands on one, is there any point? i hear that if you purchase an unlocked phone that you can use it with any service provider. Is this true?

Also, how much better is the 700 vs the 650 treo smartphones?

Sorry, i don't know much about technology but i'd really appreciate your help!

Thanks!!!!!
Jen

[Stillrockin]

hi,

i'm interested in the 750 treo smartphone...i hear that if you purchase an unlocked phone that you can use it with any service provider. Is this true?

Also, how much better is the 700 vs the 650 treo smartphones?

Sorry, i don't know much about technology but i'd really appreciate your help!

Thanks!!!!!
Jen

Hi Jen! Basically in North America, you have two standards. Verizon/Sprint use the CDMA standard and Cingular/T-mobile use the GSM standard. When someone speaks of an unlocked phone, it is "unlocked" to use on a GSM network. Any phone that requires a Sim card that is unlocked can be used on any GSM network.

How much better is a 700 than a 650? Its better, in that it has more memory, a tad bit better software selection out of the box, and high speed data capabilities. However, the 700 isn't currently offered on a GSM network . . . Palm just introduced the 750v in Europe. This is a WM device with an antenna-less design. Rumor has it, that this as well as a GSM Palm OS version will be available for GSM networks in the next few months. None of these rumors have been officially confirmed by Palm or anyone else for North America.