Treo 750 Review: Conclusion

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Thread SMS features chat-style text messaging
• Sound quality using both microphone and speakerphone
• New form factor combined with antenna-less design really provides for the lightest, smallest Treo to date eclipsing even the Treo 680
• Improved QWERTY keyboard and call/hang-up buttons
• Reset button more accessible through miniSD slot
• Today interface still provides great overview of calendars,tasks, messages and easy calling options using photo speed dial
• miniSD card cover protects against loss
• Bluetooth support for A2DP allowing for Bluetooth stereo headphones
• Camera produces vibrant images for 1.3 megapixel
• Software bundle encompasses neccessary business applications and multimedia
• WiFi support using third party miniSD WiFi card
• Support for dial-up-networking

Cons

• UTMS slow compared to EVDO
• Speakerphone produced crackle at high volumes
• 240x240 screen
• Menu navigation can become cumbersome for certain tasks
• WiFi not built-in
• Mac support requires third party software

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The Treo 750 represents the latest Windows Mobile based Treo smartphone from Palm and the first to be available on GSM networks in the US (Palm released the Treo 750v in Europe through Vodafone). In the Treo 750, Palm has delivered a smartphone that offers impressive design and build quality. The Today screen is an ideal interface for anyone managing a busy work schedule, while providing easy access to contacts. With an impressive software bundle and support for corporate email through ActiveSync, the Treo 750 is a smartphone for individuals looking for a mobile office. Overall, the Treo 750 is well designed business class smartphone, but one that still has room for improvement. Despite many new features, including support for A2DP, I was disappointed with the speed of UTMS relative to EVDO. The Treo 750 is upgradeable to HSDPA, however no update has been announced by either Palm or Cingular Wireless.

Pricing and Availability

The Palm Treo 750 is available in exclusively through Cingular Wireless. Prices start at $399 (after rebates with a 2-year contract).