Palm Treo 680

Considering the proliferation of "smartphones" in the market, many now touting WIFI, 3G network speeds, thin form factors and now the Apple iPhone, one would think Palm Treos are dead. While I must admit, my first experiences with the Treo 650 were disasters--5 of them kept power-cycling off-and-on--the 680 is a dream. The screen display is bright and easy to read 9 point type, the keypad is comfortable for typing quick emails and texting, the layout of the control keys is logical and easy to press and, finally, a phone manufacturer created a solid feeling metal and plastic PDA. Amazing. As RIM, Motorola, Samsung and others have downsized their phones and added more plastic, Palm's Treo 680, though bigger, fits comfortably in the "palm" of your hand, the stub antenna is gone and it sports a 300+mhz processor speeding up program loading and browser operation. The Versamail email client is quick to program and use on POP3, IMAP and Exchange Server/Lotus Domino servers, there's additional internal memory--more than the 650--plus the usual memory card expansion slot. Only a couple of complaints. You need to press the center D toggle button straight in to engage it without errors. And Palm decided to use a less powerful, thinner battery to make the 680 slightly thinner than the 650. Charging it overnight, however, is not a major drawback, plus Palm's new cradle charges a second battery and the phone simultaneously. I didn't test the phone on my Mac but you can sync your 680 to either a PC or Mac. So, while the current Apple crowd drools over Steve Jobs' new iPhone--and interviewers proclaim the death of the Treo--I say get yourself a Treo 680. You won't be disappointed.

I have had 3 treos the 600, 650, and now the 680. I like the the functionality that the treo offers. Incorporating the PDA with the phone is great. Being able to sync with my computer is a real time saver as well. My only complaint is the phone reception. I live in the west and the reception (Cingular) could be better. My wife's nokia has better reception. That being said the 680 is a big improvement over the 600 and the 650.

I love the design and feel of the Palm 680. I think it's even developing some sort of cult following. It's very easy to use including the keyboard (unlike what some reviews say on the net). The phone is highly customizable and, most importantly, it's SAR rating is very low. What is it, you ask? It's how much cancer-causing radiation it gives your ear/head.

The screen is large and colorful. Brightness can be adjusted from power-saving low to radiant high settings. The battery holds it's charge for at least two days with medium use if it's properly conditioned at the start. There are many features that can be tweaked to prolong the battery life (like setting the screen to turn off after 15 seconds, and many more).

Palm features a very useful set of applications. I mostly use the calendar, alarm, notes, to do lists, email, and sometimes play Jewel Quest (that eats most of my battery charge).

Email and Internet:
Palm Treo 680 can be "sinked" with your Email client (like Gmail) which means that it will periodically connect to the net and download your Emails. It's different than Blackberry type products because there is no service that will send emails directly to the phone for you. The phone has to connect on it's own according to a schedule and connection preferences that you set. I think that for an extra charge you can get a "push" service added to the Treo.

I got my palm for two reasons: I really liked the simplicity and efficiency of the Palm operating system and I needed a phone that can work abroad on native networks (GSM type/phone has a removable sim card). Reason? If I buy a sim card, for example, in Ukraine and use a local company instead of going through my service provider, it's almost 10 times cheaper!!!!

This can only be done with an "unlocked" phone. I'm sure there is a guide that explains this concept on ebay, but shortly: Unlocked phones can be bought directly from Palm and can be set up on any service provider that uses GSM technology (like AT&T or T-Mobile in the US). Or, some phones may be unlocked by inputting a code into the phone. Many like that are sold on Ebay. My phone was the latter kind.

Finally, to be fair, here are the CAVEATS:
If you're REALLY into mobile Email, this is not the phone for you. Email is more like a nice bonus on this phone. Get a blackberry instead.

You can definitely have fun with music on this phone, but there are better phones for music out there. Or, get an Ipod.

Finally, Internet. This model has no WiFi, so surfing will be slower. Also it's an extra $30 bucks for that service while Email access is only $6.

I hope you've enjoyed this review. Overall it's a great phone/PDA. You won't regret it. Also has a good re-sale value!