16, Jan, 2025
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PalmOne Treo 650 smartphone

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PalmOne’s second attempt at a converged device offers a host of smart improvements.
This is shaping up as the year of the smartphone. HP, iMate and Blackberry all have new models out, and PalmOne is back with a stellar follow-up to the Treo 600. The release of the Treo 650 comes a year after its predecessor, an age in an industry which tends to refresh product every three to six months.
Built around Intel’s PXA270 processor, the Treo 650 runs at 312MHz and has 22MB of non-volatile memory. The move to non-volatile RAM has also meant a new file storage system, NVFS. This is slightly less efficient than the DRAM in the Treo 600, and files stored on the new model actually require 33% more space, so users upgrading from a 600 may not be able to fit all the data on the new model. The quad-band device boasts a 300-hour standby time (6 hours’ talk) and can accommodate a removable battery ($70), allowing heavy users to carry a spare.
The Treo 650 is well configured, with an MMC/ SD/SDI/O slot at the top, next to an IR port, antenna, SIM slot and physical ringer switch. A slightly curved keyboard makes it relatively easy to type on, though larger fingers will still struggle. One of the major letdowns of the first release of the Treo was the lack of Bluetooth support. This has been rectified, opening up the device’s connectivity options.
Palm is offering the Treo 650 as a true multimedia device with a VGA resolution camera and 320 x 320 pixel backlit TFT display which remains clear and bright, even during outdoor operation. It runs on Palm OS 5.4 and features a solid suite of software including RealPlayer, VersaMail, a camcorder and an organiser that’s able to sync directly with Microsoft Outlook. Software is bundled for syncing under Windows 2000 and XP, and Mac OS 10.2 and 10.3 — but earlier Mac and Linux users are left out in the cold. However, the Palm OS is extremely popular and there are plenty of third-party applications available.
One of the best features of the 650 is that it can now communicate directly with an Exchange server to send and receive email on the road. Full POP/IMAP support is also included.
At 180g, the Treo 650, while considerably heavier than most mobile phones, isn’t as bulky as the first generation of converged devices and fits in the pocket comfortably. The integration with corporate email and inclusion of a removable battery and Bluetooth support has built on the already solid foundations set by the Treo 600.

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