PALM TREO 755P VERIZON VCAST TOUCH SCREEN CDMA PHONE MP3 - NO CONTRACT REQUIRED (Refurbished - Like New) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Treo 755p to replace a Treo 650 that I had used for about a year and which was given to me. I've been using Palm PDAs since my first Handspring in about 1999 or 2000. Consequently, I'm pretty committed to remaining with the Palm OS and didn't want to, a). switch to one of the newer smart phones like Blackberry or iPhone. So much of the stuff I use is in the Palm language that I wasn't ready to start from scratch. For instance, I use Pocket Quicken to make entries while out and about and can sync with Quicken when at home. I love being able to do this, and nobody else has a mobile Quicken app(in fact, Quicken has discontinued licensing PocketQuicken thru Landware). In addition to the foregoing reasons, Palm Treos are just about the only smart phones that you can use on Verizon without signing up for an expensive data plan that I don't want. While I'd enjoy being able to access the web while away from home, it's not vital enough to me to prompt me to shell out $360/year for the priveledge.
All that being said, what do I think of the 755p? I've only had it a few days, but it seems to be everything I expected from it, and I like it. The only negative so far is the 'Mini' glitch I mentioned in the title. The Amazon.com listing said this phone has a memory card slot for "MICRO" SD card. However, when I received it, I discovered it actually takes a MINI card. At first I didn't think this was a big deal--until I actually tried to BUY one. You can find regular or Micro SD cards just about anywhere. But... I went to Wal-Mart, Meijer, H.H. Gregg, Radio Shack, and the Verizon Store and not a single one of them had even so much as an adapter that you could fit a Micro SD into. I live in Columbus, OH and can't believe in a city this size you can't find a Mini-SD card. (That is, without driving to the opposite side of town and trying MicroCenter). So, now I'm pretty miffed that the only way I can get a silly memory card for this phone is to mail order it. That's ridiculous, that Palm would design in a slot that uses a practically non-existent type of card.
Now to the positives: The primary reason I replaced the Treo 650 is it's reception. I work 45 miles east of Columbus, south of Newark (a small, to moderate sized city) in an office only 1/2 mile from I-70. On most days, I can barely use the 650 to make calls because it has only 1, or zero, bars of reception. I'm always dropping calls, and will frequently drive home and try to call to say I'm running late only to discover I can't place a call--or my phone has been off all day long because of a reset. I'm happy to report that I'm sitting at my desk with THREE whole bars, and haven't had any dropped calls so far.
I also like the somewhat more compact form factor, too. Although the specs say it's nearly the same size as the 650, it feels smaller in my hand, and the absence of the antenna stub is a plus, too. The 755p has 60Mb of internal memory, as compared to the 24Mb on the 650. This has allowed me to load most of the software I had on the 650, even though my mail order memory card won't arrive for another 3-4 days. I've still got half the available memory capacity available, and the PDA functions very quickly and smoothly. I use BackupBuddy, so everything that I had loaded to internal memory was transferred flawlessly to the new PDA. I haven't downloaded any pics that I've taken so far, but I think I'm going to like the higer rez camera that comes with the 755p. I always thought the 0.3 Mpix unit on the old Palm was pretty lame, and the new one has a 1.3 Mpix camera. While certainly not comparable to a standalone digital camera, at least the pics I take with this phone won't be dull, blurry blobs.
I would recommend this phone/PDA to anyone who really likes and utilizes their PDA functions and/or likes to be able to load up with Palm apps. As long as the Mini-SD slot isn't a major obstacle for you, you'll have no complaints. Make sure when ordering a Palm 700 or 755 that you look for the 'p' on the end. Otherwise, you may wind up with a Palm device that runs Windows Mobile (700w or 755w). Some may actually prefer this, but I would'nt for the first reason listed above. My wife has a Palm 700w and every time I pick it up to look up something in her calendar, I get frustrated trying to find my way around it. Maybe it would'nt be so bad after I got accustomed to it, but I don't like the OS as much as the Palm OS.
One other thing: In addition to the incorrect info on the mini/micro SD in Amazon's listing, I was also disappointed to learn the package did not include User Guides or software CD. I went back to see if they said it was included, and it turns out they never SAID it was included in the package--but you tend to expect this to be included. I had to download the software from Palm and print out the PDF User Guides on my own also. Not the end of the world, but an aggravation nonetheless.

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Palm 755p Phone, Burgundy (Sprint) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Treo 755p is an improved Treo 650.
Pros:
No external antenna.
EVDO - High speed data.
Cons:
Shorter battery life when compared to the Treo 650.
Does not feel as sturdy as the Treo 650.
Sprint disabled the phone as modem capability unless you purchase a data plan to allow this capability. (This capability was free with the Treo 650 after a number of consumers fought with Sprint to enable this capability.
Overall:
The Treo 755p is worth purchasing if you do not currently have a Treo device. If you have a Windows mobile version, I highly recommend this version due to the higher display resolution.
I only recommend this version for anyone that currently has a Treo if and only if they want to get rid of their external antenna and would like faster data speeds. Remember, if you currently use your phone as a modem you will have to pay an additional ~40.00 USD if you would like to keep this capability with the 755p.
Remember this is a smart phone and not a normal cell phone. There is a lot going on in this device and it will need to be restarted on occasion.

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Combining the software and features of the Treo 700p with the slimmer, antenna-less 680/750 form-factor, the Palm 755p from Sprint handles everything you want from a smartphone--direct push email (via Microsoft Direct Push Technology), powerful PIM organization, multimedia playback, and still photo and video capture. It operates on Sprint's North American CDMA voice network, as well as on Sprint's Mobile Broadband Network (EV-DO), which enables you to quickly access audio, video and data applications. The Treo 755p also features Google Maps for mobile, MiniSD memory card expansion, 1.3-megapixel camera, and Bluetooth connectivity for communication headsets.
For email, the Treo 755p now offers VersaMail 3.5.4 with built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support for Microsoft Direct Push Technology, which delivers automatic updates to Outlook email. Businesses connected to a Microsoft Exchange Server get fast, automatic wireless updates of email, calendar and contact information with added IT security and remote manageability. Also new to the Treo 755p is the Google Maps service for mobile, built into the Treo's ROM. You'll be able to get directions, perform local searches, and view moveable/scalable maps, satellite imagery, and traffic updates while on the go.
If your laptop is Bluetooth enabled, you can connect the Treo 755p wirelessly and enjoy dial-up networking (DUN)--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server--using Sprint's Mobile Broadband Network, which is available in more than 11,000 cities and 1,000 airports. With the power of EV-DO, you can also stream audio or video--such as from Sprint TV--or download ringtones, pictures, and video clips to your Treo smartphone or a MiniSD expansion card (sold separately). Where coverage is available, EV-DO connectivity provides average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps, with peak rates up to 2 Mbps.
Design At 5.64 ounces (160 grams), the 755p sheds nearly 12 percent of the 700p's weight (6.4 ounces), and it feels less bulkier in your pocket without the antenna stub. Under the hood, the Treo 680 features Palm OS 5.4.9, 64MB of non-volatile flash memory available for user storage, and an Intel PXA270 312 MHz processor. It also features a 320 x 320-pixel color touchscreen, full QWERTY backlit keypad, and application buttons (which are customizable). The expansion card slot is compatible with MiniSD cards, and supports up to 2 GB of memory (memory cards sold separately).
Other design features include an infrared port for line of sight data transfers, as well as a handy switch for turning off the phone's ringer. A five-way navigator controls most of the phone's menus and operating system functions, while quick application buttons on either side of the navigator get you to your favorite applications in a snap. The left side of the unit features a volume up/down toggle plus a handy user-customizable button that can be assigned to any phone or PDA function. The rear of the Treo 755p houses a loudspeaker, as well as the VGA camera unit. A touch-screen stylus can be tucked away on the right side of the phone. Meanwhile, a combined charging, data, and accessory attachment port is housed on the bottom of the unit, as is a standard 2.5 mm stereo headset jack.
Calling and PDA Features All of the Treo 755p's phone and PDA functions are designed to provide an integrated, seamless experience. For instance, you can type in the name or initials of a contact on the keypad to dial them. Or, use the touch-screen and stylus to copy information from an email and quickly paste it into another email or text message. You can view messages waiting in a preemptive alert window, and the favorites view is now in one vertical easy-to-see list. A large onscreen dial pad can be accessed on the color touch screen, and you don't need to go to another application to access the contact list--calling and contacts are all completely integrated. All of the latest phone features folks expect are built-in, too, like a handsfree speakerphone, polyphonic ringtones, a vibrate mode and picture caller ID. The capacity of the unit's address book is only limited by the amount of internal and expansion memory available.
The Treo 755p is also a fully functional Palm OS device. That means that a huge library of applications, from spreadsheets to word processors to games, can be added to the Treo 755p. Download, view, and edit Word and Excel compatible files, rehearse a PowerPoint presentation, even review PDF files, directly on the 755p's touchscreen. It's easy to perform multiple tasks like checking your calendar while talking on the phone or dialing calls directly from your contacts list. Familiar Palm OS software ships with the handset including calendar, calculator, clock, contacts, memo, and task management applications. Meanwhile, the unit's memory expansion slot allows you to transfer music, photos, and video from your desktop. Or, use it to load additional games and applications.
Fun and Games The integrated VGA digital camera included with the Treo 755p sports a 2x digital zoom, features automatic light balancing, can be used to capture video with 352 x 288 pixel resolution, and is outfitted with a handy self-portrait mirror function. If you want to take your tunes with you, the Treo 755p comes with the PocketTunes application, allowing you to load up all your favorite music on MiniSD memory cards, and enjoy MP3 music on the go. Plus, with the ever-expanding library of Palm OS compatible games and other entertainment applications, you'll never be at a loss for something fun to do during break time.
Vital Statistics The Treo 755p weighs 5.64 ounces and measures 2.3 x 4.4 x 0.84 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4.2 hours of talk time, and up to 240 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 850/CDMA 1900 frequencies for voice and CDMA2000 EV-DO for data. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

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palm Treo 755p Phone (Verizon Wireless, Phone Only, No Service) Review

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(More customer reviews)Treo 755 (Verizon) has the one of the best voice and sound quality that I have ever had in a cell phone. Since 1992, I have used 3 Motorola, 1 Kyocera, 1 Samsung, 1 Nokia and 1 HTC phones. Two of them were Windows Mobile based and really bad. Windows Mobile phones freeze all the time and although have lot of bells and whistles, most of the features don't work half the time. Palm software is much more intuitive to use and is more stable; but not without glitches. I have not been able to synchronize my calendar with Outlook on Treo. Keyboard on Treo 755p is cramped but you get used to it in a few days and begin to like it. The body is well contoured, clunky, fits nicely in hand and you can operate most functions, including keyboard, with one hand. Browser is bare minimum - you can't watch Youtube videos like you can on iPhone! Touchscreen is quick and responsive. Most applications are simple, unadorned but functional a.k.a. Google style.
My main requirement in a smartphone is the ability to use Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets, databases which I can do a lot better in Palm Treo than I could ever in Windows Pocket PC phones. They used to lock up. Two medical softwares that I use, UpToDate and Epocrates also work much better in Treo 755p than Windows Pocket PC phones. Web browsing is barely functional and nothing like iPhone but if you need to look up something on the web, you can do it.
My son has iPhone which I have used and seriously considered before buying Treo 755p. Unarguably, iPhone has the best user interface, is the best multimedia device and has beautifully designed mobile browser; but is not a reliable phone. AT&T signal and coverage are not as good as Verizon, the voice quality on iPhone not great, the iPhone cannot be used as a cellular modem (without hacking). Keyboard, with hard keys, is better in palm.
I have been able to use Treo 755p as a cellular modem with my laptop and have gotten speed in the range of 800-900 kbs. Overall I am satisfied with Treo 755p and consider it to be a good choice amongst the PDA phones - at least on Verizon & Sprint. Verizon has come out with Palm Centro now which is smaller and lot more pocketable.
Lot of people complain of Treo not being multitasking. But how many tasks can you do in device with such a small screen? Windows Mobile is multitasking and so unstable. Palm is a tried and true reliable platform. Who knows what Palm's next Linux based OS will be like? They tried their hand at Windows Mobile and the result is an unstable Windows Mobile device. More the third party applications you install, the slower the phone responds.
Therefore, my take on Smartphones and PDA Phones is:
1. Windows Mobile devices are awful and unusable most of the time.
2. Blackberries are primarily email devices with less PIM functionality and very little 3rd party software.
3. Symbian based devices like Nokia N95 are not that widely available on US carriers and neither are subsidized by them and don't have that much 3rd party software available. My experience with Nokia N95 is secondhand and I was not impressed.
4. iPhone is an awesome music and video player and has the best mobile browser but a below average phone. If you want an iPod with a great web browser and phone is secondary to you, then go for iPhone.
4. If you want a reliable phone with decent PDA functionality, palm devices are the way to go. Centro is compact & pocketable, an ideal PDA phone. Treo 755p is chunkier but still a good choice.

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