Perfect for those who are tired of carrying two devices
Written: Jan 30 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small size, consolidates Palm and phone for those who have both
Cons: Big price tag
The Bottom Line: This is a perfect choice for people who are away from a computer during the day and want to have access to their info and the internet.
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| mitch528's Full Review: Handspring Treo 300 Handheld |
I have had my Treo300 for about two weeks, and I LOVE it. I don't regret the $450 purchase one bit. For those of you looking into getting one, check out the review at www.the-gadgeteer.com/treo300-review.html - That's what convinced me to buy. Everything in that review turned out to be right on target. He has some good suggestions for software to get as well.
The software that comes with the Treo 300 is your basic PalmOS applications, as well as the Blazer web browser and an SMS application. Surprisingly, the SMS application does not let you compose new messages, only receive and reply. I highly recommend Treo300SMS from http://www.PDAapps.com - It adds the ability to create new SMS messages to the existing SMS application. Price: $19.95
Call quality is great, plus there is a speakerphone feature that allows you to set the phone down and keep a conversation going. You can even talk on the phone while you use other applications on the handheld (except wireless network programs). Battery life is a little disappointing... Handspring/Sprint claim that you can get a week out of a single charge, I can probably get two days before it died. However, it comes with a car charger, so that is a nice bonus.
I have been on a quest to load up my Treo with the best software to take advantage of it's capabilities, and here are my suggestions:
SnapperMail: A POP email program that allows you to send and receive email from your existing POP email account. It even supports attachments, so you can view attached photos and MS Office documents. Price: $35.95 http://www.snappermail.com
VeriChat: This is a "unified chat client" for the Treo. It allows you to use one program to connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and ICQ through one program at the same time. Catch: It's $24.95 for the program and that comes with one year of service. You will have to renew at $24.95 every year thereafter, or they have a $50 lifetime subscription. It's a great program, but I won't be using them enough to justify the price.
AOL Instant Messenger Palm Edition: This allows you to chat on the AOL Instant Messenger system from your Palm. Tip: AOL charges $19.95 for the latest version from their website, however www.palmgear.com has an older version that is free.
PalmMSN: Like above, this allows you to get on the MSN Messenger service. Get it free at www.palmgear.com (note that you also need to download JAVA software from Sun's website to make this program work, also free)
TreoAlertMgr: I upgraded to the Treo from a Motorola StarTAC. One of the things that I liked most about that phone was that it would remind me with a buzz or a beep if I missed a call or message. This little charm gives the Treo that same ability, and lets you customize how and how often it reminds you. Price: $9.95
SplashPhoto: I don't carry a wallet, and this program allows me to carry pictures of friends and family to show and share (you can beam them to other Palms). This program also works with the SnapperMail program to view pictures attached to email. Price: $19.99 www.splashdata.com
PocketQuicken: I have been using this for years. It replaces your checkbook and has all of the features of the desktop version of Quicken, plus the two synchronize when you HotSync. I have never been overdrawn since. Price: $39.95 www.landware.com
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 450
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Epinions.com ID:
mitch528
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
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