Definitely worth it
Written: Mar 08 '03 (Updated Mar 10 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Combo PDA, phone, internet & email
Cons: No expandable memory, Sprint (depends on your location)
The Bottom Line: Go for it, you'll love it. Just make sure Sprint covers your area.
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| phillyjgs's Full Review: Handspring Treo 300 Handheld |
This product is probably the ultimate in gadgetry out there right now. For those of us who dislike carrying multiple items (pda, phone, beeper) and like to remain connected (at least to our email at ANY time and at ANY place) then you should look at the Treo 300. The unit itself is slightly wider then the Palm competitors (approximately twice the size) and the processor speed just a touch slower (but noticeable). The height and length is the same as most other competitors out there right now. The extra width comes from the flip cover for the screen which also serves as a flip phone. I personally don't mind the extra width aspect, because I greatly appreciate the added screen protection.
The flip cover component which functions as your ear piece is a bit bulky and you will never look like the coolest kid on the block compared to the ultra small cell phones out there right now. The sound quality using the flip cover is adequate, but using the earpiece it is as perfect as any of my coworkers ultra-tiny cellphones.
The PCS vision plan offered by sprint for $10 month (unlimited data) I find very reasonable and downloads and browsing are surprisingly faster then you would think possible on a handheld. Of course you cannot get every site and complex sites using java script and flash animation are unavailable right now to browse. Some other sites may be only partially available. You can download a free program (Eudora) to have your email forwarded to if you don't want to pay for extra email service which works well, even inside skyscraper buildings. I personally love the ability to be able to check my email anywhere, anytime.
I have not experimented quite as much as some of the other treo 300 owners with third party software and programs, so I cannot comment on that aspect.
I was never a fan of the Graffiti system and the keypad is a much appreciated addition to the handspring product line. It is easy to use and facilitates data entry.
Sprint PCS coverage is outstanding in metropolitan areas but once you do leave highways and the major metropolitan areas it gets weak fast.
My service plan is similar to most cell phone plans and breaks down like this:
$45/month = 500 peak minutes with free night and weekend
$4/month = Insurance against theft, damage, breakage (fix or replace)
$10/month = PCS Vision plan = Unlimited data downloads, web browsing
A few negatives:
1.The system always defaults to the phone when you open up the flip screen to use any of the applications rather then the PDA which is sort of annoying but tolerable.
2.No expandable memory which heavy PDA users will find as a turn off. However, it does come standard with 16 MB which is probably enough for most anyone (assuming you don't have any game software on it).
3.The Treo 300 is supported by Sprint PCS completely and entirely. You will be forwarded to them if you call Handspring for support. The few times I have needed their help (I had some problems at first sending emails) it took me a while to get to the right person, but once I did I was able to get specialized help (ie these people are not just Sprint Phone technical help).
The bottom line:
For those of us who are extremely mobile (students, business, whatever) who would like one thing to carry and live in a metropolitan area that is covered by Sprint, you should consider the Treo 300.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 450
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Epinions.com ID:
phillyjgs
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Location: Atlanta, GA
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Physician and Creative Improviser
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