This is the future
Written: Apr 22 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: the ultimate communication device, integration with outlook, cutting edge programs
Cons: low battery life, clunky flip lid, expensive
The Bottom Line: If you NEED to be on IM and email 24 hours a day, get this device.
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| sukim's Full Review: Handspring Treo 300 Handheld |
Intro
I split my time between 3 metro areas for my work (LA, New York & Las Vegas), and needed a way to keep in touch with my business and personal contacts 24 hours a day via email, instant messaging, text messaging & phone. The Treo 300 is the first device that has ever given me full access to all 4.
Form Factor
It's not exactly ugly, but it's definitely not svelte. The shape of the Treo makes it awkward to use as a cellphone, and I always get a few laughs when using it as a phone because of it's large size (in comparison to other phones). I prefer to use it with the included headset and keep it in my pocket.
The flip lid on this the Treo 300 was a horrible design decision. It makes the phone about 20% thicker, and very fragile at the joint. The phone would be smaller and more durable without the flip. My first Treo broke at the joint of the flip lid after 6 months. Handspring has acknowledged that this is a very common problem in the Treo 300. Hopefully this will not happen on my replacement unit. I also read that this is a very common problem with Treo 300s on Treo message boards.
The Treo 300 as a Cellphone
Some people here have complained about Sprint PCS. However, I've used it for 2 years with very few complaints. I would guess that the complaints are more related to Sprint PCS coverage in specific areas than to Sprint service overall. Customer service has always been very helpful.
The Treo 300 performs well as a cell phone. Reception is on par with other Sprint PCS phones I have used in the past. My favorite feature on the phone is the integration with my MS Outlook Contacts folder. Allows an almost unlimited # of contacts in addition to the 50 included in the 1-touch dialing menu.
There are 4 menu screens for the phone:
1) 1-touch menu - includes 50 slots for 1-touch dialing
2) button menu - standard phone buttons
3) call history - shows last week or so of your call history
4) contacts menu - standard palm OS contacts, synchs with Outlook flawlessly
The Treo 300 as a wireless web device
To get the fullest in communication features from this phone, you MUST purchase appropriate software. The software included with the phone is very limited. I have done much research and have narrowed it down to 3 essential programs:
1) Treo SMS (available @ PDAapps.com) - This program allows Treo 300 users to send & receive text messages to any text-capable wireless phone. Might not sound like much, but the included software on the Treo does not allow you to send text messages at all! Also, Sprint PCS does not allow Sprint PCS users to read text messages from phones under non-PCS carriers at all. Thankfully, Treo SMS solves both these problems. With the addition of the qwerty keyboard, the Treo 300 Treo SMS is the ultimate text messaging phone.
2) Verichat available @ PDAapps.com - This is an instant messaging program which allows you to use Yahoo!, MSN, AOL & ICQ instant messenger programs on your Treo 300 simultaneously. Amazing! Think of it as Trillian for your Treo. A must-have app for instant messaging addicts. Unfortunately, this program is a big battery hog. Battery life drops dramatically while you're instant messaging.
3) SnapperMail (available @ SnapperMail.com) - This is the best wireless mail client available. Fully-featured, and very fast. Supports IMAP & POP accounts and allows you to delete messages from the server as well. You can even view and unzip attachments. Amazing! SnapperMail allows me to keep in touch with my clients via email while I'm on the road 24 hours a day.
Necessary Accessories
I highly recommend getting a leather glove-type carrying case for your Treo. I have one, and although the Treo is a fragile device, the leather casing gives offers decent protection from drops and good protection against cosmetic scratches. I recommend the $30 case from Case Techworks.
Also, make sure you sign up for Sprint's equipment replacement program when you purchase this phone. You don't want to be up the creek when you accidentally drop it in a puddle of water and end up with a $500 paperweight.
Conclusion
This is THE phone if you are a mobile individual who ALWAYS needs to be online. It will allow you to read/compose email, instant message on the road and send/receive text messages within or outside of the Sprint PCS network. Other phones may claim similar functionality, but this is currently the only device on the market that lets you do all 3 with the use of an integrated keyboard.
My only complaints are that the battery life could be better, and that the device is a bit fragile due to the clamshell design. I'm looking forward to future incarnations of the Handspring 300, but until then, I'm ultimately happy with my purchase. The future is now.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 499
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Epinions.com ID:
sukim
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Location: Las Vegas, NV
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 12 members
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