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| Palm Treo 650 |
| General |
| Network | Gsm 850 / Gsm 900 / Gsm 1800 / Gsm 1900 |
| Announced | 2004, 4q |
| Status | Available |
| Size |
| Dimensions | 113 X 59 X 23 Mm |
| Weight | 178 G |
| Display |
| Type | Tft Touchscreen, 65k Colors |
| Size | 320 X 320 Pixels, 44 X 44 Mm |
| | - Backlit Qwerty Keyboard
- Five-way Navigation Button |
| Ringtones |
| Type | Polyphonic, Mp3 |
| Customization | Download, |
| Vibration | Yes |
| | - Ringtones Can Be Assigned To Contacts |
| Memory |
| Phonebook | In Shared Memory, Photo Call |
| Call Records | Yes |
| Card Slot | Sd/sdio/mmc, |
| | - 23 Mb Built-in User Available Memory
- Intel Pxa270 312 Mhz Processor |
| Data |
| Gprs | Class 10 (4+1/3+2 Slots), 32 - 48 Kbps |
| Hscsd | No |
| Edge | Yes |
| 3g | No |
| Wlan | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Infrared Port | Yes |
| Usb | Yes, Usb Hotsynch (cable Included) |
| Features |
| Os | Palm Os V5.4 |
| Messaging | Sms, Mms, Email |
| Browser | Html |
| Games | Yes |
| Colors | |
| Camera | Vga, 640x480 Pixels, Video |
| | - Mp3 Player
- Full Pim Functionality
- Calendar, Tasks, Memos, World Clock
- Built-in Handsfree |
| Battery |
| | Removable, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
| Stand-by | Up To 300 H |
| Talk Time | Up To 6 H |
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Palm - Treo 650Palm and RIM Bring BlackBerry Connect to Treo 650 Smartphone
Palm and Research In Motion (RIM) today announced that they are working together to bring BlackBerry Connect to the Palm Treo 650 smartphone. The companies expect the solution to be available in the United States and internationally starting in early calendar 2006.
Through RIM's BlackBerry Connect licensing program, Palm will enable its Treo 650 and future Palm OS based Treo smartphones with secure, push-based wireless email via BlackBerry Enterprise Server . The solution will enable the following:
- push-based email using BlackBerry Connect with Palm's VersaMail email client;
- support for Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Domino;
- wireless calendar synchronization;
- remote address lookup of corporate email directory;
- convenient email-attachment viewing;
- Triple DES encryption; and
- IT policy enforcement and commands (such as remotely disabling or wiping email and PIM data from a device in the event it is lost or stolen).
The award-winning Palm Treo 650 smartphone makes it easier than ever for mobile professionals to stay connected. With carrier activation, the Treo 650 combines a compact, full-featured mobile phone with email, an organizer, messaging and web access, allowing users to organize and simplify their business and personal lives all in one place. The Treo 650 offers integrated Bluetooth wireless technology, a high-resolution screen, multimedia capabilities, a removable battery, non-volatile memory and a backlit QWERTY keyboard.
BlackBerry Connect will be available for new and existing Treo 650 users through select carriers. Pricing and distribution details will be provided at a later date.
Palm Treo 650 (CDMA) Phone (Sprint / Verizon Wireless)
The Palm Treo 650 gives professionals all they need to stay connected and in touch. It simplifies customers' lives by combining a compact, full-featured phone with email, organizer, messaging and web access. With Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Memos and more, the Treo 650 lets users simplify their business and personal lives all in one place. Users can dial contacts by name or enter a number on the QWERTY keyboard or on-screen dial pad...
Introduction
As staples among busy professionals, the Treo, iPAQ, and BlackBerry lines have been the epitome of business on the road. With PDA / phone combinations, travelers can stay in touch with the office without losing productivity.
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Having loyal followers, the Treo 650 has been a much anticipated release from Palm. Being released for Sprint, the Treo 650 has high expectations as the successor to the hugely popular Treo 600.
Externally, the Treo 650 differs little from the Treo 600. And with the runaway popularity of the Treo 600, features that made it so successful a year ago were kept; while minor improvements made sure the Treo 650 will please the Palm faithful as well as turn a few converts.
Design
Visually functional as it is beautiful, the Treo 650 features clean lines and a sense of professionalism that makes it ideal for the business environment.
Retaining the basic form of the Treo 600, at 4.4 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches and 6.3 oz, the Treo 650 is practically identical in size and weight; being large enough to type comfortably while small enough to carry with convenience.
On the front, the 65K color screen displays information at 320 x 320 pixels; significantly sharper and higher resolution than the Treo 600's 160 x 160 pixel screen. A familiar QWERTY keypad is located below with minor improvements to allow effortless typing. Slightly curved for ergonomic design, the Treo 650 conforms more naturally to the placement of the hands, making emails simpler to type on the larger keys than ever before. Additionally, messaging in the dark is much easier with the improved backlight; illuminating the keypad clearly with a bright white glow. To navigate through the menu structure, a 5-way keypad is conveniently placed above.
The back of the Treo 650 sits the lens to the built-in VGA camera, capable of capturing photos at 640 x 480 px. A mirror next to the lens provides a reference when taking self-portraits. A speaker is located on the back as well; used for everything from ringers, to alarms, to the handsfree speakerphone. Additionally, a battery release door is a much welcomed sight, allowing users to swap replacement batteries if need be. Previous models contained permanently-attached batteries.
For ease, volume and side buttons are positioned on the left; providing quick access to useful functions such as playing or pausing MP3 files, or reprogramming to open up frequently used applications.
On the bottom, consumers can go handsfree with a stereo 2.5mm headset jack, or connect the USB sync cable and AC charger to the multi-connector port. The stylus, infrared port, expansion card slot, and ringer switch are placed along the top.
Camera
In times of need when a picture would save a thousand words, the Palm Treo 650's built-in 330K pixel VGA camera is able to capture photos at sizes of either QVGA (320 x 240 px), or VGA (640 x 480 px) resolutions, providing 16-bit color depth at 64K colors.
When taking pictures, the screen becomes the viewfinder; with the lower portion displaying useful information such as available memory. Shutterbugs can get closer to the action with the 2X digital zoom, which opposed to optical zoom, merely crops the image.
Should users want to take self-portraits, or just be included in the pictures; a mirror located beside the lens can be used. Additionally, filters and controls such as Special Effects (Normal, Sepia, Black and White), and Light Balance, allow users to stylize and correct their photos. Approximate image file sizes are 50 KB for VGA and 16K for QVGA, encoded in JPG file format.
Noticeably absent from the Treo 600 but fortunately included on the Treo 650, video clips can be recorded at either QVGA (320 x 240 px) or QCIF (176 x 144 px) resolution; encoded in MPEG-4 format.
Basic Features
Running off a 312-MHz PXA270 processor, the Treo 650 is significantly faster than the Treo 600's 144-MHz ARM processor. Compared to other devices running at similar processing, the 650 can keep up with or outperform other models due to its data storage in NAND flash, the fastest type of memory when reading, writing, and erasing large blocks.
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Operating under the Palm OS 5.4 platform, the 650's internal flash also uses the new Non-Volatile File System (NVFS) memory. NVFS, unlike conventional forms of flash memory, will not erase stored information if power is lost. Data is stored on a file system as if it were on a memory card, essentially backing up continuously into the flash memory as if storing on a hard drive rather than RAM. So gone are the days of the quick battery change to avoid losing stored information.
Depending on which carrier, the Treo 650 comes in two versions: the dual-band CDMA 800 / 1900 MHz network with CDMA2000 1xRTT high-speed data transfer and gpsOne support (Sprint PCS), or the quad-band GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz network with GPRS Class 10 and EDGE high-speed data transfer. Aside from the differing networks and high-speed transfer technologies, much of the Treo 650 is the same across versions.
Palm rated the Treo 650's 1900 Li-Ion battery at up to an impressive 5 hours of talk time, and over 12.5 days (300 hours) of standby. Actual times will be slightly less. When handset manufacturers and cell phone carriers list talk time and standby time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times.
Screen
The Treo 600's 4K color 160 x 160 px STN (Super Twisted Nematic) passive display has been replaced with the larger and more vivid 65K color 320 x 320 px TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display found on the Treo 650. While physically similar in size to the Treo 600's screen, the 650's LCD is four times denser in resolution, providing more detailed brighter images.
TFT active display matrices can achieve more vibrant colors and faster refresh rates due to circuit transistors being placed directly on the glass at the pixel location. STN on the other hand, does not, and requires the scanning of pixel locations. This results in noticeably quicker response times over the Treo 600; refresh rates needed for using the Treo 650's screen as a viewfinder.
Audio
The Treo 650 is capable of playing polyphonic ringtones at up to 16 chords, however for users who want the most realistic sounding tones, MP3 ringtones are preferred, which the Treo 650 supports.
Conventional ringtones utilize the MIDI file format, which recreates sounds by essentially playing "musical notes." Thus the more simultaneous chords that could be overlay meant more realistic sounding ringtones. MP3s on the other hand are not "sheet music," but rather straight recordings.
Additionally a fully functional MP3 player is included through RealPlayer. With the ample supply of removable memory, endless amounts of songs can be loaded onto SD cards. Combined with the stereo headset jack, users can listen to music as they work. However, if a headset isn't present, the Treo 650's speaker located on the back can be used to listen to music. It offers handsfree functionality in speakerphone mode as well.
Messaging
The Treo 650 features SMS text messaging. However, for more expressive messaging, MMS (Multimedia Message Service) provides true multimedia capabilities with real pictures, sound, and time-based sequencing, allowing users to share it with words, photos, animation, and sounds.
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Instead of sending a simple text message, designed animated birthday greetings or digital vacation postcards can be created by combining photographs taken with the Treo 650's built-in camera and a bit of creativity.
Entertainment
Packaged with the Treo 650's Palm OS 5.4 "Garnet" platform is a multitude of applications. Similar to the Tungsten line, the PIM suite should be familiar to former Palm users. However a quick rundown of the self-explanatory programs include Calculator, Calendar, Contacts, Dial Pad, Media (Pics and Videos), Memos, Messaging, PCS Business Connect, RealPlayer, Tasks, VersaMail, Web Browser, and World Clock.
A CD included contains extra software (some that are trial versions) that can be installed including Acrobat Reader for Palm OS, Documents To Go 7.0, eReader, Handmark Pocket Express, Klondike Solitaire, Tetris Classic, and Zap!2016.
Notable applications include VersaMail's client, allowing users to download their email and calendar entries by accessing to POP3 and IMAP4 accounts wirelessly to synchronize with desktops. Additionally, since Palm licensed Microsoft's Server ActiveSync technology, the Treo 650 can coordinate directly with mailboxes on MS Exchange servers.
Being built on the Palm OS, a vast library of games and applications are available for download. Software can be installed from a PC or through the supplied sync cradle. While a few are free, most require a fee.
Internet
The Palm Treo 650 comes with Blazer 4.0, a web browser capable of rendering web-based content including HTML, xHTML, WML, JavaScript, CSS, and SSL. The dual-view browser can view web pages either as if on a desktop, or automatically adjusted to fit the Treo 650's screen. As opposed to WAP browsers, the Blazer 4.0 browser renders most pages, with color and images.
Depending on the Treo 650 version, higher transfer speeds while browsing or downloading are achieved through either cdma2000 1xRTT service (CDMA version), or EDGE (GSM version).
Short for single carrier (1x) radio transmission technology, cdma2000 1xRTT is a 3G wireless technology based on the CDMA platform, and has the capability of providing ISDN-like speeds of up to 144 kbps.
For the GSM version, the migration of GSM to EDGE results in less strain on current voice traffic bandwidth and allows for higher transfer rates when downloading multimedia or browsing the web. Building on existing technology, EDGE allows for more than double existing GPRS rates. While theoretically the Treo 650 could transfer at speeds of up to 384 kbps, actual rates will be less than that.
Storage
Approximately 32 MB of internal memory is available, however only about 23 MB is available for storage. As we mentioned earlier, the NVFS memory file system is beneficial if power is drained for long periods of time.
However, the ROM allocates data in blocks of 512 bytes. Small data records under 512 bytes will still take up 512 bytes, rapidly decreasing the amount of available free space. And since most records are small, extra space is wasted due to the large block size. Fortunately, the Treo 650 has an expansion card slot for MultiMediaCards and Secure Digital (SD) with SDIO support.
Connectivity
As one of the better connected devices on the market, users can choose their most convenient method to transfer data to the Treo 650; Bluetooth, infrared, or data cable.
Being Bluetooth 1.1 Class 2, the Treo 650 can pair and synchronize with other devices within a 10 meter radius. Although somewhat restrictive, it is limited to reduce the chances of interference between its peripheral devices and those belonging to other people nearby.
Needless to say, synchronization is a breeze with Palm's HotSync software. At the touch of a button, emails, calendars, contacts, and programs are synchronized with a desktop and ready to go.
Conclusion
What made the Treo 600 popular has been kept, while small drawbacks have been improved upon. The much sharper and brighter screen and backlit keypad will be instantly noticeable by some, and be a relief for weary eyed travelers.
However, the Treo 650 is not without flaws. Probably the most serious is the memory allocation issue, storing files in 512 byte chunks. Those who frequently store and update calendar entries and contacts may find their internal memory quickly depleting.
Regardless, the Treo 650 is a workhorse, with a fast processor capable of multitasking effortlessly. With notable productivity tools and a plethora of installable applications, the Treo 650 is sure to become a hit with business consumers.
Not to be outdone, for the times when work needs a break, the Treo 650 is equally capable of wasting time; which may not be such a good thing. The built-in MP3 player allows users to work away while listening to their favorite tunes. Meanwhile, camera and video recording means capturing those impromptu moment are just a finger click away.
Furthermore, the abundance of connectivity standards means additional accessories may be paired with the Treo 650; be it a wireless headset, Bluetooth dongle, or a printer. With a slightly more ergonomic keyboard, and removable battery, the Treo 650 combines comfort with great features, productivity tools, and clean design to delivery a comprehensive business package sure to attract professionals looking for efficiency on the road, yet want to some fun as well. |
| Common misspellings on this brand: paom , plm , lpalm , plalm , paolm , paklm , pwlm |
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