The Palm Treo 700p , which includes features present in the 700w but which runs on the conversant and wanton - to - use Palm OS , attempt to propose something for everyone . As a PDA , the 700p is designed to appeal to both consumers and business users , with Es - post and Microsoft Office functionality , a 1.3 - megapixel digital tv camera that shoot better - than - mean cell phone depiction , and MP3 euphony playing software that , when you bring a high - capability SD memory card , might make you reconsider buying an iPod shuffling .
In addition , this model apply the democratic Palm OS ( edition 5.4.9)—a relief to Mac users — rather than the Windows Mobile oxygen that race its sib , the 700w . Like other Palm atomic number 8 handhelds , the Treo 700p offers proficient syncing capableness with your Mac , either with the Palm Desktop computer software that comes on a compact disc - ROM with the gadget or Apple ’s built - in Address Book and iCal software program ; and , although the included Palm package is n’t Universal , it ferment fine on both PowerPC and Intel - based Macs .
The Treo 700p feature a high - resolution 320 - by-320 - pixel filmdom , a built - in 1.3 - megapixel digital camera that also capture video , and a slightly sleeker , slimly thinner design than its predecessor , the Treo 650 .
But the real draw is the telephone set ’s support for the EvDO ( evolution - datum optimise ) cellular data networking banner , which call higher bandwidth and dissipated retrieval of e - ring armor and Web pages . After all , you ’re belike not invest in a smartphone just to talk to masses .
Although you wo n’t mistake EvDO for the DSL or cable line of reasoning that runs into your home or place , it ’s a noticeable improvement over the sub - dial - up pep pill that most cellular information plan offer . With the Treo 700p , it ’s actually feasible to surf the entanglement using Palm ’s build - in entanglement web browser app , even if the smaller screen does n’t accommodate most layouts well . ( Sprint and Verizon , the companies currently tender the Treo 700p , also have text - based Internet serving that give you news , sports , weather , and other info . )
What really makes EvDO attractive is its financial support for Internet admission , where the telephone acts as a wireless modem — you may get online without having to locate a Wi - Fi hotspot . This is significant because , while many cellular phones tender this computer hardware capability , the benefit is lose because some service providers do n’t allow it . dash and Verizon are supporting it on the Treo 700p .
The downside for Mac users is that this feature of speech works only via Bluetooth , which has slower performance than a USB cable’s length ( which is confirm under Windows ) . When I tested a 700p on Sprint ’s EvDO connection using Bluetooth , I saw fairly unimpressive average upper of 429 Kbps ( download ) and 41 Kbps ( upload)—but it ’s still good than dial - up swiftness , and it ’s a boon if you have no other connexion . Of of course , you ’d ask to have Bluetooth on your electronic computer to begin with , and if you do n’t , you ’d have to purchase it , an additional disbursal .
But using this machine is expensive any fashion you slice it , and you have to be locate in an country that has EvDO insurance coverage — and pay $ 40 to $ 60 for information transport on top of your cellular plan ’s cost .
Macworld’s buying advice
The Treo 700p is one of the estimable smartphones on the market , despite its relative expense . And it ’s even better if you need to take reward of its speedy EvDO Internet entree .
[ Jeff Carlson is wield editor ofTidBitsand the author ofPalm Organizers , Fourth Edition : Visual QuickStart Guide(Peachpit Press , 2005 ) . ]
