Guess What's Official - Treo 755p

There has been a lot of buzz and chatter about the Treo 755p smartphone (when will it be available, what features does it include, etc.) Well, now it's "officially official" with Sprint as the first carrier, available in stores May 14th.

 

 

Here are some specs and features:

• Internal antenna, slimmer form factor and mini-SD slot (up to 4GB SD card)
• Two colors - "Midnight Blue" and "Burgundy"
• Built-in Microsoft Direct Push Technology that delivers automatic updates to Outlook email as well as support for Global Address Lookup and IT policies like remote data wipe
• Integrated Google Maps built into the ROM, right out of the box
• Sprint Mobile Instant Messaging - chat with AIM, Yahoo! and Windows Messenger

For more details:

http://socialnews.palm.com/release.aspx?hid=6

http://www.palm.com/us/products/smartphones/treo755p/

One new thing to check out is the Google Maps feature built into the Contacts page (personal favorite) that allows you to open Google Maps directly to a contact's address, and easily get driving directions or find local businesses.

Let us know what you think.

Rob Katcher - Product Manager

Comments

[Stew Levine]

Unfortunately consider me another disappointed party. The advances that have come in 2.5 years (!) since the 650 first came out have seemed to be few and far between, and the advances that have come along have not (unlike the old days) filtered back to older, capable models.

I am still waiting for Exchange Active Sync to work on my Cingular 650; I would love the chance to purchase the upgraded apps (besides Versamail) for my 650 or use a 4GB SD card. Heck, I'd like to be able to update my ROM to v1.20 like virtually everyone else did.

I love my 650, but the things that would make me want to upgrade just haven't come - echoing what many have said, I'd like to see things that WM devices are getting:
- Wifi
- GPS
- Further integration with Outlook
- UMTS and HSDPA
- The ability to use a card like RAM
- Better cameras
- A standard card size
- A standard headphone size
- Better bluetooth
- More memory
- Perhaps even a better screen, or a sliding out keyboard so I could have my T3 size screen back.

Then maybe think about the things that make Palms special; the new IM app is a step in the right direction, the backup service even more, but how about more innovative apps. Or at least if you are going to use my ROM, allow me to update the apps in ROM and not have to do that in RAM [did you really have to go 2 releases behind with Documents to Go?].

We gripe because we care. I don't want to switch to WM, but I am tired of waiting for something new.

[Me]

Hello Rob,

thanks for answering. I have a Treo 650 and will be reluctant to switch to Micro-SD for 2 reasons:
1. Sandisk Ultra II+, which has a USB-connector. There has never been anything more useful! I carry that card always with me in my mobile and am able to put it into almost any computer.
2. We chose our other technical equipment by the card format, namely, our digicam and our car stereo uses SD-Card. Makes swapping around cards easy. My gf has a Treo 680 btw.

You have to REALLY overwhelm me with some new Treo to convince me to leave SDs, such as:
-320x480 screen
-clamshell design with qwerty keyboard
-Wifi: Even my mother in law has now WLAN in her house! I wanna use that, goddammit.
-Serious improvements of the standard apps-can't you just license Datebk? Handspring did it for their Treos...

[Baron Sekiya]

SD cards will be around for quite awhile as it is very popular. I use SD cards in my digital SLR camera via an adapter and use SD cards in my videocamera. Being able to pop-out an SD card, put it into a Treo and FTP it off on assignment is the way I do it now with my Treo 650, but I could use EVDO.

I'm afraid Palm blew it by going to miniSD. Many here have been vocal about not wanting to lose the standard SD slot but I'm afraid Palm would rather stick their head in the sand and not listen to its users. We are the people who are passionate about our Treos and we know how we want to use them.

If Palm says it's the pain we have to endure for innovation why not go to MicroSD instead? Let us feel the pain once and not have to buy a new set of cards when you come out with a Treo with a MicroSD slot. Why not innovate and go to PicoSD or InvisoSD (sorry, couldn't help the SNL iPod joke). If people want those smaller memory card formats they can use an adapter.

There are a lot of passionate Treo users out there, the people posting here are but a small voice. I could never find an email or form on the Palm website for product feedback to make our favorite PDA even better. That is why you see so many comments here. Apple learned that with computers, Canon has learned that with cameras. Don't ignore your core users.

[nakliyat]

thank you very much very nice informations...

[Jake Thomas]

I don't quite understand Rob Katcher's response above regarding the switch to Mini SD. "We think most customers will prefer the sleeker 750 form factor."

You mean the sleeker form factor like the new Treo 680 which still uses a full size SD card? Come on Palm, you can do better than that.

It is well documented that the only reason you switched to the Mini SD on the 750 was to accommodate the larger radio required to support UTMS.

Why is Palm constantly releasing different products for GSM and CDMA. Why can't you do like you did with the Treo 650 and come out with one model with the same specs for both technologies.

Instead, you come out with the Treo 680 for GSM, and then less than a year later you come out with the 755p for CDMA. Lets face it, the 680 is not even an upgrade the 650. Yet for CDMA, they got the 700p and now the almost identical 755p (minus the antenna). When are GSM users going to get an actual upgrade to the 650? You know, something like the 755p or even the 700p?

I hate to say it, but I think Palm's stock problems are a direct result of their completely asinine business practices. Rather than drawing new customers, you are just pushing your loyal customers to other platforms.

[GM]

Summing up the above comments I think that some must have features in a future Treo are:

- TX screen size or VGA
- Wi-Fi
- GPS
- More power in infrared port
- Standard SD
- at least 2MP camera with flash

[AJ0230]

Heres my problem you said..."and we understand there is some transitional pain"... why even put your customers through ANY pain?

Youve (Palm not YOU Rob) already put your customers through waaaaaaay too much pain over the past 2-3 years dont you think? With the 600 being way underpowered memory wise, the 650 not having EVDO and limited to 2GB SD cards, and the WELL documented pains the 700P has put people through.

Its a smack in the face to have to switch cards like this "just because"

Thats why youre getting such negative feedback over the miniSD cardslot IMHO.

It probaby wouldnt be near as bad had you guys not stepped on your own feet with the past few releases but considering you have and the apparent lack of listening I hope you can see why people are upset about this. Me included.

So in summary, please in the future, I echo one of the above posts, please, please, please standardize your SD cards, your headset jacks and your pheripials. (hope I spelled that right)

[Andal]

The lack of Wi-fi on Treos is really a big problema. I have a TX and wi-fi network at home. So I always can take my TX and surf the web to check things like phone number on web list, weather forecats, cinema, etc... All these without having to pay unlimited data plan to any carrier. And when I am outside my home there is always a free wi-fi hotspot nearby.

Another big problem on Treos are the SSS(small square screen). It´s not good for reading, watching movies,...
We need a Treo with a descent screen (TX size) and with Wi-Fi. Can you hear me Palm?

[Kristopher Wilson]

I am another of the long-time Palm faithful, since my first Palm 1000 in 1995.

I am also a Palm reseller who has not resold a single palm device in well over a year. In fact, I received a notice that due to inactivity, my reseller account was due to be suspended. I replied that I am facing two basic problems - the lack of a high-end, feature rich, lag-free handheld, and the fact that all Treos are heavily subsidised by the telcos. I expressed an interest in retaining my reseller relationship at least untill we could see what Hawkins was going to announce in May. I was graciously extended.

I personally am getting by with an old T|T3 which is limping by on about 20 minutes of battery life per charge, and an old Sony cell phone. Tried a treo - 700p actually. Two weeks, returned it. No voice dialing from bluetooth. No advanced conferencing features (more a problem endemic to the Verizon network). Buggy. I learned a while back that if i spend more time troubleshooting a productivity enhancing device than I do being productive with it, then I stop using it.

All I can say is, given the underwhelming response from people who sound to me like they fit my clients profile to this launch (re-launch?), the pressure is really on Hawkins. Whatever this thing is, it better be more than a umpc - it better be a paradigm buster. And hopefuly more iPod than Segway. But, heck, I would take a return to solid, stable, devices that integrated new features and increased capacities on an annual to semi-annual basis.

The iPhone is a wait and see for me - i don't find much besides the browser interface to be that much substantially better than any other touch-screen, music playing phone. I'm no fan of Apple - their idea of inovation with the OS seems to be releasing a series of patches and bug fixes every 18 months and charging $130 for it. But even I have to admit that the iPhone is the most compelling package of product and design inovations i've seen since the Palm V.

Help us, Hawkins. You're our only hope.

KW

[Jeremy]

Guess what's not official? The Treo 700p update. This device should be free for all 700p owners.

[jeff]

I started with a 180, then a 650. When the headphone jack went, Verizon gave me a 700p.

I just read that the 755 will be coming to Verizon. It appears I'm not alone in my total wonder as to why. When looking over the feature list, I'm hard-pressed to pick a single one that appeals to me.

I am apparently a Different Treo User; the meat and potatoes guy. I don't get excited about cases in pretty colors, smaller antennae, or sexy ringtones. I don't care for push email - if I want it, I'll tell Versamail to get it, thank you.

If I had control over development, I'd start by accelerating the linux adoption. I'd put more of a separation or firewall between the OS and add-ons, so there wouldn't be so many crashes.

I'd order more horsepower. Has anybody ever complained about something having too much power?

It's not a big deal to me, but I hear a lot of complaining about bluetooth, both about pairing and not being able to listen to music via BT. Work is upset because they can't voice-dial via BT (I ride herd on an ever-expanding 700p brigade).

A serious redesign of the output jack is in order.

I'd love a bigger screen, but that would probably violate several laws of physics.

I suppose a cost-reduction wouldn't hurt either :) My wife wants one too.

Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't have any other phone. These are just suggestions to make it better.

Thanks,

-jeff

[gokuraku]

Hello,

I am living in JAPAN.
I would like you to sale Treo755p in Japan and the re-advance to the Japan of Palm Inc.

PLEASE!!!!!!!

Thank you.

[Larry Williams]

You're kidding right? Why should I consider a new Treo when you never fixed my 700P? Palm, you guys are amazing.

[Gegi]

So like many of you I ask myself, "why would I yet again shell out $ 600.00+ for another Treo smartphone. Its taken over a year to get a freaking update. Do you honestly think we are fooled again to believe that the Treo 755p will not have issues. Secondly, I read in another post that the GMaps is a trial version and after 15-30 days it will cost $ 6.00 a month for service charge. So what are you actually giving people for free.... HAHA! Thought so... I seriously hope that Motorola and Apple see our complaints. You have created a blog for us to really give a peace of our minds. I DOUBT YOU WILL READ IT. Your pockets are so full of our monies thus far, why not create the Treo 755p, 800 etc - it seems to be your track record, hush the few and build a new product. Your day is coming when we find something far more superior to your defective product line.

[Brian]

Guess What?
I dumped my Treo 700p this weekend and went for the BlackBerry 8800. I grew very tired of Palm not supporting their product and this new release without updating the ROM for the 700p was the straw that broke the camels back. Too bad, I've been a loyal Palm user since the Palm V. Later, and I'm not turning back.

[Andres Jabois]

How you dare to go back to that crappy telefone app?. No way Palm ... and lower the price of that Treo's 680 outside USA, in Mexico and Spain they are not very "low cost".

[lacruise]

1st - it is sad, that it will avaiable only in us, but with this function please keep it for us. we don't need it!
nokia and the other are so far ahead, you could sell it here!
2nd - mini sd?? i like the 650 sd card slot, easy to change the card etc.

I think there is a lot of functions, what the users are missing from the you treo-s, why you didn't listen them?

I was waiting for some real UPGRADE (wifi, better camera, voip)for the european market, but is doesn't want to come, so i'm getting a 650!
Still the best, and is is getting cheaper, and it support the wifi-sd card!

[acjif98]

Wow -
As a former Palm user - Treo 650 to Moto Q on Sprint, I can understand the frustration of some and the joy of others relating to the 755p.
I kind of like the new form factor but feel that a drastic redo will have to be done at some point. The Treo series just doesn't match up to some of the more sleek devices available today.
My opinion - the 755p still lacks an up to date UI. Yes it works, but so does WM5 (never thought I would ever say that). Of course I can go to the Q forums and hear everyone scream because WM6 will not be available on the Q.
Anyway, I surely hope that the next Gen "p" Treo's include an updated OS that takes the best of Palm and truly gives MS and Symbian a run on their OS.
I also hope that the device will be smaller, thinner. It doesn't have to look like the last gen hardware. It really doesn't. Just keep the touchscreen.
I think the success of the Q and Blackjack is primarily in the form factor. I like the size, the Q works for me and that's all I need.
As for the 755p, I know it includes a few improvements but I don't see a real reason for me to get it.
To me, the 650 was the first true upgrade (from the 600) and it was a "must have" device, but since then everything is kind of the same (excluding the 700wx) and I think it all relates to the size of the device and the dated OS.
I have been a handheld user since the early days (Handspring Visor to Ipaq's on and on)
I have faith that the folks at Palm can get this right. Just don't limit yourself to previous device designs.
Just my thoughts.....
Thanks

[Buck Paiva]

So with the launch of mypalm, should us non-Treo Palm users be reading the writing on the wall? There is already a mytreo, why is mypalm exclusive to Treo users?

[Ben]

Why has palm yet to integrate walkie talkie service into the Treo. It seems most of the hardware is already there (Speaker, Walkie button on side of phone).

[Kris]

I got the 755p and so far so good. My question is this...what is the largest MINI SD card that will work with it? Will a 4Gb MINI SDHC card work? I am unable to find any concrete information on this and would like to know before I make a purchase. Thanks.

[Matt]

I just got a 755p yesterday, and I love it. The only problem is that my company hasn't yet enabled Exchange Active Sync. Using Sprint Business Connection software was great on my 600, but it's not supported on the 755. Is this a Sprint issue, or a Palm issue?

[JAV]

Ok as you can see most everyone is very dissapointed in the 755p.

Now, what are you going to do to get all this costumers impressed again?

That new linux Treo better be out soon people!

I like linux a lot.
So your Treo 800L should be out of this world to impress us.

[Ed Brandwein]

The Palm business model is in trouble if this is the best you can do. At the corporate/high end, RIM owns the market and they just announced a wifi equipped model to be released soon. At the low end of the smartphone market, Danger/T-Mobile runs the show with the Sidekick 3 and the new Sidekick IP. They even have a pre-paid Internet plan. You are being squeezed in the middle now. A wifi equipped Treo would, at least, help slow the bleeding. Absent that, in the short run, the IPhone and RIM, at the high end, and Danger at the low end of the market are going to nibble you to pieces. I don't see a bright future for Palm the way things are going here. What a disappointment.

[Cliff]

I'm really disappointed in this model. I've owned a 600, a 650 CDMA, a 650 GSM and a 700p. I've loved them all though I hated the 650 before it's firmware update. I'm really disappointed. Not only is it not innovative, but it's a downgrade. Why would you dump the sd card slot for a smaller slot? Having a full size sd slot is really important to me and it looks like I'm going to be holding on to my 700p for a very long time. I would have accepted polishing the phone a little more and just freshening it up a bit if you hadn't reduced the slot size.