There's been some discussion around Palm's VersaMail client being compatible with Google's Gmail. We wanted to clarify that currently Palm Treo and Centro smartphone customers can access their Gmail accounts using the POP email protocol. While VersaMail supports the IMAP protocol, there are some known incompatibilties and limitations with Gmail. For example, VersaMail does not support IMAP-IDLE, which is used by Gmail to deliver continuously updated email. For Gmail users on the Palm OS, there are aftermarket email solutions that support IMAP-IDLE on Treo and Centro like ChatterEmail.
-Jay Baik, Product Manager, Email
The 700p will be my last Palm device. Sorry Palm, I know I've been with you since the palm pilot days but I'm sick and tired of having to troubleshoot my phone every day. The numerous lock ups, e-mail problems, incompatibilities, etc. make this a horrible horrible product. I can't wait for my contract to be up so I can get a new Windows Mobile device.
Posted by: Joe | January 05, 2008 at 09:19 AM
To Palm's credit they did post an update to Versamail for the Centro that does support gmail's imap. It's just too bad for other people like me who have a TX that it's only available for the Centro.
http://blog.palm.com/palm/2008/01/versamail-updat.html
Posted by: Anthony | January 17, 2008 at 05:14 PM
what settings should one use to get GMail to work on a 700p with Versamail?
Posted by: JonMelamut | February 05, 2008 at 04:21 PM
I've got VersaMail working with IMAP. As Joe noted above, it seems to work with Gmail.
Also, I might be the only one, but I prefer using Opera to read my Gmail. You do have to pan the screen a lot on my Centro, but you get the full Gmail experience. :)
Posted by: Brian | March 12, 2008 at 02:38 PM
I have changed from pc and disc with software is not well, i install my tx to my new notebook but versamail, star having problem and i do not have the chance to reinstal the program or to fix same what can i do
Posted by: Carlos | March 15, 2008 at 07:10 PM
I use Versamail for Gmail on my 700P. If you use (Warden Security beware that it will no longer work). Other than that, I haven't had any issues. Just download and install the application. No setting changes were necessary. Palm said it was aprtially compatible with the 755P and that's what told me it may be OK for the 700P as well. Its about time Palm did something partially right.
Posted by: rohan | March 18, 2008 at 09:32 PM
This is the last Palm device I will buy. Why is there no Gmail IMAP update for Versamail on Palm TX?? It's not like it's a dinosaur, this is still a popular and widely sold device even on Palm's own website. And considering the $300+ price tag, is it really too much to ask for a properly working e-mail client?? One that doesn't truncate so many messages, keep quitting partway through message download, fail to download embedded images, provide no option to re-download and correct partially failed messages... and one that actually syncs properly with popular e-mail services?
I should add that recently there *was* a Versamail 3.5 update available for download... for $9.95. Which is ridiculous considering how much you already paid for the unit and how big a selling point it is that you can use it for e-mail. There is additionally no mention whether this update actually resolves any of the problems I've mentioned, most notably Gmail IMAP (although the forums seem to agree that it does not). Unless you are the type who simply must have the newest version of a piece of software regardless of cost or actual usable benefit, this is not much of an incentive. Nevertheless, a search today reveals that even this 'option' appears to have been removed. There is no word anywhere on where this update went, or whether there ever will be another update for the TX (it certainly doesn't look promising). Way to go, Palm! Thanks a lot.
All this is a perfect example of how to lose customers forever. I'll be sure to spread the word.
If you're a Gmail IMAP user and just bought a Palm TX, like the customer above, my suggestion is ship it right back and tell them why.
Posted by: Lisa | March 22, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Ok, so I was very disappointed with the lack if GMail support as well. Then I came across this post on how to update Versamail to get access to Gmail though IMAP. http://blog.palm.com/palm/2008/01/versamail-updat.html
Glad to know Palm is committed to get their products to be more "up with the times".
Posted by: Beettlle | April 07, 2008 at 09:56 PM
DJ, when you say "If you have Sprint, the best solution for Gmail IMAP is the FREE Sprint Email program. Works like a charm with Gmail IMAP. I wouldn't pay Palm a dime for Chatter."
Are you talking about the built-in Versamail when you say "FREE Sprint Email program"?
Thanks!
Posted by: | April 15, 2008 at 10:56 PM
You can have true Push Gmail via Versamail. Visit my sites for setting it up.
www.treo-tips.com
Posted by: Cortland Robinson | April 19, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Sprint's Seven (http://community.seven.com/forum/main.php) doesn't work on the Palm OS.
Posted by: Sean | June 12, 2008 at 05:40 PM