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Reviews are a bit off topic for me but I believe that mobile devices are one of the most important developments for the modern professional. I have been a loyal Treo fan since my early adoption of the Handspring Treo 600. Over the years I have happily upgraded from the 600 to the 650 and lastly to the 700p. Staying with the Palm OS has been an important factor in my phone selection, in part due to my investment in software including Pocket Bible, Agendus, and Chatter Mail. My Son is also a Palm Centro fan and my wife relies heavily on her Palm TX. Needless to say I “had” a strong bias to stay with the status quo. Then came the 800w.

Rumored for several months the 800w promised a much needed modernization for Treo fans. The 800w is currently offered on the Sprint network and I chose the $99 unlimited voice, data, and messaging plan. The phone was $349 with a $100 mail in rebate, free shipping and free activation. The 800w is Sprint’s first PDA phone with EVDO Rev A support. In addition to longstanding Treo features which include the front facing keyboard, touch screen, speaker phone and removable battery, the 800w offers the following updated or new features:

• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• GPS with Turn by Turn Navigation and Points of Interest
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/i
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• MicroSD Slot
• 2 Megapixel Camera
• 320x320 Display
• Voice Command (including Bluetooth voice dialing)

800w Pros

• Application performance is fantastic
• Web performance on the Sprint EVDO Rev A network is awesome, I have yet to use my WiFi
• WiFi with hardware off button
• Bluetooth supports stereo and voice dialing
• Windows 6.1 Pro is a solid OS
• Device based Voice Command and Voice Dialing
• Stability has been near perfect
• Replaceable battery
• MicroUSB connector supported by multiple hardware manufacturers (see cons)
• Navigation rocks, compatible with Google Maps “My Location” feature
• Form factor and ergonomics, device feels light and very comfortable

800w Cons

• Battery life could be better
• New connector obsoletes existing Palm accessories
• Not as vogue as the iPhone

Summary

As you can see, I can’t find much wrong with the 800w. The battery life is probably my only disappointment but I can get a full day out of it with average usage. Obviously the WiFi and GPS can be a big drain so I typically disable those devices when not in use. On the plus side there is a lot to be happy about. The device is as near perfect in functionality (for me).One handed operation still rocks and  it’s faster, lighter and smaller than any Treo to date (post Treo 300 era). For those Treo Palm users considering the move I’ll go out on a limb and recommend taking the leap.  Once you get used to the new interface you can do everything as the Palm OS based Treo, and then some.

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