Touched by Windows
Strange bedfellows no more
There was a time when it was unthinkable for a Mac to have an Intel processor inside.
When it comes to smart phones, the marriage of Palm and Windows Mobile is another example of an odd couple. The Treo 750 isn't the first Windows Mobile-powered Palm, but it's the first that's officially released in the country.
Physically, it resembles the Treo 680. The two are so similar that we've managed to fit a 750 in a Capdase hardcase for the 680. When it comes to ergonomics, the 750's adequate heft and palm-fitting shape can't be faulted. It just looks a bit overstuffed when compared to the slim Windows-powered smart phones from xda and Samsung.
The 750 uses a full-fledged version of Windows Mobile, so those still in the habit of using a stylus are in luck. Despite that, Palm has designed the phone for one handed operation. The full QWERTY keyboard is heaven-sent for heavy texters and emailers.
Despite lacking Wi-Fi connectivity, the 750 is a fast and efficient smart phone. We rarely encountered any slowdown when going through the menus. Palm has enhanced the user interface with a Today screen which puts the most-used features at hand such as the dialer, contacts, etc. You can even add photo thumbnails of the names on the speed dial list for one-click access.
Compared to other current-gen smart phones, the Treo's screen lacks visual punch. Because the screen is only 240 x 240, it lacks the resolution of a 320 x 240 screen which is common with other Windows Mobile devices. At a time when 2 megapixel smart phone cameras are the norm, the 1.3 megapixel camera is also a mild disappointment.
When doing its core tasks, the 750 performs admirably well. Should you jump from doing business to pleasure, the phone is still up to the task with its multimedia features such as support for stereo Bluetooth headsets. Ed Geronia
PALM TREO 750 | P39,990
www.palm.com
TECH GSM/GPRS/EDGE/3G/HSDPA. 300MHz Samsung CPU. miniSD expansion slot. Windows Mobile 5.0 with Direct Push Technology. 240 x 240 color TFT touchscreen display. 4 hour talk time. Full QWERTY keys. 111x58x22mm. 154g
LOVE Relatively snappy performance. Overall stability and fast speed online.
HATE Omission of Wi-Fi. Underperforming camera. Comparatively bulky ergonomics
WE SAY Palm's Window-based effort is a pleasant surprise.
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T3 Magazine Philippines - June 2007 Issue
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 PALM TREO 750
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