Treo 700wx Is Shipping

Tue Sep 5, 2006 6:17PM EDT

See Comments (135)

For a mere $500 you can now have the tip top of the Treo line, the 700wx.

The 700wx is an upgrade to the 700w, the Windows Mobile-based version of the Treo. And let's cut to the chase about why you might prefer it to the standard 700w. Here's what's new or upgraded:

  • Size, shape, and memory are all identical to the 700w. (Some websites are reporting that the 700wx has more RAM than the 700w, but they both offer 128MB. The 700wx does have more RAM available to programs, which some sources say results in a slight to moderate increase in application responsiveness.)
  • The 700wx supports dial-up networking, which the 700w does not. In other words, you can use it as a modem for your laptop or PC when you're on the road. Since it supports EV-DO high-speed wireless, this can be a major plus.
  • The 700wx operating system is slightly tweaked from the 700w, fixing some minor problems that 700w users have complained about.
  • The 700wx (Sprint only) costs $499. The 700w (Verizon only) costs $299.

Watch that last step; it's a doozy. Despite early hopes, there's no GPS, no major RAM upgrade, and not even a screen resolution upgrade on the 700wx. $200 for dial-up networking and a little faster response time? That's frightening.

Also, don't expect much service difference between Verizon and Sprint. Since both Verizon and Sprint networks use CDMA/EV-DO service, there's no real difference in the type and quality of calls. If you're already using a Treo on Verizon, the experience will probably be about the same on Sprint.

My recommendation? If you're a Sprint user, this is the only way to get a Windows Mobile Treo, and it's only $100 more than the 700p, which Sprint also offers. If the OS is worth that much to you, go for the new one. But if you're on a different network and already have the 700w, you definitely won't want to break your current contract so you can get what amounts to a modest upgrade at best. I'd expect prices to fall rapidly over the next six months, too, so hang in there.

UPDATE: I finally got my hands on a Treo 700wx to do some hands-on testing and it does indeed respond faster than the 700w, but there's a catch: I got about 4 hours, 45 minutes of talk time until the battery died with the 700wx, vs. 5 hours, 30 minutes with the 700w. Not a huge difference, but one worth noting if you're considering the switch.

Comments on Treo 700wx Is Shipping

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  • 6 Posted by smith3401@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    Treo is nice, but not required. Although it's compatible with the CDMA, TDMA, EVDO techonolgies, it's overpriced by all carriers in the US. It is difficult to sell a product that the consumer doesn't really need. Whether it by Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, Cingular, Alltel, etc. Don't wast the Network Op, and euqipment time to sell a product the public doesn't need. This is the type of stuff that "kicks up" your basic cell phone bill and locks us into contracts.

  • 7 Posted by skavanag on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    The fact the the 700w and 700p as well as this new 700wx don't support Wi-Fi as well makes them a lot less useful. I suspect they don't want people to use the more ubiquitous Wi-Fi, but want the let the phone companies gouge users and extra $20+ a month for a data connection on their proprietary wireless network. Yuk....I'll wait until Palm (or whoever) stops working for the phone companies and starts working for me and my dollars.

  • 8 Posted by versedtoo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    I don't care, it's nice but no GSM version. Palm better wake up, or they will be thrown on the sidelines. GSM is the dominate mobile technology on the planet.

  • 9 Posted by david.mccormick@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:37PM EDT Report Abuse

    The reviewer has fallen into the Palm marketing trap regarding memory. There are two types of RAM in any WM5 device. The larger number is for storage it is usually 128 mb or 245 mb and it holds your data and applications. Think of this as your hard drive. The other RAM is for executing programs and this is usually around 64 mb. Think of this type of RAM as the same type of RAM in your computer (512 mb to 2 gb variety). For some reason, Palm does not like to advertise the second number. In the 700w, it is 32 mb and in the 700wx, it is 64 mb. The difference is huge if your familiar with the WM5 OS. 32 mb cripples the multi-tasking ability of WM5 because as soon as you start using the applications, your are left with ~5 mb left as head room. This leads more frequent crashing and more rebooting needed.

  • 10 Posted by jconfortiusa on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    The Treo 700wx needs built in WIFI and 256mb of memory. That would make it perfect!

  • 11 Posted by barianno on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think Palm is getting out of hand with these Treos and not offering the perks for the price of this device... ok, ok it has Windows big deal, do I really need to author documents on the go... laptops are almost the same price and have more functionality. Palm catch up to to the Sidekick 3. If Danger Inc. starts putting Windows in the Sidekick, you're done for PalmOne

  • 12 Posted by sept000 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    The Sprint a900 has many enhanced features over the Razr, thus the difference in price. Also, the Sprint network is just a large if not larger, expecially where data / EVDO is concerned. Do your homework !

  • 13 Posted by ms.moss101 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    there really r worth the problem and you guys r being stupid not posting anything related to the article

  • 14 Posted by barryymariza on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    Be careful not to change to verizon to get the Treo. I did that a year ago and cannot get text messages nor connect to the internet when travelling outside the US. ALL other providers will give you service except Verizon

  • 15 Posted by ssicctv on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    I own a 700W, download "PDA Net" from www.junefabrics.com for $35 (can opt for free trial); you'll now be able to use your 700w as a modem for your laptop. Verizon knows about it; but won't tell you unless you know someone that works in their tech dept. Works perfectly.

  • 16 Posted by jodyclawson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have always used regular cell phones. What are the major uses of the Treo? Or what makes it so much better than normal cell phones?

  • 18 Posted by funtime208 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    It's actually the same price as the 700p... I am exchanging my 700p for the 700wx at no extra charge!

  • 19 Posted by cyn_mar_ on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    Which is better the 700P or the new 700wx and what is the primary difference between the two?

  • 20 Posted by weciii@ameritech.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think I'd rather have body lice than buy another Treo! I paid $450 for a Treo 650 (plus a lot more for all of the accessories) that crapped-out in about 6 months, then they sent me a refurbished piece of junk that lasted maybe another 7 or 8 months. Oops, my one year warrantee period was then up, so I was going to have to cough-up another big wad of cash. Well forget it!

  • 21 Posted by bmick2953 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    Lets not forget that Sprint's data plans are significantly cheaper than Verizon's....

  • 22 Posted by rwarkov on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    My Treo 650 is THE WORST piece of technology I have ever owned dating bach to my first hand held calculator in 1977. I would never, ever, consider owning another Treo no metter what the features may be. Anyone associated with this device including employees of Palm, Good or Cingular should be ASHAMED to be associated with this abomination.

  • 23 Posted by pdqgp on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have a Treo and at first liked it. Reboots randomly 1-2 times per day though....even with all the upgrades and patches...no go, still stinks in the stability realm. Phone is okay so long as you use a headset. Bluetooth doesn't always engage which is frustrating. Size is crazy...I wish RIM would make a great daytimer interface so I could carry just it. Great calander and contacts, but I use the KeySuite upgrade there so it's nice. Email...I also carry a RIM Blackberry...much better for mail. Treo's....6/10 as a phone 9/10 as a portable planner 5/10 for email just my take on it all.

  • 24 Posted by goodtimecharlie931 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    I wouldn't waste good money on such a sorry company as SPRINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

  • 25 Posted by spinleft on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:36PM EDT Report Abuse

    Mister Null was wrong about the Treo 700W and its use as a modem. I have a 700W and use a software program I loaded into it that allows me high speed internet access using the phones existing internet capabilities. Works great.

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