Treo 500v for Europe: New Look, Same Insides

Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:09PM EDT

See Comments (94)

Palm just unleashed its long-rumored Treo 500v for Vodafone subscribers in Europe, and yes—it boasts the new, flatter style that we've been seeing in many a fuzzy photo. Peek inside, however, and there's not much new going on.

Set to arrive in Europe and South Africa next month (no word on pricing or a U.S. release, but I'm sure we'll see it here in the near future), the 500v's new shell represents the most significant Treo redesign in years. Flatter, and with more-rounded edges, the 500v (not to be confused with the upcoming Centro for Sprint) bears a striking resemblance to the Dash on T-Mobile, and it's a welcome change for a phone that's looked more or less the same since 2002.

Beneath the new shell, however, we're still talking Windows Mobile 6—the stripped-down version of WM6, actually, which means no touch screen or stylus (instead, you navigate with the soft keys and the four-way mouse). You get a decent suite of mobile Office apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, plus push e-mail, SMS, instant messaging, and mobile versions of Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer. Hardware-wise, the 500v boasts access to European 3G UMTS networks for speedy data access, plus a two-megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0, 150MB of built-in, user-accessiible memory, and a slot for microSD memory expansion.

It's a solid phone all right, but there's nothing here that'll set the world on fire—and Palm could really use a barnburner in the wake of its failed Foleo smartphone companion. That said, we're supposed to see a Treo with a new, Linux-based OS before the year is out, and maybe that'll reverse Palm's fortunes.

What about you—interested in the 500v (or a U.S. version of it)? Or have you had enough of the Treo line?

Related:
Palm's Treo 500v gets official [Engadget]
Press release [Palm]

Comments on Treo 500v for Europe: New Look, Same Insides

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  • 26 Posted by jzandmebuddies on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    That phone looks awesome and the price of $100 is fantastic..I cant wait to get one!

  • 27 Posted by jzandmebuddies on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    That phone looks awesome and the price of $100 is fantastic..I cant wait to get one!

  • 28 Posted by archie_chaney on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    I read on engadget and brighthand that the Linux version has been pushed back. :( http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/15/palms-new-os-getting-more-delays/ http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=13337

  • 29 Posted by rmnusfen on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:44PM EDT Report Abuse

    With phones like the iPhone, the new treo looks ancient. This phone lacks a touch screen, seems like a downgrade if you ask me. The design doesn't seem so appealing as well. I think this is the phone that will ultimately disintegrate the palm company.

  • 30 Posted by sojourner_67060 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    sabngirls, I know it seems complicated but once you go through the instructions for downloading music it really is very fast and simple. Don't get discouraged.

  • 31 Posted by kiwimarsi on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    I just upgraded from the Treo 650 to the Treo 680. I my humble opinion, the Treo is the best there is - BETTER than the Blackberry. (I don't get all the hoopla over the Blackberry anyway. This new Treo 500v sounds like a step backward. You can keep that one in Europe thankyou.

  • 32 Posted by brianykao on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:13PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'm wondering what the cell phone radiation would be on this phone. www.oktipus.com has everyday tips that touch on subjects like these.

  • 33 Posted by toere4u2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    Had enough of the Treo Line. Rehashed in a new frame it is still the lackluster product it has been for years. Way over priced and too difficult to work with.

  • 34 Posted by fwskelli on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    Treo is TOO heavy...and I have had momumental tech problems with my replacement treo....but, I heard that the Iphone was slow...sigh. We need something small like the iphone with the capabilities of the Treo 700W.

  • 35 Posted by aldamant on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    I would buy it if & when supports also Greek and Italian "Word"

  • 36 Posted by valdis2050 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hmm, nobody is talking about the battery life. Treo 680, skinier version of 650, already is suffering.

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

    so why tell us about it if it's not even available? save that gossip crap for mobile phone websites

  • 38 Posted by arijana_walcott on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    Nw here's what I really want to know... will the iphone ever be availible with other providers then at&t?

  • 39 Posted by dac2553 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have a Treo 700p I personally think it's a piece of ----- ! I regret buying the darn phone it's alot of hype!

  • 41 Posted by steph_tigger101 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    I LIKE THE GRAY ONE BETTER5 THAN THE BLACK ONE BECAUSE THE GRAY ONE SHOWS THE PHONE IN A BETTER SKIN THAN THE BLACK ONE AND TO BE EXACT THAT IS A FACT..

  • 42 Posted by cfharvey on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    Get an iPhone. I had 600 650p and 700p and each one got buggier and worse as the screen got better. The iPhone is a joy to use. Even with the issues its miles ahead of the Treos.

  • 43 Posted by kwm_1961 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am a 650 Treo user who has had enough of a poor phone and so so PDMA? I am going with something else when the time comes to upgrade.

  • 44 Posted by gr8dachshund on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have the Treo 650 bought 3 years ago. It's very reliable but I'm looking to upgrade. This new one looks great. I've been happy with the Treo and the MS software. I just wish after you buy a new phone the price won't go down so much. I really got burned when I was the first to own the new Treo. I will buy the 500x when it becomes avaiable in the US.

  • 45 Posted by chef19899 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:22PM EDT Report Abuse

    All NEW BUYERS BEWARE, I HAVE HAD 4 COUNT THEM 1,2,3,4 TREO 650 LUCKILY I HAD A CONTRACT TO RETURN THEM. PROBLEMS WITH THE KEYBOARD, THE SCREEN, THE LIGHTING,THE VOLUME, ON AND ON-- THIS PHONE WAS BAD FROM DAY ONE IT HIT THE MARKET--DON'T WASTE YOUR darn TIME OR MONEY...

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