Treo 500v for Europe: New Look, Same Insides

Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:09PM EDT

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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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  • 7 Posted by murphy7019 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    So, will there be a Palm version and Windows version like previous Treos? I like the idea of doing away with the touchscreen, it was more hassle than anything. I miss my old Blackberry scrollwheel!

  • 8 Posted by kdesign216 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    Does it work on a mac? I love mac, but can't see switching to At&t over a phone...sorry Mr. Jobs. I tried the Pearl, but returned it because the "plug-in's" were not reliable and were not syncing my computer up w/ the phone all the time... it was not worth the extra money it cost me per month to become my own IT department and trouble shoot w/ my computer. I think I already know the answer "no" but guess it's worth a shot! Hope someone knows!

  • 9 Posted by mrevans70 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    Just another high-price device that won't last any longer than any other phone. I have the Treo 655 and i have only had it about a year and have had several different problems. If they are going to charge $500-$700 for a phone, at least make it last longer than a year!

  • 10 Posted by joshualanthony on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think anyone coming out with a new smartphone better be able to compete with Apple's iPhone. As a former Treo owner who traded his in for the iPhone, I'd say this one just looks like the redheaded stepchild come late to dinner...

  • 11 Posted by bb261 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    No touch screen? That will make me not buy it.

  • 12 Posted by thedarkkatana on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    Once you used the touch screen you can't go back ! It's like once you own a flat screen tv you can't go back. This is probably good for people who has never used touchscreens.

  • 13 Posted by norcalsurfer on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    When they have a real OS on these things, I'll check back in.

  • 14 Posted by sameer_dekate on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have a TREO 650 and this is a welcome change. I will definitely upgrade as long as it is cheaper than $300.

  • 15 Posted by staffingpro9999 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am so done with Palm.... Had a Treo 600, 650, & 680, and moved over to the iPhone about a month ago. I will never go back!

  • 17 Posted by dewaltdakota on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    Wait a minute ... you lose the touch screen/stylus ability with this version? Not all software features are accessible on my 700wx via the navigation buttons. Sometimes, you -have- to use the stylus. I certainly hope this is a "European (lack of)" feature, that doesn't make it to the states.

  • 18 Posted by mjxnjx on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    Removal of the stylus? Why? Are there many stylus haters out there? Personally i'd much rather use a stylus that having greasy fingers all over my screen all day. I'd like to see built-in WIFI, an additional SD slot (so you could keep more than one card in there at a time) and more internal memory.

  • 19 Posted by joshlamour on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've had the four treo 650s (yes four) 3 were RMA replacements due to system or battery issues. I will never buy a product from Palm again and am realy waiting for the iPhoneII to be released (probably in Spring of '08?).

  • 20 Posted by stcroix84095 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    Plenty of other WM devices out there without a touch screen to buy (BlackJack for one). Palm misses the boat...again. Where is the innovation at Palm these days??

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

    I have a 650 and love it. I like a phone that is solid. Some of the newer phones are so light weight they feel flimsy. Like the comment above I want to be able to run the software I have and to link with my computer (windows xp). I need a phone that has good reception as well as PDA options. For now I will stick with my 650.

  • 22 Posted by davidekarasek on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    The problems are : 1) As is becoming the norm with the new smartphones, there's no choice in cell phone vendor. 2) GSM still doesn't work well in the US. 3) needed software fixes for the 700w (I have the Verizon version) has been dismal) 4) Palm does not elicit and incorporate feedback from the users in the way they should. There are reat many features in the 700w, but there are some that everyone dislikes but the company has done nothing about them.

  • 23 Posted by sign101d on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've gone through many Treos... started out with a 300, to a 600 and now a 700wx. I've been pretty satisfied with them all, except for battery power. Especially this last 700, its been difficult to live with my battery dying after only 8 hours of use, and maybe only actually using it 1 hour of that 8. I'm thinking of getting away from the treo for my next phone. I'm tired of resetting my phone every day or two as well. Maybe its the windows part of it, but that is just as irritating as the battery. The 700 is the worst of the 3 I've had so far!

  • 24 Posted by househound61 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've been using the 700p since it was introduced and have been through one long awaited firmware upgrade. I find Palm's lack of support for the Treo's many software flaws enough to never purchase another Palm product again.

  • 25 Posted by j.ilao on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hi, Just purchased a Treo 750, and it TOTALLY ROCKS!!!!.. Having the Windows OS, makes it really easy to use...

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