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- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 143 reviews Back to product review
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76 out of 76 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Former Treo Cheerleader LOVES the PPC6700"
Pros: Best keyboard, WiFi, EV-DO, Multitasking, lighter & smaller than the Treo
Cons: So-so SMS, a bit too square and thick
Summary: I really am beginning to question CNet's review methodology. How does the PPC6700 with all of these features in such a small package get a 7.0 while the brick like non-wifi or EV-DO PPC6600 got a 7.3 and the Treo with all of its worts (horridly insufficient memory, frequent resets) got an 8.3. I have owned all three devices and the 6700 is the best of the lot for the tech savvy. A little clunkier than the Treo - but the features blow it away.
I have been a Treo user since two days after the T300 was released. I have owned the 300, 600 and 650. I felt that the 650's flaws were nearly unforgivable (resets, memory, poor bluetooth). Nevertheless, the competition was so poor that I kept the 650 and tried to make the best of it (I tried the PPC 6600 and dumped it in 2 days - horrid). Well, I made the jump to the PPC6700 5 days ago. I still own my 650 and could return the 6700 - but decided that the 650 will be going on eBay this weekend. As for the Treo700, I think it shows potential but it won't be out for Sprint for 6-8 months. Furthermore, it still lacks some of the features that the 6700 has...and the 6700 is available now.
Here are a few Pros and Cons based on my experience with both devices. BTW - I think I am more qualified to speak about "one-handedness" than most Treo users. I have a 75 m inute commute to work (each way) and I stand virtually the whole time on a subway. Needless to say, one hand is used to hold onto something to keep me from falling over!
Where the 6700 beats the 650:
*Memory and stability (these were the 650's biggest flaws IMO)
*EV-DO. I am blown away by the speed (my test on showed 884 kb/s in Newark, NJ). Unfortunately, EV-DO is not widespread in NYC where I live. Regardless, the speed is only slightly slower than I get via wifi. Sprint's charge for this service is a great deal.
*Seamless integration with MS Office (great for me as I edit Word docs regularly)
*Big screen (of nearly the same quality/brightness as the Treo. I keep mine a the second lowest brightness setting and it is perfect. Screen size makes the biggest difference when surfing, watching movies and typing Word docs)
*Great keyboard (but the color contrast between the backlight and key color is mediocre - only a big deal during the learning curve)
*Multitasking
*Wifi (didn't think this would be a big benefit - I was wrong. Very convenient and the 6700 will switch over to wifi automatyically when available. It will also turn off wifi automatically if no signal is detected for a defined period.
*Amazing Bluetooth (far better range, clarity, and functionality)
*Almost all the needed accessories included in the box (save screen protector)
*One-handedness in the new OS is a huge improvement over the 6600 and other PPCs I tried. I have been testing Voice Command and think it solves this issue entirely - but it isn't a necessity.
*mini USB power/sync connector is AWESOME. I can buy spare sync/charge cables for $4.95!
Where the 650 beats the 6700:
*One-handedness. No shocker - this is one of the Treo's only remaining claims to glory. Rightfully so, it is the best (A++). That having been said, the 6700 is fine (B+) and I have used the stylus only twice in 5 days (both time on the first day).
*Aesthetics (the Treo is as good looking as a geek device can be, the 6700 is more utilitarian. The build quality is similar, but the Treo's finish is much nicer)
*Battery life (the Treo's battery is much larger - and based on my use of both devices - lasts about 25% longer than the 6700. That having been said, I always charge my devices at night and the 6700 has never dipped below 55% after a day of heavy use. (heavy data and 30 to 45 minutes of phone use/day)
*Loads of great Palm programs and hacks (this is a huge benefit)
*Geek factor. The Treo's popularity makes it more socially acceptable - dare I say chic? Nah! Still, the PPC loses in the sexy department.
*Treocentral Discussion Boards!
Push:
*Size/weight. The Treo is a tad longer/wider - but a tiny bit less thick. Also, the Treo's rounded edges give the illusion it is smaller. The 6700 is tiny compared to other PPC's with keyboards - but boxy. Both a very "pocketable".
*Phone: The 650 wins on dialing ease - it is obviously easier to use a keyboard which is always exposed! On the other hand, the 6700's sound quality and microphone are significantly better than the 650.
*Reception. I get good reception with both.
Conclusion:
Overall, the size/weight is a push and the 6700 blows away the 650 and 700 when it comes to features. It also costs the same. It is hard to imagine it having much more than it does. Give it slightly better aesthetics, shave a quarter inch off the thickness and 1oz off of the weight and we would have GEEK NIRVANA!
- 4 replies to this review
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Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge! We appreciate it. Albert.
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I've been trying to decide whether to upgrade next month when my Sprint contract expires to either the 700 or 6700. This review was very helpful and pushes me slightly more toward the 6700.
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I am getting an ulcer deciding which phone to get. I must dump verizon and go to Sprint since Verizon has no reception here and Sprint does. I guess the 6700 will be the best replacement for my I730.
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Hey I am a new owner of the 6700. My question to anyone is is there software or a website that I can download videos and ringtones for the PPC 6700
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