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- Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 273 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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85 out of 90 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Oustanding.....Hghly Recommended....Don't let pie in the sky naysayers deter you from trying this ph"
Pros: Excellent Phone....Easy One Handed Operation....Fast in EVDO Areas.....CAN tether to laptop
Cons: 240x240 screen ( not a big deal but I would have liked better) and lack of WIFI ( again, would be nice but rarely needed in EVDO area )
Summary: After reading some negative reviews, I was concerned about this phone. However, after considering the negative comments ( the majority were made by people who either have an axe to grind with the Microsoft OS, made their review before the phone was even available to try out and therefore, haven't even used it, or have an expectation that a small, portable device is a laptop substitute) and after actually TRYING the device myself I am SOLD.
I am fortunate to live in an EVDO area and downloads are Blazingly FAST. I would never even consider using WIFI in these areas. Phone reception is excellent, even when traveling in areas I have had problems with in the past.
Take the time to learn the layout and use of the keys and you will discover that you rarely would need the stylus. This is a main advantage of this phone versus some of the alternatives, such as the samsung i730 or the new 6700.
Yes, I would like a larger screen, but not at the expense of one handed operation. I didn't buy this phone to replace my laptop, only to allow me to communicate and browse without having to boot up my laptop every single time.
If I need to type a long EMail or expect to do extensive browsing, the laptop is a better tool and would be better than any of the smart phone alternatives as well.
You also do not need to hunt for a hotspot anytime you need any information. The EVDO is excellent and I am able to check an Email driving down the road ( Safely due to the one handed capability of the layout )
I have already tethered this phone to my laptop using a very simple to install third party program. PDAnet by JuneFabrics. Free to try and about $ 35 to buy. Installation was a breeze and it works like a charm.
The phone is very attractive, not a huge, heavy brick, and has a definite WOW factor. I saw one reviewer who referred to the brightly lit keyboard as "quite fetching" and I would agree. The keys are solid and responsive.
Despite concerns over the 240x240 resolution, the display is bright and very readible. I have compared side by side with the higher resolution Trea 650 and you have to be pretty picky to notice that much of a difference....SLIGHTLY less vibrant but not a deal breaker. This is the only reason I don't rate the phone a 10.
You DO NOT have to sign up for a $ 45 data package as some have said. I purchased a bundled package for only $ 20/mo more than my voice only package. That gives you another
$ 100 instant rebate. $ 399.00 out the door price.
Lastly, I am a very demanding buyer and don't hesitate in the least to return a product that doesn't meet my expectations. I fully expected to take advantage of Verizon's 15 day return policy. However, I am keeping this baby.
- 9 replies to this review
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Cingular's network stinks
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Can you give me more info on the $20 data package as an alternative to the $45 Verizon offers????
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The review was very helpful,but I am not finding the same bundle options (plus 100 instant rebate; 399 out the door cost) as you indicate. A couple of questions...were you already using a Verizon voice or voice/data plan (I currently have America's Choice phone plan only w/ a couple of kids added to it)?? Were you able to keep your same cell phone number (this will be my 1st move to a smartphone from a separate cell & pda)? Did you use verizonwireless online to purchase or negotiate in store? Also, in a separate review, someone was able to get them to drop $100 w/ the 'purchase' of an unlimited voice/data bundle...was that your experience as well? I don't mind dropping the kids to move to my own solo bundled plan, but I'm not finding the same costs you were able to get. Any suggestions?
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I also own a Treo 700w and I agree with everything physios said. Its a great PHONE, its not a laptop replacement. However, I have some issues that I think Palm could have easily solved with current technology.
1. Way too little program memory. After a boot up my model has only 11MB of program memory, after running opera maybe 2 tabs open it drops dangerously to 2. I think Palm could have given us a little more memory to play with. Maybe 10 - 15MB more.
2. Windows Mobile 5 is a great operating system but its prone to locking up ( a Windows tradition). Having your cell phone 'lock-up" and need a "reboot" is ridiculous and annoying.
3. Mac OSX compatibility is non-existant.
Well that's my 2cents from an actual Treo 700w owner.
In summary if wsomeone asked me if they should buy this phone my answer would be simple. "You should have bought it yesterday!!!" -
Without repeating all that has been said, this phone just plain works. From one-handed operation to excellent voice quality, this phone is quite capable. I owned the Samsung sliding keyboard phone - now that is the pitts. You can't do hardly anything without using the stylus. This phone can do complex chores in a very simple manner.
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great software, I mean great. But, I have had three people I know buy it and all have returned it because of software bugs. Please get it right MS! Great idea, too many bugs.
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Thanks for your in-depth write-up. I've been researching the 700W for a while now and you helped make up my mind when you mentioned the PdaNet software. You mentioned that you do not need to purchase the data plan with Verizon. I don't want to have to monitor my online time so I don't run up my bill so I assumed the unlimited data plan was the only way to go. What is your way around this?
Thanks again,
Dennis -
Do you find the 312mhz processor to be hinderance?
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The review was no groundbreaker in a review for a phone that's probably a step closer to being obsolete than the 6700. No Wi-Fi, in this day and age, is a dead give-a-way. The reviewer did't even state why the Treo 700 would be a better choice than a Audiovox 6700. Boo.... I can tell you that their's no need for a third party app, like PDAnet, to use the 6700 as a wireless modem. It does it right out of the box! If your laptop has a infrared port or bluetooth you don't even have to plug the 6700 into your laptop or desktop computer. Plus, it has Wi-Fi just in case you're not in a EV-D0 area.
Where to buy
Palm Treo 700w - gray (Verizon Wireless):
$148.00
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eBay
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$148.00 | Yes |
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