Palm rocks: Treo 500v officially announced today on Vodafone
Palm released the Treo 500v on Vodafone in Europe today. What’s our take?
The Good
In almost every respect, the Treo 500 has the best hardware specifications of any Palm device ever developed. While it’s designed to work with a scroll wheel and no touchscreen, it’s the first Treo launched with Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition, super high speed 3G / UMTS data connectivity, 150 megahertz processing power, 150 MB of built-in memory, a 2 megapixel camera, and high resolution screen. These major steps forward, combined with the new absolutely tiny form factor, are applause-worthy.
The Bad
As Palm seems to be openly admitting by using the “500″ model number, which is lower than any other Palm model number in the past five years, the Treo 500 represents only an evolutionary - and not revolutionary - improvement to existing lines. Critics like Engadget, CNET, and MotleyFool are partly right: it’s time for Palm to wow us again.
(Palm took some pretty big body blows from these critics. Engadget wrote what they called, “an intervention.” CNET asked, “Has Palm reached rock bottom?” Motley Fool earned its name by calling for CEO Ed Colligan’s resignation.)
Our Perspective
We believe this device is best understood in context of a little history:
Palm’s CEO Ed Colligan and Founder Jeff Hawkins are undisputed technology and business visionaries. They gave us the first widely adopted PDA in the 1990s, almost single-handedly innovating the handheld computing market. Later, they also gave us the first fabulous smartphone, educated us about convergence and essentially created another important market. Their products have won countless praise and awards, such as GOLD in the “Design of the Decade” Businessweek Magazine article.
Roughly ten years ago, Colligan and Hawkins left Palm to found Handspring, which became a direct competitor of Palm. Under their leadership, Handspring became a multi-hundred million dollar success. Palm, on the other hand, floundered without them. Palm became owned by 3COM, and made egregious mistakes, the most serious of which was spinning off its software division, thereby turning over responsibility for the company’s highly innovative Palm OS to outsiders. Palm also continued headlong into the PDA market at a time when PDAs were on the decline and smartphones the ascent.
When in our view the writing was almost on the wall for Palm, the company made a “save the firm” choice to buy Handspring. Colligan and Hawkins rejoined the firm, and entered Palm into the smartphone race. Handspring’s Treo was renamed the Palm Treo. With Colligan and Hawkins involved, Palm bloodied incumbent companies Research In Motion and Nokia, becoming the front-running manufacturer of smartphones for the USA.
Unfortunately, Colligan and Hawkins are haunted by questionable Palm choices of yesteryear. Unlike Apple, their newest competitor, Palm has not controlled development of its operating system. As a result, Apple has been able to steel some thunder by introducing a few elegant innovations. Apple’s iPhone has a larger screen than any Treo, and its system software makes use of the space by providing a substantially enhanced web browsing experience and single finger navigation. (If Apple makes the iPhone’s battery removable, opens its architecture to third party developers, and installs a decent data modem, they may really have something.) Palm’s long time Taiwanese manufacturing partner, HTC, learned from Palm and entered the retail market themselves. HTC’s new smartphone “Kaiser” cannot be navigated as quickly as Treo smartphones because two hands are required to operate it. But HTC is ahead of Palm in other respects, such as convergence of WiFi, GPS and additional screen real estate.
Our conclusion
So where does this leave Palm today, and how do we feel about the Treo 500v?
We believe Ed Colligan and Jeff Hawkins are doing exactly what they should be doing. They released a fabulous device today that will have broad commercial appeal because of the great specifications, small form factor, reliability and low price. Also they took responsibility for Palm missteps. Ed Colligan wrote an open letter on Palm’s blog thanking critics (Engadget) for feedback. He also gave a nod to the community by naming the company’s new flagship line something suggesting it’s already outdated, “500v” instead of “900v” or “9000v.”
Meanwhile, Palm management has telegraphed to the community on Palm conference calls and press releases the company’s efforts to develop an entirely new platform due out next year.
We believe the Treo 500v is a slick little device. We have no doubt Palm management will shock and awe everyone in 2008.
Press Release
LONDON, Sep 12, 2007 (Press Release) –Palm Europe Ltd today announced the Palm Treo 500v smartphone which combines multiple forms of communication and multimedia capabilities with high speed 3G/UMTS mobile internet access, allowing users access to popular websites such as MySpace, YouTube and eBay whilst on the move. The new Palm Treo 500v smartphone will initially be available exclusively to Vodafone customers from October.
The Palm Treo 500v smartphone runs on a Windows Mobile 6 standard platform and has a full keyboard, large screen, video streaming capability and a comprehensive multi-messaging functionality covering Instant Messaging, SMS, email and phone and personal information management software in a new design. The compact form factor is available in two colours: glacier white and charcoal grey.
It will initially be available to Vodafone customers in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the UK and Vodacom customers in South Africa.
John Hartnett, Senior Vice President, Global Markets and Windows Business Unit, Palm Inc, said, “We are pleased to be one of the first partners to provide an internet ready Vodafone live! smartphone. The Treo 500v is priced to enable a broader audience to experience the internet and email on the go. Today’s generation has really embraced the internet as a way of keeping in touch with friends and family, seeking out entertainment and managing their day to day lives. We can offer users the choice to do what they want, how they want, when they want.”
“The new Treo 500v adds a third internet ready Vodafone live! and Microsoft(R) Windows Mobile(R) device to our recently announced Global Handset range,” said Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Terminals Director, Vodafone Group. “When combined with our high-speed 3G/UMTS network and fast access to the internet, along with great browsing and messaging support, we are confident the Palm Treo 500v will appeal to the growing group of consumers looking for the same functionality and ease of use our business customers continue to enjoy from this type of premium device.”
With the Palm Treo 500v smartphone customers can also manage documents using mobile versions of familiar Microsoft applications like Outlook, Office, and Windows Live(TM) for Windows Mobile. In addition users can share the Treo 500v smartphone’s data access with a laptop, so they can stay connected anywhere within wireless coverage.
“With the launch of the Treo 500v smartphone, Palm is delivering the benefits of Windows Mobile 6 to an increasingly broad range of users across Europe, providing them with access to important information and personal applications, such as Windows Live, to help them manage work and life on the move,” said Tony Mestres, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Communications Business. “This latest phone is another example of our joint commitment to extend the range and choice of Windows Mobile phones on the market for users.”
Treo 500v Features and Benefits
- All-in-one smartphone with messaging, email and web
- Full keyboard for fast and easy typing
- Automatic delivery of Hotmail/MSN, Yahoo!, and Gmail, email as it arrives
- Large, high-resolution screen
- Internet Explorer Mobile full-featured browser
- Access to Google Maps and eBay
- Vodafone live! for news, sports, and entertainment on the go
- 3G/UMTS network
- Planner with address book, calendar, to-do lists, and more
- View Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF files
- Windows Media Player Mobile for music and videos
- 2.0 megapixel camera captures video too
- 150MB of memory, expandable with microSD expansion card
- Windows Mobile 6 Standard software
- Microsoft Direct Push technology for delivery of Outlook email
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Device available in two colours: glacier white and charcoal grey
Related Links
See the Treo 500v phone on Palm Europe’s website.
Join the Treo Discount Club and save up to 60% on all your store purchases.
Filed under: Editorials
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While the 500v isn’t that interesting to me because it’s a Windows Mobile device, I’m glad to see that Palm is finally moving to the mini-USB connector rather than their proprietary connector. All mobile devides should standardize on the mini-USB so that you only have to carry a single cable for charging and syncing all of your devices.
Since this is Windows Mobile I’m not sure the lack of a touchscreen will be too much of a problem, but that would be impossible to do on a Palm OS device.
Extra internal memory is really nice so you can store more apps internally and use your card for media files.
Can’t wait to see what’s in store with the Centro. I’m sure it will be evolutionary like the 500v, but if it has similar specs (with a touchscreen) it is at least a step in the right direction.
Well it is definitely a start, but partially a step backwards…. I agree the mini-USB is in the right direcition, but the loss of a touch screen… the touch screen is what has kept me with palm all this time. Then again it is WM6 so I won’t be spending to much time on this one. How about WiFi?, well at least the camera finally got a good upgrade. I just hope that they keep moving forward.
I keep hoping for a new palm with a full size widescreen form factor… some where between the HTC phones and the iPhone… closer to the iPhone, but with a real QWERTY keyboard. And running the New PalmOS (non of this WM stuff, no offense, just not for me)
Well it is definitely a start, but partially a step backwards…. I agree the mini-USB is in the right direction, but the loss of a touch screen… the touch screen is what has kept me with palm all this time. Then again it is WM6 so I won’t be spending to much time on this one. How about WiFi?, well at least the camera finally got a good upgrade. I just hope that they keep moving forward.
I keep hoping for a new palm with a full size wide screen form factor… some where between the HTC phones and the iPhone… closer to the iPhone, but with a real QWERTY keyboard. And running the New PalmOS (non of this WM stuff, no offense, just not for me)
Of course I’d like a bigger screen, but not at the expense of the keyboard.
I think Palm should offer a sliding keyboard with a TX-sized screen, but data input is why I have a Treo.
Of course I’d like a bigger screen, but not at the expense of the keyboard.
I think Palm should offer a sliding keyboard with a TX-sized screen, but data input is why I have a Treo.
Thoughtfully submitted!
I agree that the 500 is a psychological step backward, what with it’s entry-level (and far from original) Zire-styling, not to mention a name that’s a number less than the oldest Treo. This after their recent official bail-out on the Foleo, which was a questionable product as well.
I was, however, impressed and encouraged by Palm’s speedy and public response to Engadget’s “intervention”, and I remain hopeful for future releases in the coming year!
its a no no for me..i stick to palm o/s
its a no no for me..i stick to palm o/s
I think it’s more of a step to keep up with the competition. Yes it’s entry level, and us hardcore users would not buy it…but I think it will help widen Palm’s appeal…they just need to get that Palm OS sorted out, and put into this unit…which does look good spec-wise…
The common consumer doesn’t know the difference between Treo, Blackjack, Kaiser, Q Pearl or iPaq 900. When confronted with choices in a mobile phone store, most people are influenced by “buzz,” specifications and price.
The company has demonstrated it can deliver specifications representing a good value at a low price. It’s the buzz that Palm needs to get back. Palm needs to release a smartphone that hardcore techies (such as bloggers and tech editors) will covet.
I made this very point to a number of Palm product managers at conferences over the past year or so. Largely they rebuffed me, perhaps because they knew Palm would only release evolutionary devices in ‘07 and felt they should defend that strategy.
Now that the entire blogosphere is calling out to Palm for a high end product (perhaps even regardless of price point), I believe management really gets it. Colligan’s “thank you letter to Engadget” and this new 500v model number seems to indicate as much.
Windoze OS, 500, 700w, 750w, Foleo… it just seems that Palm is doing everything it can to alienate, neglect and ignore its core PALM OS users.
I understand that they are working on the next generation business Palm OS platform with Linux.
But in the meantime, if they have the time and wherewithall to continue to announce 7xW, and Foleo, and 500, and whatever else they’re going to do, they’ve gotta throw us loyal Palm OS holdouts a bone, here.
I want a Palm OS Treo with plenty of on-board memory, A BIGGER SCREEN (yes, I said bigger. Not smaller. Bigger. Taller. Wider. Bigger.) better connectivity, better stability… so I can do all those boring things like deal with email attachments (a “spreadsheet” doesn’t “spread” on our screens, and seeing two or three columns doesn’t make it easy to leave my laptop behind).
And the list goes on. C’mon, PalmOne, show us some love, and SOON.
What’s the benefit of Wondows OS? I’m a macuser and I really don’t need all those shitty Microsoft apps. PalmOS is sufficient. No touchscreen sucks!
Palm is trying to go international and at least for now that unfortunately means the MobWins. The Palm OS user base is over-concentrated in the US and, IMO, needs to be patient, at least for now.
Palm is behind and needs to make up some serious ground, and the 500v only does so much. But if the Centro is the Palm OS/touchscreen version of 500v then, with that feature set, Palm will at least be on par with the rest of the market. This also assumes it will be available on GSM and CDMA networks.
Just like everyone here, I don’t want a device that makes me look just like everyone else in the herd. I want a device that makes everyone else drool.
If they build it, and I believe they will, will we not come?
Do you ever get the feeling that Palm just isn’t trying very hard? As a Treo user since the 300, I feel like they’ve given up.
What was the biggest development in smartphones in the last year? The iPhone. What did it feature as a technological advance over the Blackberry? Touchscreen functionality. So now Palm wants to abandoned the touchscreen for a nav ball? It makes no sense to me…
Don’t take away my touchscreen! Give me more screen real estate! Palm, you have to listen to the hardcore Treo users! Don’t ignore us, or the brand will most likely suffer…
Don’t take away my touchscreen! Give me more screen real estate! Palm, you have to listen to the hardcore Treo users! Don’t ignore us, or the brand will most likely suffer…
Don’t take away my touchscreen! Give me more screen real estate! Palm, you have to listen to the hardcore Treo users! Don’t ignore us, or the brand will most likely suffer…
Don’t take away my touchscreen! Give me more screen real estate! Palm, you have to listen to the hardcore Treo users! Don’t ignore us, or the brand will most likely suffer…
Sorry about the multiple posts, I was trying to post it using my Treo 700p and it gave me a fair amount of trouble (or so I thought). I’ve already put in a call to Palm about the Verizon 1.10 update.
Again, I apologize.
YES! Palm OS … GIVE IT TO ME!! I do NOT want Windoze … Hate Bill G and will do all to stay away.
I agree with all the posts - I read each and every one.
BIGGER “TOUCH” screen!!!!
MORE internal memory!!!!
better STABILITY … come on, Palm, you CAN do it!!!
better connectivity
I LOVE my Treo 700p and I WILL hold out until a PALM-PLATFORM based Treo comes out that not only makes everyone ELSE drool, but makes ME drool every time I pick it up to answer a call or clear an appointment reminder.
I’m GLAD the innovators Colligan and Hawkins are back - WE MISSED YOU GUYS!!!! Now, dig your heels in and bat one out of the park with the next gen PALM OS powered Treo Smartphone - the “800″ series for ‘08?!
I will be (im)patiently waiting …
Mini USB, more memory, and a better camera are nice. But lets get down to the core, improvements in Palm OS, more not less touch screen ability, better connectivity, and a sliding key board. I have tried a Windows Mobile phone and got rid of it in one week. We need better Palms.
Well, three features I liked of Treo: the touchscreen, Graffiti 2 and PalmOS. I simply hates keyboards, I prefer to use a pen to write. The new Treo 500 looks like a Nokia or any other similar smartphone. I am really sad.
Screen size…..
Thats what it’s all about! Why make it smaller.
Can we get a Treo type devise that has a large screen and updated business apps like they have now?
I’m glad the camera’s better. Also keep the touch screen.
I love my Treo….. I just want it to grow.
SC
It figures that just as Apple and others learn the marketing advantages of a “touch screen”, that Palm would screw it up. :)
Treo 300,600,650,700,755 and STILL the SAME OL’ Lame-ASS OS!! Palm Get on it already. I like the bigger capacity and usb, now just put that in a Lifedrive form that’s stable with a phone, and you got a decent device, (my opinion) but Keep the QWERTY keypad!! and make it horizontal or vertical….kinda like the iphone does whether it be a switch, or automatically. You guys make it seem like Win95 is still cool and stable with your current OS that’s been around for like 7 years or whatever the number is….Time to upgrade us loyal Fans……Jesus H. Christ!
Faslane
Wow! I’m so impressed! What would REALLY throw me over the edge would be for Palm to exchange my 700p for a new model that isn’t in the “recall this piece of *#(*&)” category!!!
I’m getting quivery just thinking about it!
I’m going to wait by my (landline Panasonic) phone right now!!!
PS…that Sidekick is looking more and more attractive!
PS - THIS JUST IN… “A researcher has discovered that a palm tree oasis in the middle of the central Australian desert is tapping into water that is about 300,000-years-old.
The Palm Valley Oasis, west of Alice Springs, is more than 1,000 kilometres away from the nearest relatives of the species.
Hydrogeologist John Wischusenhas has written a PhD thesis, explaining that the palms might have survived through the extreme temperatures from prehistoric times because of the very old ground water.
“It’s good news on the sustainability front, in that past weather climate seems to be still supplying, or making water available down the track for these palms now,” he said.
He says the prehistoric palms survived extreme arid phases associated with past ice age events.”
Reportedly, the trees bore fruit that was bitter, smelled foul, and quickly shriveled. Remarkably, the trees continued to produce fruit at prodigious levels, but each season’s crop was more puzzling than the last. Researchers and consumer groups advised avoiding the area altogether, deeming it possible that even short-term contact with the fruit could cause severe frustration, preceded by obsessive/morbid thoughts of a palm tree which would once again show promise.
The property owner retaliated to this report by spreading what was quickly characterized as propaganda, and admitting nothing, topped off by denying everything. Not even the uncannily successful Bono could calm the restless consumers, though a rumor of a “Restore the Palms to Glory Days” persisted.
Should have read…”though a rumor of a ‘Restore the Palms to Glory Days benefit concert’ persisted”…
Palm definitely needs to give us BIGGER and BETTER touch-screens, MORE internal memory, BETTER camera (2.0 MP at least) and even more important - STABILITY. My Treo 680 regularly crashes 1-2 times a day. Now, that seriously shouts for some improvement.
I don’t understand PALM anyway..how do you spend years promoting an OS..develop a winning product (treo), then turn around and assist in your own demise by adding the competitions OS (windoze). The OS is what made Palm stand out in the first place..I can get a dozen or so devices with Windoze..but there is only one Palm. Damn take a lesson from Bill , believe in what your doing (Palm OS) go hard or go home..
I don’t understand PALM anyway..how do you spend years promoting an OS..develop a winning product (treo), then turn around and assist in your own demise by adding the competitions OS (windoze). The OS is what made Palm stand out in the first place..I can get a dozen or so devices with Windoze..but there is only one Palm. Damn take a lesson from Bill , believe in what your doing (Palm OS) go hard or go home..