TX/TE2 V. Smartphone??

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xsherryxcherryx

New member
I know, it's like comparing apples to oranges, so I apologize if my question causes some consternation. My conundrum is this: my old Clie conflicts with my wife's new Tungsten E Palm Desktop setup, so I was thinking about going Smartphone so as to not crash my computer when hotsyncing as well as to minimize the amount of gadgetry I carry around. However, I'm turned off by the pricetag of a new 650 (I'm in the middle of my Verizon contract, so no "new every two" promotion here). Hence, I'm considering picking up a used Treo 600 on Ebay, but I'm skeptical that it will hold up for me, especially given the lukewarm reviews I've read.

Used 600s go for about $200. Is it worth rolling the dice when I can get a solid PDA (like the Tungsten E) for the same price (or a little more for what seems to be a fabulous TX) but be stuck with two gadets instead of one? I don't want to have a lemon Smartphone that no one will service!

Thanks!
 
I had a GSM Treo 600 (not locked to any carrier) for a couple of months. It worked perfectly as a phone and as a PDA-- its only disadvantage for me was the 160x160 screen. Hard to go back to that after a 320x320 Tungsten E and a 320x480 Zodiac. I ended up trading it to my brother for a Nokia 6600 (has Bluetooth and pairs nicely with the Zodiac).
 
Depends a little on what phone you have now. I'm with Verizon too. I have the v710 motorola, which despite being bluetooth WILL NOT bluetooth "bond" to my T3. Finally found out the other day from a guy who actually KNEW what he was talking about why not - long story, but suffice it to say I think it's for the best - and Verizon's cell coverage is the best I've ever used.

I don't like converged devices. I'd spend the $299 and get the tX - keep the phone you have if you're happy - or upgrade to the v710 (which has the voice recorder the TX lacks). That's what I'm using - v710 and T3, soon to be TX. Your devices are separate, you're deciding what's carried on what, separate phone list on phone becuase you don't need entire phone book, safeguard against theft or dropping down a manhole grid - benefits are many, IMHO. Keep 'em separate. Nothing wrong with an "E," either if you want to save the extra $100. I would imagine the TX will come down to $250 soon, or the "TX2" will come out at same $299 - which might be worth waiting for. Either way I wouldn't get a converged device.
 
Thanks for your help, Paul and Cheesehead. I appreciate your insights into the world of handhelds v. smartphones, and I think I'm less convinced that the smartphone is THE way to go. My main motivation for thinking about getting a smartphone was that I will always have all my phone numbers whenver I need them, but hey I could just suck it up and spend an hour or two transferring all the numbers I might ever use and stay vigilant about keeping my phone's (Samsung A610, I think) address book up to date. I wish I could somehow beam phone numbers between my PDA and cell...

Thanks!
 
You could if you didn't have Verizon. I have Verizon, as I think I mentioned - it's the BEST hands down for cellular coverage. But they DISABLE the Bluetooth in their BT phones other than to MOTOROLA equipment (earbud, PC stick for mobile database transfer, etc).

If you were with T-Mobile or Cingular you could tap dial on your palm and dial your phone, and/or have a "cell" category on your Palm to BT to your phone, say, weekly - to keep numbers updated.

I have the v710 MOtorola and for $80 you can buy one of two packages that allow PC Sync of your phone database - handy for backup, re-ordering fast-dial shortcuts, categories, etc. I was at first dismayed that I'd waited for a BT phone and then not really "had one that was BT," but security was behind Verizon's decision (as was the 35 cents to email yourself a picture, since you can't beam it to another phone or PDA - the Regional Manager was honest enough to tell me that!).

The only Verizon "phone" that's bluetooth "unlimited" is the Samsung Pocket PC Phone - and if you don't use a lot of native palm apps, that might be good for you. Thinking about it, they may have a Treo/Palm OS, but I don't recall seeing one. I don't think you can synch excel documents on the PPC. They (VZN) will be adding other phones this Fall, the first of which is an LG 8000(+?) that's pretty hip.

I like the v710, personally for phone quality and features, voice recorder, and it's re-flashable with latest OS right at your Verizon store. Battery life is great. I'm thinking of the smart card add on and the mobile software. If you do get the mobile software, don't necessarily buy the "v710 only" package - there is one available with all the connectors for just about any phone (including Samsung A610) and "universal synch software," which would do you in good stead if you switched phones.

There are no plans for VZN to make "universal bluetooth" available. A tech in my local store bonded a v710 to a headset, then ran next door and looked at 3 laptops. It was trying to bond with all THREE. If one of those laptops had had a sniffer, it could have broken any 4 digit code, and "listened." This is how Paris Hilton lost her SideKick information . . . . T-Mobile is "wide open."

That's what I mean about security - suddenly your PIN numbers are being "viewed" while you're sitting at a baseball game and you get a phone call on your earbud. Scary stuff. I'd rather transfer manually from the T3 (which I've done) and know the only thing "viewing" is the Motorola BT earbud.

The real gains in mobile internet will come over the next 4 months when EVDO replaces WiFi, and the "PC card" is included in the laptops (FEB-MAR). You'll have near cable speeds, and literally be able to put it on your passenger seat and view traffic and weather radar in real time without burning rubber into a Starbucks and paying $39 for access. VZN is offering it NOW in major cities for $59, and other companies will be jumping in soon - prices will drop.

Think I'd do either the TX or a used T3. If you're a "tweaker," the T3 offers you more; the TX is a "fixed" T5 right out of the box and for $299 is a pretty good deal with 100MB useable and no silly "internal SD Card" like the T5 had.
 
You're in Monroe, Wisconsin, right?? It must follow then that you're a Packers fan, and therefore a Cheesehead (is that still what Packers fanatics are called?). If you're a Bears fan or none at all, I meant no offense!
 
Much obliged for your input. I think I'll go TX, that is until I see how much better EVDO is than Wi-Fi and get EVDO gadget envy.
 
I used to think that 2 gadgets would be a pain. I used (and loved) a Treo 180g for a year or so but, when it came to upgrading my phone, the Treo 600 was too new (and no Bluetooth). I ended up with an Orange SPV C500 (aka HTC Typhoon) as I got a good deal on it. It is Windows Mobile (yuck! - Windows is not suited to devices with no mouse/stylus) but it works. I can sync with Outlook & hence with my current Tungsten T.

The phone is good enough to check emails and train times when I don't have the TT. I can use the TT over B/tooth on the phone. Almost as good as an integrated device but more flexible as I don't have the bulk when I don't need it.

I now think I prefer 2 devices as the phone is small enough to carry about at times when I don't need a pda. When I am at work, I use the PDA and it goes in a jacket or briefcase.

I'm thinking of changing the phone and will go for a phone that is small, will do occasional emails/wap and has bluetooth. The TT will get replaced with another Palm device before too long (but I really don't know what to go for at this point).

Rgrds

Peter
 
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