amazon Palm Treo Pro reviews
Design and Build Quality
Materials and Construction
The Palm Treo Pro boasts a refined and robust design, showcasing Palm’s commitment to quality and durability. The device measures 115 x 62 x 12.5 mm and weighs approximately 135 grams, making it compact and easy to handle. Its construction combines metal and plastic, providing a premium feel while maintaining practicality.
The front of the Treo Pro is dominated by a 2.6-inch touchscreen, which is complemented by a traditional QWERTY keyboard that slides out smoothly. The metal and rubberized finish on the back and sides of the device adds to its durability and enhances the overall grip. The build quality reflects a balance between sophistication and ruggedness, ideal for business professionals who require a reliable device.
Design Aesthetics
The design of the Palm Treo Pro is characterized by its sleek and minimalist appearance. The front panel features a large touchscreen display, with the keyboard neatly tucked beneath it. The device has a clean, understated look with a metallic trim that adds a touch of elegance. The back of the device is equipped with a soft-touch finish that provides a comfortable grip and reduces the risk of accidental drops.
The Treo Pro’s design is practical, focusing on functionality and ease of use. The device’s form factor is compact enough to fit comfortably in a pocket or hand, while the keyboard design allows for efficient typing. The overall aesthetic of the Treo Pro emphasizes a blend of modernity and practicality, making it suitable for both professional and personal use.
Durability and Ergonomics
The Palm Treo Pro’s build quality and materials contribute to its durability. The metal chassis and rubberized back provide a sturdy construction that can withstand daily wear and tear. The device’s compact size and ergonomic design ensure a comfortable grip and easy handling.
The sliding mechanism for the QWERTY keyboard is well-engineered, allowing for smooth operation without wobbling or stiffness. The keyboard’s design includes well-spaced keys with tactile feedback, contributing to a comfortable typing experience. The overall ergonomics of the Treo Pro enhance its usability, making it a practical choice for users who value both form and function.
Display Quality
Screen Specifications
The Palm Treo Pro features a 2.6-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. This resolution results in a pixel density of approximately 200 pixels per inch (PPI). While the display size may seem modest by modern standards, it was considered adequate for the device’s target audience at the time of release.
The screen is protected by a layer of scratch-resistant glass, which helps maintain its clarity and prevents damage from everyday use. The display’s resolution provides decent sharpness and detail for its size, allowing users to view text, images, and applications clearly.
Color Accuracy and Brightness
The TFT LCD panel on the Treo Pro delivers accurate color reproduction and good visibility in various lighting conditions. The screen’s brightness levels are suitable for indoor use, providing clear visibility of content. However, the display may struggle with glare and reduced visibility under direct sunlight, which is a common issue with TFT LCD panels.
The color accuracy of the display is generally good, with vibrant and lifelike hues. While not as advanced as modern AMOLED or OLED screens, the TFT LCD panel of the Treo Pro was competitive in its era, offering a satisfactory viewing experience.
Viewing Angles and Touch Sensitivity
The Treo Pro’s display offers decent viewing angles, though some color shift and brightness reduction may occur when viewed from extreme angles. The touch sensitivity of the screen is responsive, allowing for accurate interactions and navigation. The touchscreen performs well for tasks such as scrolling, tapping, and swiping, though it may not match the sensitivity and responsiveness of more recent devices.
Overall Display Performance
The display of the Palm Treo Pro was considered high-quality in 2008, offering a high resolution and good color accuracy for its size. While it may not compete with modern displays in terms of brightness and color vibrancy, it remains functional and satisfactory for general use.
Performance and Hardware
Processor and Memory
The Palm Treo Pro is powered by the Qualcomm MSM7201A processor, which is a single-core chipset clocked at 400 MHz. This processor was designed to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for the tasks and applications of its time.
The device is equipped with 256MB of RAM, which was adequate for running applications and multitasking in 2008. The combination of the MSM7201A processor and 256MB of RAM ensures that the Treo Pro can handle everyday tasks smoothly, though it may struggle with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
The Treo Pro offers 256MB of internal storage, which provides space for apps, media files, and other data. The device also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, supporting cards up to 32GB. This expandable storage option is valuable for users who require additional space beyond the device’s built-in capacity.
Performance Benchmarks
In benchmark tests, the Palm Treo Pro performs competently for its time, with scores that reflect its mid-range status. The MSM7201A processor delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks and applications, though it may not match the performance levels of more recent processors.
Thermal Management
The Treo Pro incorporates effective thermal management to prevent overheating during extended use. The device remains relatively cool under normal usage conditions, with minimal heating observed during intensive tasks or prolonged use. This effective thermal management contributes to stable and consistent performance.
Keyboard Experience
Physical Keyboard Design
The Palm Treo Pro features a well-designed physical QWERTY keyboard that slides out smoothly from the device’s body. The keyboard spans the width of the device and includes well-spaced keys with tactile feedback. The keys are backlit, allowing for use in low-light conditions.
Typing Experience
The physical keyboard on the Treo Pro delivers a satisfying typing experience, with well-defined keys that provide a comfortable click with each press. The keyboard layout is familiar to users who prefer physical keyboards, offering an efficient and precise typing experience. The tactile feedback helps reduce typing errors and improves overall productivity.
Keyboard Features
The Treo Pro’s keyboard includes several advanced features, such as programmable shortcut keys that allow users to quickly access frequently used functions or applications. The keyboard’s layout and design contribute to a positive typing experience, making it a popular choice among users who value physical keyboards.
Camera Capabilities
Rear Camera Specifications
The Palm Treo Pro features a 2MP rear camera with a fixed focus lens and no flash. This camera setup provides basic functionality for capturing images, though it lacks the advanced features found in more modern cameras.
Image Quality
The rear camera delivers basic image quality, with images showing reasonable detail and color accuracy in well-lit conditions. However, the lack of a flash and autofocus limits the camera’s performance in low-light situations. The camera is suitable for casual snapshots and basic photo-taking needs, though it may not meet the expectations of users seeking higher-quality images.
Camera Features and Modes
The Treo Pro’s camera includes basic features and modes, such as standard photo capture and image editing options. The device does not offer advanced camera modes or settings, limiting its versatility for photography enthusiasts.
Video Recording
The rear camera supports video recording at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, providing standard video capture with moderate detail and clarity. The video recording quality is generally acceptable for its time, though it may not match the quality of more recent devices.
Front Camera
The Palm Treo Pro does not feature a front-facing camera, which was a common omission in devices of its era. The lack of a front camera limits the device’s capabilities for video calls and selfies, which were becoming increasingly popular at the time.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Specifications
The Treo Pro is equipped with a 1500mAh removable battery. This battery capacity was considered adequate for the device’s hardware and display size, providing sufficient power for a day of moderate use.
Battery Performance
The battery life of the Palm Treo Pro is generally satisfactory, with the device lasting through a full day of moderate use. Users can expect around 5-6 hours of screen-on time, depending on individual usage patterns and settings. The device’s battery performance is suitable for everyday tasks, including web browsing, email, and multimedia consumption.
Charging Speed
The Treo Pro supports standard charging methods, with charging times being reasonable given the battery capacity. The device can be fully charged in approximately 2 hours, providing a quick boost of power when needed. The charging speed is consistent with other devices of its era.
Battery Optimization
The Treo Pro includes basic battery optimization features to help extend battery life. These features include power-saving modes that reduce background activity and limit certain functions to conserve power. Users can activate these modes to maximize battery performance during periods of heavy use or when a charger is not available.
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Software and User Experience
Operating System
The Palm Treo Pro originally shipped with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, offering a robust operating system with a range of features and enhancements tailored for business users. The device’s software includes various productivity tools and applications, reflecting Palm’s focus on meeting the needs of professionals.
User Interface
The Treo Pro’s software experience is characterized by Windows Mobile’s interface, which includes a Start menu, taskbar, and home screen with customizable shortcuts. The interface provides a clean and organized layout, with a focus on functionality and ease of navigation. The interface is designed to facilitate quick access to applications, settings, and important features, enhancing productivity and usability for business users.
Productivity Tools
The Palm Treo Pro includes several built-in productivity tools that cater to professional users. These tools include:
- Microsoft Office Suite: The device comes preloaded with Microsoft Office Mobile, allowing users to view, edit, and create Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents on the go. This integration ensures that users can manage their work tasks and documents efficiently from their smartphone.
- Outlook Integration: The Treo Pro offers seamless integration with Microsoft Outlook, enabling users to synchronize their emails, contacts, and calendar appointments. This synchronization ensures that users have access to their important information and can stay organized while on the move.
- Task Management: The device includes built-in task management tools, such as to-do lists and reminders. These tools help users keep track of their tasks and deadlines, improving overall productivity and organization.
Email and Communication
The Treo Pro provides robust email and communication features, reflecting its focus on business users. The device supports multiple email accounts, including Exchange, IMAP, and POP3. Users can manage their emails efficiently, with features such as push email for real-time updates and synchronization.
The email client on the Treo Pro offers a user-friendly interface for composing, reading, and organizing emails. The device’s QWERTY keyboard enhances the email experience, allowing for fast and accurate typing. The Treo Pro also supports various messaging protocols, including SMS and MMS, ensuring comprehensive communication options.
Web Browsing
The Palm Treo Pro includes a web browser that supports standard web browsing tasks. The browser is capable of rendering websites with reasonable speed and accuracy, though it may not match the performance of more recent browsers. Users can browse the web, access online services, and view multimedia content, though the browsing experience may be limited by the device’s hardware and software.
Application Ecosystem
The Palm Treo Pro supports a range of applications available through the Windows Mobile Marketplace. Users can download and install various apps, including productivity tools, games, and multimedia applications. The application ecosystem offers a selection of software that enhances the device’s capabilities and provides additional features for users.
Customization and Personalization
The Treo Pro allows users to customize the device’s appearance and functionality according to their preferences. Users can modify the home screen layout, set up custom shortcuts, and choose from a range of themes and wallpapers. This level of customization ensures that users can tailor their device to suit their needs and preferences.
Performance and Multitasking
The Palm Treo Pro’s performance is generally smooth and responsive for its time, though it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The Qualcomm MSM7201A processor and 256MB of RAM provide adequate performance for everyday tasks, such as email, web browsing, and document editing. Users can switch between applications and perform tasks without significant lag, though performance may vary based on the complexity of the tasks and applications in use.
System Updates and Support
The Treo Pro received updates to Windows Mobile 6.1, which introduced improvements in performance and functionality. However, the device did not receive updates beyond this version, limiting its compatibility with newer applications and features. As a result, users may experience limitations in terms of software support and app compatibility.
Connectivity and Extras
Network Connectivity
The Palm Treo Pro supports various network connectivity options, including 3G and Wi-Fi. The device’s 3G capability provides reliable mobile data access, allowing users to browse the internet, send emails, and use online services. The Wi-Fi functionality ensures fast and stable internet access when connected to a wireless network.
Bluetooth and USB
The Treo Pro includes Bluetooth 2.0 support, enabling users to connect to compatible devices for wireless data transfer and audio streaming. The Bluetooth functionality works well for pairing with headsets, speakers, and other accessories. The device also features a mini-USB port for charging and data transfer, providing standard connectivity options for syncing and transferring files.
GPS and Location Services
The Palm Treo Pro includes built-in GPS functionality, which allows users to utilize location-based services and navigation apps. The GPS performance is generally accurate, providing reliable location tracking and navigation assistance. The device supports mapping applications and GPS-based services, enhancing its usability for navigation and location-based tasks.
Audio and Multimedia
The Treo Pro features a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite wired headphones for audio playback. The device’s audio quality is generally good, with clear and balanced sound output. The built-in speaker provides acceptable audio performance for casual listening, though it may not match the quality of dedicated audio devices.
The Treo Pro supports various audio and video formats, enabling users to enjoy their media files on the go. The device includes standard media playback features, including video playback and music streaming, providing a versatile multimedia experience. The device’s multimedia capabilities are suitable for casual use, though they may not meet the expectations of users seeking advanced media features.
Additional Features
The Palm Treo Pro includes several additional features that enhance its overall functionality:
- FM Radio: The device features an FM radio tuner, allowing users to listen to local radio stations without requiring an internet connection. The FM radio functionality provides additional entertainment options for users on the go.
- Document Viewer: The Treo Pro includes a document viewer for accessing and viewing various file types, such as PDFs and Office documents. This feature is useful for users who need to manage and view documents while away from their computer.
- Customizable Shortcuts: The device allows users to create and customize shortcuts for frequently used apps and functions. This feature provides quick access to essential features and enhances overall usability.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Physical Keyboard: The Treo Pro’s physical QWERTY keyboard offers a unique and satisfying typing experience, providing tactile feedback and accuracy.
- Build Quality: The device features a solid build with durable materials, contributing to its overall durability and premium feel.
- Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD card slot allows for expandable storage, providing additional space for apps, media files, and other data.
- Productivity Tools: The device includes a range of productivity tools, such as Microsoft Office Mobile and Outlook integration, enhancing its appeal to business users.
- Battery Life: The 1500mAh battery offers adequate battery life for a full day of moderate use, ensuring reliable performance throughout the day.
Cons
- Outdated Software: The Treo Pro’s lack of updates beyond Windows Mobile 6.1 limits its compatibility with newer apps and features, making it less relevant in today’s smartphone market.
- Performance Limitations: The Qualcomm MSM7201A processor and 256MB of RAM may struggle with more demanding applications and heavy multitasking, resulting in slower performance compared to modern devices.
- Display Visibility: The TFT LCD display may have reduced visibility and glare in direct sunlight, affecting the overall viewing experience.
- Camera Limitations: The 2MP rear camera offers basic image quality and lacks advanced features, limiting its usability for photography enthusiasts.
- Front Camera: The Treo Pro does not feature a front-facing camera, which limits its capabilities for video calls and selfies.
Conclusion
The Palm Treo Pro represents a significant step in the evolution of smartphones, offering a blend of classic Palm design with modern features of its time. The device’s physical keyboard, build quality, and productivity tools make it a noteworthy choice for business users who value a tactile typing experience and robust productivity features.
While the Treo Pro may not compete with modern smartphones in terms of performance, software updates, and connectivity, it remains a notable part of smartphone history. The device’s unique features, including its physical keyboard and expandable storage, continue to make it a memorable and practical choice for users who appreciate a blend of tradition and innovation.
Overall, the Palm Treo Pro is a testament to Palm’s legacy in the smartphone industry, showcasing the capabilities of early mobile devices and setting the stage for future advancements in mobile technology. For users interested in experiencing a piece of smartphone history or those who value the charm of a physical keyboard, the Treo Pro remains a noteworthy and distinctive choice.
