Windows Phone Thoughts: Palm's Treo 700w Reviewed: Part 2 (Software, Performance, Conclusions)

Product Category: Pocket PC Phone
Manufacturer: Palm, Inc.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Price: $299.99 USD (after Amazon rebate); $499.99 USD (from Verizon Wireless)
System Requirements: Windows 2000 or Windows XP; USB port; CD-ROM drive
Specifications: 2.3" W x 4.4" H (excluding antenna) x 0.9" D; 6.4 oz; proprietary AC plug/adapter; 312MHz XScale processor; 240x240, 16-bit screen; 128MB memory (60MB ROM, 14MB RAM free on startup); SD slot; QWERTY thumbboard; 2.5mm audio jack; 1.3MP digital camera; 800/1900MHz CDMA/1xRTT/1xEV-DO; Bluetooth 1.2; Windows Mobile 5 AKU1

Pros:

• Fast EVDO access;
  
• Top-notch one-handability;
  
• Compact size, good for phone use;
  
• Broad support.

Cons:

• Smaller, square screen incompatible with some applications;
  
• No WiFi;
  
• Less than ideal memory;
  
• So-so multimedia performance.

Summary:
Palm's first effort in the Windows Mobile arena has yielded one of the most talked-about Windows Mobile devices of all time. The form factor, plus Palm's customizations, makes it pocketable and usable as a phone, but does it make for a good Windows Mobile Pocket PC?

This is part two of the 700w review, and focuses on Palm's WM5 customizations, overall software and multimedia experience, and performance. If you've survived part one's length and depth, you'll want to check this part out as well!