Computerworld - Palm Inc. and Sprint Nextel Corp. today announced the Palm Treo 800w smart phone, calling it a device most suited for business users and not a direct competitor to the iPhone 3G launched Friday.
The new Treo appears similar to older Treo models, butit is the first smart phone with the capability to access fast EV-DO Rev. A networks out of the box, said spokeswoman Karen Chan.
The new Treo has Wi-Fi and Global Positioning System capabilities. It will sell for $249.99 after discounts and rebates and is subject to a two-year contract. That puts the price above the 8GB iPhone 3G model, which sells for $199 and also has Wi-Fi, GPS and access to AT&T Inc.'s fast 3G network.
The Treo 800w operates on the Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro operating system and includes Outlook e-mail as well as text messaging. Editing of Microsoft Word and Excel documents is also possible.
Sprint said its EV-DO Rev. A download speeds average 600 Kbit/sec. to 1.4Mbit/sec., while uploads average 350 Kbit/sec. to 500 Kbit/sec.
Other features include a 320-by-320-pixel resolution touch screen; access to Sprint TV for news, weather and sports; and Sprite software for easy device backup.
Bluetooth wireless is supported as well as Wi-Fi and EV-DO Rev. A. The battery, which is removable, offers up to 4.5 hours of talk time. It weighs 5 ounces and is 2.28 by 4.41 by 0.73 in. in size.
Sprint requires a commitment to an unlimited data pricing plan, starting at $69.99 a month for unlimited data and 450 voice minutes.
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