Sprint and Palm launch the the Palm Treo 800w, with
Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional that supports EV-DO Rev. A data speeds, WiFi and GP. EV-DO Rev. A, allows for a peak network download data rates increase to 3.1
Mbps and peak upload data rates increase to 1.8 Mbps; average download
speeds improve to 600 kbps to 1.4 mbps and average uplink speeds
increase to 350-500 kbps. The Treo 800w has a
one-touch WiFi button for uncluttered WiFi and includes 802.11b/g WiFi and built-in Internet Explorer Mobile, which means faster, more secure access to web-based data. With integrated GPS and Palm software enhancements, the Treo 800w
smartphone offers maps, point-to-point directions and point-of-interest
(POI) searches for locations such as restaurants or stores.
The Treo 800w comes fully equipped with easy-to-use professional
email. Microsoft Direct Push Technology is available out of the box and
gives users connected to a Microsoft Exchange Server fast, automatic
wireless updates from their email, calendar, contacts and tasks.(4)
Users can download email attachments to view and edit Microsoft Word
and Excel files, view PowerPoint and PDF files, and open ZIP files.
The Treo 800w is compatible with Microsoft's System Center Mobile
Device Manager 2008, which delivers increased security and easier
smartphone management as well as access to information on the corporate
network via mobile VPN. IT professionals can confidently manage large
Treo 800w deployments the same way they would expect to manage PCs with
a low-cost, reliable solution that fits seamlessly with their existing
IT infrastructures.
Palm innovations on top of Windows Mobile include:
- Today Screen enhancements -- call, text, email, perform a web
search and map a contact's address, all directly from the Today Screen; - Dial from the Today Screen -- enter the contact name, select the
number and dial. Add text or picture speed dials for one-touch calls to
family and friends, or use the physical or touch screen number keys to
dial the number directly; - Voicemail controls -- VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward, for easy navigation;
- Ignore with text -- ignore a call quickly by sending a text message, such as "In a meeting" or "Can't talk right now";
- Superior phone and call management -- dedicated mute, speakerphone,
conference calling icons, or dial any number in an email or webpage,
all with just one touch; and - Palm ease-of-use features -- hard buttons for email and calendar, a five-way navigation button and on/off ringer switch.
Treo 800w customers can leverage the speed of the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network to access Sprint content, including:
- Sprint TV allowing users to watch live TV
or video-on-demand with full-motion video or catch the latest news,
sports, weather, entertainment and movie trailers on the go.(5)
Choose from more than 50 live television channels and watch programs
such as CNN mobile, FOX sports and E! Entertainment; access NFL Network
and special programming via Sprint Exclusive Entertainment. - Sprint Navigation delivers turn-by-turn voice-guided and on-screen
driving directions, 3-D moving maps similar to an in-car navigation
system or personal navigation device, as well as local search,
intelligent traffic alerts and one-click rerouting. - Pocket Express to retrieve customized, up-to-date web content such
as sports, weather, news, money and movie information with the push of
a button. - Sprint IM extends instant messaging to the Treo 800w with access to Yahoo! Messenger, AOL's AIM® service and MSN Messenger.
Pricing and Availability
The Treo 800w is available today for consumers and businesses at Sprint Stores, online at www.sprint.com or www.palm.com,
and through Sprint or Palm's B2B sales organizations. It will be
available for $249.99 after discounts and rebates with a two-year
contract.
To receive the best value and experience the full capabilities of
the device, customers must subscribe to a pricing plan offering
unlimited data. Customers can choose from Everything plans for
individuals ranging from $69.99 per month for 450 voice minutes and
unlimited data or the Talk/Message/Data Share plans for families
starting at $129.99 per month for 1,500 voice minutes (shared between
two lines) and unlimited data. Sprint also offers its signature Simply
Everything plan offering both unlimited nationwide voice and data
services for just $99.99 per month. Customers may also choose one of
Sprint's Individual Talk Plans and add on the $30 per month Pro Pack to
take advantage of data capabilities.