Introducing the Palm Treo 500v
Posted on 12 September 2007, at 8:14 pm, by Judie Lipsett
Say what you will, but I think it looks pretty cool: this is the new Vodaphone Windows Mobile 6 Standard (AKA Smartphone) Treo 500v. No, it’s not available here, but 2007 isn’t over, yet…
photo courtesy of On Centro
I would love to try this one: a simple WM6 device with a keyboard and fairly decent specs for the price? What’s not to like. And yes, I know Mitchell will chime in soon to say how ugly it is (:lol:), but it has grown on me and I like it. Once I actually have one in hand, my opinion might change; but until then, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!
Palm Launches Treo 500v on Windows Mobile 6 for Vodafone Customers
Mobile High Speed 3G/UMTS Internet Access and Multiple Forms of Communication Combined in One Compact HandsetLONDON, Sep 12, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Palm Europe Ltd today announced the Palm(R) Treo(TM) 500v smartphone which combines multiple forms of communication and multimedia capabilities with high speed 3G/UMTS mobile internet access, allowing users access to popular websites such as MySpace, YouTube and eBay whilst on the move. The new Palm Treo 500v smartphone will initially be available exclusively to Vodafone customers from October.
The Palm Treo 500v smartphone runs on a Windows(R) Mobile(R) 6 standard platform and has a full keyboard, large screen, video streaming capability and a comprehensive multi-messaging functionality covering Instant Messaging, SMS, email and phone and personal information management software in a new design(1). The compact form factor is available in two colours: glacier white and charcoal grey.
It will initially be available to Vodafone customers in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the UK and Vodacom customers in South Africa.
John Hartnett, Senior Vice President, Global Markets and Windows Business Unit, Palm Inc, said, “We are pleased to be one of the first partners to provide an internet ready Vodafone live! smartphone. The Treo 500v is priced to enable a broader audience to experience the internet and email on the go. Today’s generation has really embraced the internet as a way of keeping in touch with friends and family, seeking out entertainment and managing their day to day lives. We can offer users the choice to do what they want, how they want, when they want.”
“The new Treo 500v adds a third internet ready Vodafone live! and Microsoft(R) Windows Mobile(R) device to our recently announced Global Handset range,” said Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Terminals Director, Vodafone Group. “When combined with our high-speed 3G/UMTS network and fast access to the internet, along with great browsing and messaging support, we are confident the Palm Treo 500v will appeal to the growing group of consumers looking for the same functionality and ease of use our business customers continue to enjoy from this type of premium device.”
With the Palm Treo 500v smartphone customers can also manage documents using mobile versions of familiar Microsoft applications like Outlook, Office, and Windows Live(TM) for Windows Mobile. In addition users can share the Treo 500v smartphone’s data access with a laptop, so they can stay connected anywhere within wireless coverage.
“With the launch of the Treo 500v smartphone, Palm is delivering the benefits of Windows Mobile 6 to an increasingly broad range of users across Europe, providing them with access to important information and personal applications, such as Windows Live, to help them manage work and life on the move,” said Tony Mestres, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Communications Business. “This latest phone is another example of our joint commitment to extend the range and choice of Windows Mobile phones on the market for users.”
Treo 500v Features and Benefits
– All-in-one smartphone with messaging, email and web
– Full keyboard for fast and easy typing
– Automatic delivery of Hotmail/MSN, Yahoo!, and Gmail, email as it arrives(1)
– Large, high-resolution screen
– Internet Explorer Mobile full-featured browser(1)
– Access to Google Maps and eBay(1)
– Vodafone live! for news, sports, and entertainment on the go(1)
– 3G/UMTS network
– Planner with address book, calendar, to-do lists, and more
– View Microsoft(R) Word, Excel(R), PowerPoint(R), and Adobe PDF files
– Windows Media(R) Player Mobile for music and videos
– 2.0 megapixel camera captures video too
– 150MB of memory, expandable with microSD expansion card(2)
– Windows Mobile(R) 6 Standard software
– Microsoft(R) Direct Push technology for delivery of Outlook(R) email(1)
– Bluetooth(R) wireless technology
– Device available in two colours: glacier white and charcoal grey
About Palm, Inc.
Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), a leader in mobile computing, strives to put the power of computing in people’s hands so they can access and share their most important information from anywhere. The company’s products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm(R) Treo(TM) smartphones, Palm handheld computers as well as software, services and accessories.
More information about the Palm Treo 500v smartphone is available at www.palm.com.
Palm and Treo are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.
(1) Within wireless service coverage area only. Availability and coverage depends upon carrier and the geographic scope of international roaming agreements. Email, messaging and web access requires data services from a mobile service provider at an additional cost.
(2) Sold separately.
SOURCE: Palm, Inc.
10 Original Responses to “Introducing the Palm Treo 500v”
1 questionfear Sep 12th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
It doesn’t look so terrible. I did read, though, that it’s lacking the silence switch, which is making some believe it’s an outsourced design. In any case, good to know something at Palm has a pulse!
2 Judie Lipsett Sep 12th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
If it is like most WM Smartphones / Standard devices, you should be able to quickly choose a different profile by scrolling down with the D-pad.
It’s not as convenient as an instant silence switch, but it shouldn’t be a deal breaker. After all, most WM smartphones don’t have silence switches; the classic Treos just spoiled us.
Yeah, I am looking at this as a sign of life!
3 Christopher Spera Sep 12th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
I love this thing!! Thin. Small. Keyboard… What’s not to like! I’d love to get my hands on one and give it a shot!
- 4 Judie Lipsett Sep 12th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
The best part? < $100!!
Update: Apologies! I have been told it will be closer to $629US for outright purchase. I am not sure where I got less than $100…but it is incorrect. Sorry guys!
- 5 Christopher Spera Sep 12th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
… then I just might be able to pick one up!! Whoo-hooo!
6 Mitchell Oke Sep 12th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Ok ok, it does look a lot better than the other photos I saw of it
- 7 Judie Lipsett Sep 12th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
amazing concession! 
Yay Mitchell! 
8 mas90guru Sep 12th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
…is there ever an exciting day as the one where you first see the glossy photos? …
9 Brandon Steili Sep 12th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Love the look. Like Judie I think this one has grown on me.
$629 for this though is a little pricey so hopefully they do some serious discounting once it hits the shelves here in the States. Here’s to hoping is comes with 3G and gets a WIFI add on.. and sells for about $149 w/ 2 year on AT&T. If it does – I’m there. Maybe.
- 10 Judie Lipsett Sep 12th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Brandon, that price was with no phone service incentives, so hopefully more reasonable prices will be available when we get it…not that it has even been officially announced over here or anything.
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