Hardware Stumbles?

The Treo 650 does come with a few disappointments.  There's only 23 MB of memory accessible to the user.  Memory is non-volatile making it ideal for those that regularly drain the battery on their gadgets, but with it comes palmOne’s non-volatile file system. The system results in less useful memory too.  I expected 64 MB with the outside chance of 128 MB.  As a consolation, Secure Digital (SD) memory is cheap these days.

Then there's the camera with only 640 by 480 resolution, the same as the Treo 600.  There is video capability and a 2x digital zoom, but not the one megapixel plus camera I expected.

And finally, the headset complaint remains in the 650.  The 650 allows stereo output for your MP3's, but you'll need an optional adapter to connect your favorite headphones.  That's assuming you'll use the Treo 650 as your MP3 player.  Personally, I wouldn't, so this point is moot.

The Bottom Line

The Treo 650 remains the best smartphone available.  The Treo 600 did a great job balancing voice and data, and the experience is even better with the 650.  Kudos to palmOne for beefing up the Palm OS and adding other useful third party applications, something Handspring didn't do.  Fine, there are a few downsides, but the Treo 650 delivers on all the important fronts.  Not being able to use my MP3's as ring tones is not a deal breaker.

For current Treo 600 users, is it worth the upgrade?  $600 is a lot to spend.  For most utilitarian Treo 600 users, the differences aren't significant enough to spend the cash.  For gadget enthusiasts - hell yeah, it's worth it!  A word of advice - don't do a side by side comparison!  You'll have to upgrade if you do.

The Treo 650 is a Sprint PCS exclusive.  Everyone else will have to wait until the New Year to get their hands on one.