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Jeff Kirvin

08-31-2005, 11:45 PM

In my first solo podcast in three weeks and what will NOT be a long series of "Me and My Treo" podcasts, I cover my first impressions of the smartphone, this week's 1SRC editorial and the search for the perfect case. [details (http://www.1src.com/?m=show&id=1211)]

JAmerican

09-01-2005, 02:28 AM

Lol... Dot Pitch.

Being a person who has used a Sprint Treo 650, I found the device and screen to be great. The screen only bothered me when it came down to watching a video. The speed amazed me since my device does have a 123mhz processer. As for the keyboard, I actually had the oppurtunity to use Blackberries and I must say that I loved the Keyboard on the blackberry more than the Treo but when started writing with one thumb on the Blackberry, there was an issue. I think the Treo was designed for one thumb. As for you using 13Mb of Ram, I use 10MB leaving me with 6MB free. Being a UX user, conservation is everything. I use apps like BeJeweled 2, Warfare and LJP so I need to have at least 6MB free for these apps. I use PowerRun to store and organize these apps on my 2GB MS. I use Appshelf as my launcher and couldn't be happier. Used to have ZLauncher and after realizing it took up 2MB, I abandoned it. As for the command bar, I used Keyquick to remap my (?_) button on my device next to my A button. This button now brings up the command bar in any app I go to. This allows easy access to my menu shortcuts. I also fixed the shortcuts in DocstoGo so I can press (?_) + S to save and all the conventional shortcuts. As for the camera, I don't see a difference between the UX and Treo cameras. I actually took two pics of the same location with the UX and Treo and will post them in the future. I'm on my UX and can't multitask to get to RescoViewer. LOL

JAmerican

strider_mt2k

09-01-2005, 11:10 AM

Interesting point on HVGA, Jeff.
Since I have moved multimedia duties to a more capable device, the real NEED for 320x480 only occurs when I'm surfing the web using NetFront in Landscape.
THAT is hard one to get past, but it is about the only 320x480 bias I have remaining, and really that's 480x320!

If I want to stay with a PalmOS device of any kind at this point it will be a Treo650, or nothing.
For me personaly, It's probably going to boil down to a smart(er) phone and an entertainment device of one kind or another.

EDIT
+2 points -Romulan Warbird reference. Continue play.
;)

paulkbiba

09-01-2005, 12:08 PM

I suggest you look at the line of pouch cases by Nutshell. I use their Treo case which can be found here: http://www.tuff-as-nuts.com/treo-650-belt-case.html

The belt clip is extremely strong. I only wear suspenders and the clip is stong enough that I can attach it to the waistband of my pants and it has never come off. That's a lot of trust because I often wear it on my motorcycle. I have three of their cases - the other two are for my Toshiba and Ipaq - and have found them to be absolutely first rate.

Regards,

Paul Biba
Associate Writer, PalmAddict
Moderator, www.gpspassion.com

intellidryad

09-01-2005, 12:36 PM

...I use Appshelf as my launcher and couldn't be happier. Used to have ZLauncher and after realizing it took up 2MB, I abandoned it. As for the command bar, I used Keyquick to remap my (?_) button on my device next to my A button. This button now brings up the command bar in any app I go to. This allows easy access to my menu shortcuts. I also fixed the shortcuts in DocstoGo so I can press (?_) + S to save and all the conventional shortcuts. ...

JAmerican
Maybe this is a little off topic, but I'm on dial up now, so haven't listened yet...

But how did you fix the shortcuts in Docs2go? By maping the coordinants of the "save" icon? Or is there a better way? 'cause now Docs2go seems to be my most keyboard unfriendly program, often forcingme to reach for my stylus.

Jeff Kirvin

09-01-2005, 01:00 PM

Maybe this is a little off topic, but I'm on dial up now, so haven't listened yet...

But how did you fix the shortcuts in Docs2go? By maping the coordinants of the "save" icon? Or is there a better way? 'cause now Docs2go seems to be my most keyboard unfriendly program, often forcingme to reach for my stylus.
I don't use Docs 2 Go, preferring Mobi-Systems Office instead.

JAmerican

09-01-2005, 02:33 PM

I don't use Docs 2 Go, preferring Mobi-Systems Office instead.
As I stated earlier, I have only 16MB of ram leaving me with very little option. I prefer DocsToGo due to its Dataviz Tool for running DocsToGo from MS and its smaller footprint. As for DocsToGo, I used RsrcEdit to change the shortcuts. Very Simple.

JAmerican

Jimmie Geddes

09-01-2005, 05:51 PM

Great podcast. I was so glad to hear Jeff finally agree what I have been telling him for months to get one. It is also the best pda I have ever owned. I got a great app that I am now using to write my articles for palmaddict called mo:blog. It allows me to write my articles on my Treo and publish them to palmaddict, it is the writers pda I am convinced. It also publishes them a lot faster than my powerbook does, go figure. Great podcast again, and am so glad you got the 650 back.

Jimmie Geddes

09-01-2005, 06:08 PM

One thumb user here as well Jeff. I guess I have small thumbs,lol. When I am writing my articles for palmaddict I find myself using 2 thumbs though, I am a little faster with 2.

Jimmie Geddes

09-01-2005, 06:15 PM

Jeff I actually go caseless. I got the chance to review proporta's alu-leather case for the Treo 650, it is a beautiful case. It has aluminum in the front cover to protect the screen. It is very high quality leather, and you can clip it to your belt. I also just received today from pdastyles.com for review a denim case, I am liking it very much. It also fits my ipod. I still prefer going naked.

Jimmie Geddes

09-01-2005, 06:20 PM

Just donated to the Red Cross as well. I am so proud of you, Joel and 1src for really stepping up and putting that out there, it is so important. I wrote a story on palmaddict today that I read at cnet today. Tomorrow they are calling for "Blogging for Disaster Relief Day". Awesome podcast again! Didn't mean to post so many times, but I was listening to the podcast and needed to,lol. Here's the link to cnet.

http://news.com.com/2061-11199_3-5845693.html?part=rss&tag=5845693&subj=news

wbo

09-01-2005, 06:35 PM

Jeff,

You may want to at least look at the Treo Slipper from EB Cases available at http://www.ebcases.com/Detail.bok?no=3310

Although I personally do not own a Treo, I have used slipper cases for a variety of palm devices because the leather flap protects the display from scratches when the device is not in use. The belt clips have always been quite sturdy and I have never had to worry about the case falling off my belt. As an added bonus, you can sync the palm without taking it out of the case.

JAmerican

09-01-2005, 07:54 PM

Still think the HTC Universal will be the Perfect Writer's PDA. It has a hi-res screen and wide keyboard, large battery. :) Just wish Palm offered this. Sad.

Anyway, here are the picture comparisons. These files have not been modified in any way, not even the filenames. Both devices have a .3 MP camera. The UX compresses the JPEG at 12% while the Treo compresses the JPEG to 6%. In my opinion from looking at it again, the Treo 650's image looks smoother but blurry, while the UX image is sharpened and grainy. In my opinion, I like the UX image better not because I own one but because the image is not blurred. Might be grainy but its sharp.

UX50...
http://jamerican.net/1src/UX50/TreovsUX/DSC00554.JPG

Treo 650...
http://jamerican.net/1src/UX50/TreovsUX/Photo_072905_001.jpg

and here is a pic of the Treo to show you I'm not lying.

http://jamerican.net/1src/UX50/TreovsUX/DSC00552.JPG

JAmerican

vta

09-01-2005, 09:43 PM

Jeff, it sounds like you liked the vaja T65, but that it would not work as it had no screen protection. Vaja also does a T66 (same case but with sreen protection). They also do a PA31 and PA32 both with screen protection, but different to the very cool T series. Do take a look, it is possible that the T66 might be just what you have in mind.

I found one review: http://www.pdabuzz.com/Home/tabid/54/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/571/ReviewVajaT66LeatherCaseforTreo650.aspx

don't let the color put you off, there are LOADS of options!

Adam

Just had to edit this to add a warning. WARNING! T66 $130!!! WARNING! Would not want any fellow readers to have a heart attack. You have been warned!

smoothjordan

09-02-2005, 12:25 AM

Don't get the sprint case! It sucks!
http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73388
Pictures are included

JAmerican

09-02-2005, 12:42 AM

Don't get the sprint case! It sucks!
http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73388
Pictures are included

That is expected of the provider.

JAmerican

JAmerican

09-02-2005, 12:50 AM

Here is the info on each file of the pics I posted. The date is 7/15/2005 and not 7/29/2005 due to I set my device's date and time back because I was doing something with SkinUI at the time. If you don't believe me. Fine, but I give you my word.

http://jamerican.net/1src/UX50/TreovsUX/TreoUX-info.JPG

Note the Horizontal and Veritcal Res on both pic files. There is a big difference. Probably why one photo is sharper than the other.

JAmerican

smoothjordan

09-02-2005, 01:03 AM

I can confirm JAmerican's findings on the treo, just checked my self (on dpi and all that)

Cyker

09-02-2005, 02:41 AM

The DPI doesn't mean anything in this instance - It just helps things like Photoshop, Word etc. determine how big the image should be physically.

With the Clie image, it will be quite small on-screen and printed out (More dots in an inch), whereas the Treo's will be a lot larger, but very blocky (Less dots in an inch).

Gekko

09-02-2005, 10:20 AM

who cares about the camera??????? that's the least important feature on a smartphone. it's nice to have one just in case you need to document something in a pinch - but the importance of the small differential between the two pics is silly. most phones/pdas all take relatively shiitty pics anyway.

smoothjordan

09-02-2005, 03:56 PM

Nice language Gekko... But i do agree that cameras on phones are more of a novelty then a necessity. However, I do like using it for blackmail at parties :)

JAmerican

09-02-2005, 05:57 PM

Ummm. The HTC Universal is about the same size as the Treo. What is this about the HTC Universal being huge/large. Look at some pics. If the HTC Universal is large then the Treo is a beast (in size).

http://img.engadget.com/common/images/2510628073994828.JPG

http://img.engadget.com/common/images/5338013812480870.JPG

http://img.engadget.com/common/images/2115770578156546.JPG

Photos from Engadget

I am most definately getting this over the Treo 650 :)

JAmerican

Gekko

09-02-2005, 07:34 PM

Nice pics from Engadget. Thanks for posting them.

I don't want people to think I'm a Treo Apologist, but who are you kidding? That HTC Universal is a friggin BRICK compared to the 650!

Jeff Kirvin

09-02-2005, 07:47 PM

I was thinking the same thing. Looks like two Zodiacs glued together. No thanks.

whydidyou

09-02-2005, 07:52 PM

The HTC Universal is a definite move away from phone centric WAN usage, to real data centric usage. The design is clearly meant to imply that phone usage is an afterthought, vs the Treo, which could just be a wide phone. It even has a 3.5mm headphone jack, vs the more usual phone 2.5mm jack. You cant compare it to the Treo, which is, as palm calls it, a smartphone, whereas this is a mini-computer clearly meant for mobile document creation (look at the size of the keyboard and the size and resolution of the screen).

Is the HTC Universal the perfect writers PDA? Probably more so than the Treo 650.

Jeff Kirvin

09-02-2005, 07:56 PM

Possibly, but I'll have to heft one myself to be sure. Size and weight count for a lot when it comes to keeping a device on you 24/7.

smoothjordan

09-03-2005, 01:04 AM

Possibly, but I'll have to heft one myself to be sure. Size and weight count for a lot when it comes to keeping a device on you 24/7.
Exactly, which is why I like my treo so much :)

Jimmie Geddes

09-03-2005, 01:14 AM

Yes , this thing is WAY too big. I love all the everything but the kitchen sink, but for everyday use, this is not the device I would ever use. It's humongous, it's also running windows which makes it worse,kidding trolls. No, this is more of a laptop, not a smartphone. Engadget even says that. The Treo 650 still remains King of the Hill:)

Jimmie Geddes

09-03-2005, 01:19 AM

My Treo 650 is the perfect writers device. I have written a bunch of PalmAddict articles right from my Treo 650 using mo:blog, it is awesome. I can write my articles, publish them faster than my powerbook. I don't mind the 650's keyboard at all, I prefer it over that laptop wannabe, that thing is huge. Who in their right mind is gonna carry that thing in their pocket? If it's not in your pocket you won't use it, my Treo goes everywhere with me, so I can begin my PalmAddict articles from anywhere, and not look like I am using a laptop. I thought this was gonna be a cool windows mobile smartphone, and from the looks of it and the review it is huge, and more of a laptop that has phone capabilities. It just seems huge for every day use.

MFB

09-03-2005, 01:44 AM

Hi Jeff,

I've been listening to your podcasts ever since you made that one about LifeBalance. I've been using the Treo 650 as soon as the unlocked gsm was available. The device used to perform horribly but works very well now. (After the updates). I’m currently using 1.31/1.28 on my Treo. I installed the 1.31 firmware update from Cingular.

Hmm, let's start with the nvfs problem. The only effective solution I have found so far is to use Resco Locker and lock those apps that work in the background. This also solved the saved and unsaved preferences being deleted bug. This can be determined by using Palminternals and looking what apps use hede, hpps and hvch notification. Having locked those no longer causes my Treo to crash even after doing a backup or verify with resco backup. (Thanks to you, I was introduced to this app). Just don’t lock again in rbackup what you locked in rlock as this will cause a soft reset after a scheduled backup. Resco Locker only provides stability and not dbcache clearing. As soon as the max dbcache available become very low, a reset is inevitable. However, some Treo 650 users do not have a reset for months as their third party apps are limited. I currently have 8mb free with most apps run from the SD via powerrun. I hope that the next treo will have this nvfs problem fixed. Better yet, I hope to have an upgrade (5.5?) to fix this dbcache bug.

If you're going to customize your rom, be very careful as a mistake can make your Treo unusable. But if you do venture in to that, custom packages are available elsewhere so you don’t have to experiment. In my case, I purposely removed non English files, calc, versa mail files and real player to increase dbcache available. I got around 3mb + more than the standard treo : )

Next up is the speakerphone. The person you're speaking with just won’t be able to hear you clearly. I don’t understand how Palm can make a mistake here as the Treo 600 performed well in this department. It just may be the mic's hardware that needs an upgrade. I use Jeff Gibson's VolumeCare to increase mic sensitivity and boost the volume for the following: Handset, speakerphone, Headset (mono or stereo), mic volume, ring tone and back speaker (apps can now be selected for the boost).

There are times when you will find you sound preferences mysteriously altered. I don’t know why this happens but just remedied the situation by using ProfileCare. This app is made by Jeff Gibson and takes care of various settings particular to a schedule and time frame. For more info, just visit www.gotreosoftware.com

Do check out the following: Takephone, Butler, Initiate (The only smart phone launcher), 2day, SplashBlog, TextPlus (It just makes typing a lot faster!), Jot (when you just need graffiti), YAHM 2.5.73 (NVFS aware version) with Fontsmoother, Audacity Pro for your voice recording needs and Daynotz. Keycaps600 has been modified by doomsey of TC to work very well with the Treo650. I strongly suggest you use this instead.

Lastly I use SKINUI .9.9.4 and OSX skin just looks good on the Treo 650. : ) By the way, I use a vaja t65 case and it just gives the treo more class. I got the all steel gray color. A previous case (all aluminum) I owned did protect the screen but it was just too bulky. The silicone skin can get dirty and oily after a while. The t65 case is the best IMHO. Vaja is kinda like the Louis Vuitton for Palm. ; )

JAmerican

09-03-2005, 03:17 PM

W/E. You guys are frontin. In all seriousness. They are both the same size and thickness. Just because one is WM and the other is Palm, your gonna dis the WM device. Give me a break. The Treo keyboard is probably intended for baby's fingers. Don't know how a writer can write up what he has to on a keyboard as small as that and the screen give me a break. Just because the HTC Universal woops the butt of the Treo 650, you guys want to put it down. Well, I don't care, I'm going WM next due to Palm's to stubburn to try new things. Don't be afraid of change. The HTC Universal is the best writer PDA out there and you guys know it so don't be afraid of that.

BTW, I see a lot of people carry a Treo 650 with a laptop, the HTC Universal is lighter than a laptop. You said you wanted an all in one device. The HTC Universal is that device. If the HTC Universal looks like two Zodiacs put together, then the Treo 650 must as well seeing as they are the same size and all.

Which would I want to carry, a laptop or a HTC Universal. Which is lighter, smaller and does everything the Treo can and MORE!!! A laptop is much heaver than the HTC Universal. I guess the HTC Universal is the choice.

JAmerican

Jeff Kirvin

09-03-2005, 05:44 PM

JAmerican

09-03-2005, 06:24 PM

Dude, please don't take this as a personal slam, but get real. I'll have to check the specs to be sure, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Universal is nearly twice the volume of the Treo. You are the only one here who so loves the clamshell form that you're willing to delude yourself into thinking these two devices are even close in size.

If the Universal fits your needs, that's fantastic. It's too big for me. And for what it's worth, I do everything I need to do on the go on my Treo. I don't even own a functional laptop.

I wonder how LARGE a Treo with EVDO will be. The Universal is perfect for what it does. How can you guys expect a device that has so much memory, so much processing power, SD slot, Large rotating screen, keyboard, 3G, phone, to be any smaller???? You guys have to get real. Small Keyboards don't suit people in the business and real world. They often have to get a laptop, which I see a lot of people with Treos have, in order to compensate. I bet if the Treo is any larger than its current size. You guys will say it does more so it has to be a little larger. I know this because you guys called the UX screen small but love the Treo screen. You guys are being hippocrits.

JAmerican

Jeff Kirvin

09-03-2005, 07:07 PM

Several points...

One. Why is it so important to you that other people like the Universal? I already said that while it's not for me, it sounds perfect for you. If you want one, buy one. But quit annoying me by trying to convert me from my Treo.

Two. If anything, I expect the EVDO Treo to be slightly smaller. The actual radio shouldn't change at all in size. Those pics that surfaced a couple months ago of the more rounded Treo are probably accurate. But what it really comes down to is that I need a small and light device more than I need VGA or WiFi. Clamshell devices like the Universal or the new Nokias are simply too big for my taste. Your mileage may vary, and it obviously does. I'm not trying to tell you that you're wrong for liking the Universal, so return the favor, okay?

Three. All my posts today have been typed on my Treo, as well as a rough outline of next Monday's editorial. I'm finding it quite pleasant and productive. Don't want a laptop, don't need a laptop. And no amount of your oddly aggravated insistence will convince me otherwise.

Whatever's gotten into you, JA, I hope you get out of your system before tonight's chat.

JAmerican

09-03-2005, 07:44 PM

Gekko

09-04-2005, 08:07 PM

JAM - your apology shows a lot of class.

minimalposter

09-04-2005, 08:20 PM

JAM - your apology shows a lot of class.
This is a whole new side to you lately Gekko. Must be the joy of Treo ownership! It is good to see you are happy with a palm device again. All this treo talk is almost enough to envy the treo owners.

Am I the only user who actually prefers two seperate devices?

Robyr

09-04-2005, 09:03 PM

no, i do too. I dislike cell phones in general, to be honest. I do not, and will not, buy a cell phone.

Gekko

09-04-2005, 09:20 PM

In 2005, it's silly to carry, charge, and manage 2 devices.

http://www.palminfocenter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28585

jjesusfreak01

09-04-2005, 10:17 PM

JAM - your apology shows a lot of class.
You must have missed the chat...

Although no one was insulting anyone personally, if you want a higher level of conflict, come to the chat on Saturday nights. They are alot of fun, and they can get messy, but the best part is the refresh button clears everything up.

rolandrsr

09-04-2005, 10:57 PM

Gekko, I have seen WM fanatics convert to the Treos and it appears from what I have seen and heard from Jeff that he has found Narvana. For me I am not as concerned about the carrying of two devices. I have the T5 and found that it is not a problem as I use it as a mini laptop. Will I convert to the Treo? I don't know and may not do it for a while. There are many of us who like what we have.

Jeff Kirvin

09-04-2005, 11:12 PM

You will be assimilated. :)

Robyr

09-04-2005, 11:35 PM

Nope, they told me that about linux, circa winXP. I doubt in all seriousness that i will ever get a cellphone, or for that matter a converged device, the UX50 is about as close to that as i get.

va3tng

09-04-2005, 11:47 PM

I think that Jeff has inspired lots of us that the Treo is a great murging of the cell phone and PDA. It will be both my next phone and PDA.

James
VA3TNG

smoothjordan

09-05-2005, 02:54 AM

I influenced jeff to get one!!! J/K , but I do love my treo. BTW, I won a Zire 72 today :) It's charging right now!

Robyr

09-05-2005, 10:10 AM

Woah, won one? Cool! Whered you win it?

smoothjordan

09-06-2005, 12:31 AM

Woah, won one? Cool! Whered you win it?
From work. We had a competition on who could get the most credit card apps in a week and I won! Just what I needed, another pda :)

danringer

09-07-2005, 01:05 PM

jeff, great treo info, i have a 650 and find your app research great, brightcam and profiles are fantastic... what was the rss reader you use with blazer that i heard you mention in 39 or 38... that was so great cause it was in sync with what you read on the desktop and treo...

thanks,

-dan

Jeff Kirvin

09-07-2005, 03:20 PM

danringer

09-07-2005, 09:55 PM

i tried both and i like bloglines for its free use of the mobile site, i want to get rid of quicknews and let blazer browse to bloglines.com for my rss feeds.

great solution thanks,
-dan

jzsimon@eng.umd

09-08-2005, 05:56 PM

Jeff,

On this podcast you mentioned that your bluetooth headset has a small physical profile. Which headset is it?

Thanks,

Jonathan

Jeff Kirvin

09-08-2005, 06:03 PM

I'm not using a Bluetooth headset yet. It's a Jabra Earwave Bud.

http://tinyurl.com/9y36j