The first Palm-Microsoft smart phone debuts

Palm has also added some nice touches such as the ability to make three calls at the same time, soft keys to help deal with Outlook e-mail, the ability to add photos to each speed dial number, video and MIDI ring tones and even the chance to send a quick text message apology to someone calling you at a time when you’re too busy to actually talk to them.

While it takes a while to get used to all these features, setting up the phone and e-mail configuration went very smoothly. Overall, Palm did a very good job of mixing the best of a Treo phone and Microsoft’s smart phone operating system.

Verizon has exclusive rights to sell the 700 for the next few months — and expect to pay to be the first on your block to own one. The 700w will sell for $399.99 when you commit to a two-year service plan. In addition to whichever voice calling plan you choose, expect to pay an additional $45 per month for the EV-DO data service.

High-speed EV-DO data connectivity is available in many large cities across the U.S.  That’s a good thing. But when EV-DO is not available, the 700w reverts back to the slower 1X data network. You do not want to spend much time waiting for the network to handle your e-mail or Web browsing requests. Make sure EV-DO service is available — or that it will be available — in your operating area.

Other EV-DO phones
If you're not moved by the historic togetherness of Palm and Microsoft, but have been waiting eagerly for an EV-DO phone, a new handset from UT Starcom is worth taking a look at. It comes in two versions, one for Sprint, where it's known as the PPC-6700, and one for Verizon, where it's called the XV6700.

I was able to compare the Sprint version with the new Treo 700w. Both have relatively similar specs when it comes to size and weight. UT Starcom's phone also runs on Windows Mobile 5.0, but doesn’t have all the bells and whistles added by Palm.

On the other hand, the Sprint phone has a larger (2.88 inch diagonal) color screen, a larger, easier to use slide-out keyboard (the Palm’s keys are very closely spaced), Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to use the phone as a high-speed modem for your PC.

The Sprint version of the phone, which has been available since the fall, sports a heftier price tag than the Treo 700w: $449.99 with a two-year service plan, or $599.99 without one. On Wednesday, Verizon announced that its version of the phone will be available starting Jan. 19, for $299.99 with a two-year plan. As with the Treo 700w, don't forget to add in the cost of monthly data service.

MORE FROM WIRELESS

Wireless Section Front

Using phone while walking perilous for seniors Smartphone return, exchange policies for the holidays Sidekick phones back on sale after data loss Windows Mobile 6.5 phone gallery Dell smartphone to debut in China, Brazil Review: New BlackBerry Storm improves on original Newsweek: How texting can help you save money Review: Motorola's Droid a serious smartphone T-Mobile says phone service outage resolved Scared of flying? Press the fear iButton Wireless Section Front   Add Wireless headlines to your news reader: