Jason Dunn
08-07-2009, 02:00 PM
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="600" height="360" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MoFQP5qvMWg&ap=%26fmt=18&fmt=18" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MoFQP5qvMWg&ap=%26fmt=18&fmt=18"></embed></object></p><p>This is an unboxing and first impressions video of the <a href="http://www.bell.ca/shopping/en_CA_ON.PalmTreo--Pro/67773.details" target="_blank">Bell Palm Treo Pro</a>. This Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional touch-screen phone is a CDMA phone offered by Bell Canada. The 2.5 inch screen is 320 x 320 in resolution, and the device has a full QWERTY keyboard. It has built-in 802.11 WiFi, a 2 megapixel camera, GPS, Bluetooth, and a microSD card slot. No, it's not a new device, but Microsoft Canada contacted me and asked if I'd like to look at one, and I said yes. <MORE /></p><p>I had a bit of mud on my face with this video because the completely useless "spec" sheet that Bell Canada has on their site lacked any real detail, so I didn't realize the sync/charge port I was looking at was really a microUSB port - I've never had a device that uses that type of connector. Palm also did some voodoo with their USB wall charger - it outputs at 1 amp, but the Palm sync/charge cable connected to my Zune charger (which outputs at 1.5 amps) wouldn't pull a charge from it. So between the cable and the charger, the whole thing might as well be proprietary...the net effect is the same.</p><p>As for the device itself, I haven't used it much yet - I have to admit that after using Windows Mobile 6.1 standard devices for so long with the nice sliding panels interface, or HTC devices with TouchFlo 3D, going back to a stock Windows Mobile interface is kind of difficult. To paraphase <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063442/quotes" target="_blank">Dr. Zira from Planet of the Apes</a>, "It's just so damn ugly!". I might have to slap on a <a href="http://software.pocketpcthoughts.com/product.asp?id=10499&n=Spb-Mobile-Shell" target="_blank">better user interface</a> [Affiliate] before I start using it.</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys <a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a>, mobile devices, <a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog. He wonders when he'll get to see a Windows Mobile 6.5 device in person.</em></p><p><em></em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p> </p>