Comments on: Palm Treo vs. BlackBerry

By: 2009 Blog Recap | FredMcKinnon.Com

2009 Blog Recap | FredMcKinnon.Com — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:01:58 +0000

[...] Palm Treo Versus Blackberry 2. Sunday Setlists 3. O Holy Night 4. About Me 5. How He Loves Us 6. My Blog – Live [...]

By: Sunanta

Sunanta — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:04:34 +0000

Hi, I am looking to change my Treo 650 and considering BB. no one has commented on BB 8900 Javelin or Bold. It’s newer version.

As many bad experience with 755, I don’t think to buy another Palm, but still not satisfy with BB features, especially no touch screen.

how about BB storm, no QWERTY keyboard, will it make typing more difficult?

Sunanta

By: Gavin

Gavin — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:54:25 +0000

Did you look at the Centro?

blessings,
gavin

By: Ellen

Ellen — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:21:39 +0000

Thanks for the feedback on the Palm. It’s starting to make me nervous. Palm’s not real good about quality control. I’m starting to look at the iphone. I’ll practice typing and see if I can master it. Thanks for the encouragement. Pity. The Palm is still the only platform that has my time billing software. I’ll have to use the Treo for that until it falls apart.

By: Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 13:55:12 +0000

Ellen,
I was just the opposite – I get tons of emails on multiple accounts, and didn’t like having to constantly delete them, and then be paranoid that I may accidentally also remove the emails from the server. I use VersaMail on the Palm, and it’s like a regular email client, and if I don’t WANT to check my email I don’t have to – w/ the push on the BB, it was constantly staring at me – 100 new messages …. etc.

I’ve not updated here in a LONG TIME, but the truth be known, I’ve almost blown up my 755 a million times since writing this. It constantly locks and freezes on me … an issue I found reported by tons of people. I never switched it out for a new model, but wish I would’ve.

I went to try the new BlackBerry Storm, but wasn’t crazy about it either ….

For those who use the iPhone, they’ve all seemingly gotten very used to the typing issue within a day or two.

By: Ellen

Ellen — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:29:24 +0000

For Richard G, To backup to SD card on a Treo, I use a program called BackupMan. Ellen

By: Ellen Polivy

Ellen Polivy — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:08:20 +0000

Thanks for this blog. I too am a Mac user, minimal windows (except when I have no choice) and long time Palm user. I found you through Google. I dropped My trusty Treo 650 and the antenna flew somewhere. Now I get no reception and keep dropping calls. gotta do something fast. I’m thinking of trying the BB since I never really liked the way the email on the treo works. I get tons of email and it was very slow to delete and scroll around.Would it work better if I used a different program? I’m finally off contract and now a free agent. I can actually use ATT if I want. But what’s so good about the Iphone? I tried typing on the touchscreen and found it impossible to be accurate. I practiced on Ipod touch. I kept wishing I could use the stylus to be more accurate. With the Querty keyboard I’m completely accurate and can eventake notes at meetings. I’ve never used the BB but figured the Querty keyboard is more like the Treo and I am intrigued by the ease of the email. I’m thinking of keeping my Palm 650 for just the programs and use it like a notepad while I talk on the BB.(But since there is a gaping hole where the antenna used to be it might break and then I’ll be stuck) However, using the two devices solves the big problem of a smartphone: trying to take notes on the phone at the same time as talking on the phone. or listening to a phone message and trying jump to the memo section to write the message while jumping back to the phone mode in time to respond to the prompts. I never got fast enough jump back and forth between phone and message pad or trying to turn on my time tracking software while holding the phone to my ear. I wish Palm had a Querty keyboard for their non-phone Palms. Thanks for the idea about the 755. This might be the ultimate answer for me if I find, like you did, that I really don’t like the Blackberry. I would try out the Iphone if I could figure it out. 2 questions: 1)Does the iphone email work as well as the BB and can you get accurate with the touch screen typing?
2)Is there a way to make the email on the Treo as fast as the BB in deleting and scrolling around? Anyone know?

By: Richards Gawlowski

Richards Gawlowski — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:00:18 +0000

I’m like you; I fear my old 650 is on its last legs so I’ve begun a comparison with the Blackberry products. Your blog was extremely helpful and has me comfortable with my inclination to stay with the Palm product. I have one stupid question: I’ve never downloaded anything from my 650 to an SD card and now I’m afraid I could lose all memos and other stuff stored on the 650 that I’m paranoid. Can you give a quick primer on how to download that stuff to my SD?

Thanks for a great blog.

By: Lwood

Lwood — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:58:33 +0000

Ok, but how about the Palm Centro? Why does palm have two different models at once….are the buttons bigger on the 755 than the Centro, that would be an advantage. Did either one of them do the web well, or are they far behind the Iphone? Thanks, and yes, I landed via google.

By: MLM Software Guy

MLM Software Guy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:03:07 +0000

I found this article very useful – however i have bible software that is pretty good on my blackberry model 8700g.. It also has full keyboard and threads SMS messages… my biggest problem is now after aprox 5000 min per month talk time it will not stay connected to any bluetooth headsets for more than about 30 seconds…

By: James

James — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:13:15 +0000

Nicole,

1. I’m on the Verizon network, as well.
2. Like you, I would get an iPhone if I could. : )
3. I don’t use e-mail or internet with my phone.

I have a laptop & I’m in the office enough to take care of my e-mail/internet needs without having them on my phone. I love my Centro. Took me about a week to get used to the smaller buttons. Syncing not a problem since purchasing missing sync. I love the palm calendar and contacts. I also have a fantastic palm Bible program from Olive Tree which I use regularly.

If e-mail/internet on your phone is a priority then I recommend you go Bberry. That’s what they’re best at.

Still loving my Centro! Lots of complements.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:05:56 +0000

First choice would be iPhone, but since I’m a verizon user, I’m in a pickle. (I found you via google search)

James, I too bought a Centro via Verizon online and it just arrived yesterday. Since looking at that incredibly small keyboard though, I’m beginning to think about exchanging it for a Bberry and have since done some research.

Many of the mac forums I’ve been reading have been in support of the Bberry vs. the treo because the Palm OS softwear doesn’t sync smoothly or properly and many people had problems with needing to reboot. Plus the email was not smooth.

I have read this and one other forum though that are in support of the treo. The treo unfotunately is not an option for me, only the centro (too pricey for what seems to be not that much more!) and so far it seems as though the Blackberry Pearl is winning this match.

I’d love to hear more thoughts though on this matter and to hear how the Centro worked out for you James. (particularly the email, syncing with mac & soreness of thumb pertaining to the keyboard)

By: James

James — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:45:02 +0000

I bought the Centro via Verizon a couple weeks ago. I love it because it’s much smaller than my previous 700p, has all of the previous generations features, and a great price point! The new 800 intrigued me for a while but it only comes in Windows. : (

By: Cass

Cass — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:52:32 +0000

Thanks for the comparisons. I have had a few Palms, including the Treo. Now, trying to figure it out again. Like many have said, if I did not have Verizon, it would be the iPhone. Got you after googled blackberry v. treo.

By: Pete

Pete — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:37:44 +0000

Just came across your blog. Nice summation of the Palm vs BlackBerry question. Been flip-flopping for a year trying to consolidate a Verizon low-end cell phone and my Palm (old, venerable, only needs charging every 2-3 weeks Vx) I tried a MotorolaQ, but didn’t last a week. Awkward form factor and it was pitiful as a phone. Imagine that…..wanting a cell phone to make calls with. Ahhhh, the juggling continues…….

By: Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:38:32 +0000

Thanks Deirdre,

Glad you stopped by. 6 mos into it, and I still have the Treo 755p, although I have constant issues with it going into 10-15 second freezes … something not uncommon at all, from the Palm support forums.

Still, I haven’t gone back to the BlackBerry .. I just keep dreaming of the day Verizon supports the iPhone (which may never come).

By: Deirdre

Deirdre — Sat, 31 May 2008 08:22:20 +0000

Thanks for the comparison! I’m looking at the Palm and googled exactly Palm Treo vs. blackberry … you were right – your blog popped up. I’m thinking I am like you in many ways – so thanks for your thoughts!

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:50:52 +0000

Fred,
On my third Treo (currently have the 755P). My fix for the menu button was to purchase Hi-Launcher and mapping it into the side key.

The launcher behaves like the pop-up start menu on a Windows computer

This launcher is highly configurable can add the menu key, alerts, soft reset, as well as an array of other options and any program on your phone. Thus you do not have to hold your Treo with two hands and contort your thumb to reach the menu key in the lower right hand corner of the Treo keyboard. Problem solved (I love the third-party software for the Treo which allows me to correct anything that I donâ€™t like)!

By: FredMcKinnon.Com » Blog Archive » Pictures of the Weekend

FredMcKinnon.Com » Blog Archive » Pictures of the Weekend — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:08:08 +0000

[...] Just a casual Monday evening blog to share some “pics” of my weekend. I’m no photographer, my camera of choice is the el-cheapo camera on my Palm Treo 750. (see Palm Treo versus Blackberry post) [...]

By: Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:55:36 +0000

Michael,
3 of my co-workers have the BBerry WE … they love it. However, I didn’t want this phone for a couple of reasons:
1 – I’d already figured out I liked the PalmOS (as archaic as it may be) better, and didn’t want to sacrifice the apps I’ve come to love on Palm.
2 – I think the BBerry World Edition does NOT have a camera built-in … something I use ALL THE TIME as a father of 4 young kids …

As for the coupons – one of them ($100) came by mail … but I was getting phone calls or promotions almost every week – since I was out of contract, I suppose.

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 04:19:11 +0000

Fred,
I currently have a PDA and phone, looking to go down to one device. For about the last 2 months I’ve been looking at Bberry World Edition. When you were comparing Bberry with Palm, did you look at Verizon’s Bberry World Edition, qwerty keyboard, has a totally different feel. I too am a free agent. Did you receive those coupons from Verizon or did you go find them someplace.

By: Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:16:54 +0000

Hey Matt -
Well, I had a $100 discount for the “new every two” promotion. Then, there was a $50 mail-in rebate. Then, I had an additional $100 off coupon I rec’d in the mail as part of a “valued customer” promotion. Finally, by activating the $49.95/month data plan, I got an additional $100 off … and I can cancel the data plan after 1 billing cycle.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:04:25 +0000

I was wondering how you bargained with Verizon to get your 755p for only $50? What coupons are you talking about?

By: Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:53:40 +0000

Hi Stephen,
I wouldn’t be a good person to do that head-to-head, as I’m about as anti-Windows anything as any person on the planet. I’m a 100% Mac Guy. Had the iPhone had any decent carrier besides AT&T, I”d be on it!

By: Stephen

Stephen — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:41:27 +0000

Hi Fred,

This is the first time I came to your blog. Nice meeting you!

Understand your rave on the Treo 755. If I hadn’t been such Windows-dependent , I would’ve chosen a Treo myself. Ever compared Palm OS with Windows Mobile?

Cheers