Treo 680 Review Part 3: Unlocked GSM In My Delighted Hands

you mentioned there is no need to use the cd if you already own a treo, i thought it was necessary to use the new cd since it has some additional features. did you install all of your old programs from your 650 or did you do them one at a time?

Congrats on the new device! Would it be too much to ask for you to post the wallpapers (man on mountain peak and others; not the cingular one) that came on the 680 for us non-680 users? Alternatively, you could also email them to me. Thanks!

Andrew-

I read your post on "what is a locked vs. unlocked Treo", but it only seems to address, as with this post, the unlocked version directly from Palm. I live in Florida and was told by a Cingular rep that if the phone is "locked" or branded to a particular carrier, then unlocked via a code, then some of the services lose their funcionality. Bottom line is I can't wait for the 750 release in the US. I told him is was thinking about an unlocked Vodafone 750, and he said forget it because text messaging and email and other functions are useless when unlocked via a code. Is there any truth to this??

An Impatient Treonaut....

Gregg/3 -- It sounds to me like that Cingular rep is on crack, or just blatantly lying to you because he wants you to buy a phone from him instead of Palm/Vodaphone. He is a sniveling bastard.

Bottom line: an unlocked phone is an unlocked phone, period. (And I don't even think your provider/network has any way of knowing if you're using an unlocked phone or not.)

Andrew,

I want to know how you got you Unlocked 680 already. I ordered very early in the morning on the 22nd. Mine hasn't shipped yet. Is this a promotional unit since you run a Treo site? How did you manage to get this a week before anyone else?

/ancker

Can you confirm if the 680 has 64Mb memory or 128Mb with 64Mb available? I remember your Treo Family Comparison Chart listed the 680 with 128Mb with 64Mb. I assumed it'll be like the 650 so it should have 64Mb with about 56Mb for user apps.

How come your unlocked Treo 680 did not come with the free Mobile music pack if you bought yours from Palm.com?

Hi Andrew. That's good to know that the 4GB cards work straight out of the box. The treocentral review says it only works with 2GB cards. I knew 4GB was available on the 650 after a ROM update, so I was surprised if the 680 didn't have that capability.

-James.

Andrew, Will the slim P5 case work with the 680. My 650 is coming up on 2 years old and, though trouble free, it needs to be my backup machine. Tnx Bill

This will be my first Treo purchase. Does anyone know if the rumors of the thousand Treos being sent back because something wasn't connected is true? I just don't want to buy a $400 phone that was put together, then taken apart, then put back together again. Thanks.

The European Palm site has some nice package deals, but what I find strange is that if you buy your 680 from them, you don't get the color choice. Wassup wi' that?

A question from a locked vs unlocked novice: If I buy a locked 680 from Cingular in the U.S., can I remove the sim card in another country and use a sim card from that country (say, Kenya) with the 680 I bought from Cingular? Or is that precisely why I would need an unlocked version? I am fine using a locked CIngular phone here in the U.S. I just want to be able to use it overseas with an overseas number in the future. thanks.

That's why you'd need an unlocked one. Most phones can be unlocked after the fact though, we had to do it when Cingular took over ATT and wanted us to purchase new treos since the locked ATT ones wouldn't work with a Cingular sim.

Sarah,

I travel some and have been to Kenya twice. The Cingular technicians sometimes do subsidy unlocks and this allows you to pop in a different SIM card into your Treo. I have used my 650 with a safaricom SIM and with a T-Mobile SIM and it works fine.

Andrew

On HotSynching your new Treo, did you first need to rename the 650's back up folder and then drag the stuff onto the new folder set up for your 680? I hear that if this is not done people mighthave reliability issues with their new phones. I got my 680 today and don't want to mess it up.

I drop my phone quite a bit. Have you tried any of the current 650 cases to see if they offer a snug fit for the slimmer 680?

Just on the SD card limit issue. The official limit is 2Gb because they found that some brands of 4Gb cards did not use the whole 4Gb. If you buy a reputable SD card (like SanDisk) they should have no problems with 4Gb. Palm will probably fix it with a patch later, in the meantime, It might be a good idea to list which 4Gb cards are compatible. Which ones have you tried it with, Andrew?

Ordered my Treo 680 a couple days ago and found out some important details.
1. If you order over the phone the representative can offer you free next day delivery.
2. People in Florida don't pay tax.
3. There is a Mobile Music Pack that you get for free valued at $135.00
4. If you buy any accesories such as the Flexi skins, you get a coupon for free downloads (Software Coupon)
5. Last but not least. From Palm.com representative I spoke to, it kinda makes you wonder why the Treo 650 unlocked is still upwards of $500+ and a new product such as the Treo 680 is only $399. It is a promotional period, so get your Treo 680 now, before they increase it to $600 for the unlocked. Also if you don't sell on Ebay, trade in your 650 for the $125 cash back option.

Just want everyone to be informed. Peace from the EAST!

But is the 680 functionally better than the 650. The nice shape and colors are not important to me, but if the 680 is functionally better...then it's worth looking into.

Also, does everything work with the 680 that works with the 650? For example, linking the 650 to my computer to use the 650 as a modem has always been easy.

Can you download ringtones? If so, will you share with me how? Thanks.....

Kenyanaut - I didn't personally find the need to back up or rename my old Treo 650 folder before performing the HotSync with my Treo 680 and have not had any problems.

I will review the Treo 680 Installation process for new and existing Treonauts in more detail soon.

Cripple - I'm using the 4GB Dane-Elec card found in the store without any problem. http://shop.treonauts.com/content/accessories/7-124--1052.htm

Al - I will also provide a review of Treo 680 Software where I will address the new functionalities.

Cheers, A.

Well, I did it. I took back my Treo 650 under the Cingular 30 day guarantee and picked up a new 680 yesterday. I've owned a Sony Clie pda but the 650 was my first Treo. I have to say I've been very impressed with both phones. I only owned the 650 for 2 weeks and now the 680 for 1 day. These are my observations so far.

I liked the function and volume buttons on the 650 better. The layout was easier to use with the separate buttons for home, mail, phone, etc. The volume button was easier to find when I was on the phone with the 650. The 5 way was a little nicer on the 650 as well imo. The center button is hard to get to on the 680. My fingers must be too fat.

I feel the keyboard is far superior on the 680. I can type faster without accidentaly hitting the wrong button. Looks and feel wise, the 680 blows away the 650. This phone just feels right in my hand and I don't have an antenae sticking me in the side of the head.

Performance. I like the 680 better. Most of the software is the same so there's not a whole lot to talk about here. The mp3 player is outstanding. I can listen to my radio spots right on my phone instead of having to get to a computer. I just have the station email them to me in mp3 format.

One of the things I didn't like on the 680 is that you can't hang up the phone with the touchscreen. Unless I'm missing something. There doesn't appear to be a button for this anymore. It's not a huge deal, but I was used to it after only 2 weeks with the 650.

Accesories. I had picked up a Palm cradle and Cellet holster from right here for my 650. The charger works with the 680 with no problems. The 680 fits into the Cellet holster if I put it in upside down. It seems to lock in solidly with no problem at all.

Oh ya, one more thing. The stylus on the 650 is a 10 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best. the 680 stylus is maybe a strong 2. It's too flimsy and light.

Hi,

Can someone let me know if an unlocked will definitely work with Sprint? I stopped at a Sprint store in the Chicago area and the guy said they weren't sure.

Thanks!!

Does the 680 (or other Treo version for that matter) remedy the issue of having just one Bluetooth device working at one time? For example, having a GPS and headset connected with Bluetooth at the same time.

Love my 650!

Thanks....

sp/ An unlocked GSM phone cannot work on Sprint's CDMA network. A verizon phone can work on the Sprint network as they both use CDMA technology, but you would need to have a clean ESM #.

Jerry/ Bluetooth 1.2 which is installed on the new 680 allowed multiple connections.

Kenyanaut,

So, to clarify, BT 1.2 allows for two Bluetooth devices to work simultaneously with the 680? Use GPS while talking on a BT headset?

Thanks...

So are 680's supposed to ship on Friday or ship thursday for Friday delivery? Is this from a reputable source? Can't wait!

Thank you for the info kenyanaut
- sp

Jerry / Yes BT 1.2 allows you to use GPS and your headset at the same time, probably the one significant improvement over the 650's BT 1.1.

Asante - Kenyanaut

thanks Kenyanaut on my unlocked vs. locked query. If I need to unlock a cingular 680 down the road, is that something cingular will do, or will I have to have it done some other way?? thanks

Sarah/ Cingular techs can do it, but it takes quite a few phone calls until you get the right person, I am not sure they are doing subsidy unlocks yet though.

I am sure that a third party unlock code might also be available in the future.

Good news though - Unlocking your cell phone is now fully legal here in the U.S.—at least for the next three years.
Last week, the Register of Copyrights released the latest list of exemptions to 1998's Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), and along with it, some welcome news for cell phone users.
Of the six proposed exemptions (the largest number to date), the one that arguably affects U.S. consumers the most is number five on the list, which covers:

"Computer programs in the form of firmware that enable wireless telephone handsets to connect to a wireless telephone communication network, when circumvention is accomplished for the sole purpose of lawfully connecting to a wireless telephone communication network."

In other words, it is now permissible for anyone to "unlock" a phone tied to one network and use it with another; as long as they own the phone

Kenyanaut

Can anyone tell me... I see in Andrew's blog above that there is great ease in setting up the new 680 if you already have a Treo and are syncing it with your computer. Not having to instal the software that comes with the 680 etc...

I have a Treo 600. Is it still going to be compatible? I've read a lot about how there were so many changes from the 600 to the next generation, that only 650 forward software and accessories will work with the the 680.

Any help would be great! My new Crimson beauty is set to arrive today by noon and I want to be READY!!!!

Thanks!

DaHonay - I would strongly recommend that you do not HotSync from your current Treo 600 to the Treo 680 but instead do a clean install from the CD.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, A.

Quad band phones should all already be unlocked. They are world phones right? So why should we be limited or stuck with only one provider or waist time asking for an unlock code? Talking about free market!
I was in europe last summer and found out that every single phone is unlocked there.

I had a TIM simcard and passed it on to a WIND and no problem (in Italy). I bought a small panasonic vodafone cellphone (smallest phone in the world ..triband for 40 Euros + 5euros included of phone calls. Took it in NY and plugged my tmobile card and it works. No unlock stupid codes. (By the way tmobile sold a nokia phone 6030 I saw in Italy for 40 euros for $90 with a stupid mail in rabate of $40 bullshit making us believe they give us money back!)

We guys,girls whatever.. spend a fortune on these gadgets (services access..etc) and I think companies should hear what we have to say and be reasonable.

I dont know guys... I am not too happy!!

Hi,

I know that there has been some known problem where the Palm OS (Desktop version) is not supported with the Windows Tablet based PC's. Does anyone know if the new version that accompanies the 680 now makes it copatible?

I just ordered my 680 and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I am curious; I know that the smaller battery in the 680 was to reduce weight and form factor - does anyone have any idea whether Palm will introduce an increased capacity battery for the 680? (one of my 'things' is battery life).

thanks in advance.

I have to say...I was really skeptical but now that the 680 arrived (white gsm unlocked) I am pleasantly surprised. I also switched from sprint (horrible customer service to t-mobile which has been a drastic improvement as well). I thought tmobile was a smaller network..but I get three times the reception in the same locations as compared to sprint. Perhaps that chip in the 680 which increases sensitivity really works? At any rate, it was a worthwhile upgrade from the 650, for sure. Even though the processor speed is supposed to be the same, I find it much much faster (must be the increased memory and far more stable. My 650 continuously crashed, not the 680. Also, BT is much improved! The design of the form is so much nicer in real life than in the photos - no comparison to the 650. Any treo lover will want one when it hits their hot little hands. I am taking the trade in for $125. Plus palm sent me ptunes and a free 1GB SD. Soon, they will not even be making 650's and I have seen them being sold new for $50 bucks. Best of luck deciding...but I am a pretty heavy treo user and this is the best one so far. I have not had any battery issues, but I charge mine every night (better for the battery anyway). There is nothing entry level about this phone. Now if someone would just make a nice case.... : )

Andrew, is there no BT DUN on the unlocked GSM? It used to be in the Bluetooth app, but I don't see it.

I have a 650 and thinking about the 680 but I want to know should I wait for the 700 or 750? What will the differences be? If it is a windows version then I will pass as I think right now I would like to stay with the palm platform. Any input please advise.

please help... i think i really want the 680 but i have sprint... is there hope for me??? i think i read somewhere that even an unlocked version won't work w/ sprint

hey andrew,

i just picked up a treo 680 from cingular and was really digging it until -- to my horror, i discovered that the obex protocol is only set to 'obex push'...wtf? is there a way to get around this that you know of? would getting the cingular treo 680 unlocked resolve this issue and open up the obex to it's full capability? i'd really love to be able to send my own pics and ringtones to my new treo 680...please help.

-jason

I have the Treo 680 (unlocked) in the USA. Interestingly enough the USB sync cable that I received does charge the Treo 680 when attached to my Macintosh PowerBook.

Michael

i have a cingular 650 and i'm thinking about upgrading to the 680. what concerns me most is phone service because the is terrible. is the 680 any better? btw, i live in nyc. thanks

No one has mentioned the serious decrease in phone/camcorder quality (according to specs, 650 had 1.3mpx and the 680 has a dismal .3!). Has anyone tested that aspect of the phone? What are your observations/examples?

At SherriA, the 650 never had a 1.3 mpx. Only the 700 series. The 680 and 650 both have .3!. Although the 680 edges out in terms of overall quality of shots taken.

2 Questions - any help appreciated.

I have a 650 - want bluetooth headset. tried 2, poor reception. i am told the treo is sensitve to the type it uses -- any recomendations?

680 - thinking about upgrade but on SPrint - is it confirmed 680 will not work on sprint?

thx

does anyone have this problem: when i am on a call i can hear when someone new is ringing in. when my 680 gets voicemail my connection is cut off. this does not happen when i get another call, but just when they leave a message.

i can unlock any phone u want... i dont need the phone just the imei number i charge 18 $ add me on msn if u are serious its unlock_1979@hotmail.com

I am a Cingular RAzr phone. I want to get a Treo Unlocked phone.
Can I switch the Sim card from the Razr intothe unlocked phone?
Great Site.

Great site, Andrew. I have been a Palm user since the IIIxe. The screen went bad and I did not replace it. Last Xmas I got a Z22 and MS Money. I loved them both and saved so much money that I decided to treat myself to the 650 to get rid of my gadget clutter - cell, PDA, & MP3 player. I loved it from the minute I took it out of the box but it had poor reception, was a culture shock (size-wise) from the pink RAZR I was used to, and would freeze quite frequently. Four days before my 30 days were up, I exchanged it for a 680. It will be here Monday. Can't wait. From what I am reading on this site I am going to love it even though every time I think of my spending $300 for a phone I get sick to my stomach.

i have palm treo 680
how i can get free arabic softwae for it? please

I have a palm treo 680 and I've had it just about since they came out. well I love this phone but the only problem I have is I can't get ringtones no matter how hard I try. I would really like to know how I can get them so my phone doesn't always have to stay on vibrate...someone PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

hi, new to the treos, i just got mine unlocked and it does not read my sim card contacts, what should i do, please help.

i just got a 680 and noticed it takes a long time to reply to text messages (it's like it is thinking) and for the web to pop up. just seems to be slower with these applications than my 650

just i need to know how to unlock my treo 680
i buy it on mexico telcel

This has been a fantastically enlightening blog. I'm switching from sprint to t-mobile, and was initially disappointed that i couldn't get a 750 on that network, with Palm OS (i don't like windows....). After reading this, i'm feeling much better about moving from my sprint 650 to a gsm 680.
Sprint has given me some of the worst customer service i could imagine. They really seem to see each customer as simply a $$, and not as a customer. I hear great things about t-mobile.

Hi,

I am a sprint customer and i really want to switch from my old phone ( katana2) to a 680. Yet my Katana doesnt have a sim card in it. Dont the 680's have to have one???
Please help. Im so confused with this unlocked stuff!!