Verizon's Treo 650 Available Now for All!!!
I don’t know if it was extremely high consumer demand (more like frustration) that prompted Verizon to make its Treo 650 available 10 days before we were expecting it but for those who had been waiting this won’t make a difference one way or the other – the only thing that will matter to them is knowing that it’s finally available for them to buy online.
As of this morning, Verizon’s Treo 650 has made an unexpected but much welcome appearance on palmOne’s website where it is now available for $399 with a two year agreement and an unlimited data plan is $45 per month (don’t go for the 5MB data option at $25 which is much too expensive for what it is).
Additionally, for those who have been thinking about which carrier to choose, PC Magazine recently reviewed Verizon’s Treo 650 and they were impressed rating it as “the best phone of the three Treo 650s, but data options are disappointing”:
Verizon's iteration of the palmOne Treo 650 is a great-sounding smartphone, but it fails to take advantage of the carrier's flagship high-speed data network. Let's take a step back and review: The Treo 650 is the best PDA/phone on the market today, in terms of balancing handheld computer and phone functions.
The Verizon Treo has the same beautiful backlit 320-by-320 screen, as well as the same cramped-but-usable keyboard and zippy 312-MHz processor as its Sprint and Cingular siblings.
As a phone, the Verizon Treo's sound quality is impeccable, with a clear speakerphone 12 dB louder than that of the Sprint version. The folks at Verizon also added their own push e-mail solution, Intellisync Wireless Sync, which aggregates POP/IMAP, Microsoft Exchange, and Lotus Notes accounts into a BlackBerry-like push e-mail solution (a desktop redirector is used for Exchange and Notes). We installed this solution and it worked as advertised, though the frequent Internet access took its toll on the charge life of our battery (it should be noted that you can also use palmOne's VersaMail for more traditional, direct POP/IMAP access).
As has been discussed extensively in the comments here, the lack of EVDO will put a damper on some people’s enthusiasm for this latest model while many others will jump at the opportunity to finally have the Treo 650 with their preferred carrier.
At any rate, congratulations to all newly minted Verizon Treonauts!!!
UPDATE: I just received an email from palmOne with a special offer for people [ordering] upgrading their Verizon Treo 650 online:
As a special thank you for your continued support, we have a palmOne.com exclusive offer on our new Treo 650 smartphone. Order yours today with or without a Verizon Wireless service plan and you'll receive a FREE Bluetooth® headset with your order ($79.99 value). Plus, if you're one of the first 100 people to place your order, you'll also receive a FREE autographed copy of the ground breaking new book On Intelligence, by Jeff Hawkins, inventor of the PalmPilot, and Treo smartphone.
Plus, you'll get FREE express shipping on your entire order to help make sure you're one of the first on your block to receive your new device. Note: Due to high demand, devices are expected to ship within 2 - 3 weeks.
In the meantime, Verizon Wireless’ own website still doesn’t have the option of buying the Treo 650…
UPDATE 2: A bit on the late side but palmOne and Verizon today finally and officially announced the release of the Verizon Treo 650 for business customers…
UPDATE 3: I’m confused… Now Verizon have their own press release where they state that “consumers will be able to purchase the Treo 650 after May 23”… In this light, I guess that ordering it now via palmOne makes a lot of sense.
Verizon Treo 650 [palmOne Store]
Verizon Treo 650 Upgrade Offer [palmOne Store]
Verizon Treo 650 Review [ABC News]
palmOne's Treo 650 Smartphone Now Available to Verizon Wireless Business Customers [palmOne Press Release]
Verizon Wireless Rolls Out New Data Pricing For Enterprise Customers [Verizon Press Release]
[Thanks TreoInsider & John KT]
Treonauts like to celebrate new arrivals… 
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Comments
Does the $45 per month unlimited data plan include a voice plan? Or is that $45 IN ADDITION to a voice plan?!
I'm already a Verizon customer (with a non-Treo phone) and I already pay about $45 per month for just 500 voice minutes! Neither palmOne's nor Verizon's web sites are very clear about this.. :(
Chris - that would be $45 for data only... It's $50 if you don't also have a voice plan with Verizon.
I get your point and this is why many people consider Sprint's $15 Unlimited plan to be unbeateable while Cingular's at $25 is the next most competitive.
Cheers, A.
According to Verizon and Fedex my Verizon Treo 650 is due to my San Diego address today by 4:30 PM. Glad to hear good things about the Verizon version, I am planning a thorough test during the 15 day grace period, and am hoping all is well.
Ray
I tried to order one today and was told to get lost. I have a feeling I will never end up with one of these phones. It's ludicrous. Yet I am stuck with Verizon unless I opt for a service that has no service where I work or live.
I took the advice I read here and called *611 this morning (I'd had no luck with the folks at the 800 number, but aren't they the same?). I placed my order with no problems, and it will be delivered by Wednesday. Forget the "2-3 weeks" stuff and do what I did!
I ordered mine the second I saw this blog entry. I am also eligable for the free Bluetooth headset, as I also own Zire 31. I did get the 2-3 weeks runaround, but I think that figure is very inflated, as an insurance policy in the event that a truck carrying a load of 650s suddenly suffers engine trouble and explodes on the freeway. But like the cliche says, "I've waited this long, so I can wait a little longer."
Is the code for a free bluetooth headset unique? I remember a few months ago there was a general code to get a free headset when you purchase a Treo. If anybody isn't planning to use it, I would really appreciate the code. I'm going to order my Treo tonight. (email: rzchen...@gmail.com
Rich - no code required. The headset offer is available on all Treo 650's purchased via palmOne's online store with or without a Verizon Wireless service plan.
Cheers, A.
...BUT, you have to order the phone from the Update button on the e-mail you reveice from palmOne. If you just order it from the site, you don't get anything free. Sometimes, it pays to register :)
I found it, its the exact same link as they used last time. Doesn't say on the invoice that I got the bluetooth for free, but I can hope. At least I got free overnight shipping. Ppl who used the link, does the free headset showup on your invoice?
Also a reminder, use the 15% off from the treo giveway contest, it expires tonight!
What's with no EVDO support? A $400-$600 "toy" that is obsolete on delivery.
You guys are crazy!!!! I just tried to order via phone direct through palm one. The guy told me that the reason it will take 2 to 3 weeks is because it actually isn't available yet for consumers through Verizon. They say they are taking orders now for everybody but all it means is that it is a PRE-order for when Verizon finally has them in stock and makes them available to all of their consumers, which is in approximatley 2 to 3 weeks!!! I asked if I could pay extra for over-night shipping, he told me that over-night was included, It would still take them that long because it is over-night from the day it is available, which is again in 2 to 3 weeks! Tried ordering from Verizon direct today, like the ABC review tells me to do at the end of the page, but Verizon says NO! B2b ONLY!! and they don't have a release date!!!!!!!Im so frustrated!!! how are all you regular consumers buying these things and getting them shipped to your door the next day!!!!!!!
Steve - consider though that palmOne is offering its fantastic Compact BT Headset for FREE with orders placed via its online store (an $80 value) which Verizon is not... Also, both companies have stated that they would start shipments on May 23.
Cheers, A.
Steve -
Don't know why you're getting the run around. I went to my local Verizon store on 5/11, ordered my Treo 650, and received it before 9:30 a.m. on 5/12. I am an existing Verizon wireless customer, so I don't know if that makes a difference. However, I'm not a business customer, so I know its available for non-business customers.
After 3 attempts and rejections yesterday (5/16) via 611, I told the 3rd rep that I personally knew several non-B2B customers that were able to order the phone, and actually have received it. He said he could place the order and see what happens--BINGO!!! Placed the order w/ FedEx overnight, and Treo 650 arrives at my door this morning. Paid $399. If it helps, I spoke to Alan via *611 @ ext. 2558--make sure you request the Rochester Call Center. This guy will make it happen. Good Luck!!!
how do i get the free bluetooth headset?
some people say you need a link?
others say you have to own a treo product or a palm one product
does anyone know?
and is teh 15% off still valid? if so what's the code?
To get the headset, you will have needed to get an e-mail from palmOne saying that for your continued support, if you buy a Verizon Treo 650, you are entitled to a free Bluetooth Headset. You must click on the Update button at the bottom of the e-mail and enter the device number of your previous Palm PDA/phone to continue. The headset is automatically added to your basket, showing $0.00.
can someone please forward me that email?
i called palmone and they wouldn't give it to me, they said to ask a friend for that email
thank you
I am a Verizon Customer with no phone upgrage options. Where can I get the cheapest price for the 650 and have it the next day?
Though VZW reps won't tell you this, you can take advantage of an 'early upgrade' option at any time. That's what I did to reduce the Treo 650 retail price of $519 to $399. Good luck!
All, just keep dialing *611 until you get the right call center. I spoke to someone in South Carolina this morning and she shipped out my unit already.
Well I've tried MANY times & ways to get my phone now from Verizon (*611, 800#, Stores) with absolutely no luck. I also tried the rep listed in an earlier post at this point I'm considering waiting for Eartlink just so I can thumb my nose at Verizon. Anyone have any hints or suggestions ?
After no luck trying local Verizon stores, I ordered the 650 through Verizon by dialing *611 yesterday (5/17). At first they said it would ship to arrive next day. Then the rep. called me back to say they didn't have the units "due to high demand" and that I would have it on the 24th. My bet is they wouldn't release it until the 23rd. They just used the out of stock excuse.
After giving up on the *611 people, I called them back often just to hear their different excuses for releasing it the 23rd and not on the 11th like it should have been. /sarcasm.
I'm looking for a copy of the email for the free bluetooth headset. Can anyone please copy the link from the update button and post it on a comment. Thanks from all of us :) ~pk
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