Dell Offers Treo Pro For Only $475

So has Palm just given up on its own operating system as a business platform? Why isn't the Treo Pro available in Palm OS? It is so much simpler and superior to anything MS has come up with (too many steps to do simple things). As a long term Palm user (Palm III, Vx, Tungsten E, Treo 650) I've very frustrated that only the Centro is available in Palm OS. I've recently switched to an iPhone which I really like... but don't LOVE as much as the Palm.

Sincerely,
Sad former Palm cheerleader

Jim,

Ok, Palm is still in its "couple of years in the desert" stage regarding OS development. The current, Palm OS, aka Garnet, can't support most of the features we see in the Pro and other current smartphones--no HSDPA, no WiFi, probably no GPS. So if you set out to build a device running Garnet with the Pro's hardware, you end up with a Centro in a slightly different form factor--and no clear market angle for it to be different from the Centro. Plus, with more expensive components, the price is higher--which is why the Treo 755 has been EOLed in favor of the lower-margin, higher-selling Centro.

So Palm will (next year) have 3 product lines: the Treo (which is supposed to become Windows Mobile only); the Centro (which will only run Garnet) and devices running Nova, the new OS that Palm has been working on for a couple of years now. At that point, we may see enterprises that have bought fleets of Palm OS Treos go for Nova devices as a replacement, if they want to stick with a compatible platform. Unfortunately, too many corporate types buy into the line that "you can't go wrong buying Microsoft"--or else go for BlackBerries.

Has anybody heard if Verizon is working on a relaeas of the Pro anytime soon. I have talked to 4 different Verizon Reps and none of them have heard about the pro. They keep trying to sell me the Blackberry Storm. I am in a pickle. My company discontinued their wireless synch server license for palm as of 10/1/08. Now I can't get my e-mails or calandar. I am thinking about jumping on the Dell Deal!!!

Enough of the whinning already about why Palm is releasing WM phones. You will get your palm platform or Nova soon.. You guys are starting to sound like all those iphone complainers. Stick behind the 'company', if not just zipp it already. Its getting a little old. GO WINMO!!!!!!!!

Jim, Palm is planning on having three phone models. The Treo, which will have Windows Mobile, the Centro, which will have the old Palm OS (not sure how much longer that will be around), and a third model, yet unnamed, which will have Palm's new OS. There no telling when it should be out, but rumors are late this year to mid 2009.

I understand your frustration, since I would really love a new Palm OS phone. I do understand, though, that it takes a long time to develop it the way a Palm OS should be and Palm needs money now. This is why they're releasing Centros and Treos with the old Palm OS and WM. The Centro was pretty popular and I'm sure the Pro will be too. Since all they really have to do is design a cool case and maybe tweak the software a bit, it's less expensive for them to get these out the door to get money coming in.

This will also help them to build brand loyalty. Those who have bought these Palm products will think, "Hey, I really liked this thing, but WM was a bit annoying and Palm OS was a little outdated. I think I'll buy the new Palm OS. They build great phones, I'm sure they'll have a great OS."

I ordered a Treo Pro on Friday the 10th. Well it was shipped and set to be delivered on Monday, the 13th. Well Dell stopped the delivery and has had it shipped back to them. Rep told me that the manufacturer had recalled the item. Rep did not have any more info. I asked if I could order another, but of course was told I could not.

I dont know if there is something wrong with the Pro all together, if there is something wrong with the Batch that Dell has, or if Palm just cut Dell off since they were undercutting them, but I was upset!

@Jr3153, that's really interesting. I just went to the Dell site and was able to add one to a cart. If they were having issues one would think they would stop you from buying them in the first place. Your check didn't bounce did it? :-)

LOL, No, in fact I am still waiting for them to refund my money! I also was able to add it to the cart yesterday evening. I too find it really interesting. I agree that it could be Dell lying to me, however I just find it odd that Dell a) Already has my money, and b) are very eager to give me my money back and not let me order another. I mean seriously, had they never shipped it, or it had broken during shipment, wouldn't they just ship me another and keep the sale? I mean I never asked for a refund, they informed me it was already in the process.

Hi, everyone,
I ordered my Palm Treo Pro from Dell on 10/11/08 and received it on Tuesday, 10/14/08, no problems.

Tom,

Thank you for responding. So far you are the only person to respond saying that they ordered from Dell and received it. Congrats by the way. I did a little research and I saw where this has occurred to Dell Customers before where it ships, but is then recalled. The only difference I have seen is the others had their product reshipped to them, and I was immediately told that I would be refunded. Oh well, I am putting this to bed on the Treo sites, as I believe it to be an issue with Dell and Me and nothing to do with the Treo Pro. I just wanted to help people avoid an issue if possible. Thanks again for the information.

It is obvious that your thoughts reflect a lot of other people’s opinions also. I take pleasure in analyzing your posts each morning. http://www.fmheroes.org/t-amp_19_1.htm