by Anthony Khoo

Created on: April 16, 2008   Last Updated: December 01, 2011

With its innovative design, accessible keyboard and large LCD screen, the Palm Treo 600 was perhaps one of the most popular Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) on the market following its release in late 2003. Unlike its predecessors, this model from Palm included wireless internet capabilities that allowed it to join and access a wireless network and browse the internet. This enables it to have a unique connectivity and an unmatched portability which made it ideal for those whose lifestyle or business was highly mobile.

Although the Treo 600 is now considered a relatively old model, it is still quite popular, not only because of its high specifications, but moreover its affordable price. Although it specialises in wireless connectivity, this PDA also boasts a range of other features such as a camera, expansion slot and smartphone capabilities, and this makes it suitable for a variety of ages and uses. Taken in conjunction with its relatively cheap price  the Treo 600 provides both affordability and practicality.

With the Palm Operating System, both games and media of various forms can be played on the Treo 600, and the phone itself comes with a range of applications which allow the user to use it not only as a PDA, but also as a phone and entertainment console. This wide range of functionality serves to appeal to not only those whose business revolves around mobile connectivity, but also those who enjoy the use of a multi-purpose phone.

Now, 5 years after its release, the Treo 600 is hardly the force that it was upon its introduction, but it nonetheless continues to appeal to a broad cross-section of society. However, many people are now moving to more advanced (although more expensive) PDAs and Smartphones. Other mobile devices like the Nokia E61i are replacing the Palm Treo 600 as the peak of mobile wireless connectivity.

Whilst the Treo 600 has many appealing qualities, it also falls short in several areas. Some of these include its limited memory, poor graphic LCD quality and dismal phone camera. With a total internal memory of 24 Mbs, the Palm Treo 600 has barely enough space for its preinstalled applications- and this means that memory cards must be bought and installed to fully unleash the PDA's potential.

Furthermore, the phone features a poor VGA 640 x 480 resolution camera, which falls far short when compared to the integrated phone cameras that are now appearing on today's market. Aesthetically, the Treo 600 is not striking. More practically, with its blockish appearance and protruding stub antenna, it is an awkward shape to fit in a hand or pocket.  Given the advent of more powerful smartphones such as the Apple iPhone and Blackberry Bold, PDAs have in general been relegated to a more specialized, exclusive section of the market.  Nonetheless, the dedicated keyboard and generally superior wireless networking capabilities make it a good choice for the old-fashioned business executive.

In conclusion, although slightly outdated, the Palm Treo 600 still packs a punch in terms of wireless connectivity and multi-purpose functionality. However, it has several significant downsides that make it a poor choice for those to whom aesthetics are essential. When compared with the latest PDAs and phones selling today, the Palm Treo is understandably a little antiquated. Nonetheless, in terms of price and functionality, this PDA is a bargain and has rightfully earnt its place as one of the most innovative PDAs ever to appear on the technological market..

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