Upgrade Your Treo 700wx to Windows Mobile 6.1

You may have heard that some developers have gotten their hands on Windows Mobile 6.1 for the Palm Treo 700wx. If you want to learn more, then take a look at this forum on XDA-Developers:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=397134

Flashing a phone's ROM is not for beginners. This is true especially when you're loading a custom ROM. If you make a mistake, then your phone may turn into a permanent brick that you can use as a paperweight. I always advise people to ask for assistance or to hand the phone over to an expert who can do the flashing correctly.

In my opinion, there are significant advantages to running Windows Mobile 6.1 over Windows Mobile 6.0. That change from ".0" to ".1" at the end of 6 makes a big difference. Now we have Windows Mobile 6.5 but that's not available for the Treo (at least not now). Not sure about the version differences? Take a look at this chart that provides an overview of Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0, and 6.1:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/meet/version-compare.mspx

Sold a Treo 700wx

I sold an old Treo 700wx today. No, it wasn't mine. I got rid of mine a very long time ago. However, this Treo that I just sold had been used until very recently. It will be dearly missed. However, as new devices come and replace old ones, I'm sure this Treo won't be missed very long. I wonder if Verizon still has any old Treo 700wx phones in stock (for repairs, exchanges, etc.).

Time to Replace a Treo (not mine)

Not mine. I got rid of my Treo a long time ago. However, I know someone who is now looking for a change. What's the best phone for a physician on Verizon Wireless?

The Samsung Omnia is a great for someone who wants something thin that has a large screen, no hardware keyboard, and Windows Mobile.

The BlackBerry Storm is ideal for someone who wants the same features, but on a BlackBerry.

The HTC Touch Pro is a fantastic slider, but it's thick and bulky.

The Samsung Saga is a thinner version of the Treo.

If you're really on a budget, you could go with the old XV6900 (made by HTC). I can't think of anyone who would still buy a Palm Centro running the old Palm OS when the new Palm Pre is coming out.

So what would you pick?

Typing on the BlackBerry STORM

Typing on the BlackBerry STORM can be quite difficult if you have long fingernails. I try to keep mine relatively short, so it's not a problem that I usually encounter. However, if you like to keep your nails on the long side, then you may want to go with a device that has a hardware keyboard.

Remember, the STORM doesn't have a passive touch screen like the Palm Treo. Instead, it relies on capacitive touch like the iPhone. You can't use a plastic pen or any other passive stylus on the STORM. This is important because many people think that a "touch screen" = "touch screen." However, there are several differences between passive touch screens and capacitive touch screens.

Well, enough about screens. The STORM is fast and has a great browser. I still have my XV6800 (HTC), but I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a business phone on Verizon Wireless.

Airport Technology

Airports are getting more and more sophisticated for mobile technology. I see more devices than ever before: smartphone, iPhone, BlackBerry, PDA, Treo, etc. Windows Mobile, Palm OS, RIM, and iPhone.

I expect to see lots of netbooks by the middle of this year. Right now, I just see tons of people using Macs. I'm the only one in my terminal sitting out here with a tablet PC. Everyone else has a mobile device or an Apple. I don't see a single netbook here.

Once more airlines offer Wi-Fi, I think we'll see more netbooks on the airplanes. It's so difficult to use a full-sized laptop on an airplane if the person in front of you reclines. Since I use a tablet, I can quickly take the PC and pull out my stylus to continue working if I run out of tray space.

HTC Touch Pro replacing the XV6800 (aka Mogul)

Looks like the HTC Touch Pro will be replacing the Verizon XV6800 (aka Sprint Mogul ). Are you planning on upgrading?


As for me, I think I'm done with sliders. They're great for some, but not for me. I really prefer the Treo-style phones so the new Samsung Epix or the new Treo Pro are the ones that really attract me. I want something that is slim (hence, not a slider), and one that I can use with a single hand for the keyboard. A slider requires both hands. I got used to typing with a single hand when I used my old Treo.

Windows Mobile 6 on Verizon Palm Treo 700wx

For Verizon Wireless customers: The Windows Mobile 6 ROM update is now available for the Palm Treo 700wx

Get it here:

http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/treo700wxupdate6/verizon.html?AID=10380937&PID=1511436

Make sure to read the fine print. Sounds like there may be some problems if you use TomTom navigation software with your Treo.

Windows Mobile 6 isn't a huge improvement over 5, so it may not be worth the trouble unless you want some of those features. It's a shame they didn't make the update a Windows Mobile 6.1 update.

Choosing a PDA and/or Smartphone for medical school

Medical students are often asking: how should I select a PDA and/or smartphone?

I currently use an XV6800 with Verizon, but if I were on AT&T, I'd probably switch to the Treo Pro.

When you look for a PDA and/or smartphone:

1. Always get a touch screen device so that you can effectively run important applications such as epocrates.

2. Go for Windows Mobile. the Palm OS has been dying a slow death.

3. Get a device that has Wi-Fi. This way, even if you don't purchase a data plan, you can still use your PDA/phone in the hospital during your rotations.

4. Get a built-in hardware keyboard. Here is where the iPhone falls short. When you're using certain applications, it really helps to have an actual keyboard.

5. Get something where you can easily remove the battery. Once again, here is where the iPhone falls short. During some of your overnight rotations, you may want to have a spare battery with you - since you may never get the chance to plug your phone in and charge it.

Everyone's loving the Palm Treo Pro

Everyone seems to be loving the Palm Treo Pro. All the different reviews are raving about this phone that's made by HTC.

I see more and more physicians and medical students using the Treo these days. Traditionally, the Palm OS has been more popular among doctors. Younger medical students are using the iPhone, Windows Mobile, or RIM/Blackberry. Will the traditional docs make the switch to Windows Mobile?

Since medical students are often required to run applications that are only built for either the Palm OS or Windows Mobile, they're more likely than ever to go with the Treo Pro over the iPhone.

Treo Pro and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 both made by HTC

The Treo Pro and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 are both made by HTC. Did you know that? I'm glad that I have a phone made by HTC too - the XV6800. I've been very happy with the quality of the phones made by HTC.

Official Treo Pro - the Slimmest Treo

The official Treo Pro is the thinnest, slimmest Treo to come out of Palm. Unlike other Treo phones out there, this new phone will run Windows Mobile 6.1 and have built-in GPS + Wi-Fi. Since the phone is so thin, people may think it resembles other Windows Mobile devices that lack a touch screen. This device will have a high resolution touch screen and use the universal micro USB connector.

Will Palm also release a CDMA version for Verizon/Sprint? Or will the GSM version be the only one? Also, what type of battery life will this phone have? Form factor always needs to be balanced with functionality. I think I'd prefer a slightly bulkier phone that has robust battery life. Otherwise, make sure you offer an extended battery option.

Palm Treo Pro 850 Windows Mobile

The latest Palm Treo looks like it's going to be a very popular phone. Take a look at the Treo Pro 850 running Windows Mobile! I used to have a Treo 700wx on Verizon Wireless. I liked the phone, but it was big, slow, and didn't have enough memory. Plus, that old phone lacked a built-in GPS.

Well, the new Treo 850 may be one of the best Windows Mobile phones for those who want a hardware keyboard but don't want a slider. Can't wait to see it!

Switch to Verizon XV6800

I've been a Verizon Wireless customer for many years now. I've also been a Windows Mobile user since the days of the old Pocket PC and Windows CE devices. I went ahead and upgraded to the new XV6800 and I'm happy so far.

Here are the main reasons why.

Compared to the old Treo 700wx running Windows Mobile 5:

1. I can save $15 each month for a cheaper unlimited data plan ($29 instead of $45).
2. I've loaded a custom ROM that includes Windows Mobile 6.1 and this gives me much better Internet browsing capabilities and several other useful features. Want to know how I did it? See below.
3. Much faster processor.
4. Much more internal RAM.
5. Larger screen.
6. Built-in GPS (only available if you load the custom ROM described below)
7. Bigger, better keyboard.
8. Smaller size and no antenna sticking out (not by much, but it still counts).
9. Mini-USB connector and charger.
10. Bluetooth 2.0 vs. the older 1.2

Those are the top 10 reasons why I went for this upgrade.

So what do I miss about my old Treo 700wx? I miss the one-handed operation. I could hold that phone and press the keyboard buttons using one hand. Now with the XV6800, to type on the keyboard, I really need to use two thumbs. Also, the Treo seemed to have better screen visibility outdoors.

So how did I load the custom ROM for the XV6800? I will refer you to these sites:

http://www.phonenews.com/how-to-add-gps-to-htc-mogul-xv6800-p4000-titan-2663/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=371314&page=1

I'm currently running the DCD 2.3.2 ROM for Verizon. The instructions may seem a bit complex, but you just have to have some faith and go for it! It reminds me of the old days when Compaq would release ROM updates for the old iPaq 3600 models. Some of those ROM updating attempts would 'brick' the iPaq and turn it into a dead paperweight.

To get the internal GPS to work (only works with custom ROMs):

1. Go to Settings -> Phone - then click on the Services tab -> Location Setting and set to "Location On"
2. Allow Windows to manage the GPS automatically
3. For Google Maps, set the GPS settings to be set by Windows (not manually to a specific COM port)
4. For Windows Live Search, set the GPS to "GPS Intermediate Driver" at the bottom of the list.

To learn more about using the GPS on this phone, take a look at this:

http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=17032