EV-DO or EVolution - Data Only is protocol implemented on CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) cellular networks. In the U.S., that's Sprint and Verizon Wireless. EV-DO redeploys some cellular channels to transmit data rather than voice. In particular, Internet data. How fast is EV-DO? Sprint estimates up to 700 Kbps downloads, although burst speeds can be higher. Beyond the range of EV-DO coverage in major population areas, the system gracefully falls back to an earlier standard called 1xRTT that supports downloads up to 130 Kbps.
For a handheld device with a relatively small screen like the Palm Treo 700p, downloads at 700 Kbps can easily support streaming audio and video, mobile Web browsing, and email packed with attachments. Sprint also offers aircards for your laptop PCs so you can get Internet broadband out of the office.
In fact, the Palm Treo 700p is as much a small computer as it is a cell phone. Based on Palm OS 5.4 running on an Intel 312 MHz XScale processor, it has the power to operate as a wireless PDA and multimedia entertainment device. A backlit QWERTY keyboard graces the lower front panel with a 320 x 320 pixel color display above. Like a true PDA, this is a touch screen display with a stylus included. Many smartphones offer a large displays, but they are not all touch sensitive like the Palm's.
The powerful Email client is Pocket Outlook which supports POP, IMAP, APOP and ESMTP protocols, plus ActiveSync and VPN access. You'll be able to view and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, view them as email attachments, and also view PDF documents. Pocket Internet Explorer supports HTML, SSL, JavaScript, cookies, bookmarks, frames and VPNs. Of course, you can also send and receive SMS text messages, instant messages and pictures and videos as multimedia messages.
The 1.3 Megapixel camera in the Palm Treo 700p takes both high quality still photos and video clips. The camera has 2x digital zoom. Windows Media player lets you enjoy downloaded multimedia and Pocket Tunes software lets you listen to MP3 and other format music files and audio books in rich stereo. A stereo headset jack is provided for privacy.
Let's not forget that the Palm Treo 700p is also a quality cell phone that includes a speakerphone and Bluetooth communications for hands-free operation. You can record voice memos and download ringtones and graphics to customize your unit. The phonebook lets you assign multiple numbers per name, plus email addresses, instant messenger addresses, and Web addresses. It uses shared, expandable memory that starts with 128 MB built-in. Expansion is via plug-in SD (SecureDigital) cards.
All of this performance is contained in a package measuring just 4.4 in. x 2.3 in. x 0.9 in. and weighing in at 6.4 ounces. The powerful Li Ion battery gives you up to 282 minutes or over 4 1/2 hours of talk time. Standby time is up to 300 hours or over up to 12 days away from the charger.
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