News: Computer Hardware for Small Business

Treo 700w: Small Business Everywhere Companion

Your Office Really Can Be Anywhere

by Keith R. Wheeler

3/2/2006

Palm’s Treo 700w phone will let you take your office with you anywhere. Let’s take a closer look at what the 700w can really do. This review is based on using the Treo 700w with Outlook 2003 in an area where Verizon’s EV-DO network is in place and working. Calendar: If your calendar is fully up-to-the-minute-up-to-date, you can use the wireless synchronization feature to exchange entries between and the 700w and your Outlook. Contacts: Imagine being able to look up any number in your Outlook Contacts list from anywhere and being able to make a phone call, send a text message, or send an email, all while navigating with a single hand. Don’t forget that you can enter/edit a contact in your Treo 700w expect that the contact will be added/changed in Outlook. Internet Explorer: With the speed offered by Verizon’s EV-DO Broadband Access network (400-700kbps), the internet browsing features work with excellent speed. With the small screen, compared to desktop monitors, some websites will be more difficult to read. But, that is more a function of the smaller screen size and resolution. Messaging: The Wireless Sync function which comes with the Treo 700w delivers email in virtually real time. The message notification will sometimes appear on the 700w even before Outlook displays the message in the lower right corner of the desktop screen. With a two button/click step process to delete undesired messages, it allows constant email management to the small business professional. Windows Media: A little fun to go along with this very business-minded device. Watch videos, listen to music, relax. Not perfect on a 240x240 screen, but that’s why you have a 42-inch plasma at home. Wireless Sync: Software from Verizon to synchronize Outlook with the Treo 700w. The software is easy to configure and works efficiently. Terminal Services: Allows tech support (Responsive Network Services LLC) to access servers and desktops remotely when immediate support is needed. Application Software: PocketPC versions of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint Viewer come standard to view attachments. Editing spreadsheets and documents are a snap on the road. Verizon includes a PDF viewer as well. This isn’t a complete list of features and specifications of the Treo 700w. The Treo 700w is an excellent tool for the small business person who needs to be out of the office or on the road. By striking a great balance between the size, weight, keyboard and screen size, Palm has created an impressive tool for increasing the efficiency of small business executives. By the way, the Outlook features on the Treo 700w work very similarly to the Outlook on the desktop. If you’re using Outlook now, you’re ready for the Treo 700w. Get ready to get more done more quickly wherever you are. That’s mobile computing!