Basic Features

Running off a 312-MHz PXA270 processor, the Treo 650 is significantly faster than the Treo 600's 144-MHz ARM processor. Compared to other devices running at similar processing, the 650 can keep up with or outperform other models due to its data storage in NAND flash, the fastest type of memory when reading, writing, and erasing large blocks.

Operating under the Palm OS 5.4 platform, the 650's internal flash also uses the new Non-Volatile File System (NVFS) memory. NVFS, unlike conventional forms of flash memory, will not erase stored information if power is lost. Data is stored on a file system as if it were on a memory card, essentially backing up continuously into the flash memory as if storing on a hard drive rather than RAM. So gone are the days of the quick battery change to avoid losing stored information.

Depending on which carrier, the Treo 650 comes in two versions: the dual-band CDMA 800 / 1900 MHz network with CDMA2000 1xRTT high-speed data transfer and gpsOne support (Sprint PCS), or the quad-band GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz network with GPRS Class 10 and EDGE high-speed data transfer. Aside from the differing networks and high-speed transfer technologies, much of the Treo 650 is the same across versions.

Palm rated the Treo 650's 1900 Li-Ion battery at up to an impressive 5 hours of talk time, and over 12.5 days (300 hours) of standby. Actual times will be slightly less. When handset manufacturers and cell phone carriers list talk time and standby time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times.

Screen

The Treo 600's 4K color 160 x 160 px STN (Super Twisted Nematic) passive display has been replaced with the larger and more vivid 65K color 320 x 320 px TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display found on the Treo 650. While physically similar in size to the Treo 600's screen, the 650's LCD is four times denser in resolution, providing more detailed brighter images.

TFT active display matrices can achieve more vibrant colors and faster refresh rates due to circuit transistors being placed directly on the glass at the pixel location. STN on the other hand, does not, and requires the scanning of pixel locations. This results in noticeably quicker response times over the Treo 600; refresh rates needed for using the Treo 650's screen as a viewfinder.

Audio

The Treo 650 is capable of playing polyphonic ringtones at up to 16 chords, however for users who want the most realistic sounding tones, MP3 ringtones are preferred, which the Treo 650 supports.

Conventional ringtones utilize the MIDI file format, which recreates sounds by essentially playing "musical notes." Thus the more simultaneous chords that could be overlay meant more realistic sounding ringtones. MP3s on the other hand are not "sheet music," but rather straight recordings.

Additionally a fully functional MP3 player is included through RealPlayer. With the ample supply of removable memory, endless amounts of songs can be loaded onto SD cards. Combined with the stereo headset jack, users can listen to music as they work. However, if a headset isn't present, the Treo 650's speaker located on the back can be used to listen to music. It offers handsfree functionality in speakerphone mode as well.

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