Treo 180
The Palm Treo 180: A Revolutionary Device Released in 2002
In the year 2002, Palm released one of their most innovative and groundbreaking devices - the Treo 180. A combination of a PDA and a mobile phone, this device was ahead of its time and set the stage for future smartphones to come. Let's take a closer look at the features and specifications of this device that changed the game for handheld devices.
Compact and Portable Design
Weighing only 147g and with a thickness of just 21mm, the Treo 180 was one of the most compact devices of its time. It could easily fit into a pocket or a small bag, making it the perfect choice for people on-the-go. Its dimensions, measuring 108 x 71 x 21 mm, allowed for easy handling and comfortable use.
The Power of Palm OS
The Treo 180 ran on the Palm 3.5.2H operating system, which was specifically designed for Palm devices. This system allowed for a smooth and user-friendly interface, with features like a built-in organizer, advanced calculator, and an HTML web browser (Blazer 2.0). Furthermore, with an internal storage of 16MB, the device had enough space to store important documents, contacts, and other data.
Connectivity Options
The Treo 180 was equipped with GSM technology, allowing it to connect to 2G bands for communication. It also had an infrared port for data transfer and a mini-SIM card slot for easy network access. However, unlike modern smartphones, this device did not have features like GPRS, EDGE, or Wi-Fi, which we take for granted today.
Monochrome Display with Touchscreen Capability
The device had a monochrome resistive touchscreen display, with 16 shades available for a clear and crisp UI. The resolution of 160 x 160 pixels allowed for a 1:1 ratio, making it easy to view documents and images. While the lack of color may seem like a disadvantage, it actually helped in prolonging the battery life of the device.
No Camera, But Yes to Loudspeaker
The Treo 180 did not come equipped with a camera, which is quite common in devices of that era. However, it did support a loudspeaker for calls and could also play monophonic ringtones. Though it lacked a 3.5mm jack, the device came with a hands-free ear-bud headset, providing convenience for users.
Innovative Features and Long-Lasting Battery
Aside from its basic features, the Treo 180 also had a 33 MHz Motorola Dragonball processor, GPRS upgradeability, and a built-in infrared port. These features were ahead of their time and contributed to the device's popularity. Additionally, the Treo 180 came with a removable Li-Ion battery, which provided a standby time of up to 100 hours and talk time of up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Discontinued Yet Remembered
Though the Treo 180 has been discontinued, it is still remembered as a device that paved the way for modern smartphones. Its compact design, versatile features, and user-friendly interface set it apart from its competitors and made it a must-have for people in the early 2000s. The Treo 180 will always hold a special place in the history of handheld devices and remain a favorite among technology enthusiasts.