Handspring Treo 180 PDA and Cellular Communicator

Rating:
Summary: LIke it
Review: I needed a low cost PDA/phone for my high school freshman son (who loses things a lot) and this did the trick.

Rating:
Summary: Stellar-But Buy the Warranty
Review: I think I have had one of every Handspring product except the Treo 270 at this point. Color was not a big need. I purchased my first 180 in Feb 02, and picked up the extended warranty. I was very glad that I did.

The Treo has everything that I could want in a unified form factor. My Calendar/Phone/AddressBook/Work Files are all included in the one machine. Now that I have the Targus Universal Keyboard, this thing is practically self-sufficient. Despite the marvelous features and form factor, reliability has been an issue with me, and many others apparently. Check the comments at TreoCentral.com regarding periodic problems.

After I purchased the extended warranty, the sent me a new Treo within the first 90 days (in basic warranty). Since I need the phone constantly, the new Treo is sent with a return box for 29.00. After 90 days, the story changes unless you have Extended warranty. They have replaced my Treo 5 or 6 times since I bought it, and speed/courtesy are part of the warranty. The product is not perfect, but their quick and courteous treatment of the extended warranty provisions is excellent.

I am waiting for the Treo 600, which is hinted to be the perfect PDA/Phone. But I will buy the Extended Warranty.