With a stroke of luck, I managed to grab a good deal for a “brand new” Treo 500v. Like a 5 year old kid receiving his new toy, I wasted no time in setting it up and have been using it for the last 2 days. So here’s my candid impression of this smartphone.

The first impression of the phone is good. The phone feels well built and showcases high quality finishing, probably perceived by its glass ornament over its LCD screen. The battery cover has a perfect fitment and the phone does not creak as you hold it, as reported. On the otherhand, the QWERTY key buttons do not feel flimsy, every key press is firm but not hard, except maybe for the space bar. The key backlight illuminates the keyboard well in the dark. Interestingly, even the mini-USB charger socket is illuminated, although it is not known to me if this is purposely designed, or “a side effect” by the key backlight. Continue reading →