PDA maker Handspring, Inc. has announced that its Treo device is now available for sale in the U.S., thanks to partnership deals the company has struck with Cingular Wireless and VoiceStream.
The Treo combines a mobile phone and wireless applications like e-mail, messaging and Internet browsing with a conventional PDA. Measuring 4.3 x 2.7 by 0.7 inches and weighing about 5.2 ounces, the Treo incorporates a flip-top case and uses a rechargeable battery.
Built on the familiar Palm OS used in other Handspring PDAs like the Visor and Neo, the first two editions of the three in-one-one device are now available — the Treo 180 and the Treo 180g. The 180 features a built-in QWERTY keyboard while the 180g uses the Graffiti handwriting recognition software instead.
This news follows earlier announcements about the Treo’s availability abroad. Handspring began shipping the Treo to Asian markets in January with service plans available from SmarTone and SingTel. Handspring also announced plans to distribute Treos throughout Europe via a distribution agreement with mm02, and in Sweden through APE Telecom.
The Treos run for US$399 when purchased with a GSM service plan via Cingular or VoiceStream. Without a service plan, they cost $549.
Handspring also has announced a special offer for existing users of the VisorPhone, a module that connects to existing Handspring PDAs via the proprietary “Springboard” interface. If you own a VisorPhone already, you can purchase a Treo for $399 sans service plan activation. More details are available from the Web site.