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Treo, Treo, Everywhere!

MRome and CTucker Sponsors It was a Treo-full day at GBBR. And when it was over, every agent who attended the SmartPhone Smart User seminar had a new bag of tips and tricks for using the indispensable tool of our trade.

Dick Betts SmartPhoneSeminar The guru of mobile devices, Dick Betts, led the seminar that focused on Windows and Palm-based Treos. He also talked about the Blackberry and iPhone, but there was no question that for real estate, the Treo rules. With this one device, you have a phone, calendar, calculator, computer, camera, email, iPod, and more, all in the palm of your hand.

Most of the class already had Treos, there were a few Blackberry owners and one iPhone, plus some who were there to help decide which to buy. Dick left no doubt that he's a Treo fan, and pointed out that it's hard to find a function that other phones offer that the Treo doesn't do.

Sharon Mezei, Erik Grooms, Dick Betts, Shari Gaister We all came out of the class with new information, like how to rescue an almost drowned Treo. If you accidentally drop it in water – which Treos do not like – immediately remove the battery and use a hair dryer to get rid of the water. When it looks dry, place it in a box of rice overnight. After a good night's drying rest, your Treo should be ready to work again.

With so much good information, it's hard to pick favorites, but here are my top five tips from the seminar:

Treo Graffiti 1. Graffiti. A long time ago I used a Palm PDA v5 and then an i705, and loved the graffiti feature. When I switched to the SmartPhone I could never get it work. But yesterday Dick beamed the program to my Treo and even set it up for me – yes! I have Graffiti again! That alone was worth the whole day. To top it off, I found this page on the Palm site with more on Graffiti. http://www.palm.com/us/support/handbooks/graffiti2_tips.pdf

2. Calculator. Much more than simple arithmetic is available on the calculator. There are multiple functions, and you can even run an adding machine tape!

Dick Betts working on Treos 3. PdaNet. You can use your Treo anywhere as a modem for your PC with PdaNet software, and save the $50 to $80 monthly fees for wireless service. It's slower, but the price is right.

4. Add a name and number to your Calendar – quickly. You're stopped at a traffic light and a friend wants to schedule a lunch date. Here's the quick and easy way to update your calendar: Select day and time, select Options, select Phone Look Up, find the person, and click Add. You're done.

5. "Ignore" nicely. Did you know that when you hit the "Ignore" button, the person calling may be aware of that? There is a way to change it – you just push the buttons on the side. Sooo simple!

Dick Betts has a lot of tips on his site – check them out at http://tinyurl.com/ywvzhz. Dick is an NAR certified e-Pro trainer, and we were glad to have him share his expertise with the group. As for me, I'm delighted to have my Graffiti back!

Posted by Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty on 12/04/2007 04:26 PM

Comments (64)

treo, smartphone, blackberry, iphone, baltimore, md, gbbr, baltimore realtor

Originally posted at: Margaret Rome's Blog: Treo, Treo, Everywhere!

This post has been included in Maryland Information

64 Comments on Treo, Treo, Everywhere!

DEC

2007

Margaret, I dropped my TREO in a glass of water last July! I was getting ready to go out of town for my son's wedding and got a massage. My therapist gave me a glass of water, which I promptly popped into a cup holder....the same cupholder that my phone typically goes in. Plop, just a few minutes later went the cell phone. Wish I would have known that trick. I removed the battery, but ended up without a cell phone for 5 days until I could slow down enought to get to the Sprint store. It was a nightmare!!!

Margaret, how is the caller made aware that you have hit the "ignore " icon?

Which side button would you push instead?

I like all the features of the treo, can pull up MLS on it? That is what I need from time to time when out showing.

Aw Geez. I just bought a new video camera and the ((&%%&( thing has so many controls and they are so "small" hard to read, I'm looking for a class or tutor or something.

Maybe I'll jsut give it to a child and let them figure it out and show me how to use it.

Chris,Ouch, I too,wish you knew this trick also. No guarantee that it works all the time. Treos and water do not get along.

Brian,When you hit the ignore button, the call goes immediately into voice mail. Savvy people know that. Just hit the button on the side. Nice talking with you this evening.

Elaine, Glad you are enjoying MLS on your phone.

Lenn, With your resources, you will find a class or put one together in no time. Why not ask your camera salesperson for names of others who have purchased the same item. Last resort, give it to a kid! Enjoy the ((&%%&( learning process.

My biggest problem with the Treo is the volume for me to hear my caller is not load enough, and no I do not have a hearing problem. Otherwise its great.

Joey,No problem for me with the volulme. You might want to consider getting a headset after you check to make sure your phone is not defective.

The headset that was recommended was www.jawbone.com

Margaret,

I have also been a long time Palm user first with the VIIx then a Zire 71. Hopefully I will get the graffiti on my phone too. Great post

Terry, Thanks for stopping by. Hope you get your graffiti soon.

I've heard Dick Betts several times. He is a master! Very nice, too. He recommends VolumeCare for increasing the volume on the Treo.

That sounds like a wonderful program, and I appreciate your sharing some of those TREO hints. 'Hope I don't need them, but now I'll be better prepared, if I do.

I've never seen a class like this offered in LV. I would go to one in a heartbeat even though I've had a treo for 3+ years, I had the 600 first and now have the 650. We have one more function we can use on it and that's the e-key! I LOVE having it all in one!

DEC

2007

Margaret --it dawned on me earlier today that the seminar was taking place -- thxs for the tips!

Well I have the Tmobile Dash and it is ok but I think it is not as good as the Treo but I'm stuck. Glad you have the toy you like.

Even though I am a long time Treo user, I could have used the class.

My wife has a treo...I use the old blackberry which is more than enough for me to do.

Neal, I am sure you do what you need to on the Blackberry.

Randy, Those of us who are long time users got a lot out of the class.

Rosemary, I had a dash for a few days..it is still in the box and not used. I personally hated it. Know anybody who wants it?

Aziz, You are very welcome. Wish you could have attended.

Mary, Contact Dick Betts to see if he is scheduled for your area. If not, organize a session like I did.

Margaret, Hope you don't need the water trick.

Barbara, Thanks for adding to the tips.

Margaret - thanks for the tips and the link. I am a year old with my 700p and am always looking for better ways of operating this!

Margaret How lucky to have Dick all day!!! I wish I could have been there. I am always learning new tricks and your post has added a few more. I use PDANet and Love it. I have found it faster not slower for my Centro. And I LOVE my new Centro! Thanks

Matthew, you are welcome and thanks for stopping by.

Joeann, Wish you could have been here with us. Tell us more about your new Centro. Maybe you have written a post. Should I go look?

Enjoyed your webinar on NAR. You made me feel a part even though I was not able to travel. Dick spoke NAR. You both like the greeting card that is mailed out.

Margaret I did write a post on the Centro here it is http://activerain.com/blogsview/292117/The-Top-1-Reasons I also posted on the Best of the NAR...Thanks for playing with me.

Hi Margaret, just "blew up" my fifth Treo in four months. It appears it doesn't support our MLS program very well - so I'm with Blackberry and LOVE it. And using the stupid display key for Supra.

Joeann, Will go check it out. If you wrote it, just has to be good!

Karen, Oh I miss you! Give me call when you have some time. Enjoy your Blackberry.

Margaret - you're my Hero! I've missed Graffiti ever since my upgraded phone didn't have it, and I want it back - my fingers are too big and clumsy for the keyboar. I'll go follow your link right now. Thanks!

DEC

2007

Thank you for the treo tips and may look into getting a similar session here. I have a blackberry that I love, but would like to utilize the additional features like the supra e-key and have the MLS on the phone.

Thank you for taking the time to share some of what you learned from your class.

You have helped me make my decision. I have been going to get a blackberry. Now it will be Treo. thank you

Sharon,, Let me know if it works.

Garolyn,You are welcome. The supra key does NOT work with our system at this time.

Pat, Hope you like it. First, you may want to go read Joeann Fossland's post. See her comment above.

Thanks for sharing the tips you learned in the class! I will try ignoring "nicely."

Unfortunately, I am on Treo #4 this year and I'm still not in love with it. Quite the opposite! It freezes frequently and I have to do a "soft" reset often. Most annoying problem-- if I am on a call and receive another call through Call Waiting that I want to ignore, the phone hangs up on BOTH calls!! The problem has been documented by Palm but still no resolution.

All PDAs have their good and bad points so when choosing what to buy, ask others who already have the phone what they do and don't like about the device. Their answers will tell you more about the phone than the salesperson at the store.

Stacee, Welcome to Active Rain. Look forward to you first blog. Let us know if you need any help.

Sounds like you need to be on your 5th Treo. Wish you could have been at the GBBR seminar.

Great information., I bet I am truly underutilizing my TREO. I would love to attend this type of workshop. Thanks for sharing what you learned.

Sharon

Sharon, This seminar was just held in Baltimore and in DC. Sorry you missed it. You were soooo close!

Margaret cool tips and thanks for sharing the link. Happy Holidays and Best of luck in 2008.

DEC

2007

Vincent, I noticed that you are pretty up to date on your technology. Thanks for stopping by all the best to you.

Margret,

I've had a Treo 650 for several years now and now my daughter, who's in college, just got one. She's kind of in a fog with all the features. I am forwarding her this post! Thanks, for helping me be the big man on campus... well at least concerning the TREO anyway!

Thanks again!

PdaNet. You can use your Treo anywhere as a modem for your PC, I have done this in the past, works great.

Rick, Bet it doesn't take her very long to learn it all. Soon she will be "teaching" the big man.

David, Glad to hear that PdaNet is woring for you.

DEC

2007

I've had the same problem as Stacee with the Treo. I gave up and went back to a cell phone and a Supra lock box key!

Sheri, Sorry you had same problem as Stacee. I would be lost without this type of phone.

DEC

2007

Thanks for sharing this information source. I just replaced my 650 with a 700. I lost some of my data in the data transfer. I am pleased to have a resource to some new information. Thanks again.

Dionne, You are welcome. Glad you found this helpful.

Margaret, Thanks for putting the event together and posting such a great Blog about the class. The lady in LV missed my class their a few years ago and really should head back. I am posting new tips on my Blogs on both Activerain and Zolve. Just posted one tonight so you might want to check it out, links to my Blogs are on my website. Thanks again, Dick Betts!

Dick, It was a really good event. I am still getting positive calls and emails about you! you were a big hit!!

DEC

2007

Margaret - This was very helpful, I was in the process of making a decision on what phone to buy.

DEC

2007

Add a name and number to your Calendar - quickly. You're stopped at a traffic light and a friend wants to schedule a lunch date. Here's the quick and easy way to update your calendar: Select day and time, select Options, select Phone Look Up, find the person, and click Add. You're done.

Margaret, I didn't know that; thanks for making my day! Mike in Tucson

Thanks Margaret, I can always count on you for informative information. My husband just got a new Centro Palm and he gave me his Treo. At first, I thought egads this thing is heavy. Then I started playing around with it and it does os much so easily. My husband's Centro is so light and it does so many similar things and as Sprint has a special on for $99.00 with a 2 year plan, I was thinking about taking the plunge; however, your new info has given me hope that my new found Treo is the way to go.

Thanks much, and happy holidays. Love, Gail

Margaret,

Thanks for your post! One day after originally reading this post, I drop my TREO in the drink!!!! I did exactly what you said... took the battery out, dried it with a blow dryer and then placed it in a bag of dried rice and 12 hours later, IT WORKED!!!

Thanks again,

DEC

2007

Jennifer,Hope this post helped you make a decision.

Gail, Enjoy you "new" Treo and hope we can get together again soon.

Mike, So glad that you learned this very helpful trick!

Rick, How wonderful that it worked!! You can thank Dick.

Jennifer,Hope this post helped you make a decision.

Gail, Enjoy you "new" Treo and hope we can get together again soon.

Mike, So glad that you learned this very helpful trick!

Rick, How wonderful that it worked!! You can thank Dick.

Thanks for this post and THANKS for that link! I know a lot about my treo but I was able to pick up a few more hints!

Hi Margaret,

Dick Betts was in Reno, NV few months ago. It was an informative class. I truly enjoy using my Palm Treo 700P. Thank you for sharing the "Ignore" button. I totally forgot about it.

Catherine

DEC

2007

Jeffrey, Do you have any specila hints to share ?

Catherine, Glad you were able to attend a Dick Betts' class. So now you remember to use the "ignore" button.

Thanks for stopping by!

DEC

2007

Margaret, I have just switched from the Treo 650 to the Treo 800 WX (whoops, meant 700 WX) so that I could use my Treo as a modem with my laptop when I'm at a client's home. I'll check out the site with the tips. Thank you for the advice on rescuing my Treo from water damage. I haven't dropped my Treo in water, but I've managed to dry out and rescue two waterlogged phones. I hadn't thought of putting them in a container of rice! Great tip, thank you.

Gail,

What tips do you have to share? Seems that a lot of people needed the "drying out" solution. Amazing how many people have water accidents. Guess this shows our phone addictions.

Hi Margaret,

One tip I have is to use the voice recognition feature. Press the third button down on the left side of your Treo 700 and just speak the name of one of your contacts. The phone will speak the name back to you. If it is correct, just say "Yes" and the phone will dial that contact. This feature, unfortunately does NOT work with a Bluetooth headset. Apparently this feature works with the Treo 700 WX, but not the Treo 700 P.

Update: I just spoke to Margaret and found out that her Treo 700 does not have this feature. Margaret's Treo has a Palm operating system, whereas mine has a Windows Operating system.

Gail, Nice talking with you this morning. I just sent an email to Dick Betts to see if this voice recognition feature is on the 700p.

DEC

2007

Margaret - It was great talking to you as well. Apparently the differences between the Palm Operating system and the Windows Operating system are significant. It's not enough to talk about the models Treo 650 vs 700, we also need to keep in mind what operating systems are being used (W = windows, P = Palm).

JAN

2008

I've been having difficulty using my Treo 700 WX with eKey to open electronic keyboxes. The Supra technician told me today that the Palm system works much better than the Windows system with the Treo. I just thought I'd pass this along.

JAN

2008

GAil, The Treo does not work with our lockbox system in the Baltimore area.

I was just looking longingly at my old Kyocera with it's great grafitti. I didn't know that grafitti was available for my Treo. Thanks for the tip. W

JAN

2008

What great tips. Thanks for sharing. I finally bit the bullet today and purchased the Treo. Still learning how to use it so right now, I feel like a fish out of water. :-)

JAN

2008

Gosh every time I read something about a Treo I want one more and more. But unfortunately I am stuck with the T-mobile Dash. Got any tips for it???

JAN

2008

Will, thanks for stopping by.

Darleen, Find someone who has a TREO and have them share some tips with you. People love to show you how they use and what they have learned.

Rosemary, I was talked into a Dash because I was with T mobil. Hate hate hate it. My tip for you, Give it away! Want mine?

Margaret, I'm having so much trouble with my Windows-based Treo 700 WX that I want to switch back to the Palm version. I had clients who flew in from Italy specificlally to look at properties for one afternoon only and we stood in the cold with my Treo pointed at lockboxes for three minutes or more as it got hung up and I had to restart it. Sometimes I have to take the battery out and reboot it. Other times I have to do the eSynch manually. Sometimes I have to call KIM for the code. The Treo 700 WX makes me look unprofessional and I can't afford that.

Thanks for your post Margaret,

I tried the link and it is dead for tricks. If you have a new one can you please forward? Had the 600, 650 and currently using 750 with Windows 6 and ATT

Happy Selling

Tony

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