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A Tribute to a Treo

Treo telephone Technology can be a distraction or it can add to your arsenal of real estate weapons. These weapons are not for destruction, but quite the opposite, they are weapons to build a business, create value and serve.

Phones these days do much more than I can imagine or even learn. My little TREO is 2 1/2 and it is already loads smarter than me.

For one thing, it remembers stuff. Now there's a concept! I don't even have to instruct it to remember something. In fact, a customer called me a few days ago, needing some comps. I was separated from the paper I wrote his number on, so I consulted my trusty TREO and there it was. A couple of clicks and we were talking. Job done.

My TREO keeps me company at a lonely lunch when I have nobody to talk to, I can read a book from my TREO library. Instead of carrying around a selection of books (I read a wide variety to suit my mood) I dispense with the weight and read while I wait, what ever suits my fancy.

Need a Concierge service? No problem. I have a whole list of vendors to service, repair, inspect, build, dig, bury or grow whatever you desire. Just excuse me one moment, while I check my handy little Palm device data base.

Challenged with a decorating issue? Clients seem to see things they like all the time. Notice how good this looks with that? I love the combination, but I'll forget it by the time the builder finished my house. Can we snap a photo to save for later reference? Absolutely! Why not?

Then there is e-mail. Endless e-mail all day long. If I want until I get back to my work station, the task will take all night, so excuse me every now and then while I download, respond and delete.

Surfing the net is not optional anymore. Sometime ago a law was passed, all access all the time. OK, so I comply. It's sorta slow I know, but I shall not be caught without Internet access noway, nohow.

What else does it do? I can text message Google for a temperature in a zip code, a movie title and time. I can convert currency of most any country, calculate, amortize, count calories and figure out what time to call a client on the other side of the world.

IF that is not enough, now I can send a photo to my mobile blog. Instant access, instant service. From my hand to cyberspace for all the world to see.

It's nothing short of amazing. What could they possibly do to make it any better? Here's a thought, program itself to make direct deposits in my account in the Grand Caymen? Now that is something I would like to see! Legal of course!

Posted by Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022 on 03/06/2007 10:54 PM

Comments (58)

technolgy, treo, mobile blog

Originally posted at: Denver Real Estate & Relocation: A Tribute to a Treo

This post has been included in Colorado Information

58 Comments on A Tribute to a Treo

MAR

2007

Kristal, and to think that only 10 short years ago most people did not even own a cell phone! Is that amazing? Now I leave my phone at home and have a panic attack! I have to check for keys, kids, phone....OK.

LOL Ines, that is so true. Cell phones have revolutionized our lives and many ways. My first cell phone was so expensive and used strictly for business. Now I don't even think of the cost only the value.

Kristal - Thanks for offering more reasoning for me to use 'against' the hubby....I have a hankering - unfounded according to him, due to usually having a laptop with Aircard with me - for a Treo....it seems such a neat lil' thing....and I want it! ;-)

Kristal, these days I can't live without my Windows Smart Phone! It really is my mobile office. I can open lockboxes and check my email. (I can even check on Active Rain ;) ) Once, I left my phone at home and felt unproductive and "naked" until I went back an picked the poor little fella up. Funny thing is that it seems that it was not too long ago that I didn't have a cell phone. I had a pager. Oh no!!! Does that make me old??? ;)

Sabine ~ your desires are perfectly normal. The Blackberry people are Crackberries. We need a Treo term to equal, no surpass...The TREO does more thingee

Valerie ~ Define OLD? Trees are old. We are aging to perfection.

Thanks Kristal...I am now on my 9th Treo...A Treo 700p and it is my life safer. I have over 1700 clients on it plus text messaging, email, web and on and on. Enjoyed your post. Thank you!

Kristal--Old is good then. Thanks for the fun post and tribute to our new real estate sidekicks.

mobile blog. I did not know. Another outlet for your photographic skills.

I gotta get one of those...

Krystal - if this is unwelcomed to you please delete it. It's very timely me thinks:

My Treo Video - made on my Treo 650

Ken ~ I am laughing, that is very funny, no very sad. I hope it was all backed up! BTW, it was nice of you to say I could delete your message. There's been a lot of tado about comments etc. Your comment added value and was relevant, it was the best of the best. I think folks are upset about the pigeon pooping comments that don't add value. No worries for you!

David ~ hurry up now!

MF ~ I am channeling my addiction. Cool eh?

Valerie ~ Old is the new young!

George ~ nine? You are really tough on them man! How do you like the 700? Is it a Palm or Windows base? I hesitate to lose my Palm base.
Funny story, I don't know what it is about me, but strangers ask me for tech support. I was waiting in the airport in Lafayette, Louisiana last year, when some guy saw me using a TREO. He just got his and was having trouble working it. He asked for help. I was delighted to assist him, but soon discovered his was Windoze based and I didn't have the same proficiency as I did with my own.

Could someone tell me, do I have a "TECH SUPPORT" tattoo on my forehead?

Krystal - Great post, I have been looking at the Treo for some time and as soon as they will work with a navigation system, I'm in. If anyone knows of one of these walking tech centers that does lock-boxes and navigation please let me know! Thanks!

Don--Try a Windows-based Smart Phone..the do the MLS and the navigation (at least in my area). You have to have a "data and internet plan" though. Cingular has some good choices, many other companies have them as well.

Krystal... I've only had mine since mid December.. but can't imagine life without it... although I will admit that I still miss my Week at a Glance... there is just something about writing things down on paper... but I'm almost over it... give me another month and I should be over the last of my paper twinges

MAR

2007

KK.... I just bought a Treo 750 2 weeks ago... I am loving it. But it sticks once in a blue moon. I heard some of the older ones did. But it has so much to offer.

Overall, very good post with a great meaning and insight in how we rely on certain things. I also see that you asked George if his 700 is Palm or Window's based. The 750 that I got through Cingular only came with Windows. The 680 and 700 both had Palm. I wanted the Windows, since that is all I new and because I didn't want to learn anything else.

The negative... I can't buy insurance because the phone is expensive. At least this was what I was told.... I am a bit nervous. Any suggestions? Again, great reminder of how we live today and what it means to have a tool like this.

And here I have a crappy little cell phone. But I am about to upgrade to a TREO or possibly the blackjack!

I love my Treo. When I have an open house and it gets slow I play games on it.

I love my Treo, too. I know I have had over 12 of them. I'm really rough on em. I was rock climbing in AZ and forgot I had it clipped on my belt and slid down a whole rock face. That one was classic destruction.

Last week I thought my computer was done. Thankfully I have all my contacts on the Treo. It's made me be a better syncer.

Krystal,

Here's my secret----I haven't gotten a Treo yet. I went to a class, had all good intentions and never got around to upgrading. Your post made up my mind.......Thanks for sharing.

I, too, love my treo! I dont know if you have this in your area, but mine is my lockbox key too. That is best thing ever! No more carrying a seperate key that I have to put in a cradle at night. I can just use my Treo and update it on the spot if needed. But it automatically updates in the middle of the night via the internet...

I also love taking pictures and videos of my kids on the fly...

SO COOL!

Hi Krystal - I don't have a PDA of any sort. I'm so attached to my paper Daytimer, not sure I could make the switch. Your post will certainly give me reason to rethink a Treo. And I am to the point of needing a new cell phone.......

Ann

Google iambic agendus professional and then buy this software! It rox on my TREO 650. Nothing like it. It is the ultimate planner/voice memo/email orgainizer/phone log organizer/contact/icons galore/tasks w/ voice memos/phone book search device/mapping device out there!

Good luck with it!

Yes, Krystal, pretty much. I backup with Bluetooth and that helps me to remember. My computers beep when I get near one telling me the Treo has been discovered so I can choose to ignore it or go ahead and hit the HotSync button. Not to mention my wife has one, too, so we beamed her contact list to my new one. The only thing I lost was a few PDF's I had on my SD card but they were still in my email. To me there is no end to the superiority of the Treo. That one was over two years old. Before I bought it I compared it to everything. It seemed, at that time, that the people who owned Blackberries were sorry they had that and wished they had the Treo but the people I spoke with who had Treo or Pilot didn't have any regrets. I haven't either. The ability to read PDF's is important to me, the ability to create Word documents is important to me (I can take an application, run credit and send a pre-qualification letter with my signature from my Treo). The ability to sync calendars between my computers and my Treo is priceless. The only thing I sometimes do not like is having it synced with my car and a phone call interrupting a conversation with a passenger or a funny part of Blue Collar Comedy radio! (Posted from my Treo 650 while drinking coffee and watching the news)

It's scary to think of what technology can do and what it will be doing. It is most definitely usually helpful. As long as we can make it cooperate with us, I usually enjoy the convenience.

I also LOVE my Treo but am frustrated that my MLS is only compatible with the 650 so I remain windowless until they get their act together:(

I still have a Treo 650. I love it. The only thing it the new Apple iPhone that is coming out in June. Thinking about swtiching but will have to check out what it does or what it doesn't do. Didn't know about mobile blogging either and since reading your post this morning I am on my way.

Circuit city is like a toy store for adults...LOL You should see me in there, playing with things, wanting 10 different things at one time... ;) My kids can't take me to Circuit city without me wanting something.... how's that for a twist? You are so right that technology can help us in so many ways. And if it isn't made yet, you can rest assured that it will be, by someone, any time now. Treo, I don't have one of those yet....maybe I should visit Circuit City?

There are days I thank God for my 650 Treo (my second) one and then there days BAMM! against the wall. A necessary evil I guess.

Great post Kristal. I have been thinking of making the switch over to a Treo. With posts like this, it helps give a better understanding of the device without a Sprint rep. just trying t sell the product. I might have to go pick one up this week!

Don~ I think a nav system would be a cool thing to have. I have a system in my car and would not want to be without it. We don't do fancy lock boxes in Denver yet (soon, but not yet) so I can't respond to that one.

Valerie~ TREOS aren't the only answer that is for sure. My hubby likes a model built for chubby fingers. He can seem to SEE or navigate my TREO. Of course I use finger nails for navigation. Without them I am lost!

Kaye~ I never got over my paper twinges. I use the calendar and alarm to notify me of where I need to be, but I use a Daytimer (small format) in my purse for those little jiffy notes that are forever necessary. It seems redundant, but really isn't. You can't talk on the phone and write notes while driving...

Jeff~ I am not sure why I feel the Palm OS is preferable to the Windoze. I read something somewhere about it, but now can't recall why. I do know my system now, so getting a different OS would mean having to learn it over again. Maybe that is it. Mine sticks occasionally. Sometimes I grab it the wrong way and it hangs up on the caller. grrrr Overall I can live with oddities, it works so well to compensate.

Kaushik~ you certainly have plenty of choices out there. I like all the extra little goodies the Palm system offers. After being a Palm use for so many years, I accumulated add-ons, so they just migrate to the new unit.

Randy ~ I can't imagine having to actually work in paradise. I guess games help soothe the inequity of it all. :)

Chris ~ TREOS haven't been out long enough for any normal person to to through 12 of them! TREOS must shutter when you enter a store. Good grief girl, what would you do if the TREO rang when you were hanging by your finger nails from the side of a cliff, ANSWER IT? I visualize the opening of the recent "Mission Impossible" movie. :)

Diane~ Here's another benefit. When I travel I use the alarm to be sure I wake up in the morning on time. It plays REVEILLE! My TREO cracks me up.

Marguerite~ I like the idea of automatic updates. Yes, the photos of the kids are so important. I had to buy a card to store them on. Have you tried or looked at my mobile blog yet? Fun, lots of fun!

Ann~ I still use a little Daytimer type book, actually a Franklin Covey book that I keep in my purse. I went without one for years, but last year I decided it was a necessary item. Paper is important for so many things. The TREO has other benefits so I don't worry about duplicating on the paper issue.

Jay ~ Thanks for the tip, I will have to go check it out.

Ken ~ Since you have a new model, did you find an improvement over the old one? I went thru 3 TREOS in 10 days in the beginning. First got a bug, the second got the same bug, the third drowned in Diet Pepsi. They don't swim very well. Lucky for me it was insured. It's lasted 2/5 years!

Christy ~ Cooperation is important, so many folks don't bother to learn the capabilities of technology. I love it, but have a hard time keeping up.

Diane ~ MLS have been known to be behind the tech curve. Good luck with that.

Miriam~ There is always sometime new to check out. When you find out you will have to post a blog on the topic, save us the trouble! Thanks in advance!

Sharon ~ You crack me up! My kids help me discover new things, but I always surprise them with what I already know. Good for you in keeping up or ahead of them. They must be babies?

Dena ~ Phones ringing are usually a sign of success or stress. I prefer the later, but I know exactly what you mean.

Bill ~ you dropped by while I was responding. Yes, I think it is important to have an actual usage in mind before you meet with a salesperson. Many times someone else TELLS us why we should have something without ever actually asking us how we work, I find this so annoying.

Now you have access to all the folks here on AR who use and have knowledge of the product. That should give direction as to whether it is the right choice for you. Good luck,

KK... I agree.... I heard some negs. on the problems, but the overall picture of what it can do and how it operates, I love mine. In regards to the OS, since I only know how to work Windows from computers, I wanted the same system for my Treo. My brother-in-law who works for Microsoft never had a problem with Palm, because he had been using it for over 5 years. I guess it just comes down to how comfortable that you are and for those that don't like change. I have heard a few that went from Palm to Windows and they liked Windows more. Again, just other people's opinions.... I just do mortgages... ;o)

I sold cell phones in 1984 for a short time and they 1500.00 a phone. I didn't last long as I went back to selling cars and then into Real Estate. Our first cell phones were the bag phones and now I have the Treo 650 and I love it.

Monika thought I was crazy to buy one as she liked her paper appointment calendar. Now I can't take it a way from her. LOL

Thanks Jay

Mobile Blogging - when you just can't get enough at the office!

Kristal, while I am somewhat tech-savvy (more than most on the hardware), I like to keep it as simple as possible. I am still laughing over the video that that Ken sent.

Kristal - Now that post would make any technophobe jump up and run out to buy a Treo. Who's afraid of technology?!

Jeff

The convergence of technology into and all in one device is closer than it's ever been. It's not there yet although they are making progress. Smart phones are still a bit clunky for my taste. Hopefully the new iPhone paves the way to a better smart phone and more manufacturers follow suit in taking a stand against the big networks to start allowing them to deliver more valuable applications.

Check out how the iPhone is going to handle voice mail. That right there would save me enough time to make it worth the price.

Now if only Supra would support it.

Darn, I already went through this analysis sometime ago and decided to stick with my regular phone. Now you've gone and given me more reasons to reconsider.

Our MLS has a mobile version that we can access( and its free!). I have also converted my purchase agreements to Microsoft Word files that I can access with Documents to Go, so I can even write offers on my phone. You gotta love the Treo 650

Supra Support?

isn't that a little dangerous?

just think of it - someone steals your phone and goes through houses using your code... sounds like a huge liability - although the new keyfob supra keys are probably no better when you valet!

Kristal,

I just got my first Treo in December and I love this freaking thing!! I can't believe I've only had a Blackberry prior to this and this thing blows it out of the water!! Like most of the comments here, it is my mobile office and you gave a great idea on download my books onto it for when I travel. Awesome phone and I recommend it to anyone!

I have had a Treo 650 for almost a year. I really like how functional it is! And I don't even use it to it's full potential. The only drawback to it as far as I can see is the size. I would really like to see it a little smaller and/or thinner somehow.

Treo 700P has more features than the Treo 650. I prefer the Treo 700P. More features such as the Music streams.

Best regards,

Frank Rubi, e-PRO

Broker Associate, REALTOR®

Destrehan - Kenner, La. Real Estate

http://www.7824.com/

http://www.frankrubi.com/

It remembers things? I'm sold. ;-)

MAR

2007

I must say I am a part of the Treo fan club. I love my Treo 650. I'm afraid to upgrade. Instead of pulling out a photo of the kids. I pull out my phone and show their pictures from my phone. It's great! Oh, I use it for work too. LOL!

Was that a tear Ken was wiping when speaking of his Treo? Understandable. I can't imagine a day without mine. I'm going through withdrawal symptoms right now. My Treo 700's charge connector is no longer functional and I was doing all I can to make the pins connect, to no avail. I got the final message "your battery is EXTREMELY low and the system is shutting down" 20 minutes ago. Needless to say, my appointments are getting rearranged and the Sprint store is the first place I'm hitting this morning. My LIFE is in that phone! And I didn't learn from Margaret's post about her Treo. I told her I was backing up but never got around to it. I'm a baaaaad girl. Oh, well, what's another 700 bucks? I'm trying to determine if it's cheaper to pay Sprint a cancel fee or buy a new phone elsewhere. (did I not mention I didn't buy their insurance when I had the chance? I won't make the same mistake twice). Thanks for the post Kristal.

Maggie, I got the insurance. I think it's $6 month. I've been through over a dozen treo's now. I am a baaad treo owner. I back up often, as I do not respect the treo properly. :)

Chris, old habits die hard. But I'm changing mine! I am finally going to put the synch on my laptop instead of my desktop so I can back up every day. I'm off to the store now. Maybe they can sell me a new battery so I can at least access my stuff for the time being. Thanks for letting me vent Kristal!

Kristal, I had to return and comment yet again. I have a brand new Treo 700 sitting on my desk. Mama's soooo proud. I'm a happy camper now. Yay!!

I gotta have my wife read this blog just so she understands why I paid so much for a phone and how I pretty much freak out when I can't remember where I left it before leaving the house!! She thinks I'm crazy, but if she only knew that phone is probably why I remember half the things we're scheduled to do ....like remembering to meet her at the house for an appt...... or that I have to be home at a certain time to take our son.... you know...

Great phone and I had to post here again...

Wow!! I need a treo!! I read a flyer about it awhile back and thought that it would be nice but it's sooooooooooooo good to hear all the benefits from users. Time to trade in the bag phone... Hee.Hee.Hee. Thanks for all the info.

I never have had any problems with mine. I got it in January of 2005 and must have dropped it 50 times. The case was cracked and the screws wouldn't hold it together anymore but I never had a malfunction except when I either installed some incompatable software or accidentally overloaded the memory. I have it trimmed down to the bare necessaties now and still have 13 megs of space left even with Snapper Mail and Docs to Go and the PDF plugin installed. I did look at the 700 and I the 750 but I don't need streaming audio - the one thing I would like to have is the 1.4 megapix camera. SPrint doesn't offer the 750 but I do have a Cingular account for my wireless internet access for my latpopt and I can get one from them for $249. Someone said they couldn't get insurance and whomever told them they could not is wrong. The price for the 750 is not that much more than the 700 or even the 650 in some places. Besides, ever heard anyone say you couldn't insure something because of the cost? Nah, theyjust charge more for the insurance! I actually made out okay on my insurance because with the $50 deductable and the $7 per month for 24 months I could not have purchased a new 650 without getting a new 2 year plan for that price. Several AE's that come into the office have Blackberries and they all go goo goo over the Treo. One rep even bought a Treo out of his pocket even though his company offered a free Blackberry with free service. Don't you just love it when people look at your Treo and say, "How do you like your Blackberry?" I say, "In a cobbler with lots of sugar."

Thanks everyone for your great contributions. I am following the conversation but not able to answer each one at this time.

MAR

2007

I love my treio 700p. Even though the new 700W was out, at the time it was not compatible with Top Producer 7i, the database software that I use. I love my phone in conjuction with the Plantronics 510 bluetooth ear piece. Love it!!

JUL

2007

I am able to open all my lockboxs and check the MLS with my Treo!

JUL

2007

My 650 is my office and reference center. I have immediate access to client info, listings, agents, calendar, maps, directory assistance and the list goes on. I still have never sync it with my computer after 2+ years which is essential to backup all the vital records. If I lose my phone my business will be in the toilet. Wow, what am I thinking?

Does anyone have the treo 755 yet? Reviews?

Dionne, two words which should be held as sacred as "brush my teeth" and "eat dinner" and those two words are "daily backups". I have my NEW 700 set to automatically connect to my PC and Laptop via Bluetooth when in range and back up regularly. The ONLY thing I find anoying about my Treo is when I am listening to something important on the radio in the car and I get a phone call and it interrupts my broadcast with "Incoming call. Press U-Connect to answer."

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