Palm says Treo 650 to get BlackBerry Connect early 2006

It's no surprise that Palm would be a bit, well, promiscuous following a painful breakup. First, they turned-out a WinMo 700w, then the Symbian gossip began, and now Palm is in bed with RIM to bring their BlackBerry Connect wireless push email technology to Palm devices — specifically, the Treo 650 smartphone. Sure, this was supposed to be rolled out oh, about a year ago but hey, it takes time to update your letterhead, k. Already own a 650? Don't fear, you'll get an additional option in the VersaMail e-mail client. Ok great, so the 650 solution will be available in early 2006, any chance they might be spreading some love to a Palm-powered 700p as well? Ah, who are we kidding…

[Thanks, Rob]

[Jack @ Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

Palm has scheduled a conference call for this morning @ 9:30 EST. It'll be interesting if they discuss anything other than the Blackberry news... we'll know soon.

[gary conrad @ Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

I love my treo phone, but want the functionality of the blackberry technology for email. I hate the blackberry phone part of the devices. Now I get the best of both worlds. OMG the marketplace really listened to us.

[Jack @ Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

Nope. Call was just BB connect info.

[boe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

Could some please clue me in - I've been away and lost track of the RIM getting sued thing. Did they win or have they lost? If they lost, does it matter much about other products with BB capabilities - I thought the case was to stop them from using the technology not for a cash settlement to continue using it.

Sorry if I got the case wrong - I'd appreciate it if you could get me back on track.

Thanks

[jimmie geddes @ Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

I think we also may see BlackBerry Connect on future handhelds from Palm as well. They are putting this functionality into Versamail which ships with most of their hadnhelds. I just bought the TX and it does have Exchange support in it's version ov Versamail, so this should not be limited to Treo. Palm will want to advertise that their Treo smat phones and handhelds support Microsoft Exchange, as well as BlackBerry Connect right out of the box.

[StuBee @ Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

Hmm..maybe this product is different than the one announced over a year ago by PalmSource. This Palm product seems to just be a VersaMail client that uses Blackberries BBConnect api. If so, then it will pale in comparison to true BlackBerries unless it gets Calendar/Contact syncing as well.

For the record..I have a Blackberry, and don't like the FormFactor/GUI/Hardware. Would love to use a Treo instead.

[JRW @ Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

If you want push email for your Treo 650 now, just buy www.chatteremail.com. An awesome email client with incredible developer support.