Palm Treo 600 smartphone

Photo: Giaccai via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Palm

Palm Treo 600

November 2003 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Palm Treo 600, released in late 2003, was a pioneering smartphone that seamlessly integrated PDA functionalities with a mobile phone. It featured a full QWERTY keyboard, a resistive touchscreen, and ran on Palm OS 5.2.1H, offering users a comprehensive mobile experience for its era.
Display2.5-inch 160x160 pixel CSTN touchscreen
ChipsetTI OMAP 1510
Main Camera0.3 MP VGA
Battery1800 mAh Li-Ion (rechargeable)
Starting from $15

💰 Palm Treo 600 Price

The Palm Treo 600 lowest price is $15, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeCSTN resistive touchscreen, 4096 colors
Size2.5 inches
Resolution160 x 160 pixels
PPI~91 ppi density

Platform

OSPalm OS 5.2.1H
ChipsetTI OMAP 1510
CPU144 MHz ARM925T

Memory

Internal32 MB (24 MB available user storage)
Card slotSD/MMC (not compatible with SDHC), up to 2 GB

Main Camera

SingleVGA, 0.3 MP
FeaturesNo flash
VideoNo

Selfie Camera

SingleNo

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion (rechargeable, not easily user-replaceable)
Capacity1800 mAh
Talk timeUp to 5 hours
Standby timeUp to 10 days (rated)

Body

Dimensions112 x 60 x 22 mm (4.41 x 2.36 x 0.87 in)
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)
SIMMini-SIM
KeyboardFull QWERTY keyboard
StylusYes

Comms

WLANNo Wi-Fi
BluetoothNo (often absent or carrier-dependent)
InfraredYes (IrDA)
USBYes (for data transfer and charging)

Launch

AnnouncedQ4 2003
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent integration of phone and PDA features
  • Full QWERTY keyboard for easy typing
  • Palm OS with a wide range of applications
  • SDIO expansion slot
  • Improved battery life for its time
  • One-handed navigation with five-way button
  • Supports multiple email accounts

Cons

  • Low-resolution (160x160) CSTN screen
  • Cramped keyboard for some users
  • No Wi-Fi
  • No standard 3.5mm headphone jack (uses 2.5mm)
  • VGA camera is very basic and low resolution
  • Battery not easily user-replaceable
  • Lack of Bluetooth in many models
★ Our Verdict

The Palm Treo 600 was a groundbreaking device for its era, successfully merging PDA and phone capabilities with a physical keyboard, despite its low-resolution screen and lack of modern connectivity like Wi-Fi and consistent Bluetooth.

The Palm Treo 600 is a vintage device, primarily of interest to collectors, technology enthusiasts, or those seeking a nostalgic experience. Do not expect modern smartphone performance, app compatibility, or internet speeds. If purchasing, prioritize units in good cosmetic condition with a working battery, as replacements are scarce and often difficult to install. Be aware that network compatibility will be limited to older 2G GSM or CDMA networks, which are largely phased out. Functionality will be restricted to its original Palm OS applications, and modern web browsing or app usage is not feasible. Consider it a piece of mobile history rather than a functional daily driver.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Palm Treo 600 device
  • Stylus
  • Compact charger
  • USB syncing cable
  • Protective sleeve (for final versions)

Given its age, new warranty information is no longer applicable; any purchases would be as-is or with limited seller-provided guarantees.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the Palm Treo 600?

The Palm Treo 600 is a pioneering smartphone released in 2003, developed by Handspring and later sold under the Palm brand, which combined the functionalities of a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a mobile phone.

When was the Palm Treo 600 released?

The Palm Treo 600 was officially released in November 2003.

What operating system did the Palm Treo 600 use?

It ran on Palm OS version 5.2.1H, a popular operating system for PDAs and early smartphones of its time.

Did the Palm Treo 600 have a camera?

Yes, the Palm Treo 600 featured a basic VGA (0.3-megapixel) camera, suitable for simple photos.

Does the Palm Treo 600 have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

The Palm Treo 600 did not include Wi-Fi connectivity. While some models or accessories might have offered Bluetooth, it was not a standard feature across all versions and was often absent.

Is the Palm Treo 600 still usable today?

While it can still power on, its usability as a daily driver is severely limited due to outdated 2G network technology, lack of modern app support, and slow internet capabilities. It is primarily a collector's item today.