An image purporting to be a prototype Palm Treo 800w in the wild has turned up, together with the news that the handset is also going under the moniker “Zeppelin”. While little of the hardware has been confirmed, bar the fact that it’s CDMA and that there’s a microUSB plug (rather than miniUSB), earlier rumors suggest a 320 x 320 touchscreen and, in prototype form at least, EV-DO Rev.0. As far as I’m aware, this is the first time the handset has been seen “in the plastic”.
The journey of the 800w has been a long one. Known to be a Windows Mobile 6.1 handset, it’s also meant to have Rev.A EV-DO and WiFi. Some estimates have put the eventual release date at June 22nd. Appearance-wise, it seems to be a blend of the Treo 750’s thumb-keyboard with Centro-like main controls.
Although many expected it back in April, Palm confirmed near the end of March that their Windows Mobile range would be delayed “until the Summer”.
I am looking forward to trying this phone. Windows, bluetooth, and WiFi have tweaked my interest. The capablity to use this phone as a modem without paying SPRINT $40 per month (mandatory on Instinct). The ability to use SKYPE on WiFi or Windows, will be a plus. The TREO features are a plus! I have been spoiled.