Countless articles and blog postings have been written on whether the Palm OS or Windows Mobile is the best platform for a Treo. The short answer is that the Palm platform has the simplest interface, with Windows Mobile allowing for greater control of options. The following summary is written to help the Treo shopper or user make a quick and fair evaluation of both operating systems. The current devices available are the Treo 750 for Windows OS and the Treo 755p for the Palm OS. There are no losers in this comparison, only degrees of separation.
The Pros and Cons of Palm OS for Treo
If perception of speed and ease of use could be quantified, the Palm OS for Treo would win hands down. Steps and workflow are intuitive requiring little thinking, and the operating system is closely married to the device. On common tasks such as accessing programs or entering an appointment in the calendar, the Palm OS allows for fewer taps and more direct access to the desired task. In short, the Palm OS for Treo passes the "my grandmother could use it" test.
As often occurs, the downside of certain technologies is directly tied to the benefit. The price of the simplicity of the Palm OS is less options and customization for the user. In many cases this is not relevant, but the power user who really wants to control the mobile environment will find there is a limit to the tweaking. Another common complaint about the Palm OS has been the slow progress toward a new version of the operating system. Even when new versions of the OS have been offered to the mobile industry, there has been interest but no adoption of the product.
The Pros and Cons of Windows Mobile for the Treo
With Windows Mobile the Treo user gets a true, product-independent operating system. With the backing of Microsoft, the OS will continue to grow, improve, and be supported by a growing crowd of vendors. Though not as simple as the Palm OS, users will encounter programs and functions that closely mirror their Windows-based personal computers. Instead of Microsoft Office compatible mobile products, users will access mini versions of the actual applications. If extra steps are needed for a function, they are still the same steps that a person would use on their PC.
Windows Mobile will render the Treo a slightly more complex creature. Anyone who has gone from a Palm Treo to a Windows Treo will notice a subtle separation between the hardware and the Windows OS. The glove does not fit as perfectly, nor could it, as the Palm OS was and is made for the device. Time will narrow this small gap and it certainly should not be a deterrent for those who want a Windows experience on their Treo.
No Bad Choices
The Windows Mobile Treo and the Palm OS Treo are both exceptional products that are at the top of the mobile device market. A choice between the two comes down to a matter of enjoyment of and aptitude for the technologies, and a preference for simplicity or customization and options.
Robert Mann - Robert Mann manages online training products for a Fortune 500 company. He has been published widely both in traditional print and online, ...
