Palm Treo denied? *UPDATED*
Feb 11, 2006 Geek
I’m nearing the end of my cell phone contract with Verizon Wireless. After my Palm IIIc died this past summer, I’d decided to replace my phone when it came up with a Palm Treo smartphone. At the time, the newest Treo was the Treo 650. Like all Palm hardware, it runs the Palm OS.
In recent months, Palm has released the new Treo 700w, the first Palm hardware running the Windows Mobile OS. At the moment, the Treo 650 is still available from both Palm and Verizon’s websites.
I didn’t think I’d be eligible to make the upgrade under Verizon’s New Every Two plan until around April or so, but just for grins, I went to check the website, and lo and behold, I’m apparently eligible to upgrade now. But as I look through the upgrade options… the only Treo model listed is the 700w. No 650.
I go back to look again on the main purchase page… there it is. 650. Still there. Not to be found as an upgrade, though.
——— ——— ———
“Well, Pauley, why don’t you just get the 700w?”
I’m not comfortable with Windows Mobile. I’ve always used Palm OS for a handheld, it’s what I’m familiar with, and it works. I don’t see a reason to change.
“OK, so why don’t you go to a Verizon store and see if it’s still available there?”
I would, but for one little detail: at the moment, my cell phone is not in my name.
When I first got a cell phone, I didn’t yet have a good credit history. Which is to say, I had no credit history period. So, being not all that flush with money, I opted not to pay a huge deposit, and instead had the phone set up under my mom’s name.
Why is this a problem? Most things regarding my contract (like renewing it or altering it) need to be done either with my mom present in person, or by providing part of her social security number over the phone or online. Getting her close by for an in-person visit is difficult, with mom being 60+ miles away.
Yes, in the time since, I’ve built up over two years of credit card history. Switching the liability on my phone account to myself shouldn’t be difficult to do. However, doing so now starts a new 2-year contract, which would not include a current New Every Two changeover to a new phone. So I don’t want to make the account change until I get the new phone.
It’s a mild mess. I’ve emailed Verizon support see if there’s a way to get the Treo 650 as an upgrade, either online or through an altername means, such as by phone or in person. I’m also hearing rumors in places online that an additional Treo 700 (sans w) will be released soon running the Palm OS. But until I know for sure, I’m kinda worried I’ve missed the chance for a Palm OS-based 650.
UPDATE: I’ve been advised by reply email that I can still get a Treo 650 either at a store or by phone. *whew*
