OK. Here's my issue. I am currently with Sprint service for my cell phone. I do not get good service at all at my house. I am thinking about switching to Verizon. My problem is that I am still truly not sure which smartphone PDA to get! I have been looking into getting either the Treo 700w or the Treo 700p. I really like Windows applications, so I was leaning towards the 700w, but now I have another problem! I gues they came out with the Treo 700wx which has 3 times the memory the 700w has, but I think it's only for Sprint. They also are coming out with the Treo 750v which I think is only a Palm version and it might exclusively be with Cingular and it has a whole new look.

Which one do you recommend?

I suggest you first call your local association and see if they have any integrated suprakey software with any of these things.

In some areas you can get an integrated PDA phone that will let you search for listings, get photos and info and open lockboxes all using the PDA Phone.

If none of that is available, sit down and really define what you want to do then find software that does it and see what your options are.

I started off with a Palm device (Well... I actually started out with a Newton but that is an old and dead story) and my current Treo is Palm based.

However, I am sort of re-evaluating all my tools and software right now to see where I can get the biggest bang for the buck and I am no longer convinced that Palm is as dominant in what I want as it once was. In addition, Vista is supposed to have some pretty awesome integration features specifically for PDAs running the windows software .

Before you begin, sit down and write up what you want out of the device. You can get demos and/or simulations of most PDA software at the websites for the products.

Ask yourself what desktop applications you really need your PDA to talk to. Are you using Outlook? ACT?, Maximizer?, etc.

You want all this stuff to just work. For me, the big thing is being bluetooth enabled so that when my device gets within range of my desktop, they just sync up without me even having to worry about plugging in cables or sticking things into cradles.

Sorry I can't just give you an answer here. Once you figure out the above, then you should look at what providers give the most coverage in the area you work. That was a huge limiting factor for me when I discovered that there was only one provider whose towers would allow my phone to work while I was at home.

R

I believe all of the above models will act as a lockbox key with the bluetooth. They are all the newest models.

I have the 650 and it works great. Our MLS is switching to the all infrared key boxes so we'll have the option of getting all listings on the phone. They told us in the latest information that the 700W was just removed from the certification list because it slows down with 3rd party applications.

She mentioned having no problems with the 700P or the 650.

I also use the Tom Tom Navigator on the phone and it's GREAT! Once our MLS switches so everyone has to use the Infrared Keyboxes I'll be down to just one tool plus a Tablet PC.

It's a great product ... good luck with the decision.

That's another reason why I asked. Our MLS is switching to the iBox lockboxes right now. Actually, I better get down there and trade my lockboxes in for the new ones. Today is the last day. They will give us new infrared ones for our older electronic lockboxes.

Ours switches the first 2 weeks in October. I'm going to hold onto my regular Supra Key and make sure that all the agents have switched their Gray boxes out before I go completely Treo for the e-key.

With my luck there'll be an old-timer that doesn't switch out his/her lockboxes and I'll be screwed with my fancy Treo and no way to access the home!

Let me know what you find out with your switchover -- do you find that most/all the agents switched their keyboxes out?

funny thing you ask that. we had "no-warrantied" lockboxes way back where we could buy them from the association cheaper because they were used. they were exactly the same and worked fine. i found out today when i went to the exchange that i couldn't exchange the "no-warrantied" box that i had. pretty stupid if you ask me. so now i am stuck with one of the old ones. i guess the ekeys won't open the old ones anymore either now. so i called the association and they told me that they are doing another exchange for the "no-warrantied" boxes in a few weeks. so i guess i will hold on to this old one and buy a few new ones for now. they are $100 for the new iboxes! pretty expensive.

We switched to infra red about 18 months ago. Did not give up my e-key because as Heading for the Top 20 states, there will be agents out there who are procrastinators or set in their ways. Our e-key works with either the old Supra lockboxes or the new GE infrared ones, so there is flexibility.

We have now been handed a SAFEMLS pass key for access to the MLS. We now have to use virtually three passwords to access our MLS system.

Well I don't like that ... I was hoping that I could get rid of one of the tools ... but you're finding that 18 months later people are still using the old ones?

I guess $100 is a lot ... but for the security of the box and the fact that you know when and who someone accessed your home ... I think it's worth it.

i was able to get that information when i had the older boxes. these new ones just have the infrared.

I use to use an older palm phone but signal sucked it had alot of isues thru sprint. I think it depends on what software you wnat on phone, I use a great rela estate software on a regular not phone palm pilot, and switched wireless companies. The pda phone they had was compatible it used Microsoft not palm, and I love this software to much to loose it, keeps track of everything my personal assistant, for only $100 it has helped me alot with reminders, keeping track of lockboxes all buyer info, all details on listings etc. Love it. Called Realty Juggler if anyone is interested in it...If you have palm pilots and realotr, best software you can have for it...Keeps everything organized for you...It covers-Prospects,buyers,sellers,closings,CMA's,commissions,expenses...

i have few Non Warranted grey lock boxes also I was told that i'm basically stuck with them. lol I was thinking of rubbing the NW off from the back by using a magic marker remover and get them exchanged.

what company are you with? the glvar told me they will be exchanging the NW boxes sometime soon.

Anyone try the Motorola Q (Verizon) yet?
An associate of mine just got it and I was about to purchase one of my own. However, she's been complaining that it's been powering itself off and the only way to get it to turn back on is if you remove the battery and put it back in. Ironically, this is the same exact problem I had with two Motorola Razor phones before giving up on them and getting a diff. phone. It's making me hesitant to buy one, but being that I have a contract with verizon i don't have many other options.

Any positive feedback on the Motorola-Q?

you could purchase the treo 700p or the treo 700w with verizon. i think im going to try the 700w.