Like the previous Treo models, the Treo 270 is a full-featured mobile phone designed for one-handed operation. It includes features like Instant Lookup of phone numbers and contacts (usually in three keystrokes or fewer), 50 speed dials, a traditional dial pad on the keyboard, call log, three-way calling, caller ID, and speaker phone. It's a dual-band GSM world phone that can roam internationally.

Treo 270 is also a wireless messaging device capable of sending and receiving SMS text messages and email. It works with Treo Mail, which Handspring introduced earlier this month. Treo Mail is a wireless email service designed just for Treo communicators. It provides secure access to corporate email or POP3 Internet accounts. Treo 270 also includes a new version of the Blazer Web browser designed to allow one-handed navigation of Web links and pages with the rocker switch, and enables in-line editing.

Web browsing and email retrieval require Internet service either through a wireless service provider or an ISP (Internet Service Provider), as well as a GSM wireless plan that includes data services. SMS (Short Message Service) may require a separate plan as well. Compatibility with next generation GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) wireless data networks will be available later this year. The cost for the GPRS upgrade is included in the product price.

The device is a steel-gray color, measures 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.82 inches, and weighs 5.4 ounces. It has 16MB of memory and a rechargeable lithium ion battery. It's compatible with the same Treo accessories as previous models.

Treo 90
Treo 90 is available for $299 at http://www.handspring.com/products/treo90/index.jhtml, and within the next few weeks it should be in retail stores across the U.S. Treo 90 will also become available in the upcoming months in Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and Korea.

Handspring is really getting behind the idea of the built-in QWERTY keyboard. They believe the feature will expand the market for organizers to include people who are intimidated by or never wanted to learn Graffiti. Meanwhile, there are also people who don't want to commit to having their phone and PDA in one device. The idea seems to be, if people like the Treo 90, they'll eventually upgrade to one of the versions with a built-in mobile phone.

The Treo 90 is a bronze color and measures 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.65 inches and weighs four ounces. It runs Palm OS 4.1.1H, the latest version of the Palm OS with Handspring's enhancements. It has a rechargeable lithium ion battery that should last 10 days on a full charge.

Treo 90 has a transflective, color STN display and a touch screen that is backlit. However, there's no mention of its keyboard also being backlit. It has a removable flip cover with a clear window that protects the screen and keyboard without adding size. The clear window offers a view of the entire screen, so you can check the calendar or look up a phone number without lifting the lid. Additionally, Treo 90 has a key lock feature, which saves battery power by ensuring that the device doesn't accidentally turn on when it's in your pocket, bag, or briefcase.