AT&T certifies Treo Pro, not to be confused with "AT&T subsidizes Treo Pro"
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Dec 15th 2008 11:45PM
posted Dec 15th 2008 11:45PM
Everyone was a little taken aback by Palm's decision to sell its new top-of-the-line Treo Pro direct -- unlocked, no less -- rather than pairing up with AT&T or T-Mobile to get the phone more exposure at a lower price point. Whether that was ultimately Palm's decision or an unwillingness on the carriers' part to get a deal done, we may never know, but you've always been able to snap one up and use it on AT&T's 3G airwaves right out of the box. For the skittish among us, that may not have been enough reassurance that you'd be able to use the unbranded phone without the occasional hiccup, so for you, Palm has gone ahead and pushed the Treo Pro through AT&T's Specialty Vertical Devices program, which is code for "stuff we know works on our network, but we have no interest in selling on contract." It'll probably win a few extra sales with large companies that require fully-certified wireless gear, but for the average consumer, there's probably little consequence here.
damn. read the title wrong. had me excited for a minute there since i've been thinking about jumping to AT&T anyway. don't think i could bring myself to pay $500+ on a cellphone though. i mean i paid that much for my PS3 lol.
Palm is on life support. I wouldn't even pay $50 let alone $500.
Palm is in the throes of dying, if you remember the throes the recent .dotbombs went through with layoffs down to a skeleton level, large amount of execs ditched, lots of "financial partners" brought in, important developers let go, etc etc.
It's a nice looking phone, but the cpu is certainly large a step down from the 800w.
I don't know about you, but a good cellphone is worth infinitely more than a PS3, and hence more worth spending the $500. Heck the N97 isn't even gonna cost that much more...
In any case, I find it pretentious of AT&T to feel compelled to "approve it." The whole point of GSM is freedom of using any unlocked phone, and as long as it's FCC approved, I'll use whatever phone I want--I don't need your approval, especially if you're AT&T.
Agreed
What's the big deal about using an unlocked phone? I have been using unlocked phones for years and simply insert the SIM card for the market I am in and it works seamlessly. Much, much better than being locked in with a "plan".
I think that was real stupid of Palm. With T-Mobile not having since enough to release any smartphones of their own for their 3G network, and virtually no competition in that area. Why would any cell phone maker, not take a stab at the market? If they could sell at least 500. That would be alot more than they will on At&t.
I mean most of At&t's subsidized devices are all 3G. Even a 3G Blackberry now. T-mobile only has a few slider and flip combos. Not to mention, the still buggy G1. That's like the only subsidized smartphone on T-Mobile's 3G network. And it's windows mobile based.
I'm beginning to see why Palm is going under quickly!!!
dude, its T-Mobile's choice to purchase the devices not Palms choice to give the device to T-Mobile, hence it being unlocked GSM if you want it for ATT or T-Mobile nothing is stopping anyone from having it in the USA for those two carriers.
I too Use a unlocked phone and think it is so much better the a phone locked phone to a carrier. 1. I can switch between AT@t or t-mobile just by switching the sim cards also u can get any phone u want instead of waiting for it to come to american carrier and usally there not as good as the eurpean ones any ways.