"Expanding the Treo footprint globally is a key focus for Palm, and the new Treo 750v smartphone on the Vodafone New Zealand 3G/UMTS network adds another choice for customers," said Paul Blinkhorn, vice president for Palm Asia Pacific. "The Treo 750v expands Palm's line of compelling Treo smartphones, helping mobile professionals and businesses in New Zealand be more productive in the office and on the go."

The global alliance between Vodafone, Microsoft and Palm indicates a strong move toward enabling more customers to combine their voice and data needs, according to Vodafone New Zealand Head of Business Terminals Dion Knill.

"There is increasing demand from Vodafone customers for straightforward functionality, coupled with familiar software such as Microsoft Windows Mobile and the speed of our 3G network," said Knill. "The Palm Treo 750v rolls all those needs into one device. We're excited to bring a Treo smartphone operating Windows Mobile 5.0 to market in New Zealand, especially as it will be user-upgradeable to the upcoming Vodafone 3G broadband network."

The Treo 750v combines the hallmark Palm experience of a multifeatured mobile phone with email, messaging, web browsing and organisation software all in a new compact design.(1) The new smartphone comes with Microsoft's Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP) for Windows Mobile 5.0, which includes Direct Push Technology and enhanced security features free and out of the box.(2)

Unique to the Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile 5.0 is a suite of software enhancements developed by Palm that underscores its brand promise of fast access, ease of use and simplicity. Examples include the following:

-- Today Screen enhancements, which feature the ability to "dial by name" with a few keystrokes on the keyboard, perform a web search directly from the Today Screen and perform one-touch dialling with personalised photo speed dials;

-- Ability to manage a call directly from the Today Screen and stay on top of voicemail with on-screen, VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward controls for easy navigation;

-- Ability to ignore a call and quickly compose a text message, such as "In a meeting" or "Can't talk"; and

-- Dedicated messaging application for SMS/MMS that is organised in a "chat thread" so users can reference prior messages and use emoticons for a personal touch.

"Our commitment to helping our customers increase their productivity and make the most of their business and personal time will be further enhanced by the addition of this new innovative device to our range of business solutions," said Knill.

"We're excited to team up with Palm and Vodafone to launch a new Windows Mobile-based Treo smartphone in New Zealand. We're seeing significant adoption of mobile applications among business users, and the Treo is an attractive proposition for organisations considering mobile deployments," said Brent Colbert, marketing director, Microsoft New Zealand. "The Treo 750v builds on the power and flexibility of Microsoft Windows Mobile, Palm's unique design and user experience, and service through one of the world's leading mobile operators to deliver a winning solution that connects professionals to their critical information while on the go."

Additional Treo 750v Features and Benefits

-- Powerful Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 with Palm enhancements;

-- Integrated SMS/MMS with chat view and dedicated inbox;

-- Mobile access to multiple business and personal email accounts;

-- 3G/UMTS network for fast data access;

-- 1.3-megapixel digital camera that also captures video;

-- Windows Media(R) Player 10 Mobile for music and video;

-- Built-in Bluetooth(R) wireless technology enhanced to support Bluetooth enabled stereo headsets;

-- Mini-SD expansion slot; and

-- 240x240 transflective (TFT) touch screen.

Palm, Inc., a leader in mobile computing, strives to put the power of computing in people's hands so they can access and share their most important information. The company's products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm(R) Treo(TM) smartphones, Palm handheld computers, and Palm LifeDrive(TM) mobile managers, as well as software, services and accessories.

Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm Retail Stores and Palm online stores.

(1) Within wireless service coverage area only. Availability and coverage depends upon carrier and the geographic scope of international roaming agreements. Email, messaging and web access requires data services from a mobile service provider at an additional cost.

(2) MSFP requires Exchange Server 2003 and access enabled by IT administrator.