Palm announces Treo 500v Smartphone on Windows Mobile 6 for Vodafone customers

Palm Europe has announced that the PalmTreo 500v smartphone, will be available from today in all of Vodafone's 347 stores across the UK for free on a Vodafone contract .
 
The Palm Treo 500v smartphone runs on a Windows Mobile 6 standard platform and has a full keyboard, large screen, video streaming capability and a comprehensive multi-messaging functionality covering Instant Messaging, SMS, email, phone and personal information management software in a new design . The compact form factor is available in two colours: glacier white and charcoal grey.
 
The new Treo 500v smartphone, an internet ready Vodafone live! device, is said to be designed to appeal to the growing UK consumer base that now seek the same functionality and ease of use that business customers continue to enjoy with the Palm Treo products.
 
The Treo 500v smartphone is priced to enable a broader audience to experience the internet and email on the go, with a pay monthly or pay as you go option for consumer users. For pay monthly customers, the device is free on a Vodafone contract. Those opting for the pay as you go package will pay £220 for the smartphone. For Vodafone business customers, the contract prices range from free to £85.11 depending on what contract the user opts for.
 
Additional benefits for Palm Treo 500v smartphone customers include document management using mobile versions of familiar Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Office and Mobile. Users can also share the Treo 500v smartphone's data access with a laptop, so they can stay connected anywhere within wireless coverage.