Which Is Better Phone, Blackberry or Treo?

This question keeps popping up in our search for the right remote email PDA solutions. Which is better as a phone, the Blackberry (such as the 7100T) or the Palm Treo 600?

I've had direct contact with one person that said that the speakerphone functionality on the Treo was superior, but they didn't say that actual phone quality was different.

If you have knowledge on this subject, please share it and please quantify the differences (give me the why's and the how's) as much as possible.

Any input would be much appreciated.

Comments

[john]

I have both a Blackberry 7230 and a Treo 600. The Treo 600 is a better phone. For one the 7230 doesn't even have a speakerphone. Also the Treo feels more comfortable when pressed against the ear and the sound quality is better when doing so. I find myself from time to time having to reposition the Blackberry on my ear to hear. However when I use a good Plantronics earpiece with the Blackberry I am perfectly happy with it.

I have just a little experience with the 7100t but based on what I saw it was on par with the Treo from a phone perspective. I still have doubts about that keyboard for anyone who does a lot of typing, however.

[emory]

Are you really comparing the 7230, which is over a year and a half old, to the Treo 600?

Why don't you compare it to a current handset?

Compare the Treo 650 to the BlackBerry 7290 or 7100. Both BlackBerry devices have speakerphone. The 7100t has a phone-like formfactor that is as comfortable as the Treo.

I use a 7100t and send several emails and SMS from it daily. The keypad may look unconvential but it functions quite well.

[Jeff McDonald]

I've owned both a Blackberry 7510 and a Treo 600. I like the blackberry because it is the most business-intelligent device I have owned, and I love the Treo because it was beautiful and the web worked fantastically as well as the navigation buttons.

I had to give the Treo back because only Nextel has good reception where I work/live, and am very happy with the Blackberry. It's a brick though and you do have to position it just right or you won't hear anything. It's also the wimpiest thing I own. I talked on it after getting out of the pool and drying off and the residual moisture on my hands and face were enough to short it and keep it out of commission for two days with some permanent detriments.

Ultimately, once you get past the eye candy of the Treo, it's 6 of one and half dozen of the other. They're both great IMO.

[gonzo]

It's not a question of which is better. The rule I use is...

If your a heavy email user use the blackberry. If your a heavier phone user use the Treo. If your new to both stick with the Treo since it's more like a tradtional mobile. My 5 cents.