Treo 650 Problem - Options?
 

A few days ago after unplugging the Treo cheapo handsfree cord from the 650 I discovered that when the phone rang I couldn't hear the caller...further experimentation showed that:
* caller could barely hear me
* plugged hands free back in and that works
* unplug and back to no sound to/from the unit

So:
* unit is out of warranty so leary of sending to factory to get fixed/replaced...experiences?
* tempted to take it apart because my guess is that the hands free connector is the culprit...but afraid of not putting back together properly
* get a bluetooth headset...don't like this option...not ready to be assimilated by the Borg yet..
* get a new phone...don't like this option either, would prefer to get at least another year out of the phone

What would you do?

I had a similar issue with my 650.

There's a known issue of the jack going bad, which can cause the problems with the built-in microphone not working. But mine developed a stranger problem--the bluetooth would work, but the built-in mic was intermittent, sometimes fading out during a conversation.

I can't really blame it on Palm, that problem started after I took it apart to replace the scuffed-up case. So I don't recommend taking it apart unless you are really, really good, since there are some ribbon cables and other things in there that can get nicked or damaged. It's pretty tightly packed.

Palm has a flat-rate repair charge for 650s that are unlocked or from Verizon, but says contact your carrier for others. An extra $25 will get you an advanced exchange with a refurbished unit.

I ended up getting a 680. Cingular has some good deals on them now if that's your carrier--$99.99 after rebate for a new one, or $99.99 out the door for a refurbished unit.

The 680 is a nice, but not revolutionary, upgrade over the 650. The battery life on the 680 is not as good as the 650, but I'm pleased with it overall.

Try a hardware reset (use the recessed button next to the battery). I've had similar issues surface, and resets did the job.

Thanks for the info...
Now how to proceed?
* I have a Cingular badged Treo 650
* purchased new and unlocked from Ebay....
* my service provider is T-mobile
* handsprings website shows a phone# for each provider (except T-mobile for a 650)....

So who do I call?

Here is what I'd do:

1) Find a used one on Ebay, there are bound to be a load of them soon since Woot just sold them unlocked a few days ago. In a week or so there are bound to be a lot unloaded there.

2) Sell yours on Ebay, describe the problem and let someone else deal with it. Sold AS-IS these things are still worth something. In the best case there will be a $50 price difference between your new one, and selling the old one.

Palm's website is a little fuzzy on repairing AT&T (formerly Cingular) 650s. It says Palm repairs them out of warranty, but links to an AT&T support site.

You might want to give Palm a call and get the details.

OTOH, ScottC's advice is good, you'd probably save some money going that route. I wish I'd seen the Woot deal--I would have ordered one just as a backup for the 680.