Review: Treo 650 & 700 short antenna

If you've been looking with disdain at the long antenna on your Treo 650 or 700 smartphone since before Palm introduced the visibly antenna-less 680 last year, then you probably already know about the short antenna created by Tomer Litvin. In fact, you may even have one.

If you're not familiar with the short antenna and/or you don't have one of your own, read on for the full review and find out how to get one for free.

According to mytreo.net, Tomer created the first antenna for himself and eventually had them "manufactured in quantity" to share with the world through TreoAntenna.com.

Here's what TreoAntenna.com has to say about the short antenna:

Our antennas were developed and tested to give you the same quality of reception you are used to [having] with the original antenna in a smaller compact design that will not protrude in your pocket and will not break. At a fraction of the cost of replacing a broken antenna by Palm (estimated at close to $200) you will have a more stylish robust antenna without losing any of the features provided by the original antenna.

Installation

Removing a Treo 650 or 700's original antenna and installing the short antenna literally takes about a minute.

All you need to swap out your antenna is a Torx #5 screwdriver and a sewing needle (and a Treo 650/700 and short antenna, of course).

Step 1. Use the sewing needle to remove the rubber plug and the red warranty sticker beneath it. Don't damage the sticker (mine ended up in several pieces and is now in the trash) if you don't want to void your warranty.

Step 2. Use the Torx #5 screwdriver to remove the screw beneath the sticker.

Step 3. Pull out the original antenna.

Step 4. Push in the short antenna.

Step 5. Screw the short antenna in place, replace the warranty sticker (if it's still intact), and put the rubber plug back in.

Ta-dah!

Here's the before and after:

(Imagine the short antenna in black and it looks better.)

Conclusion

The short antenna delivers on all of TreoAntenna.com's promises.

Installation is quick and easy, reception isn't compromised at all (I made and received several calls with no sound quality issues), and the more compact form factor fits easily into pockets, small purses, and other bags. The short antenna comes in light gray, dark gray, or black and is available now for $30. The Torx #5 screwdriver needed for installation can be purchased with the antenna for $35.

If you're interested in the light gray antenna shown here but don't want to buy it for yourself, be the first to tell me in the comments section that you want it and I'll send it to you for free (screwdriver and postage included).

Thanks to TreoAntenna.com for supplying the antenna kit.

Comments

[Fishd]

Oooh, perhaps enough to resurrect my 650 ?

I'll take it Jenn, unless postage across the pond is too extortionate :)

[Jenn]

Not a problem at all, Fishd. Check your email :-)

[Larry Silverman]

Am I too late? Treo 700 light grey.

[Jenn]

I'm sorry, Larry, but the antenna is already on its way to Fishd.

[Bruno]

@Fishd: Congratulations!

@Jenn: Are you starting a new trend of regular giveaways? Great! :-)

[Fishd]

Woo! Thanks Jenn!

I'll be sure to send some pics once installed :)

[Jenn]

Hi Bruno. I do hope to run a few contests/giveaways next year, but I don't think it'll be a routine occurrence.

Sounds good, Fishd. Your resurrected 650 should be happy with its fashionable new look!

[Tomer Litvin]

The antennas are now only $19.95. Antenna with a T5 screwdriver is $24.90.

[Chris Jones]

Those are sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet do you have any other color? I will take one if you don't mind? Thanks again.

[Jenn]

Hi Chris. As stated in the review and the comments, the antenna went to the first person who left a comment saying he/she wanted it. It was sent to Fishd in November 2007.