"We're hoping to receive our first models in about four week's time and then they will undergo testing for network approval," says Vodafone spokesperson Alison Sykora.
Handspring, which uses the Palm operating system, already has cellphone functionality via modules that snap onto its existing Handspring devices. The Treo Communicators, however, have GSM capability built-in, freeing up the expansion slot on the device for other modules.
The Treo comes in two form factors - either with a tiny keyboard built in or with Palm's Graffiti handwriting recognition system for use with a stylus. In the middle of 2002 a colour screen version will also be available. The Treo is slightly smaller than a standard Palm-based handheld.
Kyocera has already built and launched a CDMA phone using the Palm OS - Telecom sells that model for $999 including GST on a two-year contract. No pricing has yet been set for the Treo models.