The SafeGuard MetalSlider case is a classy looking design comprising a mirror-like, polished metal back and a clear plastic front. You simply slide this foam-lined assembly over your Treo to keep it from harm. The case has cutouts for everything, so you won’t need to slide it off, though that’s also a cinch – say, if you need to change the battery.

The MetalSlider comes in models for Treo 680, 750, and 755p. My review unit fits my (crimson!) 680 perfectly. It slides on easily, fits snugly, and doesn’t appear to be too prone to fly back off accidentally, although it’s not all that difficult to remove it on purpose when necessary. The inside fo the metal half of the case has serrated grippers to hold the Treo against accidentally flying out. These work – or something does, anyway. For the 680, at least, I can report that the fit is near perfect.

I tell my friends that my T-Mobile MDA is just as powerful a desktop PC from about 10 years ago and they scoff at me and my mobile solitaire. Although the QWERTY keyboards on smartphones and Pocket PC devices have improved significantly in recent years, they're still quite small and typing on them just isn't the same as full-sized computer keyboard.

After a disastrous start with the peeling paint of 2004's Zire 72, the soft-touch rubberized paint has slowly been growing more popular on various products released by Palm. From last year's Treo Hardcase (reviewed here), Treo 650 "Black Tie" special edition and GSM Treo 750 to this year's new CDMA Treo 755p, Palm has steadily been rolling out products incorporating this coating for a more secure, luxurious finish. Now Seidio, a popular manufacturer of peripherals for all types of handheld devices, has released a new Treo 700-series hard case that lets owners of non-rubberized Treos enjoy this remarkable finish.

After spending some time recently with a Sprint Treo 755p, I became determined to find a something similar for my 700p.

If you’re a Treo user, read on. We’ll discuss add-on software and tweaks that will make your trusty handheld faster, easier to use, and far more productive.

We’ve discussed the pros and cons of the Palm OS before, so we’ll spare you that debate. What we’re here to do is pimp your Treo out, starting with the basics.