Definitions, please?

[alleyandy]

Hi All:

I would appreciate some help and explanation on the following items. Once answered, I'd be happy to write up a summary that could be used as a "sticky" to help other newcomers!

1. As I understand it, "Cheetah" is the internal code name for the Treo 750, and it was manufactured by HTC (High Tech Computer)?

2. It seems that there is a way to upgrade the Windows version on my 750? It currently has v5.0 (OS 5.1.195 Build 14959.2.3.2). Is there any particular benefit, other than being current) why I should upgrade Windows? Any potential problems?

3. Hermes is the internal code name for devices made by HTC, but NOT for any Treo devices?

4. How does Hermes SPL relate to Treo 750? And what does SPL mean?

5. What is "Hard-SPL"?

6. I've seen references on this forum to some sort of "radio upgrade" or "radio mod" for the 750. What is it, and why do I need/want it?!

7. What is a "cooked" ROM?

8. If I either upgrade Windows, or replace the firmware with a modified one, can I permanently damage (i.e. "brick") my 750?

I know, many questions!

But I am an intelligent techie-type, and yet I feel like I've just walked in on the middle of a foreign-language film with no subtitles!

Thanks

 

[PeterW]

Hi All:

I would appreciate some help and explanation on the following items. Once answered, I'd be happy to write up a summary that could be used as a "sticky" to help other newcomers!

Hi there. I have been using a Treo 750 for about 18 months. While I have not "played" with the ROM on my device to the same extent that others have here, I will answer what I can.

1. As I understand it, "Cheetah" is the internal code name for the Treo 750, and it was manufactured by HTC (High Tech Computer)?

Correct. HTC have made many Windows Mobile devices and the Palm Treo 750 is but one of them. I'd have to say in my experience, having owned and used other HTC devices such as the O2 Xda II mini, i-mate JAMin and i-mate JASJam, the Treo 750 beats the others hands down in both hardware design and software implementation.

2. It seems that there is a way to upgrade the Windows version on my 750? It currently has v5.0 (OS 5.1.195 Build 14959.2.3.2). Is there any particular benefit, other than being current) why I should upgrade Windows? Any potential problems?

Yes indeed! My device shipped with Windows Mobile 5. I upgraded to WM6 when it was released late last year and can say that it offers some very good improvements over WM5.

One of the issues the upgrade did was provide a much more stable radio ROM - phone operation was much improved in my experience, e.g. no more dropped calls, especially when answering a call. There were also some helpful software improvements such as the in-call buttons for speakerphone and mute, etc.

Note that Palm have just removed all WM6 upgrade ROMs from their websites (in the last week). Hopefully you will still be able to find a ROM somewhere on the 'net.

3. Hermes is the internal code name for devices made by HTC, but NOT for any Treo devices?

I don't think so. AFAIK the Hermes is HTC's TyTN device.

4. How does Hermes SPL relate to Treo 750? And what does SPL mean?

Sorry, don't know about that. I have seen it mentioned here too but don't know what it means. I have a feeling it is something to do with unlocking a phone from a specific carrier.

5. What is "Hard-SPL"?

Sorry, don't know about that either.

6. I've seen references on this forum to some sort of "radio upgrade" or "radio mod" for the 750. What is it, and why do I need/want it?!

Again sorry, I don't know. There are cooked versions of WM6.1 floating around here for the Treo 750. Palm never released a WM6.1 upgrade for the Treo 750 (although it comes as default on the new Treo Pro) and I have seen references to radio ROM upgrades/downgrades in relation to this cooked ROM. I'd avoid it.

7. What is a "cooked" ROM?

This is a ROM that someone has put together themselves. They disassemle a commerical ROM for a specific device, remove and add components, and then re-assemble and release it to other users. Use these at your own risk!

8. If I either upgrade Windows, or replace the firmware with a modified one, can I permanently damage (i.e. "brick") my 750?

It's certainly a risk with any modified ROM and has not been something I was ever keen to do. Note that ROMs are device specific so don't try to use one for another device on your Treo. I've found the commercially released ROMs to be reliable and work just fine.

Hope all of this helps.