Treo 680 Available Without a Camera

Virtually whenever Palm, Inc. talks about the Treo 680, a mention is made of this smartphone's VGA camera. However, those interested in buying this model should be aware that it's possible to get it without the camera.

A clear reference to the camera-less version can be found on Palm's web site. On the page discussing this models multimedia features, one of the footnotes says, "Camera/camcorder not included on all models."

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In addition, people on the Web have reported ordering this version.

Palm doesn't make it easy to order the Treo 680 without a camera, though. There doesn't appear to be a way to directly order it off Palm's web site, for example. Nevertheless, contacting the company by phone (800-881-7256) should allow the camera-less Treo 680 to be ordered.

Why No Camera?

In order to protect corporate secrets, many companies do not allow cameras in their facilities. This includes cameraphones.

That's why most smartphones with built-in cameras are also available in a camera-less version.

However, wireless carriers want their subscribers to have cameras, as they make extra revenue by charging users to send pictures to each other. That's why there's generally very little mention made in advertisements of the camera-less versions.

This also way the model with the camera and the one without almost always sell for the same amount.

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Thanks to holvoetn for the tip.