Boston, MA - November 17, 2005 -- Strategy Analytics, the global research and consulting company, today released, "Blackberry Learning Curve Too Steep for Consumers as PalmOne Treo Sets New Usability Standard," its latest converged device benchmark report, which concludes that the PalmOne Treo 650 is the highest rated converged device in the USA, narrowly edging the Samsung i730 into second place and also beating the UTStarcom PPC6600 and Blackberry 7100. These results come from hands-on consumer testing by the Strategy Analytics Advanced Wireless User Panel.

The PalmOne Treo 650 achieved "Best in Class" status based upon superior menu systems and UI, display, style and design. Despite scoring highly for applications, the Samsung i730 was too large and too heavy to win over users. The UTStarcom PPC6600 also faired well for applications but was lacking in style and design. Participants struggled with the Blackberry 7100's steep out-of-the- box learning curve.

In terms of software applications, the i730 outscored the PalmOne Treo 650 by 3 points. "The Samsung i730 wins praise for its features and Windows access, but loses out to the Treo 650 in the Style/Design category," according to David Kerr, Vice-President of the Strategy Analytics Global Wireless Practice.

Kevin Nolan, Director of the Advanced Wireless Laboratory at Strategy Analytics, added, "Clearly the Treo's distinct advantage is in its small form factor, even for converged device buyers."