Dana's Mixed Bag

The Treo 650 by Palm has been around for a many years now, and has always had a quirky bluetooth profile. After about an hour of following Ford’s instructions and a little bit of research, we finally figured out how to connect a Treo 650 (Verizon) with the impressive 2009 Ford Explorer SYNC system.

For some reason the Treo doesn’t work out of the box with the SYNC system. We found that once the Treo is paired with another bluetooth device, however, it becomes smart enough to handle the Ford SYNC connection.

• Pair the Treo with a different bluetooth connection first. According to a poster on a message board, the Jabra headset, with its “0000” security code, with do just fine. We were able to break-in the Treo by connecting it to a 2005 Prius Bluetooth system (using code “1212”)
• Delete any previous instances of the Treo in the SYNC system, and delete any previous instances of the SYNC in the Treo’s bluetooth page.
• At this point the Treo will work as described in Ford’s instruction manual. After entering the six-digit code created by the Ford into the Treo, select “Car Kit”.

We were able to make calls and answer calls using the Ford’s interface. We did not, however, get a successful download of the Treo’s phone book. I didn’t have time to experiment, but it is likely that only the Treo Contacts that have a quick-dial assignment will be downloaded to the Ford. I assume that in order to download newly added quick-dial contacts to the Ford, one will have to re-pair the Treo and SYNC systems (simply delete the existing profiles of each other, and redo Step 3 above).

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The new, Third Generation Prius recently hit dealer lots, and Toyota has redefined their premium packages. As before each level builds upon the lower level one, meaning that it includes all of the lower level features. The new package scheme also adds navigation and solar roof to each of the non-basic tiers. To illustrate how all of the packages relate, someone at Fred Anderson Toyota put a chart together, which I have recreated here.

Additionally the new series of Prius comes with a revamped color scheme, too. The big change is the inability to get a bisque interior with black paint. Instead, customers can now get the bisque interior with the blue paint, unlike before. An combo chart showing the availability is found below, too.

2010 Prius Packages
Prius V (Model 1229) 17" Alloy Wheel, LED Headlamps w/ cleaner and fog lamps	add=>	Navigation + Backup Cam	add=>	Solar Roof with Auto Ventilation and Pre-A/C + Nav
Prius IV (Model 1227) Leather Seats, Steering Wheel, & Trim, Heated Frint Seats, Power Driver Lumbar Support, 3-Door Smart Key, Step Lamp, Illuminated Entry, Water Repellant Glass, Upgraded Front/Center Pillar Material, Plasma Cluster, Homelink, Auto-dimming Mirror	add=>	Navigation + Backup Cam	add=>	Solar Roof with Auto Ventilation and Pre-A/C + Nav
Prius III (Model 1225) JBL + 2 speakers + Bluetooth + Integrated SAT Radio	add=>	Navigation + Backup Cam	add=>	Solar Roof with Auto Ventilation and Pre-A/C + Nav
Prius II (Model 1223) Drivetrain: 1.8L Engine, EV Mode, Eco/Power Mode Safety: VSC, Rear Disc Brakes, Driver Knee Airbag, Active Headrests Audio: MP2/WMA Capable Audio, Auxiliary Audio Jack, SAT Ready (Roof Ant. + Wiring) Convenience: Enhanced Multi-Info Display, Touch Tracer, Driver Door Smart Key, Cruise Control, Telescopic Steering Wheel,, Dr Seat Vertical Adjust, Tonneau Cover, Seat Back Pockets, Heated Outside Mirrors, Auto Up/Down on All Windows

Here is a look at the exterior/interior color combinations (photos of the colors are on Toyota’s website).

Color	Dark Gray	Misty Gray	Bisque
Black
Blue Ribbon Metallic (Blue)
Barcelona Red Metallic (Red)
Sandy Beach Metallic (Gold)
Winter Gray Metallic (Dark Grey)
Classic Silver Metallic (Silver)
Blizzard Pearl (White)

There are a few additional items that were only cleared up once I visited the dealer and got my hands on one of the new cars:

• Only models with a Navigation Package have the interactive screen on the dashboard. Non-nav systems have a traditional radio in that space. Because of this, Toyota has moved the hybrid system data display (mpg, power source, etc) to a low-consumption LED next to the speedometer.
• There are two cupholders. One is under the flap just down the slope from the gear selector. The other is canceled in the sliding armrest. Driving with the sliding armrest open is not irritating.
• There are three power settings: an economy mode, a performance mode, and an all-electric mode.
• Because not all models have a display, Toyota moved the Climate Controls to a traditional cluster below the radio. Also because of display absence, only the Nav Package models have the rear backup camera. Presumably Toyota feels the display is an energy drain.
• The driver’s seat now has vertical movement, and the steering wheel how has full telescopic and tilt movements.
• The Bluetooth connection now accepts music players in addition to cell phones.
• It is unclear, but it appears that Package V has more to it than just wheels and headlights. Apparently Dynamic Cruise Control, Pre-Collission System, Lane Keep Assist, and Intelligent Parking Assist are only available at the Package 5 level. Based on the info on the last page of the Prius brochure, it appears that this set of performance options actually replaces the Solar Roof Package option that is in the far right, upper box in the above chart.
• Another possible error in the chart pertains to SAT radio. According to the brochure, it appears that only Package III and up is wired for SAT radio, and does not include the receiver itself. More research is needed here.

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