Handspring Unveils Test Version of Treo Mail

Handspring Inc. has introduced a test version of a program that provides access to corporate e-mail for users of its new Treo device, which combines a cell phone and a hand-held computer.

The program, called Treo Mail, will let users of the device send and receive messages through corporate e-mail systems that run on Microsoft Corp.’s Exchange software. Other hand-held devices that include e-mail functions include Palm Inc.’s i705 and Research in Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry.

Treo also lets users make phone calls, organize appointments and send short text messages.

Mountain View, Calif.-based Handspring is counting on sales of the $399 Treo, introduced this year, to help the company turn its first profit since its 1998 founding.

A final version of Treo Mail, which is based on software from closely held Visto Corp., will go on sale by midyear, said Joe Sipher, vice president of product marketing for Handspring.

The price has not been determined and may include monthly payments to Handspring, Sipher said.