Palm Pre Cell Phone
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The Pre combines a brilliant display, QWERTY keyboard and new UI to create an exciting user experience. Key features include a 3.0 megapixel camera, GPS, 8GB internal memory, Wifi, 3G EVDO Rev A, touchscreen, Palm web OS, Ambient light, accelerometer, and proximity sensors along with a media player and stereo Bluetooth. |
OverviewPros: Fantastic operating system, multitasking capabilities, easy to use Cons: Battery life, lack of a progress bar in music player
Introduction
To put it as simply as I can, Palm is back in the game. The Palm Pre is a revolutionary device that marks a radical shift for the company, and provides a much-needed exclusive device for Sprint. The new webOS platform, combined with a change in hardware, offers a completely new experience from inside and out, and furthermore, represents the first serious competitor to the Apple iPhone. For those that prefer touchscreen devices and those that enjoy a physical keyboard, the Pre appeals to a vast majority, as it offers both. Though there are a few minor complaints, the major Achilles heel centers on the battery life. Expect to have to charge during the day, or every night in a best-case scenario.
Design & FeaturesThe actual box is quite small, and the packaging is very clearly "Apple," sporting a minimalist design and a "made in California" add-in. In the box, a charger, USB cable (which actually doubles as the charging cord), and basic pair of headphones can be found in an interesting wave-like design.
According to Palm, the device was made to resemble a smoothed river rock - and when closed, one can tell that they did a good job imitating it. Much like the box, the Pre itself sports a relatively minimalist exterior. The top of the device contains the power button, headphone jack, and vibrate switch, whereas the left and right sides contain the sound toggle and the charging port, respectively.
Some have argued that the device is sharp in places, particularly on the bottom lip. Granted, if I was to rub my hand across the bottom for several hours, I can imagine it being uncomfortable, but to date, I haven't had a problem with it. Additionally, some are characterizing the build quality as “cheap.” There is a slight wobble in the slide mechanism, but I've never owned a slider phone that doesn't do the exact same thing. It still feels sturdy, and I have no problems with it in everyday use.
The keyboard on the device is inevitably going to be a love or hate item. Spoiled by my BlackBerry keyboard, it took me a day to get used to the Pre's smaller keys, but after 24 hours I found myself typing as quickly as I did on my old device. It all boils down to your personal preference when it comes to keyboards. Similar to the Centro, the Pre's keys are grippy and separated, which allowed me to type faster. If you're a fan of the tight keys found on the Nokia E71 and some BlackBerry devices, you may not like the keyboard. It's a typical case of "try before you buy."
Comments have been made about the relatively poor auto-correct functionality, which I imagine will be improved upon in future updates. However, with a full QWERTY keyboard, I've needed it no more than once or twice. I can understand the need for it on a touchscreen keyboard (iPhone or G1), but not as much on a physical one.
I was very impressed with the camera's capabilities. Coming in at 3.0 megapixels, the Pre offers a flash and a portrait mirror behind the screen (though the slide must be in the "up" position to take advantage of it). Pictures are crisp, and look great on the screen.
For lack of a better word, the Touchstone charger is neat. Though it is a separate accessory ($69.99 at launch), it offers the ability to charge wirelessly. When using the Touchstone charger, the Pre requires a different, matte back, which is included with the charger. At first glance, you would think that the Touchstone would move around on the desk, but it is firm, and doesn't move when you lift the device off of the charger.
Usability & PerformanceA great deal of the excitement centers around the webOS platform. Contrary to another BlackBerry, Nokia, or something running Windows Mobile (fill in the blank with a manufacturer), webOS is completely new - and quite innovative. The key benefit for me, and what I imagine will be a primary selling point for the Palm Pre, is the Synergy element. From the exterior design to the functionality of webOS, the device takes the "pretty" aspect of the iPhone and develops the user interface into something that's incredibly easy to use, and highly productive to boot. For lack of a better word, it's simple and effective. With the Pre, I'm able to keep my most-used applications open - Twitter, messaging, and E-Mail - and easily switch back and forth between them.
Synergy is where the Pre overtakes the iPhone, in my opinion. The device offers an innovative built-in search option as well. From the home screen, the user begins to type a search query, and the Pre automatically searches programs and contacts. If nothing matches the text, the device offers the ability to search via Google, Google Maps, Wikipedia, or Twitter. At the moment, the Pre's only searching options are programs and contacts. It's my hope that SMS and e-mail will be added in a future update.
Menus are clean and well organized. In the bottom right hand corner, tally marks indicate which menu page the user is on (much like the iPhone's "circles"). A flick to the left or right changes the menu page. By default, commonly used applications such as messaging and memos can be found on the first screen; Sprint programs such as Sprint TV and Navigation can be found on the second screen; and system settings are located on the third screen. Downloaded apps default to the first menu, but can be moved to the menu of choice.
Messaging is one of the many places where the Palm Pre shines. Not only does it support threaded messaging, but it also integrates IM clients into the program. Just like it sounds, "Conversations" lists the messages sent/received, and buddy lists can be seen by clicking the "Buddies" button in the top right hand corner. Palm did a great job in the integration of messaging mediums; if a friend and I are messaging via AOL Instant Messenger, and they suddenly log off, I can quickly switch to SMS, all while staying in the message thread. What's more, the Pre offers MMS capabilities out of the box.
The address book will synchronize with your Google account. When adding new contacts, the user has the option of saving to the phone or synchronizing with the Google account. A nice feature to have; the concept of lost contacts are a thing of the past. Contacts can also be integrated with other "profiles," meaning you can link a contact's AIM/GTalk account, LinkedIn profile, and more to their address card. Much like a Mac, a green dot appears beside the contact when they're available online.
Though a common complaint centers around the lack of a progress bar, the most notable feature in regards to music is the Pre's seamless connectivity to iTunes. Recognized by the program as an iPod, I was able to download my music in less than five minutes. Song shuffling is a bit different than other devices; cover art is displayed, but flicking between songs automatically activates the song. I liked it; it took the several steps required on the iPhone and condensed it into a quick and easy process.
Not to be outdone by other manufacturers, the Palm Pre includes an App Catalog to download applications to the device. The Palm App Catalog is still in beta mode, which is the primary reason why there are only a few programs available at the moment. There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the App Catalog and the lack of available programs; most compare the store to Apple's App Store, which presently offers 50,000 applications. To those individuals, I would remind you that on July 11, 2008, one year after the launch of the original iPhone, only 500 applications were available in the App Store. It takes time to build an App Store, and as we've discussed on this website, applications are the way of the future. Keeping this in mind, I'm confident that Palm will expand its offerings in the coming months.
Obviously, the primary purpose of a cell phone is to make calls, and the Pre doesn't disappoint in this category. Though it lacks visual voicemail, the interface is very clean and works well. There are quick access buttons to voicemail and recent calls on the bottom of the screen. Earpiece volume seemed to be just right, and everyone I spoke to said that they couldn't tell I was on a cell phone.
Sprint's voice and data network are a pleasure to use. Voice calls have been clear, data has been very fast, and most importantly, the network has been consistently strong (which is more than can be said about other carriers). We tested the EV-DO connectivity in the Charlotte area, and speeds were great.
With any device, there will be minor frustrations, but the battery life is the only thing that I found to be a major setback. To keep it short and nice, battery life leaves a lot to be desired. In the time that I have had the Pre, I have had to charge my phone mid-day, every day. In today's world, a battery dying after seven hours of moderate use is unacceptable. This is going to be a major problem for a device that is attempting to appeal to the business crowd. The bottom line: if you're anything more than a moderate user, you'll need to have some sort of charger nearby at all times.
ConclusionFor a first-generation device, the Palm Pre is a fantastic. The webOS platform is a delight to use, and beats the iPhone in overall multitasking abilities. More importantly, I see a great deal of potential in the future of webOS. The phone itself is strong in most categories, with the exception of the battery life. Fortunately for Palm, the features of webOS and the overall excitement surrounding the Pre outweigh the terrible battery life. But if this continues without being addressed, I can see a vast majority of users returning the device - a frustrating thought, because the device itself is admirable in almost every other way. In order to be a serious contender in the business realm, Palm must realize that the battery life is unacceptable on a device that's marketed for its multitasking capabilities. Once this issue is addressed in a software update, the Pre will be an absolute pleasure to use across the board.Read full review » A preview of the happy dilemma facing Sprint customers this Winter? Could be. Noah pits the Palm Pre vs the HTC Hero in the final chapter of this PhoneDog Dogfight! A preview of the happy dilemma facing Sprint customers this Winter? Could be. Noah pits the Palm Pre vs the HTC Hero in part two of the latest PhoneDog Dogfight! A preview of the happy dilemma facing Sprint customers this Winter? Could be. Noah pits the Palm Pre vs the HTC Hero in part one of the latest PhoneDog Dogfight! Another day, another bizarre, confusing, and utterly terrible Palm Pre ad hits the airwaves. Seriously, who do they think they're going to reach with these ads? Does the art house crowd really bring in that much revenue for Palm? Fire the director and sell some phones already - WebOS is awesome, Pre is great, and both deserve a much better marketing campaign. You knew it wouldn't last. Apple has just issued an iTunes update that kills Palm Pre syncing capabilities.
Palm had engineered some oh so clever programming that tricked iTunes into thinking Pre was an iPod, hence allowing Pre users to sync and manage their music sideloads via iTunes, just like iPhone/iPod users. Alas, Apple has said enough is enough via this little footnote in the iTunes 8.2.1 update:
"addresses an issue with... Dogfight! Noah from PhoneDog! Palm Pre vs Apple iPhone 3G. Fourth and Final Round: Web Browsers and The Verdict! While the Pixi's price point has been dropping and dropping some more, the Pre has remained above the $100 mark. Bucking the trend, Amazon has lowered the Pixi's older brother to $79.99 on a new two-year agreement (not to mention a waived activation fee, saving you $36). With the gap diminishing between the two webOS handsets, I imagine most will opt for the Pre due to the increase in processing power. Sure, there are some...
"That thing's going to Cricket" - Aaron Baker, News Editor
FrankenPhone! It Lives!
Wasn't it Mick Jagger who once crooned, "You can't always get what you want / But if you make a mash-up you kinda can?" Something like that, anyway.
I'm tired of "close but no cigar" when it comes to mobile phones. iPhone's great except for that closed OS and no hard keyboard. Palm's WebOS is awesome but Palm can't seem to build a truly awesome piece of hardware...
A day after the retail launch of the Palm Pixi, webOS 1.3.1 has officially launched. Despite iTunes sync being notoriously absent, the ability to forward SMS and instant messages, Yahoo! contact and calendar sync, Yahoo! IM, improved notifications for e-mails, custom ringtones for text messages, PIN lock timer, and various video changes make the 126 MB update worth downloading.
The full change log can be viewed here (Bell users,... More fodder for the cost-conscious: According to a recent cost comparison from BillShrink.com, the cost of owning a Palm Pre or MyTouch 3G is $1,250 less than AT&T’s iPhone or Verizon’s Moto Droid. To come up with this number, it assumed unlimited voice and data, which of course works out in favor of America’s #3 and #4 carriers. (Actually, the cost savings would probably still bear out for any device they carry.) But...
There’s a new iTunes update available. Among the things Version 9.0.2. brings, including support for its new AppleTV format, is an annoying new/old irritation for Palm users: The software breaks Palm Pre syncing for WebOS 1.2.1. (Yup, again.)
Palm’s done everything short of stuffing the Pre inside an iPhone shell, to keep iTunes shaking hands with its flagship device. But at every turn, Apple’s there, heading it off at...
After reporting on the official launch of webOS 1.2 yesterday, I imagined Palm Pre users happily downloading it and enjoying the new features. After all, with a paid App Catalog and improved functionality across the board, what could be better?
As it seems, the Pre constantly communicates with the Palm Profile server to backup and synchronize information, which could easily be billed as one of the best features of webOS. But when... Pros: Multi-tasking, nice camera Cons: Battery life, no FLASH support, no CAMCORDER, can't foward text messages Summary: I've been with Sprint for about ten years and this is the first phone I've purchased that I wasn't pissed off after I bought it. The Palm Pre has so much POTENTIAL to be a great phone with software UPDATES! The battery drains too fast, I have to keep my charger with me where ever I go. I can't wait for FLASH support. Definitely needs a CAMCORDER!! The CAMERA is great but needs more features, but extremely FAST!!! Takes great pictures in low light. Pros: easy internet access Cons: I HATED this as a PHONE. Contacts are listed by last name only, touch screen was slow but sensitive so you end up calling people you don't want to. Swithing from one call to another was a real chore, horrible dropped calls. Great concept but needs a lot of work. The keyboard is difficult to slide also and very crowded. Ringer volume did not go loud enough to hear unless you are in a very quiet setting, earpiece volume same way. Battery did not last long if you use the phone. Summary: I bought one as did a friend and we both returned them. As a mini computer it was great but as a phone it was horrible. 1 out of 3 people found this review helpful Pros: Good display, webOS is awesome, has a great browser. Cons: Needs an on - screen, when you slide it up it feels a little wobbly. Summary: Overall it is a great phone. Once it gets more apps and an on screen keyboard this phone will be the really deal. Pros: The OS, Speed, basically everything. Cons: App Catalog is small, but is growing. Battery life is ok. Summary: Very very nice device. The Operating System is just amazing. The speed of the device was improved with the new 1.0.3 software update. The fact the palm keeps on updating the system is very nice. There are a few good apps in the catalog, but need some more. The slider on the phone is great, even though the keyboard is small, I find it very easy to type on. Overall, a great device. 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful Pros: Nice feel, great interface, perfect for multitasking like OMG!, great apps (so far), great picture, 100% responsive to touch, very organized, always being updated OTA which is GREAT!, the list goes on... Cons: Sharp edges on keyboard, battery life tends to commit suicide, slight glitches when too many apps are open, cannot end conference call without ending all calls PERIOD!, no smileys, small catalog of apps, hard to personalize launch pages, no video camera, small keyboard, no personalized ring tones for texts, or notifications BLA!, no OTA downloads for like myxer or anything, after too much use you can pretty much make eggs on the back of it. Summary: This phone is a wonderful piece of equipment, it not only allows you to multitask but it also allows total freedom to what you choose to do. It works great with business savvy to young adult tech-heads. You can even open your PDF files and documents on the go. So whether its homework, lesson plans or business plans, its all at your fingertips LITERALLY! This phone is also a pretty good media device, with its hot application 'Pandora' and its already programed youtube and amazon its impossible not to find what your looking for, and with GPS navigation you pretty much can never get lost in the crowd. This phone provides you with everything you can possibly need, I call it the iberry pre because it like the love child of the iphone and blackberry. Again it is a beautiful piece of equipment that I am sure will be upgrade and updated to pure gadget perfection in no time. 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful I'm still deciding - but I have time.I'm a long-time Palm user: have been using the Treo series for several years so the Pre seems like the natural progression.OTOH, my personal "stuff" is all handled by google (voice, mail, etc) - so an Android-based phone makes better sense.I'm buying a new phone in December or January; we'll see what Sprint has to offer in a couple of months. BAuclair85................How do you know that Verizon is going to carry the Pre? Also, how do you know they plan on crippling the Pre and all of it's good features?(what features?) Well I have had the moment for about a 10 days now and for the most part I like it. the key board is so much better than the pre. I wish the phone were not so bulky but I guess you can only cram so much into that size of a phone and this phone is loaded. I like the size of the hero. There does not seem to be many accessories like a case that is made for it. The worst thing about the moment is that the battery life is awful, or there may be a... I have the hero and my wife has the pre. I've played with both and honestly the hero is to me anyhow a better all around phone. Don't get me wrong the Pre is very nice but the virtual keyboard on the hero rocks. You dont have to hit the exact button and the hero will guess what word you were trying to type. It's right about 95% of the time. My wife is also taking back her pre for the same reasons as you and she is thinking about the hero as... It seems very unlikely to happen any time soon, there are a bunch of new exclsuive (Android) phones coming to Verizon. That are actually pretty good. well i heard the pre would be available at the first of 2010. On top of that, rumors of the Iphone going to Verizon... Ive heard that too... So maybe both? Ok I got the Pre a couple weeks ago it looks coon ans is not a bad phone but there are not many apps and the keyboard sucks. So I am going to exchange it for either the Moment or the Hero. I did not like how the Pre's case and screen would always get fingerprints all over. I think I wanted the keyboard but it looks like it makes the Moment really big. I wish there were a side by side comparison with the Moment and Hero Ive been looking to buy a Palm Pre.. I got a few questions before i just go out and buy one though. I know it has a copy and paste feature.. Does this include images also.. could i possibly save the images from the net and send them to others? Also, is there any video capabilities? Only thing ive seen so far is that it has a decient camera but it doesnt say if you can do video. I guess what im looking for is a touch screen Blackberry that works... So I need help guys. I'm trying to find a full case for my palm pre, just like the one they make for the iphone. The case is clear, solid plastic, hard case, but it also covers the screen as well. I dont want use a screen protector film for the phone, i want full protection. If you guys know of any please plese please drop me a line, thanx.
Jared Another phone worth considering in the Samsung Moment. It will be available on 11/1 at $179.99. It is an Android phone with a 3.2 inch AMOLED screen and a full slide-out keyboard. I am not sure who it compares to the Hero. The Moment has a keyboard and the Hero has the Sense UI. Any suggestions on which one of these two would be the better way to go? Buying choicesWith new service  with a Sprint PCS plan from $99.99 With pre-paid service This item is not being sold with a pre-paid service service plan by any online merchant. Purchase phone only Accessories Purchase compatible accessories for this phone Ringtones & MediaShop for compatible mobile content for this phone
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3.7 
:)
i think it goes pre, iphone/g1, wm 6.5
honestly i just (illegally) upgraded my verizon xv6900 (vogue) to wm 6.5 and its wayy better than any other wm... its comparable i iphone or pre os or android, but it will never beat any of them. wm 6.5 was a real improvement..