If you took the Palm Treo 800w smartphone and put it in the dryer, it might come out looking like the Palm Centro smartphone for the Verizon Wireless network. This is petite Palm phone that comes with a bargain price tag.
(Note: I looked at the Palm Centro for Verizon Wireless, which features a dark blue case with silver edging. Different versions of the Centro--offering basically the same features--are available from AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile in a variety of colors.)
Design
The Centro is more modern-looking than the Palm Treo; the design isn't all that different than the Treo 800w, but it looks sportier. It's the smallest Palm smartphone to date, measuring 4.2 inches tall by 2.1 inches wide by .7 inches thick and weighing 4.2 ounces.
PROS: Like everything about the Centro, the keyboard is tiny, but I found it far more usable than the stiff keyboard on the Treo. The Centro's keys are soft and rubbery, which makes them easier to press. The 2.25-inch display is a touch screen, and it's easy to tap with a fingertip or the included stylus.
CONS: While the hard plastic case looks good, it doesn't feel as sturdy as the soft-touch casing of the Palm Treo. Getting the back cover on and off to install the battery was quite a challenge--so much so that I had to enlist help. I was relatively sure I was going to break the case before I was able to reattach it. (I didn't.)
Making Calls
PROS: Voice quality was very good, and the volume was more than adequate. Accessing the phone is very easy, either using the dedicated phone button on the front of the device, or through the exceedingly simple Palm menu.
CONS: I found the Palm Centro almost too small to hold while chatting. It felt boxy and simply uncomfortable when held next to my ear.
Browsing the Web
PROS: The Palm Centro I tested supports the EvDO 3G network from Verizon Wireless. (Versions of the Centro for the Sprint network support that carrier's EvDO service as well; the AT&T Wireless Centro only supports the slower EDGE network, however.) The included Blazer browser is simple to use, and pages rendered very quickly.
CONS: The Centro lacks support for Wi-Fi, so you'll have to rely on the availability of the EvDO network for speedy surfing.
Messaging
PROS: The Centro lets you choose how you'd like to handle your e-mail account: It comes with the VersaMail e-mail application installed, which supports most common types of e-mail accounts, and will sync with Microsoft Exchange servers. The Centro also includes a link to setup Verizon's Wireless Sync service, which will support three e-mail accounts. Setup is easy, and both VersaMail and Wireless Sync are a snap to use.
CONS: The Verizon Wireless Centro does not come with any instant messaging applications, though the AT&T and Sprint versions do come with several consumer IM services, like AOL's AIM, preinstalled.
Software
PROS: The Palm OS has die-hard fans--and for good reason: It's a breeze to use. The Centro's home menu is easy to access and easy to understand. You can navigate through the available options quickly and easily. The phone includes DataViz Documents To Go, which allows you to edit Microsoft Office documents. You'll also find plenty of available software applications for the Palm OS, so you can pick and choose additional applications to add to your smartphone.
CONS: The Palm OS looks and feels a bit dated--because it is. The operating system hasn't been overhauled in a long time. And while it's easy to use, it could stand to be freshened up.
Multimedia
PROS: The 1.3-megapixel camera captured some decent still photos and okay videos. The included PocketTunes Deluxe application plays back MP3s and some DRM-protected music (such as songs downloaded from Rhapsody). It also allows you to access Internet radio stations. Sound quality was surprisingly good. The Centro also comes pre-loaded with the Palm version of Google Maps.
CONS: Some of the pictures I captured with the camera were a bit grainy and dim. Verizon didn't include access to its V CAST services, so the Verizon Wireless Centro lacks some of the multimedia features you'll find on the versions of the phone for the Sprint and AT&T networks, too.
Verizon Wireless is offering the Palm Centro for $100, after rebate when signing a new two-year service agreement. This is a solid phone at a solid price--especially if you like the Palm operating system. It's easy to use, offers a mix of features for work and play, and it looks pretty good, too.
