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| Palm Centro (Unlocked) |
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_it00.jpg) The audience for an unlocked phone is a special bunch, and we wouldn't recommend this phone as an alternative to a carrier-sponsored version if you don't mind signing a new contract. But if you need the unlocked option, the Palm Centro still makes for an appealing, small smartphone. Everything on the inside screams 2006, but the Palm OS worked pretty well then, and it still works well now. It isn't getting any prettier, and the Web browser is practically ancient by today's standards, but for calling and e-mail, the phone is solid. We recommend trying it before you buy, because the small keyboard might stymie even medium-sized fingers, but if the size fits, go right ahead. Release: June 2008. Price: $300.
Pros: Improved calling interface. Unlocked Centro means T-Mobile users might have a shot. Same small design we liked.
Cons: Same small keyboard, same old interface. Apps like the Blazer browser and Pocket Tunes music player starting to show their age.
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59%
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| Palm Centro (Verizon Wireless) |
| Full review » Video » Scoreboard » Specs » Gallery » |
_it00.jpg) When the Palm Centro was new to the Palm line, it made complete sense as an inexpensive, compact version of the Palm Treo. A year later, the phone lags behind the competition in both hardware and interface design. For scheduling and productivity, the phone is a real powerhouse, but those features are likely not what Centro users are attracted to as much as Web browsing, multimedia and messaging, and the phone falls behind in all of these. Not to mention the calling features aren't as easy on the eyes as the AT&T version of the same device. The Centro is still the best Palm OS device on the market, though it barely beats Verizon Wireless' own LG enV2 consumer QWERTY phone. And then, Palm, it's time to come up with a Palm Centro 2. Release: June 2008. Price: $170.
Pros: Tiny size. Full Palm OS for complete smartphone experience. Fast networking.
Cons: Interface and apps are getting very, very old. E-mail is behind the times. No IM clients pre-loaded. Lacks many multimedia features. No GPS or Wi-Fi.
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61%
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| Palm Centro (AT&T) |
| Full review » Video » Scoreboard » Specs » Gallery » |
_it00.jpg) There is no question that most Palm fans will prefer the Centro over the Treo, and unless you have real difficulty with smaller keys, we would unquestionably recommend the newer Centro over its older cousin. The real question is whether the EDGE-only Centro on AT&T tops the EV-DO device on Sprint. For most apps, the slower speeds are unnoticeable. The Web browser isn't so great that you'll miss the faster networking, and messaging works just as quickly on either device. If you want this phone for tethered modem support, you'll have to go with Sprint, but if you just want a reliable, QWERTY phone that does e-mail and is easy to use, the AT&T Centro has some nice tweaks to the interface that make basic calling features easier. It's a tough call, and though we hate to say it, it might come down to which color (or carrier, of course) you prefer. Then in a month, AT&T will release the phone in black, and the was begins anew. Release: February 2008. Price: $150.
Pros: Cuter, smaller design packs all the power of a full-size Palm. Touchscreen still a rarity on consumer smartphones.
Cons: Slow EDGE networking. Interface looking dated, except where recently improved. Tiny keys tough for typing.
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62%
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| Palm Centro |
| Full review » Video » Scoreboard » Specs » Gallery » |
 The Palm Centro is the right device for Palm right now. It's a happy little Palm device, priced very competitively, that will bring a new audience to business smartphones and perhaps even reinvigorate the brand just a bit. The phone offers enough features for the price to foster good will, perhaps as long as half way until the next Palm OS update is due. Then, we'll swear we'll start to get tired of the Palm OS. We'll need something new, and this time, there isn't an antenna to cut off. Until then, anyone in the market for a Treo should seriously consider the Centro. If your fingers can handle the smaller keys, it's definitely the one to choose. Release: October 2007. Price: $180.
Pros: Great value. Small size. Screen maintains high resolution of Palm Treo. Runs full Palm OS, can use many existing Palm OS program. Fast networking on Sprint's EV-DO
Cons: Tiny keys. Small screen. Aging Palm OS in dire need of cosmetic update. Scheduling app could use an update. Lacks features and apps of a multimedia smartphone.
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61%
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| Palm Treo 755p |
| Full review » Video » Scoreboard » Specs » Gallery » |
 I wouldn’t recommend Palm Treo 700p owners drop their devices and run out to buy this phone, unless you have that kind of budget, but I would highly recommend this phone to anyone who has considered buying a Palm OS phone. An underrated OS that remains simple and straightforwared, Palm didn't have to improve much to stay ahead of Windows Mobile, as WM6 is still playing catch-up to many features the Palm has had for months. Still, heavy competition looms, and we wonder if the lack of media features and GPS will keep this phone from being a contender. With fast networking and superior messaging, Palm has a lot to offer. Since we already own a Treo, though, we're more interested to see what they come up with next. Release: May 2007. Price: $300.
Pros: Excellent call quality. Slick update to the Treo look. Easy-to-use Palm interface. Quick networking speeds. Best-in-class messaging options and handling.
Cons: Still have to pay extra for features that should be included, like voice commands and WMA playback. Palm interface showing its age. No GPS.
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56%
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