 The Electric Blue Palm Centro's full QWERTY keyboard makes it easy to type text messages, IMs, and e-mails. |
AT&T Service
This phone operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"), with availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. This third-generation, high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.
The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. The AT&T Mobile Music platform includes the ability to sideload music with Napster and eMusic with the built-in Pocket Tunes Deluxe application, listen to live radio with XM Radio Mobile, discover new songs with MusicID and more. You can also access XM Radio Mobile, which provides 25 of the best XM Radio channels, featuring commercial-free rock, hip-hop, country, jazz and more (additional monthly fee; free three-day trial included).
With a database of more than 3 million artists and titles, you can use MusicID to identify an unknown song. While holding the Centro up to a speaker, the MusicID application returns song information such as title, artist and cover art, if available. It also keeps track of previous IDs and allows users to share song information with friends via text messages (additional monthly fee; free three-day trial included).
It's also MobiTV capable, which enables you to watch live television, premium and prime-time programming, video-on-demand clips and satellite and digital music services from the top broadcast and cable television networks and major music labels (additional monthly charges are applicable).
You can take advantage of the TeleNav GPS Navigator software, the full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps. It comes as a 30-day trial version, and it can be downloaded via the TeleNav web site or via virtual pre-load icon (VPL) after activation.
You can also instantly talk across the largest Push to Talk (PTT) network coverage area in America. Push to Talk works like a walkie-talkie to talk to an individual or a group of up to 29 users. With status icons that clearly indicate the availability of friends and family, Push to Talk customers will know who is free before they call. You can purchase unlimited Push to Talk minutes with with single or family plans, or use Push to Talk on a pay-per-use basis that's charged by the minute.
 Click to see even more details (black model shown above). |
Phone and Messaging Functions
The Palm Centro smartphones offers a ton of ways to stay in touch with friends, whether calling, firing off a quick text, instant messaging, or sending an e-mail. From a phone perspective, the Palm Centro lets you dial people right from your address book, set up three-way calls from the touch of a button, or use the speakerphone to talk hands-free. The keyboard, meanwhile, makes it a breeze to type complete messages whether you're sending text, pictures, or even audio or video clips. Plus, the Centro keeps all your messages in a chat-style view, so it's easy to keep track of the conversation.
Want to keep up with all the latest gossip when you're away from the computer? Turn to the Centro's instant messaging functions, which support all your buddy lists on AIM, MSN, and Yahoo. It also supports Good Mobile Messaging after an over-the-air (OTA) download of the software.. Similarly, the Centro lets you access your personal e-mail accounts, such as Gmail, AOL, and Yahoo. As a result, you can reply to invites and answer e-mails when you're out and about.
Web Functions
Whether you're keeping up with friends on Facebook or looking up directions to the new bistro across town, the Centro's touchscreen and keyboard make it fun to navigate around the web. The Centro includes a fast built-in web browser that lets you check out photos on Flickr quickly via AT&T's EDGE data network. The Centro is also compatible with Google Maps, making it simple to get directions or see which freeways are clear and which ones are parking lots. Google Maps shows you red, yellow, or green traffic routes in real time.
Organizer Functions
The Palm Centro includes a complete organizer for keeping track of all your daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities. The contacts list gathers all your friends' phone numbers, addresses, and more, while the calendar keeps you from missing upcoming meetings, events, and parties. You can even enter a friend's birthday in the contacts list and will automatically show up in your calendar. As with the best organizers, the Centro also offers a to-do list that lets you check off items when they're complete. As a result, it's easy to keep track of what you did and still need to do. And should you come across a tidbit that doesn't have a logical home, simply turn to the memo function, which lets you store random information such as hot spots in Vegas or the names of movies you'd like to rent. Say goodbye to carrying around crumpled scraps of paper in your pocket or purse. Finally, it's possible to save a copy of all those names, numbers, appointments, photos, and videos on your computer thanks to the sync function.
Multimedia
Whether you want to take pictures, play videos, or listen to music, the Palm Centro has got you covered. The 1.3-megapixel digital camera (with a 2x digital zoom) lets you shoot pictures and send them to friends, store digital albums, or shoot videos. The built-in MP3 player, meanwhile, lets you take your tunes everywhere you go. With 64 MB of storage, there's plenty of room for your playlists, plus you can add up to 4 GB more with a microSD card. And thanks to Pocket Tunes Deluxe, you can play the songs you downloaded from online music stores.
Vital Statistics
The Palm Centro weighs 4.2 ounces and measures 4.2 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches. Its 1150 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of talk time, and up to 240 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.
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Average Customer Review: based on 8 reviews
I can't believe I ever lived without it!
July 25, 2008
Reviewer: Monica Evans (Wilton, CA USA) -
I love my new Palm Centro! I have AT&T service and I live in the boonies! With that said, the reception quality is far better than with my old Motorolla Razor. This phone does almost everything that the iPhone does (although the internet connection is a little slower compared to the iPhone 3G) plus it is a fraction of the cost. This phone will play MP3s, has the palm calendar that will sync with ms outlook, connects with email, streams music, is very easy to use, plus much more. I am very happy with it and have already recommended it to several of my friends.
Excellent Smartphone on a Poor AT&T Network
March 14, 2009
Reviewer: SanjeevP "Bottom Line" (Michigan, USA) -
As of March 2009, I think Palm Centro is one of the best smartphones available. The style is simple, unadorned and functional a.k.a. Google style but not stylish, fun & glamorous like iPhone & Mac. Having used 3 Windows Mobile phones, iPhone, Balckberry Storm, Palm Treo 755p & Nokia E51, I think Centro is closest to the ideal smartphone but AT&T network does not hold water to Verizon Wirelss network in reliability.
1. Clear sound. Solid, reliable phone.
2. Reasonable size & weight (119 gms) and is pocketable and you have to carry phone with you all the time. But there is scope for improvement, it could be lighter and thinner. Ideal weight for a phone is less than 100 gms.
3. Top-notch contact, calendar and memos management.
4. Brisk, peppy response and rarely locks up or freezes.
5. A-one Microsoft office document functionality with Documents-to-Go.
6. Good QWERTY keyboard.
7. Fairly decent availability of applications.
8. Functions well as a tethered modem with cable and speed in 800-900 Kbs range on Verizon Wireless network.
10.Synchronizes calendar, contacts and memos with Macbook.
11.Good SMS function: threads messages.
But Centro is not without flaws: the default OK button is on Voicemail and dials Voicemail unintentionally. I have not been able to sync over Bluetooth or use Bluetooth modem. Web browser is fast for mobile sites but otherwise barely functional - Internet is available but browsing is not enjoyable like on iPhone. Instead of micro-USB or mini-USB, it uses proprietary cable which is hard to take out. Camera is bare minimum at 1.3 Megapixels and music function is basic with 2.5 mm audio jack. Font size is small and has to be individually adjusted in each application.
Here is my Gestalt on smartphones.
1. iPhone is the best MP3, video and multimedia player, has the best user interface and mobile browser experience but is abysmal as a phone in comparison to Verizon Centro. AT&T has poor network signal and coverage, the calls drop all the time and sound on iPhone is average.
2. Blackberry Storm has a gorgeous screen and excellent email device but has very buggy software and constantly freezes. Blackberries shine when it comes to email.
3. Windows Mobile phones are horrendous: packed with features that don't work and smartphone operating system is the most unreliable.
4. Symbian based Nokia phones are fairly decent smartphones but their availability on US cellular carriers is very limited. Verizon Wireless, the best network in US, has none.
In my experience Palm operating system is one of the most trusty and functional smartphone operating systems. Centro is supposedly the last in the Palm lineage phones. I would recommend it if you need a solid, trustworthy smartphone, but on Verizon, not on AT&T.
Very Satisfied With the Centro
December 5, 2008
Reviewer: M. H Furlong (Centerville, OH) -
For years I had a separate phone and Plam Pilot. What a mess. With the Cento, I have everything in one piece. I have used the Palm planner software for years and it's nice to have it with a phone. The buttons are a tad small for any finger, but it hasn't been a real problem. Also, the Voice Dialing works pretty well.
Amazing little phone
May 8, 2009
Reviewer: Julie Mcbride "Jules" (St. Louis, MO) -
I just received this phone yesterday and I couldn't be happier. It is a bit smaller than what I thought but it's really not that big of a deal. I love how I can sync it with my computer and put music on it. The speaker is really loud and sounds great. The chat-style messaging is something I am not familiar with but I already love it and wouldn't want it any other way. The touch screen is responsive and I find myself using it more than the d-pad itself. It is helpful to have all the various means of navigating about the phone. I am getting a data plan so I will be utilizing all of the email features and maps as well. I'm definitely looking forward to it. I just love it and think it was a great purchase for only 1c!! The blue color is great too and sparkles in the light. The camera seems to be decent and will get the job done for what I need it for. I have an actual digital camera so that isn't that big of a concern for me. I haven't really tested out the battery life yet but it seems to be fine for me too. Overall a great phone..should definitely consider buying it! The 3rd party apps are amazing too and most of them are free!!
Functions more as Palm pilot and less like a cell phone
December 30, 2009
Reviewer: Fish Cake (Turlock, CA USA) -
I had the Palm Centro for the past 10 months. I use ATT service.
Pros: Great as a palm pilot, put software and applications on it, responsive touch screen most of the time. Speaker is plenty loud.
CONS: POOR RECEPTION!!! my husband uses sony ericson w300i that holds more bars and better reception than my palm centro, example we are on the road to the mountains in the same car my palm centro has no bars and no service, but my husbands sony ericson has 3-5 bars.
FAULTY COMPUTER that causes the ringtone to be too quiet when it was set at the loudest setting. Palm Centro has to be reset to temporarily solve the faulty computer. Only way to reset the palm centro is to take the battery out and put it back in. Small keyboard I tend to press the wrong button sometimes.
I returned it....
September 29, 2008
Reviewer: Flossygirl (Florida) -
I had high hopes for this phone, since I am a devotee of the Palm OS, and the phone seemed like a sharp little thing.
My biggest problem was that the keys are so tiny,(I am a woman with normal size hands). I found myself constantly having to correct mistakes. The biggest frustration was no "back" key. I know it seems hard to believe but there is none. I even did a google check to see if I was just missing something. This is a big complaint from other users. I realize you shouldn't be keyboarding while driving, but I could always easily punch in my speed dial numbers with my old Katana...Not with the Cenro. Trying to speed dial without looking is impossible.
I returned the phone and got an LG Rumor, and am very happy. For phone calls and texts,it's excellent.
If you have high standards think twice b4 buying
September 23, 2008
Reviewer: I. Burshteyn "IB" (Brooklyn) -
Are you kidding right? This "phone" can't even wipe the crack of the I-phones behind (if it had one). This phone is well suited for a high school girl. Anyone expecting something comparable to HTC tilt or any 3G internet speed (not included on the phone that palm sells [I bought the unlocked GSM for an existing AT&T contract]) can look elsewhere. I made the mistake of buying this, the shortcomings are more then the strengths restrictive and expensive stereo blue tooth support (be prepared to spend min $100 for that functionality $20 software from Softick (audio gateway) and $80 Samsung sbh700) and the device is sensitive, a good bump will crack the digitizer (perhaps I was spoiled by mu old Nokia 6126 or Motorola mpx-200 both of which had taken unreasonable amounts of abuse with out any problems). My friends 800W has 3G and the internet just flies on his phone, I swapped sim cards with him, and my phone crawled. Not having any built in Wi-Fi support also puts this device a step behind the competition.
WOOHOO!!!!
October 23, 2008
Reviewer: G. KAFORSKI "looking 4 phone" (lollipop mountains,maybeland) -
I really want this phone for christmas. It looks so cool. My friend has the black one and I like it. Does anyone think I should get a different phone? All I want to do is text and call people. I like the little buttons so that's not a problem. Will it break if a drop it?