Here's our first look at the Palm Centro smartphone.
The Palm Centro is currently scheduled for a mid-October release at $99.99 (after a 2-year contract with a $25 data plan). The first thing I immediately noticed was the size. As you'll see in the video first look, when comparing to the Treo 700, Moto Q, Moto Q 9h and iPhone, the small size of the Palm Centro really impresses. There is nothing new with regards to software, but Palm has done a great job with the software bundle on the Centro. Palm has included GoogleMaps, Docs To Go for Office documents, a full version of PocketTunes, an integrated IM application and Sodoku. This is virtually the same software bundle you'd find on the higher priced Treo 755p.
Overall, it's a nice device and a step in the right direction for Palm. Check back for a full review.
Leaked photos have appeared that suggest a GSM Palm Centro could be released on AT&T.
The photo has 'Treo' branding, but it's clearly an Onyx Black Centro. Further evidence is the screen which displays a My Centro application. In meeting with Palm at Digital Life last week, it appears the decision to move from the Treo brand to Centro was one that was debated until recently. The Palm Centro was alledgedly going to be released as a Treo 500p.
Release Date
Sprint Wireless has an exclusive on the Centro for three months, so expect to see the announcement from AT&T sometime early next year. No word yet on whether Verizon will carry the Centro. Verizon shares the same wireless technology (CDMA) as Sprint Wireless, so it wouldn't be surprising. Sprint and Verizon have had a history of releasing Palm smartphones in succession. Most recently was the release of the Treo 700p that occured on both carriers within the span of a month.
Designed for individuals and traditional mobile phone users looking for a better way to manage their professional and social lives, Palm, Inc. and Sprint today introduced the Palm Centro smart device, at $99.99.
With voice, text, IM, email, web, contact and calendar capabilities, a full-color touch screen and full keyboard, Centro brings Palm simplicity and organization to customers who want to stay connected with co-workers, friends and family. Centro will be exclusive through Sprint in the United States for 90 days and is available in onyx black or ruby red.
With Centro, Sprint customers can quickly and easily text co-workers and friends, manage email, keep track of their schedules, check stock quotes, watch videos on YouTube(TM), keep current on the latest news, capture and share pictures, browse restaurant reviews on Yelp(TM), and get directions on Google(TM) Maps--all in one small, compact phone.(2) Centro operates on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network -- the fastest and largest national mobile broadband network -- giving customers a fast and flexible experience with entertainment and resources on the go.
