By Matthew Miller
AT&T just released the Palm Centro GSM Palm OS device. The Sprint Palm Centro was released a few months ago and is quite popular. For US$99, the Palm Centro is a very capable smartphone that appeals to those looking for a good text messaging and communications device.
The back of the Palm Centro retail package shows some of the functionality of the device.
The first flap reveals Getting Started Guide and CD.
The package contains a USB cable, A/C adapter, the Palm Centro and battery, and Getting Started Guide/CD.
The Centro is securely mounted in plastic in the retail box.
The battery in the Palm Centro has a decent capacity rating and should last for a couple of days of use.
The battery, microSD, and AT&T SIM card slot are accessible under the back cover. The back cover is located below the camera module on the back.
The T-Mobile Dash is wider than the Centro and the Centro also has a touch screen 320×320 display.
The Palm Centro is a compact Palm OS smartphone that has a compact and usable QWERTY keyboard.
The keyboard has dark gray characters with green alternate characters. Green highlights accent the number keys and the function button.
The green numbers are very easy to identify on the keyboard.
The keyboard is bright and clear in complete darkness and even the alternate keys are easy to see and use.
There are three applications buttons, a Home button, send and end keys, and a sizable directional pad located above the keyboard and below the display.
The internal speaker is located at the center above the display and to the left of the AT&T logo. The small indicator light is also found in the upper left and it is nice to have such a small light that doesn’t take away from the experience.
The 1.3 megapixel camera takes decent photos and allows you to record video using the Palm software.
This photo was taken with the Palm Centro in my backyard.
My youngest daughter thinks she is a dog 🙂
Under the back cover you will find access to the microSD slot, can see the stylus in the silo, and access the 1150 mAh battery.
While the AT&T SIM card is labeled 3G, the device does not support 3G wireless data. The battery is mounted on top of the SIM card.
The device feels solid and is also quite compact in your hand. The smooth plastic may get a bit slick, but the device is small enough to be held securely.
The Centro runs Palm OS 5 and is very snappy in switching and running applications.
On the left side you will find the volume buttons and the side button, which is set to activate the Push To Talk functionality.
The 2.5mm headset jack, sync connector, power connector, microphone, and lanyard loop are found along the bottom of the Centro.
The IR port and microSD expansion card slot are found on the right side of the device. The microSD card slot can only be opened by removing the battery cover.
The ringer switch and top of the stylus appear along the top of the Palm Centro.
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