I have in my hands a Centro!

[palmdoc]

For a while anyway, as an evaluation unit. Will write a review later but you guys can shoot questions.....

[x11y00]

For a while anyway, as an evaluation unit. Will write a review later but you guys can shoot questions.....

Is it a 3G phone?

[morituri]

Is it a 3G phone?

This one I can answer Unfortunately, EDGE only.

[x11y00]

EDGE only? When will they ever release a 3G PalmOS phone? I've been waiting ages for it...

Anyway, when is this GSM Centro likely to be available for sale?

[kmrdeva]

EDGE only? When will they ever release a 3G PalmOS phone? I've been waiting ages for it..

Be prepared to wait a bit longer, probably 2 more years when the new Palm OS (II) arrives.

[nomadmy]

Is this a GSM version? when will it be available in Malaysia?

[palmdoc]

Perhaps Launch date not certain yet but possibly 1st quarter 2008. Considering that the difference between Edge and 3G (not HSPDA) speeds is not that much (300 vs about 400+ kbps IIANM) I think for normal email, surfing it is OK.
Edge has far wider coverage anyway compared with 3G.
It works fine on Digi's network and for those of you thinking of the Digi RM66 data package that would make the Centro or Treo 680 a good modem for one's notebook. I am on Digi Prepaid, and in case you are interested, the *128# menu works on the Centro (and the 680) unlike the Treo 650. Like the Treos there was no need to configure any networks, just insert SIM card, turn on phone, fire up Web/Blazer and you are good to go.

[palmdoc]

First impressions, it's a nice compact and solid unit. Significantly smaller compared with the 680 and also significantly lighter.
I had problem putting in the Sim card until I was told one had to remove the stylus first, duhhhh. But I did not have the benefit of a manual.
The battery is a different model from the 650/680's in the sense that the contacts are positioned differently. It looks like a 1150 mAh battery in the evaluation unit. I have not had it long enough to test out the battery life yet but will stress it out with always on IM etc. and see. However the connectors and battery charger slots are the same. So you could charge it with the 680's charger.
The screen and the keyboard are noticeably smaller than the 680's but the screen is very sharp since it is 320x320 resolution and easy to read.
I find the keyboard tiny and there is no space between the keys unlike the 680. I could still type fairly easily on it though, The layout is the same as the 680 except for the hard buttons. Anyway you would have seen pix of the Centro in the earlier posts in MPC or elsewhere on the net since the US CDMA model by Sprint is already out.




The Centro is very snappy. The 680 in contrast was slightly laggy (compared with the 650) but somehow the lag is absent in the Centro. This is one very nippy Palm.
More later....

[drzalie]

Still an EDGE phone.
With Digi probably will releasing their 3G very soon, i am hoping for a Palm OS 3G Treo. Dissappointed.

[farique]

Hi Doc.. any indication of MYR Price?

hmm since the keyboard is not spaced out... issit raised? still good to type on like the 680?

would like to know if the Centro has battery issues like the 680?

[ronnie2u]

The keyboard feels rubbery and I consider this Centro not having the best keyboard.

[palmdoc]

The keypads are raised and even if they are not spaced out it is still fairly easy to type.

[morituri]

Treo 680 users should have no problems with the keyboard. It takes a day or so to adjust. Those used to the Treo 650, will take longer to get used to it.

Battery-wise, the Centro has even less capacity compared to the Treo 680 (1150mAh versus 1200mAh), but it should get you through the day.

[palmdoc]

Yes, so far the battery feels OK

[nomadmy]

If the GSM Centro is still in EDGE, then I don't see the point for Treo 680 users to upgrade/change to Centro. Any comments?