Palm Centro Smartphone Available and Reviewed

One product that turned heads at DigitalLife a few weeks ago was Palm’s $99 Smartphone. According to the official company blog, it is now available, but only for Sprint’s EvDO network. It appears that $99 is the result of rebates, hopefully none of which require an envelope and a stamp.

Initial reviews seem positive, with Pogue noting that the phone is “loaded, loaded, loaded” all while being “the least expensive smartphone in history.” After watching his video review, you will agree that it does pack a punch. I’m impressed by it’s voice recognition, but $7 a month is asking a wee bit too much.

Touch screen? Check; there’s a flimsy plastic stylus tucked in the back, and your finger works well, too. Camera? Check; the Centro takes very good 1.3 megapixel stills and videos. Memory-card expansion? Check; up to four gigabytes. Removable battery? Check: 3.5 hours of talk time. Ringer on/off switch? Affirmative; no frantically hunting through menus as the concert hall lights dim.

Source: New York Times