After spending a couple months reviewing various "smartphone" options and plans with AT&T (our current wireless provider), I had just about decided to not make any move. However, this past weekend my current cellphone "smartcard" decides to die. Not knowing exactly what the problem was, I take this as a sign that it's time to make a move. So, off to the AT&T store to talk about various options. After some more serious consideration and review, I opt for upgrading both mine and my wife's cell phones to the Palm Centro.
Why the Palm Centro instead of an iPhone? Well, the biggest reason has to do with the fact that both me and my wife have been using Palm PDA devices for the past few years. So, we were both familiar with the Palm operating system, and it's features. Combining that function with the cellphone, means we are able to consolidate two devices into one (that's a good thing). After mail-in rebates, the Centro price was $69 each. Not so bad for our first "smartphone" experience. The Palm Centro features "bluetooth" capability that supports data transfer (which isn't on the iPhone), photo and video function (iPhone doesn't support video - yet), full QWERTY keyboard (although pretty small), and internet browsing capability (via Palm's "blazer" browser). There are some other minor functions. I am able to add up to 4GB in additional memory via MicroSD card. The unit does not have Wi-Fi like the iPhone, but I'm not looking for this to be my primary internet access device. Although I can appreciate many of the functions of the iPhone, the bottom line was that the Palm device fit my needs more appropriately. There is also the idea that this is our first move into "SmartPhone", so we already have more features than we know what to do with.
As with most any plan from AT&T, the extra data piece (unlimited use) is an extra $30 a month per phone. This is not the most economical option out there, but does fit conveniently with our existing "family" plan. This DOES NOT include "texting", however there is various "instant message" options available on the Centro and that works as "data use". So, that fills that need, if we decide to use it.
The one issue that I'm seeing is with most "smartphone" options is that battery life is greatly reduced when using the "advanced" functions. Things like activating the "bluetooth" functions, activating the "instant message" accounts, or any other option that keeps the phone "awake", all is a drain on the battery. If you are able to keep these features turned "off", you will see the Centro go into "standby" mode and that doesn't eat up nearly as much battery. I had read that the Centro had about half the battery life as an iPhone, so I'm not entirely caught off guard with this. On the plus side, the Centro has an easily replaced battery, while the iPhone requires you to send it back to the factory for battery replacement. While this may not be an immediate concern to the common consumer, it is something that should be given consideration.
Overall, I'd say the Palm Centro on the AT&T network is the best "value" for the consumer looking to move into the "smartphone" arena. It's certainly not as "cool" as the iPhone, but does have some key features not supported in iPhone. Neither is perfect, so review your needs and go with what best fits your lifestyle.
No comments:
Post a Comment