Mini-Review on the Palm Pre

Overall: Enjoyable device. It's got some cool, innovative new ways to interact with a mobile device, but it lacks the maturity of a platform like iPhone or Android that has thousands of apps. Pros:
  • Multi-tasking works fantastic! Fun and easy to switch between/close apps.
  • AIM/Gtalk integration is great - it always keeps me signed in; I've never had to manually re-sign in.
  • Device speed is pretty snappy. I'd say comparable to the same speed you'd see on the iPhone 3G.
  • Camera works well - decent quality.
  • Battery life will get you through the day, as long as you don't add more than 5 email addresses.
  • There is an emulator (not free) that will run Palm OS applications - pretty cool to be able to run all those old Palm games!
  • Google Maps is fantastic! Plus, when on the 3G network, you can get traffic or directions in the blink of an eye.
  • GPS is extremely accurate. There is a Twitter app that allows you to easily add your location in your status update by translating your location into a tinyurl. If you're into Twitter, it's a handy feature.
Cons:
  • Can't change sms or email ringtone. It's the same sound and is not user changeable at this point.
  • The keyboard, while usable, is still small and buttons are slightly hard to press. Try one out to see if you can handle it before buying one.
  • The touchstone charger (option accessory) is buggy - doesn't always charge the device when placed on it. It's pretty finicky.
  • The speaker flat out sucks.
  • No video recording.
  • Photos section is hella slow. It's like it rescans for new photos every time it opens and takes a good 5-10 seconds.
  • The Sprint network, while not terrible, is not the greatest. I found myself losing reception inside Macy's in Irvine and even at my house, where I can maintain connections with Verizon and AT&T.
Despite all the downsides, I really like the phone, but even so, I'm switching over to the new iPhone because the breadth of the app store. If you don't care about apps, by all means, this might be your device. I really do like it, and I might visit it again in a year or two when the platform has matured and it can better compete with the iPhone's app collection. P.S. I am still waiting for the perfect phone.