My Palm Pre review... - The Orange Mane

Taco John · 06-14-2009, 02:17 AM

A month ago, I took my trusty Palm Treo on a backpacking trip with me, like I've done a dozen times before. As I was pumping water out of the river and jamming to Eminem's new album, I suddenly lost my grip on my pump and in a desperate attempt to recapture it, I lost track of my phone and dropped it in the drink. After a quick fish out, I shook it out and removed the battery. Miraculously, after a day of cell phone traction under my desk lamp, I put the battery in the unit and it sprang back to life. Everything worked on the phone - except for the actual phone part. The thing would no longer pick up a signal with any reliability. Now it sits on my desk - a relic in a museum.

So I called Sprint and found out that I had an upgrade credit. One thing led to another, and I'm walking away from a Sprint store with the Palm Pre. I've had it not quite a week now, and I have to say that this thing is truly an impressive feat of engineering.

I'm going to go ahead and call it without bothering to even so much as use an iPod. The gesture bar is the knockout punch. WebOS is the absolute bomb. I never want to live without a gesture pad again. Everything else seems like an Etch-a-Sketch to me now. I am ascending into mobile nirvana. The iPod is cool, no doubt. I saw it last night, and was impressed. But the thing was looks like a lunk to pack around in comparison. This thing is a true palm, and it's OS is absolutely changing the game. This thing is revolutionizing mobile computers in a similar way that the Wii revolutionized gaming. And that's what this thing feels like: a mobile computer. This thing is not just a phone - it's an information center.

This phone actually makes you feel powerful when you use it.

That's not to say the phone is perfect. Far from it. I hate the music player, but am confident that someone will develop a good one for it (there's certainly an open market there). But this thing is an empowerment vehicle. The more I use this phone, the more I think that we're going to start hearing the words "mobile economy" with increased frequency.

If you like to watch movies on your phone, this probably isn't the phone for you. It doesn't do that well. It does it, but that's not even close to where it excels. The OS is where the Pre excels. You've never had information at your fingertips like this before. Just the act of closing a program feels powerful on the Pre, as you flick your finger... "Eh... don't want it anymore." A useless email you've just consumed *flick* "Get out of my face." Switching to a new application *flick* *flick* *flick* Remember the empowered feeling of tabbed browsing? The empowerment factor here feels similar.

I can't wait to see what people do with this platform. But that's where I come to the downside - this thing is an absolute infant. There are things that they got wrong in the software that they're still working on. For my part, I've experienced some annoyance with how some of the apps that come with the phone operate. I mentioned the music player earlier. I think it's juevenile. The phone itself is a masterpiece in function and form in harmony. The music player has decided to emphasize form over the function. It looks pretty, but it's not anywhere as powerful as Pocket Tunes. You can't just close the app and resume where you left off - you have to start at the beginning of the pick list. If you search by genre, you get the entire list by genre, rather than given a list of artists within that genre to select from. Skipping around in the middle of tracks doesn't even seem like an option. I'm hoping someone (Pocket Tunes) takes advantage of this currently wide open market. I'm taking the next train off of this app.

Battery life is a concern, but this problem doesn't come without a revolutionary solution. I haven't gotten it yet, but I believe owning the touchstone will solve much of the battery life issue. Being able to recharge my phone just by sitting it on the desk - that's going to be cool. And if I can get one for the car too, the battery life concern virtually evaporates. I'll eventually grab a spare for that rare instance when I might need it.

Bottom line: This thing is the real deal, but it doesn't come without its caveats. The apps aren't here yet, but the platform most definitely is. I'm sold on the platform. Long live WebOS!

Popps · 06-14-2009, 02:21 AM

I liked my Palm devices. Nice to see them sticking around. I'm probably an iPhone lifer, at this point... but you never know.

These advances just create more competition and make all phones better.

Taco John · 06-14-2009, 02:35 AM

I checked out my buddy's iPhone last night. It looked pretty cool, but the deal breaker for me is the tactile keyboard. I need those little chicklets - the tactile feel of buttons for a keyboard. That's what brought me to the game - WebOS and the gesture pad are what's keeping me here. I'm curious to see how Apple responds to it.

titan · 06-14-2009, 06:11 AM

Good review. My Sprint Treo contract runs out soon and I considered the Pre, but decided to order a new IPhone 3GS instead. The number of apps for the iphone was the deciding factor for me, plus AT&T is better internationally than Sprint (I travel alot). I will miss the tactile keyboard from the Treo, though.

theAPAOps5 · 06-14-2009, 06:21 AM

I had treo's for the longest time a good PDA phone but I have since gone to a regular old cell phone. Thx for the review!

Rohirrim · 06-14-2009, 06:38 AM

I can't imagine giving up my IPhone. I downloaded my entire music library onto the thing and took it just past the half way point. Plus the apps? This thing blows my mind every time I mess with it. On June 17th, I get the compass update, which will turn my phone into a gps compass.

theAPAOps5 · 06-14-2009, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rohirrim

I can't imagine giving up my IPhone. I downloaded my entire music library onto the thing and took it just past the half way point. Plus the apps? This thing blows my mind every time I mess with it. On June 17th, I get the compass update, which will turn my phone into a gps compass.

I would buy an Iphone tomorrow if they didn't force you to go with one carrier. Maybe when my contract is up I will switch.

HILife · 06-14-2009, 07:06 AM

I'm still waiting for the iPhone for Verizon. I was playing with it at the Apple store the other day and love everything about it except it doesn't have a keyboard. I text a good amount and it's better to have a FULL keyboard rather then touch screen. My Voyager has a full keyboard and I love it.

If the iphone never comes out for Verizon (please Jobs, please bring it to Verizon) then I will get the Palm Pre, which I believe is suppose to be released in 6 months to a year, and it has a keyboard.

Bronx33 · 06-14-2009, 07:35 AM

Taco: I going to guess the phone was commiting suicide cause it was forced to play M&M

BroncoBuff · 06-14-2009, 07:42 AM

I'm boring. I have the same black Razor I had in LA five years ago ... same number, too.

Broncoman13 · 06-14-2009, 07:46 AM

I don't care for the touch screen keyboards. I prefer my old Blackberry for emailing and texting. I'll have to check out the Palm Pre.

Wes Mantooth · 06-14-2009, 08:24 AM

I have been waiting for this phone to come out and now have the credit available. As soon as I get my house purchase out of the way, the phone will be in my pocket.

I have been running the centro fro awhile ago. Best phone I have had. Can't wait for the upgrade!

atomicbloke · 06-14-2009, 09:03 AM

The new revolution on mobile platforms is going to be the Android OS from Google. Since it is open source and adheres to the Open Handset Alliance.

The T-Mobile G2 (HTC Magic) is going to one heck of a phone. Google should have eliminated the glitches from the first gen G1. The degree of customization available on the Google phones are mind boggling. And if you have the inkling, you can develop applications for your own phone, since its open source.

Punisher · 06-14-2009, 09:11 AM

So you think your better than me because you got a Palm Pre and I only got a House Phone.

****ing Prima donna's

Jason in LA · 06-14-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

I checked out my buddy's iPhone last night. It looked pretty cool, but the deal breaker for me is the tactile keyboard. I need those little chicklets - the tactile feel of buttons for a keyboard. That's what brought me to the game - WebOS and the gesture pad are what's keeping me here. I'm curious to see how Apple responds to it.

That's the exact reason why I never got an iPhone and why I've been waiting for the Pre. I have a Treo, which I love. I love the buttons. I've tried the keyboard on the iPhone, and I have an iPod Touch (which is awesome). People say that you get used to the touch screen keypad. But the way I see it, when ever somebody says you'll get used to something it probably sucks to begin with. I never had to get used to the Treo buttons. And I always thought that if there was a phone for Sprint that was like the iPhone, but had actual buttons, I'd get it. So I'll be picking up the Pre pretty soon.

Jason in LA · 06-14-2009, 09:42 AM

A thing about the battery life. So it looks like the phone doesn't allow you to change the battery. That's one thing that I love about my Treo. I have a spare battery. So if my battery is low and I don't have time to charge it I just pop in the spare. I never have to worry about not having enough power for my phone.

want2bAbronco2 · 06-14-2009, 10:13 AM

How long does it usually take for ver 2.0 to come out? iphone part 2 was like 8months wasnt it? Wife and I have a contract till Feb 2010. There were a few things I wanted the Pre to change and was hoping for ver. 2.0.

Taco John · 06-14-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason in LA

A thing about the battery life. So it looks like the phone doesn't allow you to change the battery. That's one thing that I love about my Treo. I have a spare battery. So if my battery is low and I don't have time to charge it I just pop in the spare. I never have to worry about not having enough power for my phone.

You can change the battery in the Pre. This was another iPhone deal breaker for me.

crush17 · 06-15-2009, 09:31 AM

Thanks for posting this Taco. I work for Sprint so its good to hear the positivity about the Pre!

If anyone here has Sprint and they have questions/issues, feel free to PM me and I'll be glad to help however I can!

sutoazul · 06-15-2009, 10:10 AM

I get the issues that people have with the on-screen keyboard, it did take sometime for me to get use to it. However is something that I'm willing to live with for now just because all the apps and the functionability of the Iphone.

Jason in LA · 06-15-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sutoazul

I get the issues that people have with the on-screen keyboard, it did take sometime for me to get use to it. However is something that I'm willing to live with for now just because all the apps and the functionability of the Iphone.

I text message a lot, and at times I have been in long text message conversations. Having a key board with buttons is really important to me. Kind of a deal breaker if it doesn't.

Jason in LA · 06-15-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

You can change the battery in the Pre. This was another iPhone deal breaker for me.

The Pre just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait to get mine.

HAT · 06-15-2009, 01:44 PM

I've been a loyal Treo user since the clamshell 300...Had to switch from Sprint to Verizon for work last year and figured I try the BB Storm. Ended up returning it within 30 days and have been using a Centro ever since.

Wish I could go back to Sprint & get a Pre now but will just have to wait until early 2010 when it comes to VZ. Probably best anyway since I still love my Treo and the previous Palm OS and by 2010 most of the bugs should be worked out AND there will be way more Apps available for Pre.

Master___Pain · 06-15-2009, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the review Taco. I'm with sprint right now, although not under contract. I've been waiting to see how this phone is received and how they fix what I perceive as pretty major gaffs in the music player and the apps. What you've said about the OS I've heard more than a few times and that's encouraging. It was interesting how Apple/At&t stole the Pre's thunder by announcing the new 16g and 32g models just days after the Pre came out.

I'm looking hard at both the Iphone and the Pre right now. Sprint pricing is another thing that may have me stick with them, as they are about 20-20% less than the equivalent plan on At&t.

My Treo 700wx has been a great phone these last two plus years, but the Pre has me very intrigued. It'd be my 3rd consecutive Palm.

BroncoDoug · 06-15-2009, 04:06 PM

I want this phone!!! someone get one for me please!?

06-14-2009, 02:17 AM	#1
Taco John 24/7 Broncos In Elway I Trust Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 49,697 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	My Palm Pre review... A month ago, I took my trusty Palm Treo on a backpacking trip with me, like I've done a dozen times before. As I was pumping water out of the river and jamming to Eminem's new album, I suddenly lost my grip on my pump and in a desperate attempt to recapture it, I lost track of my phone and dropped it in the drink. After a quick fish out, I shook it out and removed the battery. Miraculously, after a day of cell phone traction under my desk lamp, I put the battery in the unit and it sprang back to life. Everything worked on the phone - except for the actual phone part. The thing would no longer pick up a signal with any reliability. Now it sits on my desk - a relic in a museum. So I called Sprint and found out that I had an upgrade credit. One thing led to another, and I'm walking away from a Sprint store with the Palm Pre. I've had it not quite a week now, and I have to say that this thing is truly an impressive feat of engineering. I'm going to go ahead and call it without bothering to even so much as use an iPod. The gesture bar is the knockout punch. WebOS is the absolute bomb. I never want to live without a gesture pad again. Everything else seems like an Etch-a-Sketch to me now. I am ascending into mobile nirvana. The iPod is cool, no doubt. I saw it last night, and was impressed. But the thing was looks like a lunk to pack around in comparison. This thing is a true palm, and it's OS is absolutely changing the game. This thing is revolutionizing mobile computers in a similar way that the Wii revolutionized gaming. And that's what this thing feels like: a mobile computer. This thing is not just a phone - it's an information center. This phone actually makes you feel powerful when you use it. That's not to say the phone is perfect. Far from it. I hate the music player, but am confident that someone will develop a good one for it (there's certainly an open market there). But this thing is an empowerment vehicle. The more I use this phone, the more I think that we're going to start hearing the words "mobile economy" with increased frequency. If you like to watch movies on your phone, this probably isn't the phone for you. It doesn't do that well. It does it, but that's not even close to where it excels. The OS is where the Pre excels. You've never had information at your fingertips like this before. Just the act of closing a program feels powerful on the Pre, as you flick your finger... "Eh... don't want it anymore." A useless email you've just consumed flick "Get out of my face." Switching to a new application flick flick flick Remember the empowered feeling of tabbed browsing? The empowerment factor here feels similar. I can't wait to see what people do with this platform. But that's where I come to the downside - this thing is an absolute infant. There are things that they got wrong in the software that they're still working on. For my part, I've experienced some annoyance with how some of the apps that come with the phone operate. I mentioned the music player earlier. I think it's juevenile. The phone itself is a masterpiece in function and form in harmony. The music player has decided to emphasize form over the function. It looks pretty, but it's not anywhere as powerful as Pocket Tunes. You can't just close the app and resume where you left off - you have to start at the beginning of the pick list. If you search by genre, you get the entire list by genre, rather than given a list of artists within that genre to select from. Skipping around in the middle of tracks doesn't even seem like an option. I'm hoping someone (Pocket Tunes) takes advantage of this currently wide open market. I'm taking the next train off of this app. Battery life is a concern, but this problem doesn't come without a revolutionary solution. I haven't gotten it yet, but I believe owning the touchstone will solve much of the battery life issue. Being able to recharge my phone just by sitting it on the desk - that's going to be cool. And if I can get one for the car too, the battery life concern virtually evaporates. I'll eventually grab a spare for that rare instance when I might need it. Bottom line: This thing is the real deal, but it doesn't come without its caveats. The apps aren't here yet, but the platform most definitely is. I'm sold on the platform. Long live WebOS!

06-14-2009, 07:06 AM	#8
HILife Ring of Famer Mrs. Alicia Hilife Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: DC - NOVA - DMV - VA - Take your pick Posts: 3,431	I'm still waiting for the iPhone for Verizon. I was playing with it at the Apple store the other day and love everything about it except it doesn't have a keyboard. I text a good amount and it's better to have a FULL keyboard rather then touch screen. My Voyager has a full keyboard and I love it. If the iphone never comes out for Verizon (please Jobs, please bring it to Verizon) then I will get the Palm Pre, which I believe is suppose to be released in 6 months to a year, and it has a keyboard. Last edited by HILife; 06-14-2009 at 07:11 AM..

06-14-2009, 09:11 AM	#14
Punisher ® You Tell The NFL! We're coming for That Belt! WOOOOO® Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Broncos Video Vault Posts: 6,628 Adopt-a-Bronco: i4jelway7	So you think your better than me because you got a Palm Pre and I only got a House Phone. ***ing Prima donna's Last edited by Punisher; 06-14-2009 at 10:37 AM.. Reason: Because I'm a big dumbass*

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06-14-2009, 02:21 AM	#2
Popps TEAM FIRST. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 29,785	I liked my Palm devices. Nice to see them sticking around. I'm probably an iPhone lifer, at this point... but you never know. These advances just create more competition and make all phones better.

06-14-2009, 02:35 AM	#3
Taco John 24/7 Broncos In Elway I Trust Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 49,697 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	I checked out my buddy's iPhone last night. It looked pretty cool, but the deal breaker for me is the tactile keyboard. I need those little chicklets - the tactile feel of buttons for a keyboard. That's what brought me to the game - WebOS and the gesture pad are what's keeping me here. I'm curious to see how Apple responds to it.

06-14-2009, 06:11 AM	#4
titan Perennial Pro-bowler Fan of Old School Football Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 963 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Good review. My Sprint Treo contract runs out soon and I considered the Pre, but decided to order a new IPhone 3GS instead. The number of apps for the iphone was the deciding factor for me, plus AT&T is better internationally than Sprint (I travel alot). I will miss the tactile keyboard from the Treo, though.

06-14-2009, 06:21 AM	#5
theAPAOps5 A new beginning! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 26,057 Adopt-a-Bronco: Watermock - RIP	I had treo's for the longest time a good PDA phone but I have since gone to a regular old cell phone. Thx for the review!

06-14-2009, 06:38 AM	#6
Rohirrim Partisan Human Cannonball Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Twixt Hell & Highwater Posts: 48,791	I can't imagine giving up my IPhone. I downloaded my entire music library onto the thing and took it just past the half way point. Plus the apps? This thing blows my mind every time I mess with it. On June 17th, I get the compass update, which will turn my phone into a gps compass.

06-14-2009, 07:35 AM	#9
Bronx33 lets go partner Rumpson Rocks Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lakewood,Colo Posts: 41,221 Adopt-a-Bronco: Woodyard	Taco: I going to guess the phone was commiting suicide cause it was forced to play M&M

06-14-2009, 07:42 AM	#10
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,432 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	I'm boring. I have the same black Razor I had in LA five years ago ... same number, too.

06-14-2009, 07:46 AM	#11
Broncoman13 Broncoholic JT #80 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 16,961 Adopt-a-Bronco: Orange Julius	I don't care for the touch screen keyboards. I prefer my old Blackberry for emailing and texting. I'll have to check out the Palm Pre.

06-14-2009, 08:24 AM	#12
Wes Mantooth Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,443	I have been waiting for this phone to come out and now have the credit available. As soon as I get my house purchase out of the way, the phone will be in my pocket. I have been running the centro fro awhile ago. Best phone I have had. Can't wait for the upgrade!

06-14-2009, 09:03 AM	#13
atomicbloke Ring of Famer La 12 Boca Juniors Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 2,347 Adopt-a-Bronco: Offensive Line	The new revolution on mobile platforms is going to be the Android OS from Google. Since it is open source and adheres to the Open Handset Alliance. The T-Mobile G2 (HTC Magic) is going to one heck of a phone. Google should have eliminated the glitches from the first gen G1. The degree of customization available on the Google phones are mind boggling. And if you have the inkling, you can develop applications for your own phone, since its open source.

06-14-2009, 09:42 AM	#16
Jason in LA Gimmie that rep fool! Speaking of Butts & Boob Mojo Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: LA Posts: 12,252	A thing about the battery life. So it looks like the phone doesn't allow you to change the battery. That's one thing that I love about my Treo. I have a spare battery. So if my battery is low and I don't have time to charge it I just pop in the spare. I never have to worry about not having enough power for my phone.

06-14-2009, 10:13 AM	#17
want2bAbronco2 Pro Bowler Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 618	How long does it usually take for ver 2.0 to come out? iphone part 2 was like 8months wasnt it? Wife and I have a contract till Feb 2010. There were a few things I wanted the Pre to change and was hoping for ver. 2.0.

06-15-2009, 09:31 AM	#19
crush17 orange & blue Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 2,654 Adopt-a-Bronco: DT88	Thanks for posting this Taco. I work for Sprint so its good to hear the positivity about the Pre! If anyone here has Sprint and they have questions/issues, feel free to PM me and I'll be glad to help however I can!

06-15-2009, 10:10 AM	#20
sutoazul Independently Owned Go Broncos!! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,512 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	I get the issues that people have with the on-screen keyboard, it did take sometime for me to get use to it. However is something that I'm willing to live with for now just because all the apps and the functionability of the Iphone.

06-15-2009, 01:44 PM	#23
HAT I think, therefore I ham. Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,718 Adopt-a-Bronco: Adam Weber	I've been a loyal Treo user since the clamshell 300...Had to switch from Sprint to Verizon for work last year and figured I try the BB Storm. Ended up returning it within 30 days and have been using a Centro ever since. Wish I could go back to Sprint & get a Pre now but will just have to wait until early 2010 when it comes to VZ. Probably best anyway since I still love my Treo and the previous Palm OS and by 2010 most of the bugs should be worked out AND there will be way more Apps available for Pre.

06-15-2009, 03:52 PM	#24
Master___Pain Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The Springs Posts: 4,605 Adopt-a-Bronco: Rock Hoover	Thanks for the review Taco. I'm with sprint right now, although not under contract. I've been waiting to see how this phone is received and how they fix what I perceive as pretty major gaffs in the music player and the apps. What you've said about the OS I've heard more than a few times and that's encouraging. It was interesting how Apple/At&t stole the Pre's thunder by announcing the new 16g and 32g models just days after the Pre came out. I'm looking hard at both the Iphone and the Pre right now. Sprint pricing is another thing that may have me stick with them, as they are about 20-20% less than the equivalent plan on At&t. My Treo 700wx has been a great phone these last two plus years, but the Pre has me very intrigued. It'd be my 3rd consecutive Palm.

06-15-2009, 04:06 PM	#25
BroncoDoug Ring of Famer R.I.P. D-Will and D-Nash Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Moline, IL Posts: 2,767 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	I want this phone!!! someone get one for me please!?