- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 72 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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12 out of 13 people found this review helpful
3.5 stars
"Very Good Smart Phone at a Very Good Price"
Pros: Only $99, Excellent Resolution, Compact Size
Cons: Palm Software, No WiFi,
Summary: For starters, I have to say the $99 price alone (includes $200 instant and $100 mail-in rebate) makes this the best smartphone purchase I could've made. I looked at the Blackberry Curve, and Treo 755p, which are impressive phones, but none can come close in terms of price. The curve has WiFi but has no touch screen, which is the exact opposite of the 755p. The 755p is larger and heavier than the Centro, and about 2-1/2 times the price, yet they both have the same processor and basic applications.
Okay, now to focus on the Centro. The Centro has the Palm operating system, which I prefer over Windows and Blackberry. The screen is very nice and has a very high resolution (320 x 320) compared to many other smartphones (240 x 240 and 320 x 240). I was able to install games and applications that I had on my computer from my Treo 650, which was nice. The screen is a little smaller, but it has not been an issue for me. I actually prefer the smaller form factor of this Centro. The CNET review stated that the phone was toylike -- the build is lighter and simpler than the prior Treo's, but I wouldn't say toylike. Also, and this is coming from someone with large hands, the keypad wasn't as bad as stated either. Granted, it's not as spacious as the other Treo's, but with the sticky feeling keys, my fingers almost always hit teir intended key without sliding into the others...I was truly surprised.
Okay, the disappointing part is the Palm software has not been updated. I was hoping for something more user-friendly, with a layout like a Windows or Mac first-rate application, not a clunky after-thought to the product. But,if you're used to the Palm software as I am, it's still usable and maybe they'll update it soon. Also, so WiFi. I find that the speeds provided by Sprint are pretty good, but for a smartphone to be truly smart....I'd say it would need WiFi.
My perspective in shopping for a smartphone was price first, so that being the case, I'm completely satisfied with what I've found in the Centro. Anything that is questionable for me about the phone is easily reconciled with the $99 price tag. Mind you, I don't even feel like I've settled for this phone due to price, but more like I just plain got lucky with finding the power of a 755p in a new compact size and truly great price.Updated
....quick update. The Battery door was a bit of pain to take off and put on. Actually putting it on was a beast, but after doing it a few times it's became a little easier. Indeed the door could be classified as toylike, but once it's on the phone, the phone feels solid. I'm still happy about the purchase and would recommend it, I just wanted to point this out.
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