Now, connectivity is one area where the AT&T Centro disappoints, as it doesn't support 3G speeds, where the Sprint model is EV-DO capable. Alas, you will be left to surf the Web at EDGE speeds; granted, the Centro isn't meant for the demanding business user, but still, the 3G is sorely missed (see Performance for more). The smartphone also has integrated Bluetooth 1.2, for use with wireless headsets, hands-free kits, object exchange, and dial-up networking, but no A2DP love, so no stereo Bluetooth headset support.
The Centro runs Palm OS 5.4.9 and comes with 128MB ROM and 64MB RAM, while the microSD slot can accept up to 4GB cards. Of course, you get the standard personal information management tools, including a calendar, a to-do list, a memo pad, a calculator, a world clock, and a voice recorder. The Centro isn't just an electronic organizer, though, as the smartphone comes preloaded with Documents to Go 10, so you can open, create, and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents, and view PowerPoint presentations and PDFs. Sadly, the AT&T version doesn't include as many preloaded apps as the Sprint model, namely Google Maps for Mobile and a Sudoku game. There is a download link to TeleNav GPS Navigator (note: if you want real-time location tracking, you'll need to add a Bluetooth GPS receiver since the Centro does not have built-in GPS), and you can always get the other programs; check CNET Download.com for some suggestions.
You have several choices to access your corporate and personal e-mail accounts. There's the VersaMail e-mail app, which has built-in support for Microsoft's Direct Push Technology for real-time synchronization with Microsoft Exchange. VersaMail supports a wide range of POP and IMAP e-mail accounts, including AOL, Apple.Mac, Gmail, and Yahoo Plus. Alternatively, you can sign up for AT&T's Xpress Mail service. Popular instant messaging, including AIM, Yahoo, and Windows Live clients, are preinstalled on the device.
For entertainment, the Palm Centro comes with PocketTunes Deluxe Edition, allowing you to listen to MP3 and DRM-protected music files. There's support for the AT&T Music service, which includes streaming XM satellite radio, music videos, and MusicID for identifying song titles and artist. It's an extra luxury so check with AT&T for various pricing plans.
Finally, the Centro is equipped with a 1.3-megapixel camera with 2x zoom and video-recording capabilities. As far as camera phones go, the Centro (and Treos, for that matter) lacks any options for tweaking the white balance, resolution, and brightness, and there's no flash. Still, we were impressed with the picture quality as images had sharp definition and good color.
Performance
We tested the quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900; GPRS/EDGE) Palm Centro in San Francisco using AT&T service, and call quality was good. Despite a couple of instances of slight static, for the most part we enjoyed clear audio and plenty of volume, whether we were talking to friends or interacting with our bank's automated voice response system. On the other end, our friends said they couldn't tell we were using a cell phone and were impressed with the clarity. Unfortunately, speakerphone quality wasn't as pristine. There was a bit of hollowness, but we were still able to carry on conversations. Finally, we had no problems pairing the Centro with the Logitech Mobile Traveller Bluetooth headset.
General performance was good. We didn't experience any significant delays or system crashes during our review period. As mentioned earlier, one area where the AT&T Centro lagged behind the Sprint model was in Web browsing and data services. Downloading applications like MobiTV and XM Radio took a while, but what tried our patience more was trying to enjoy the streaming media. Web sites also took longer to fully load. As for multimedia performance, it was mediocre. Music playback was a bit weak and tinny through the phone's speakers, but sound improved with earbuds. Watching video isn't exactly pleasant. The picture was quite blurry and pixelated and audio can be warped at times, but you'll be fine watching it in short spurts.
The Palm Centro's 1,150mAH lithium-ion battery is rated for 3 hours of continuous talk time and up to 10 days of standby time. The Centro exceeded expectations in our battery drain tests, as it produced 5.5 hours of continuous talk time on a single charge. According to FCC radiation tests, the Palm Centro has a digital SAR rating of 0.74 watt per kilogram. battery drain tests,
What You'll Pay
- See All Prices
- Set Price Alert
- Price History
