Palm Centro (red, Sprint)

Pros: size, bling-factor, simple interface, fast EVDO on Sprint

Cons: Keyboard is THAT small, Palm Garnet OS is pretty dated, keys feel OK but a tad cheap

Summary: I've used the I-phone, RIM etc and WinMo...blah blah. BUT, this is about the CENTRO that I am using right now. I had high hopes for this phone as the Palm P755 on Sprint I've been using is a bit buggy and slow. The Centro's OS is better implemented and a little more tightly tied to the phone than recent Garnet Palm OS devices. What I mean is that the phone is a lot snappier and lively in switching applications and operating. That is a good improvement to be sure. While I want to love the phone, there is much to miss here, as the software still shows its age.
So, as I am using this phone now, here goes:

CASE: Slippery and small, it looks slick but will not hold up after a minor drop, IMO. It is the nicest design PALM has done, but it lacks the durability of many other smartphones. The Stylus is FLIMSY and the keys feel a bit like puffy stickers from when you were a kid.

SCREEN: It is small, but usable. It is the nicest screen I think a TREO has ever been graced with, but it lacks the luster of some other PDA phones. That being said, it is not bad for $ 99.00. It is comprable to newer Blackberry Displays.

Software/O.S.: This is where it gets a bit rough. The OS is simple to use and is good for a new smartphone user. While Palm has many third party software add-on's, the OS often crashes when such software is installed. The organizer is very good but the email and web software is difficult. The stringed or "IM style" text messaging is welcome and useful. The dialing application on this Palm is a bit of a pain. All and all, it is old and buggy, so it is not to die for.

BATTERY: This palm has the worst battery of any phone I've used. In the end, this might be the kiss of death for me with this device. If I can't get through a regular day without plugging it in, it isn't worth my time. I have only used the phone for a day or two, so I will give it another couple days to evaluate it's longevity.

SOUND/RECEPTION: it is decent in the reception department, as Sprint has good service where I live (Pittsburgh PA). The speaker is not too quiet or tinny and the earphone is not too bad. All and all, the sound is decent in a loud outdoor setting.

FINAL THOUGHT: If you want the size of the average "centro" of the wireless market with the useful features of the PALM OS, this is a great smartphone. However, the lack of battery life and the aging software need to be evaluated with open eyes...