AfterTek

Cell phones are much like computers in that there’s something new and improved just about every day. The Palm Treo was the newest and best in cell phones PDA’s, but now the new Palm OS Centro has taken its place. Yet, even though this is the newest in the smart phone industry, is it great? More features offer more opportunities for problems…

The Centro is significantly smaller and lighter than its Treo kinfolk, and its smooth plastic case feels comfortable in the hand. The looks of it are surprising seeing as how it is made of cheaper stuff than the Treo, which could be its downfall.

The removable battery cover is a bit fragile and somewhat difficult to remove and replace. As you struggle to snap it into place, you worry that the cover might break. Similarly, the skinny black plastic stylus feels as though it might snap in two if you looked at it wrong.

The small plastic door on the side labeled ‘Micro SD is most confusing to people.: You can pull out the door with a fingernail, but the only way to insert the card is after you’ve first opened the battery cover. It would have made more sense if Palm had designed the door not to open at all unless the user removes the battery cover. As matters stand, the door is one more thing that might break if handled roughly.

Because the device is so small, its keyboard keys are proportionately diminutive, making typing uncomfortable and difficult. The transflective 2.4-inch 320-by-320 color touch screen looks good, though it’s smallish. The navigation controls-, an oval pad; buttons for the phone interface, the main Palm OS menu, the calendar, and e-mail; a red on/off button; and a green Send button are responsive and easy to use.
When making calls it works great, but the design of the phone and the features on it is what most people look for. When it comes to features the phone doesn’t have all the capabilities. It seems that they are going to upgrade it later and give that one all the important features.