Comments on: A Week With The Palm Pre Smartphone – Day 1 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:50:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Duracell myGrid Charging Pad Cell Phone Starter Kit Review — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-47806 Duracell myGrid Charging Pad Cell Phone Starter Kit Review — The Gadgeteer Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:30:33 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-47806 [...] half a decade before the next wireless charging feature was sighted. This time it was with the Palm Pre’s Touchstone charge. And now we have the Duracell [...] [...] half a decade before the next wireless charging feature was sighted. This time it was with the Palm Pre’s Touchstone charge. And now we have the Duracell [...]

]]> By: — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-47436 — The Gadgeteer Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:11:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-47436 [...] you need a little help with your Palm Pre Smartphone? Palm Pre Made Simple by Gary Mazo might be just the thing for you. This 348 page [...] [...] you need a little help with your Palm Pre Smartphone? Palm Pre Made Simple by Gary Mazo might be just the thing for you. This 348 page [...]

]]> By: Yubz Clipo Bluetooth Retractable Headset Review — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-45181 Yubz Clipo Bluetooth Retractable Headset Review — The Gadgeteer Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:16:01 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-45181 [...] two separate devices; one a dinosaur  Sprint Pocket PC (HTC Apache) and one fairly new: a Sprint Palm Pre.  The sound quality was ok.  The person on the other line could hear me well enough but the [...] [...] two separate devices; one a dinosaur  Sprint Pocket PC (HTC Apache) and one fairly new: a Sprint Palm Pre.  The sound quality was ok.  The person on the other line could hear me well enough but the [...]

]]> By: Palm Announces the Palm Pixi Phone — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-42996 Palm Announces the Palm Pixi Phone — The Gadgeteer Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:42:25 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-42996 [...] on Sprint in time for the holidays. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but in other news, the Palm Pre price has been lowered to $149.99 with a two-year service agreement from Sprint. For more [...] [...] on Sprint in time for the holidays. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but in other news, the Palm Pre price has been lowered to $149.99 with a two-year service agreement from Sprint. For more [...]

]]> By: iGo chargers now Palm Pre and iPhone 3G S compatible — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-38863 iGo chargers now Palm Pre and iPhone 3G S compatible — The Gadgeteer Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:02:09 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-38863 [...] you’ve been looking for a mobile charger for the Palm Pre or iPhone 3G S, iGo has just announced that their popular multi-tip iGo Everywhere power adapters [...] [...] you’ve been looking for a mobile charger for the Palm Pre or iPhone 3G S, iGo has just announced that their popular multi-tip iGo Everywhere power adapters [...]

]]> By: fan http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37231 fan Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:40:29 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37231 great pictures, thanks for the week of review!! great pictures, thanks for the week of review!!

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37110 Julie Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:58:42 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37110 @vincent Thanks for the link. I'm sure it will be helpful for others :) @vincent Thanks for the link. I’m sure it will be helpful for others :)

]]> By: vincent http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37088 vincent Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:25:48 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37088 I saw your site yesterday while i was looking for a way to get my contacts transferred from my Treo's Palm Desktop to my new Pre. I had tried a variety of CSV's and uploading to Google with ill results. Finally, today I found on Palm's site how to do this using the Data Transfer Assistant, a small desktop app they have available for download here: http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/pre/migration/dta_windows.html (the above linked page also has the instructions for usage) enjoy I saw your site yesterday while i was looking for a way to get my contacts transferred from my Treo’s Palm Desktop to my new Pre. I had tried a variety of CSV’s and uploading to Google with ill results. Finally, today I found on Palm’s site how to do this using the Data Transfer Assistant, a small desktop app they have available for download here: http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/pre/migration/dta_windows.html
(the above linked page also has the instructions for usage)

enjoy

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37076 Julie Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:31:54 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37076 @P2Labs I don't have a real issue opening the USB connector cover other than it sometimes 'sticks' and doesn't want to swivel around out of the way. That's what I find annoying in addition to having to open it in the first place. :) @P2Labs I don’t have a real issue opening the USB connector cover other than it sometimes ‘sticks’ and doesn’t want to swivel around out of the way. That’s what I find annoying in addition to having to open it in the first place. :)

]]> By: P2Labs http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37073 P2Labs Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:13:38 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37073 Julie, If you slide up to expose keyboard the USB connector cover is easily accessible - just use a fingernail underneath the cover and "pop" out it comes. I agree though - the Touchstone eliminates using the connector except when syncing to PC for USB Drive or Media sync access. Julie,
If you slide up to expose keyboard the USB connector cover is easily accessible – just use a fingernail underneath the cover and “pop” out it comes. I agree though – the Touchstone eliminates using the connector except when syncing to PC for USB Drive or Media sync access.

]]> By: Jackie Cheng http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37067 Jackie Cheng Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:06:36 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37067 @Andy : There is a program on the Sprint website that allows you to sync with Outlook. It works great. Got everything from my Outlook with no problem. @Andy : There is a program on the Sprint website that allows you to sync with Outlook. It works great. Got everything from my Outlook with no problem.

]]> By: Andy Van Pelt http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37065 Andy Van Pelt Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:23:51 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37065 FYI: According to Brighthand, Chapura is planning to sell a way to sync your Pre with Outlook, Palm Desktop, etc. FYI: According to Brighthand, Chapura is planning to sell a way to sync your Pre with Outlook, Palm Desktop, etc.

]]> By: Jackie Cheng http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37063 Jackie Cheng Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:04:25 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37063 @Julie : Did you remove the charging cover? I did...makes it so much easier now. Can't wait for your review of the Touchstone charger. And you won't happen to know if the Pre has the function to make folders in the application area? @Julie : Did you remove the charging cover? I did…makes it so much easier now. Can’t wait for your review of the Touchstone charger. And you won’t happen to know if the Pre has the function to make folders in the application area?

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37059 Julie Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:56:08 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37059 @j3ff No line. There was only one other guy ahead of me and we were the only ones in the store until about 8:45 when another person walked in. My local store had 15 units available that day. @Mark Mine hasn't gotten hot. It's gotten warm, but not any warmer than any other cell phone while charging. All weekend I was using it on wifi. I didn't see an issue with battery life. I need to do more testing though. @j3ff No line. There was only one other guy ahead of me and we were the only ones in the store until about 8:45 when another person walked in. My local store had 15 units available that day.

@Mark Mine hasn’t gotten hot. It’s gotten warm, but not any warmer than any other cell phone while charging. All weekend I was using it on wifi. I didn’t see an issue with battery life. I need to do more testing though.

]]> By: Jackie Cheng http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37057 Jackie Cheng Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:41:27 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37057 @j3ff : The Sprint stores are always all sold out unless you are waiting in line early in the morning. I got mine at one of the Sprint kiosks in the mall. The mall had a Sprint retail store and 2 kiosks. Both the kiosks has them in stock. So try there. @Mark : I did find my Pre to get pretty warm during charging, surfing the web and watching tv. Maybe I'm overworking the CPU in there. @j3ff : The Sprint stores are always all sold out unless you are waiting in line early in the morning. I got mine at one of the Sprint kiosks in the mall. The mall had a Sprint retail store and 2 kiosks. Both the kiosks has them in stock. So try there.

@Mark : I did find my Pre to get pretty warm during charging, surfing the web and watching tv. Maybe I’m overworking the CPU in there.

]]> By: Jackie Cheng http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37056 Jackie Cheng Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:38:45 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37056 Ok...so I got the Pre yesterday even though I already got 2 cell phones already but I'm a techie so I couldn't help myself...lol. Initial impressions of the Pre is nice. The packaging feels like the iphone. I really didn't like the micro-usb. They should use the mini-usb instead. So now there's another cable snaking through my desk. I might get the touchstone charger but it's quite expensive at $69. The webOS is great and has quick response. I didn't really like the slide up screen since it was pretty stiff to slide up but I think it will loosen up. So far I like it. Sprint reception kinda sucks in my area but this is just my spare extra phone so no biggie. And I did buy it straight out at the full price of $599 so I won't get stuck with a 2 year contract. Ok…so I got the Pre yesterday even though I already got 2 cell phones already but I’m a techie so I couldn’t help myself…lol. Initial impressions of the Pre is nice. The packaging feels like the iphone. I really didn’t like the micro-usb. They should use the mini-usb instead. So now there’s another cable snaking through my desk. I might get the touchstone charger but it’s quite expensive at $69. The webOS is great and has quick response. I didn’t really like the slide up screen since it was pretty stiff to slide up but I think it will loosen up. So far I like it. Sprint reception kinda sucks in my area but this is just my spare extra phone so no biggie. And I did buy it straight out at the full price of $599 so I won’t get stuck with a 2 year contract.

]]> By: Mike http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37054 Mike Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:17:11 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37054 One thing to watch out for (and my prediction that this will be a problem) is the MicroUSB port. If you look closely, you'll see that there is a very small plastic blade that sticks out from the phone. The USB connector slides over this blade to make the connection. While this is not significantly different (in concept) from the MiniUSB connector that is on every phone / camera etc fro the last 5 years, the blade on the MicroUSB is much smaller, thinner, and easier to crack or break off. I've had a couple of devices that use this connector - the most recent being the Mophie Juice Air for the iPhone. Great device, USB connector failed the first time in about 3 days, the exchanged unit's connector failed 10 days later. Round 3 for me is on day 11. Just a huge note of caution when using this connector... One thing to watch out for (and my prediction that this will be a problem) is the MicroUSB port.

If you look closely, you’ll see that there is a very small plastic blade that sticks out from the phone. The USB connector slides over this blade to make the connection.

While this is not significantly different (in concept) from the MiniUSB connector that is on every phone / camera etc fro the last 5 years, the blade on the MicroUSB is much smaller, thinner, and easier to crack or break off.

I’ve had a couple of devices that use this connector – the most recent being the Mophie Juice Air for the iPhone. Great device, USB connector failed the first time in about 3 days, the exchanged unit’s connector failed 10 days later. Round 3 for me is on day 11.

Just a huge note of caution when using this connector…

]]> By: Mark http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37052 Mark Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:59:14 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37052 Julie, I'm reading a lot about the batteries not holding their charge or getting extremely hot while charging. I know you haven't gotten to that point yet in your testing but its something to be aware of. I am interested in whether you have the same issue or are the "problem units" just making the news on the forums. (which is usually the case...you only hear about the problems on those sites) thanks Julie,
I’m reading a lot about the batteries not holding their charge or getting extremely hot while charging. I know you haven’t gotten to that point yet in your testing but its something to be aware of. I am interested in whether you have the same issue or are the “problem units” just making the news on the forums. (which is usually the case…you only hear about the problems on those sites)

thanks

]]> By: j3ff http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37050 j3ff Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:11:06 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37050 Did you have to wait in a long line where you bought yours? Do you know if they sold out? I've heard that some places had plenty of Pre's, but others only had a few and quickly sold out Did you have to wait in a long line where you bought yours? Do you know if they sold out? I’ve heard that some places had plenty of Pre’s, but others only had a few and quickly sold out

]]> By: Nilay Shah http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37040 Nilay Shah Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:10:43 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37040 I am known amongst my friends as an Apple Fanboy, camped out for the first and second iPhones... but also got this Pre. Honestly - its pretty damn good so far. I didn't want to like it, but so far the user experience and ability to have multiple applications actually open is fantastic. I didn't buy the Touchstone "yet" because I want to make sure the Sprint coverage is good in all the suburban areas around NYC where I travel, but the battery life is really not so great. The micro USB power connector on the side is a little annoying and I'll definitely get 1, maybe 2 touchstones (home and office). I quickly and easily was able to sync my Mac's "addressbook" file to my google account, and then from there to the Pre in a nice quick fashion. I've also had no problem transferring over music, video and audio podcasts and music files using iTunes. The $99 Everything plan is totally going to help, as I burned through over 5000 minutes on my iPhone at AT&T's ridiculously expensive plans. I had the pleasure of using the Sprint Navigation system to drive from south Jersey to Upstate NY yesterday, it worked flawlessly! So for me so far... I'm impressed! I look forward to more of Julie's impressions! I am known amongst my friends as an Apple Fanboy, camped out for the first and second iPhones… but also got this Pre. Honestly – its pretty damn good so far. I didn’t want to like it, but so far the user experience and ability to have multiple applications actually open is fantastic.

I didn’t buy the Touchstone “yet” because I want to make sure the Sprint coverage is good in all the suburban areas around NYC where I travel, but the battery life is really not so great. The micro USB power connector on the side is a little annoying and I’ll definitely get 1, maybe 2 touchstones (home and office). I quickly and easily was able to sync my Mac’s “addressbook” file to my google account, and then from there to the Pre in a nice quick fashion. I’ve also had no problem transferring over music, video and audio podcasts and music files using iTunes. The $99 Everything plan is totally going to help, as I burned through over 5000 minutes on my iPhone at AT&T’s ridiculously expensive plans. I had the pleasure of using the Sprint Navigation system to drive from south Jersey to Upstate NY yesterday, it worked flawlessly!

So for me so far… I’m impressed! I look forward to more of Julie’s impressions!

]]> By: Rgrenader http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37035 Rgrenader Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:49:59 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37035 Don't you guys think that the entire universe of PDAs and Palm is dead, killed by smartphones? Do not get me wrong, I started with a US Robitics Palm all the way through whatever that blue anodized model was before I switched to Win Mobile and a Dell Axim. My last PDA was an HP iPAQ. However, even the most die hardest PDA fanatic has to admit that in a universe of iPhones and Blackberries, these things are dinosaurs. All the required communications functionality is there: Contacts, tasks, notes, music, word/excel compatibility, internet. What more do you need in the palm of your hand? Don’t you guys think that the entire universe of PDAs and Palm is dead, killed by smartphones? Do not get me wrong, I started with a US Robitics Palm all the way through whatever that blue anodized model was before I switched to Win Mobile and a Dell Axim. My last PDA was an HP iPAQ. However, even the most die hardest PDA fanatic has to admit that in a universe of iPhones and Blackberries, these things are dinosaurs. All the required communications functionality is there: Contacts, tasks, notes, music, word/excel compatibility, internet. What more do you need in the palm of your hand?

]]> By: Mark Adkins http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37033 Mark Adkins Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:13:26 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37033 I want one I want one I want one I want one I wa... sorry- babbling again. A lot of sites have commented about minor disappointments- 'plastic-y feel', the keyboard, sharp edges, plastic screen, etc. On item of hope (sort of) is the belief on some that this is just an introductory device and a series of Pres are coming soon- hopefully with better hardware builds. (Of course, us Early Adopters will be locked into the original Pre by then.) It also looks like at least one other wireless company (I forget if it was T-Mobile or Verizon) is going to be picking it up pretty soon. I think that would only be a good thing overall. I really hope Palm pulls this off! They need a 'win' here. I want one I want one I want one I want one I wa… sorry- babbling again.

A lot of sites have commented about minor disappointments- ‘plastic-y feel’, the keyboard, sharp edges, plastic screen, etc. On item of hope (sort of) is the belief on some that this is just an introductory device and a series of Pres are coming soon- hopefully with better hardware builds. (Of course, us Early Adopters will be locked into the original Pre by then.)

It also looks like at least one other wireless company (I forget if it was T-Mobile or Verizon) is going to be picking it up pretty soon. I think that would only be a good thing overall.

I really hope Palm pulls this off! They need a ‘win’ here.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37027 Julie Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:05:27 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37027 @GF Sliding the keyboard open doesn't help that much with opening the USB cover. It's not THAT big of a gripe... It's just one of those little annoying things that I tend to dwell on more than I probably should. I can be too picky at times :) @GF Sliding the keyboard open doesn’t help that much with opening the USB cover. It’s not THAT big of a gripe… It’s just one of those little annoying things that I tend to dwell on more than I probably should. I can be too picky at times :)

]]> By: GF http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37025 GF Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:59:02 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37025 Hi Julie, Quote: "It’s kind of a pain in the butt to unsnap the cover and move it out of the way when you want to charge the device. Covers like this one annoy me and I’d probably permanently remove it." From the manual (p37), it stated: "On the right side of your phone, open the charger/microUSB connector. (This is easier to do if you slide the keyboard out first.)" Manual link: http://palm.cdnetworks.net/support/w...nt_p100eww.pdf (Coutesy of member Scuba Steve in precentral.net) Please try it and let us know whether it is easier. Thanks, GF Hi Julie,

Quote:
“It’s kind of a pain in the butt to unsnap the cover and move it out of the way when you want to charge the device. Covers like this one annoy me and I’d probably permanently remove it.”

From the manual (p37), it stated:
“On the right side of your phone, open the charger/microUSB connector. (This is easier to do if you slide the keyboard out first.)”

Manual link: http://palm.cdnetworks.net/support/w…nt_p100eww.pdf
(Coutesy of member Scuba Steve in precentral.net)

Please try it and let us know whether it is easier.

Thanks,
GF

]]> By: Vince Torralba http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/06/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-1/comment-page-1/#comment-37019 Vince Torralba Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:45:51 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16284#comment-37019 Hi Julie! I'm looking forward to your full review of the Pre. I've read that the plastic screen has a scratch resistant coating (http://www.precentral.net/palm-pre-hardware-overview), so it shouldn't worry you too much. :D Hi Julie! I’m looking forward to your full review of the Pre.

I’ve read that the plastic screen has a scratch resistant coating (http://www.precentral.net/palm-pre-hardware-overview), so it shouldn’t worry you too much. :D

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