Comments on: A Week With The Palm Pre Smartphone – Day 4 & 5 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/ 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: Mk K http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-38615 Mk K Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:37:59 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-38615 I need voice dialing! I need voice dialing!

]]> By: Q http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37351 Q Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:47:48 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37351 "I thought the notification system was really nifty for about 1 day. Now I’m over it. It seems to get in my way more than help me." I'm mixed on it so far, though I've only played with a couple of demo units in Sprint stores to date. What I really would like to see changed on those demos, though, is that they go back to Palm's demo video way too quickly! After ~15 seconds, you get a notification about it and it expands from there to ask if you want to run the demo app. That really gets old fast. On more day-to-day notifications... chances are there'll be apps to customize those before long. “I thought the notification system was really nifty for about 1 day. Now I’m over it. It seems to get in my way more than help me.”

I’m mixed on it so far, though I’ve only played with a couple of demo units in Sprint stores to date. What I really would like to see changed on those demos, though, is that they go back to Palm’s demo video way too quickly! After ~15 seconds, you get a notification about it and it expands from there to ask if you want to run the demo app. That really gets old fast.

On more day-to-day notifications… chances are there’ll be apps to customize those before long.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37334 Julie Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:29:33 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37334 @Marianne Yes, there's a special key press combination (Orange button, Sym button and the letter P) to take screen shots :) Sure makes things easier for us reviewers! @Marianne Yes, there’s a special key press combination (Orange button, Sym button and the letter P) to take screen shots :) Sure makes things easier for us reviewers!

]]> By: Marianne http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37332 Marianne Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:54:10 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37332 Forgot to ask how you're taking the Pre screenshots... Is there a built-in functionality to do this like there is on the iPhone? Forgot to ask how you’re taking the Pre screenshots… Is there a built-in functionality to do this like there is on the iPhone?

]]> By: ZAL http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37330 ZAL Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:08:19 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37330 THE PRE GETS VERY HOT WILE WORKING ON THE INTERNET AND WILE CHARGING THE PRE GETS VERY HOT WILE WORKING ON THE INTERNET AND WILE CHARGING

]]> By: jason http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37311 jason Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:21:44 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37311 Correction on tip: TIP: To hide unused time in calendar set an appointment at 1205am (just leave name blank or '.') and an appointment at 1155pm (just leave name blank or '..') , set for repeat daily and no reminder. This will fold all unused time in your daily view, reducing scrolling, and displays your free times from midnight to midnight +/-5 minutes (doesn't work setting it to 1200am). Until palm fixes this...or Datebook/Agendus for palm comes. Correction on tip:
TIP: To hide unused time in calendar set an appointment at 1205am (just leave name blank or ‘.’) and an appointment at 1155pm (just leave name blank or ‘..’) , set for repeat daily and no reminder. This will fold all unused time in your daily view, reducing scrolling, and displays your free times from midnight to midnight +/-5 minutes (doesn’t work setting it to 1200am).

Until palm fixes this…or Datebook/Agendus for palm comes.

]]> By: Michael http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37304 Michael Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:39:45 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37304 Regarding coverage at your home (or office). I called Sprint regarding this very issue. The solution, they sent me an Airave and service for free. This is a device that connects to internet via your router and takes all calls (within range) and places them seamlessly over the internet. The result, is amazing sounding full strength calls. Regarding coverage at your home (or office). I called Sprint regarding this very issue. The solution, they sent me an Airave and service for free. This is a device that connects to internet via your router and takes all calls (within range) and places them seamlessly over the internet. The result, is amazing sounding full strength calls.

]]> By: Marianne http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37301 Marianne Sat, 13 Jun 2009 12:48:32 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37301 Great job on the review, Julie! Looking forward to the next post. I also used to be a big Palm fan back in the days of the Palm V PDA. I tried a Treo 600 and hated it and gave them up for a couple of years and then tried out a Treo 680. I had a very bad experience with the 680 as well and swore Palm off for good with mixed feelings since I used to think they made such cool devices. I had high hopes for the Pre, but the more reviews I read, the more it seems like it's not as big of a game-changer as it could have been. Maybe that will change once there are more 3rd-party apps out there for it, but I'm sticking to my iPhone for the time being, particularly since a GSM Pre isn't available yet. Great job on the review, Julie! Looking forward to the next post.

I also used to be a big Palm fan back in the days of the Palm V PDA. I tried a Treo 600 and hated it and gave them up for a couple of years and then tried out a Treo 680. I had a very bad experience with the 680 as well and swore Palm off for good with mixed feelings since I used to think they made such cool devices. I had high hopes for the Pre, but the more reviews I read, the more it seems like it’s not as big of a game-changer as it could have been. Maybe that will change once there are more 3rd-party apps out there for it, but I’m sticking to my iPhone for the time being, particularly since a GSM Pre isn’t available yet.

]]> By: jason http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37298 jason Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:05:18 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37298 TIP: To hide unused time in calendar set beginning of day to 1200am and end of day to 1200am. [more venting...skip if you are happy] I wish they would put webos on the centro...I love the centro except the mail and browser. And the fact they never update PalmOS. Or add a 5-way or track ball to the pre. Hey, I figured out that to move the cursor I am supposed to swipe on the actual display...I was swiping in the gesture area. Works better, at least left and right but to go to a new line you still have to peck the screen). Can't wait to add grips to this phone... [venting off for a moment...] TIP: To hide unused time in calendar set beginning of day to 1200am and end of day to 1200am.

[more venting...skip if you are happy]
I wish they would put webos on the centro…I love the centro except the mail and browser. And the fact they never update PalmOS.

Or add a 5-way or track ball to the pre.
Hey, I figured out that to move the cursor I am supposed to swipe on the actual display…I was swiping in the gesture area. Works better, at least left and right but to go to a new line you still have to peck the screen).

Can’t wait to add grips to this phone…
[venting off for a moment...]

]]> By: Robert http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37297 Robert Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:05:32 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37297 JC yes for one person the phone may be great and another it may not be. From what I read Palm is coming out with other form factors for the phone, one being kind of like the old school palm without a slide keyboard, maybe thats something you would like more. The one thing that I heard that I didn't know if I'd like or not is instead of 8gb of ram it'll have 4gb, not sure if that was just rumor or not. I think Palm should come out with different form factors. Maybe one that slides landscape, and one that doesn't slide and maybe even one that just has a virtual keyboard like the iphone but is thin. Give people options and they will come because one will be for their liking thats what I always say. We'll have to see what happens. I hope this works out for Palm, I love the phone and hopefully others will feel the love too. If not then maybe Google will buy them and absorb WebOS into Android. I hear T-mobile has good customer service, only Verizon gets better ratings from JD power. A year or so ago I heard a rumor that T-mobile wanted to buy Sprint and I was a little happy because to have a phone that did CDMA and GSM...that works in the US...would be awesome. To bad that was just a rumor or fell through. It would have been a win for T-mobile because they would have gotten a good network...even though its CDMA...and it would have been good for Sprint because they would have gotten the T-mobile customer service. Court I agree the size of the phone is really nice and it does fit in the hand and pocket really nicely. Apple has always been known for their elegant hardware but I think Palm beat them with the Pre, the phone is almost like a work of art, its just beautiful. JC yes for one person the phone may be great and another it may not be. From what I read Palm is coming out with other form factors for the phone, one being kind of like the old school palm without a slide keyboard, maybe thats something you would like more. The one thing that I heard that I didn’t know if I’d like or not is instead of 8gb of ram it’ll have 4gb, not sure if that was just rumor or not. I think Palm should come out with different form factors. Maybe one that slides landscape, and one that doesn’t slide and maybe even one that just has a virtual keyboard like the iphone but is thin. Give people options and they will come because one will be for their liking thats what I always say. We’ll have to see what happens. I hope this works out for Palm, I love the phone and hopefully others will feel the love too. If not then maybe Google will buy them and absorb WebOS into Android. I hear T-mobile has good customer service, only Verizon gets better ratings from JD power. A year or so ago I heard a rumor that T-mobile wanted to buy Sprint and I was a little happy because to have a phone that did CDMA and GSM…that works in the US…would be awesome. To bad that was just a rumor or fell through. It would have been a win for T-mobile because they would have gotten a good network…even though its CDMA…and it would have been good for Sprint because they would have gotten the T-mobile customer service.

Court I agree the size of the phone is really nice and it does fit in the hand and pocket really nicely. Apple has always been known for their elegant hardware but I think Palm beat them with the Pre, the phone is almost like a work of art, its just beautiful.

]]> By: Court http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37295 Court Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:29:02 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37295 Hi Julie - I appreciate your review, even though your feelings are different than mine. You were honest to yourself and not to your desire to blindly support a new Palm product. Coming from a Moto Q, this thing is leaps and bounds better. But the one very important point, at least to me, is the form factor. The size of the Pre compared to the iPhone reminds me of when Apple had the Newton and Palm came out w/ the Pilot! What a world of difference. For me, a mobile phone needs to be a phone first and everything else second. I actually like the phone interface quite well and think Palm got the form factor right on the money. My brother has an iPhone and it just does not fit in one's pocket well. And I just don't dig the belt cases (I love technology, but not as an apparel item). The Pre, on the other hand, fits in my pocket as comfortable as my handkerchief (well, almost ;-) and fits in the palm of my hand like it belongs there. I wonder if size and form factor are important phone attributes to others? Hi Julie – I appreciate your review, even though your feelings are different than mine. You were honest to yourself and not to your desire to blindly support a new Palm product. Coming from a Moto Q, this thing is leaps and bounds better. But the one very important point, at least to me, is the form factor. The size of the Pre compared to the iPhone reminds me of when Apple had the Newton and Palm came out w/ the Pilot! What a world of difference. For me, a mobile phone needs to be a phone first and everything else second. I actually like the phone interface quite well and think Palm got the form factor right on the money. My brother has an iPhone and it just does not fit in one’s pocket well. And I just don’t dig the belt cases (I love technology, but not as an apparel item). The Pre, on the other hand, fits in my pocket as comfortable as my handkerchief (well, almost ;-) and fits in the palm of my hand like it belongs there. I wonder if size and form factor are important phone attributes to others?

]]> By: JC http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37291 JC Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:33:25 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37291 Robert, I had Sprint over 3 years ago...and eventhough the network was great, the customer service was hell on earth - at that time - you called Sprint and they made you wait and wait then you got some idiot(s) - that if your question was not on their Q&A book, they will place you on hold and pass you around. I had a problem with my bill and it took over 3 calls and literally HOURS to resolve - ridiculous. I waited until my contract expired - or face a high early termination fee then switched to T-mobile - their customer service was DRAMATICALLY different AND so much much better - very helpful, very efficient and they knew their stuff - unlike Sprint. I know that Sprint now has a new CEO who promises a much better customer service experience. My contract with T-mobile expires soon so I will be shopping around for a better network company. I like T-mobile's customer service but their network is weak. Like you I heard horrible things about AT&T from poor reception to bad customer service - all from iPhone users. Regarding the feel of the Pre - it's my opinion - it just feels too plasticy to me and when you open the keyboard, the lip around the keyboard feels sharp and uncomfortable. For many others, this phone is just perfect for them, not me. Robert, I had Sprint over 3 years ago…and eventhough the network was great, the customer service was hell on earth – at that time – you called Sprint and they made you wait and wait then you got some idiot(s) – that if your question was not on their Q&A book, they will place you on hold and pass you around. I had a problem with my bill and it took over 3 calls and literally HOURS to resolve – ridiculous. I waited until my contract expired – or face a high early termination fee then switched to T-mobile – their customer service was DRAMATICALLY different AND so much much better – very helpful, very efficient and they knew their stuff – unlike Sprint. I know that Sprint now has a new CEO who promises a much better customer service experience. My contract with T-mobile expires soon so I will be shopping around for a better network company. I like T-mobile’s customer service but their network is weak. Like you I heard horrible things about AT&T from poor reception to bad customer service – all from iPhone users. Regarding the feel of the Pre – it’s my opinion – it just feels too plasticy to me and when you open the keyboard, the lip around the keyboard feels sharp and uncomfortable. For many others, this phone is just perfect for them, not me.

]]> By: Robert http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37287 Robert Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:16:22 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37287 JC that makes no sense to me. You left Sprint even though you had good coverage but bad customer service (Since sprint got a CEO the customer service is better, not perfect but I was with AT&T for a week last year because I thought I would be cheaper since I have Uverse, but with all the extras it was actually $60 more a month so I switch back to Sprint. AT&T's customer service is way worse than Sprints, it took them 3 days to activate my phone with the new number from the temp number they gave me...3 DAYS! Then I got dropped calls around my area like crazy and they said "you should get good reception bring in your phone", I brought in my phone and they said "your phone is fine it must be in the house and we don't support indoor calls". So I dropped them and have been happy ever since. T-mobile I hear has good customer service but I will not go with a company that has such a bad network. I'd rather have a phone with no camera, no texting no nothing, and get good calls then have a phone that does everything but get good calls. I think the build quality of the Pre is fine. It does have a plastic body and I understand why they did that but it still feels pretty good. Plus if you get the touchstone you get the nice back. To me after the Pre the iphone seems like the toy and after a while there will be a ton of apps for it and, and more options will be added to it, and it'll be just that much better. JC that makes no sense to me. You left Sprint even though you had good coverage but bad customer service (Since sprint got a CEO the customer service is better, not perfect but I was with AT&T for a week last year because I thought I would be cheaper since I have Uverse, but with all the extras it was actually $60 more a month so I switch back to Sprint. AT&T’s customer service is way worse than Sprints, it took them 3 days to activate my phone with the new number from the temp number they gave me…3 DAYS! Then I got dropped calls around my area like crazy and they said “you should get good reception bring in your phone”, I brought in my phone and they said “your phone is fine it must be in the house and we don’t support indoor calls”. So I dropped them and have been happy ever since. T-mobile I hear has good customer service but I will not go with a company that has such a bad network. I’d rather have a phone with no camera, no texting no nothing, and get good calls then have a phone that does everything but get good calls.

I think the build quality of the Pre is fine. It does have a plastic body and I understand why they did that but it still feels pretty good. Plus if you get the touchstone you get the nice back. To me after the Pre the iphone seems like the toy and after a while there will be a ton of apps for it and, and more options will be added to it, and it’ll be just that much better.

]]> By: Chelsea http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37286 Chelsea Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:12:32 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37286 I'm enjoying your review and have just a few things to add :) I also waited in line and got a Pre the day it came out - first time I've ever done that! I'm definitely not a person who switches phones often; I've had only 3 cell phones (including the Pre) during my 8 years with Sprint! I had my first cell for about 6 yrs with no problems. :) That being said, I obviously won't have much to add as far as the Pre vs. this phone or that phone. I can say I miss being able to drop my phone all over the place without any worries ;) My other two phones were so hardy - a sanyo something (flip) and a katana II. 1.) I have had very little trouble with the keyboard and placing the cursor, but I have pretty small fingers. When typing something, I don't have to push the Orange key to place the cursor somewhere else on the screen... I just tap my finger where I want it to go. Works well enough for me. 2.) I'll have to pay more attention next time, but I'm fairly certain I've gotten an incoming call while surfing... but I'm in an area with very good reception, idk if that matters. From what others are saying, it's impossible with Sprint but... I'm not so sure about that. 3.) I haven't had battery problems. Yes, my phone barely makes it through the day with lots of use (surfing, txting, email, etc), but it does make it. And actually, yesterday I took it off the charger around 11am and at 4pm it reported having 92% battery life left! I had barely used it, but that was comforting after hearing all the horror stories. I seem to have good luck with phones. :) I do keep Wifi and Bluetooth turned off almost always, fwiw. Also my phone doesn't have to expend too much effort looking for service; I have great coverage where I live. 4.) I'm in college and have a bunch of friends with iPhones. I definitely like them but I wasn't going to switch to AT&T for anything! AT&T has horrible coverage in many areas around campus and I've ALWAYS had a good signal with Sprint. Plus the difference in cost of plans is massive. So when Sprint/Palm came out with the Pre, I was so excited. Some ppl are upset that the Pre is too similar to the iPhone, but considering the huge success of the iPhone, I think it's safe to say that the majority of people want the iPhone or something similar, and you've gotta cater to the masses. I think Palm has been as original as possible with the Pre while also trying to keep up with the latest smart phone trends. 5.) I think to dismiss a call, just push the power button as you would to turn the screen off. Not sure though, I'll try it next time my mom calls me ;) I’m enjoying your review and have just a few things to add :)

I also waited in line and got a Pre the day it came out – first time I’ve ever done that! I’m definitely not a person who switches phones often; I’ve had only 3 cell phones (including the Pre) during my 8 years with Sprint! I had my first cell for about 6 yrs with no problems. :) That being said, I obviously won’t have much to add as far as the Pre vs. this phone or that phone. I can say I miss being able to drop my phone all over the place without any worries ;) My other two phones were so hardy – a sanyo something (flip) and a katana II.

1.) I have had very little trouble with the keyboard and placing the cursor, but I have pretty small fingers. When typing something, I don’t have to push the Orange key to place the cursor somewhere else on the screen… I just tap my finger where I want it to go. Works well enough for me.

2.) I’ll have to pay more attention next time, but I’m fairly certain I’ve gotten an incoming call while surfing… but I’m in an area with very good reception, idk if that matters. From what others are saying, it’s impossible with Sprint but… I’m not so sure about that.

3.) I haven’t had battery problems. Yes, my phone barely makes it through the day with lots of use (surfing, txting, email, etc), but it does make it. And actually, yesterday I took it off the charger around 11am and at 4pm it reported having 92% battery life left! I had barely used it, but that was comforting after hearing all the horror stories. I seem to have good luck with phones. :) I do keep Wifi and Bluetooth turned off almost always, fwiw. Also my phone doesn’t have to expend too much effort looking for service; I have great coverage where I live.

4.) I’m in college and have a bunch of friends with iPhones. I definitely like them but I wasn’t going to switch to AT&T for anything! AT&T has horrible coverage in many areas around campus and I’ve ALWAYS had a good signal with Sprint. Plus the difference in cost of plans is massive. So when Sprint/Palm came out with the Pre, I was so excited. Some ppl are upset that the Pre is too similar to the iPhone, but considering the huge success of the iPhone, I think it’s safe to say that the majority of people want the iPhone or something similar, and you’ve gotta cater to the masses. I think Palm has been as original as possible with the Pre while also trying to keep up with the latest smart phone trends.

5.) I think to dismiss a call, just push the power button as you would to turn the screen off. Not sure though, I’ll try it next time my mom calls me ;)

]]> By: JC http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37285 JC Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:00:04 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37285 I love the iPhone but hate the high rates AT&T has - with a basic call plan, data plan and unlimited text over $100.00 a month for only 1 person! That has been my BIG deterrent. I had Sprint years ago and never had a dropped call and it worked perfectly throughout the US but the customer service was atrocious that's why I swtiched...now I have T-mobile and I have spotty reception and frequent drop calls but their customer service has been excellent. I had a chance to play with the Pre at my local Best Buy and I loved the WebOS but the Pre's plastics felt cheap almost "toy-like" - like a snap together toy and its construction left me wondering about durability - that was my big turn off with this phone...I am still up in the air about what's going to be my next phone! I love the iPhone but hate the high rates AT&T has – with a basic call plan, data plan and unlimited text over $100.00 a month for only 1 person! That has been my BIG deterrent. I had Sprint years ago and never had a dropped call and it worked perfectly throughout the US but the customer service was atrocious that’s why I swtiched…now I have T-mobile and I have spotty reception and frequent drop calls but their customer service has been excellent. I had a chance to play with the Pre at my local Best Buy and I loved the WebOS but the Pre’s plastics felt cheap almost “toy-like” – like a snap together toy and its construction left me wondering about durability – that was my big turn off with this phone…I am still up in the air about what’s going to be my next phone!

]]> By: Robert http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37282 Robert Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:19:26 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37282 One thing didn't mention July is even though it can't record video and it doesn't have visual voice mail unlike the iphone these can be added with a bios and software upgrade. So both of these options will show up at some point soon. Also no with Sprint you can't go on the web and talk at the same time...but if I'm on a website and I get a call my phone rings and I can answer it so I think your problem was with the lack of 3G. I find this phone so much better than the iphone. Plus AT&T is really bad! People who bought the iphone 3G will have to buy the iphone 3.0 to get the new features and a lof of the new features won't work because of the AT&T network. So Apple will bring out a new iphone ever 6 months and people will ditch their old phone (even if their contract isn't over and they don't get a discount) and buy the new iphone. I love the Pre but if it were an exclusive on the AT&T network instead of Sprint I wouldn't buy it no matter how good a phone it is. I laugh every time I see an iphone person and they complain about dropped calls and how bad the service is. I sometimes ask "why did you go with them then" and they say "because of the iphone". Why would someone be so dumb to go with AT&T which sucks just to be loyal to a product? Apple and AT&T deserve each other because Apple doesn't seem to care that AT&T is so bad and AT&T doesn't seem to care that their so bad. If Apple said "We'll keep you as an exclusive if you fix your network, otherwise we're moving to someone else", then I'd have a tiny bit of respect for Apple but they didn't so it shows they care about as much as AT&T. Neither AT&T nor Apple have any reason to care because people keep going to them for the iphone and now both companies will make a boat load more money with the 3.0 and the Apple fanpeople will stick with them through thick and thin. I'm only loyal to a brand that I think is worthy of my loyalty and neither Apple nor AT&T mobile (I do have uverse which is a pretty good service) are worthy of my loyalty. Just like if a friend screws me over I'm not going to be loyal to him/her. AT&T mobile and Apple don't seem to be very good friends. One thing didn’t mention July is even though it can’t record video and it doesn’t have visual voice mail unlike the iphone these can be added with a bios and software upgrade. So both of these options will show up at some point soon.

Also no with Sprint you can’t go on the web and talk at the same time…but if I’m on a website and I get a call my phone rings and I can answer it so I think your problem was with the lack of 3G.

I find this phone so much better than the iphone. Plus AT&T is really bad! People who bought the iphone 3G will have to buy the iphone 3.0 to get the new features and a lof of the new features won’t work because of the AT&T network. So Apple will bring out a new iphone ever 6 months and people will ditch their old phone (even if their contract isn’t over and they don’t get a discount) and buy the new iphone.

I love the Pre but if it were an exclusive on the AT&T network instead of Sprint I wouldn’t buy it no matter how good a phone it is. I laugh every time I see an iphone person and they complain about dropped calls and how bad the service is. I sometimes ask “why did you go with them then” and they say “because of the iphone”. Why would someone be so dumb to go with AT&T which sucks just to be loyal to a product? Apple and AT&T deserve each other because Apple doesn’t seem to care that AT&T is so bad and AT&T doesn’t seem to care that their so bad. If Apple said “We’ll keep you as an exclusive if you fix your network, otherwise we’re moving to someone else”, then I’d have a tiny bit of respect for Apple but they didn’t so it shows they care about as much as AT&T. Neither AT&T nor Apple have any reason to care because people keep going to them for the iphone and now both companies will make a boat load more money with the 3.0 and the Apple fanpeople will stick with them through thick and thin. I’m only loyal to a brand that I think is worthy of my loyalty and neither Apple nor AT&T mobile (I do have uverse which is a pretty good service) are worthy of my loyalty. Just like if a friend screws me over I’m not going to be loyal to him/her. AT&T mobile and Apple don’t seem to be very good friends.

]]> By: AndyL http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37281 AndyL Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:19:10 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37281 I was experimenting..... you can reject a call in two ways: 1) if the screen is locked, push the power button twice (first push silences). 2) if the screen is unlocked tap the red 'hang up phone' icon on the lower right of the screen. I was experimenting….. you can reject a call in two ways: 1) if the screen is locked, push the power button twice (first push silences). 2) if the screen is unlocked tap the red ‘hang up phone’ icon on the lower right of the screen.

]]> By: aphid http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37280 aphid Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:07:15 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37280 I also bought a Pre, but I'm not 100% committed to it yet. I haven't ported my number over from my Treo 755p, and I am able to compare with my wife's iPhone 3G. The Pre definitely has some rough edges in the software, but I find it extremely promising so far. There are definitely some "Wha?" moments I've found in missing features and a few bugs I've encountered (e.g. you can't yet customize your SMS or IM sounds...), but these are the sort of things I fully expect can be fixed with software. The hardware has felt pretty good to me so far. Battery life hasn't been great, but it's not that much worse than my Treo was, and I'm still in the "I'm playing with it too much" phase to really know what the story is. The ability to switch between cards is way more convenient than what the Treo or iPhone provide. I know I'm essentially being an early beta tester on it. I can really see it improving with a few revs of the OS/apps. Sprint's service has been fine so far. It's been as good as my current provider, and they do have the AIRAVE if worse comes to worse. http://www.nextel.com/en/services/airave/index.shtml I also bought a Pre, but I’m not 100% committed to it yet. I haven’t ported my number over from my Treo 755p, and I am able to compare with my wife’s iPhone 3G.

The Pre definitely has some rough edges in the software, but I find it extremely promising so far. There are definitely some “Wha?” moments I’ve found in missing features and a few bugs I’ve encountered (e.g. you can’t yet customize your SMS or IM sounds…), but these are the sort of things I fully expect can be fixed with software.

The hardware has felt pretty good to me so far. Battery life hasn’t been great, but it’s not that much worse than my Treo was, and I’m still in the “I’m playing with it too much” phase to really know what the story is.

The ability to switch between cards is way more convenient than what the Treo or iPhone provide. I know I’m essentially being an early beta tester on it. I can really see it improving with a few revs of the OS/apps.

Sprint’s service has been fine so far. It’s been as good as my current provider, and they do have the AIRAVE if worse comes to worse. http://www.nextel.com/en/services/airave/index.shtml

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37275 Julie Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:23:15 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37275 @James Hook me up! I need to do that tonight before my trial runs out. :o @James Hook me up! I need to do that tonight before my trial runs out. :o

]]> By: SeahorseSeaEO http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37271 SeahorseSeaEO Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:57:09 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37271 Julie, If you need some apps to run in the Classic emulator, I would be more than happy to shoot you some registration codes ;) Julie,

If you need some apps to run in the Classic emulator, I would be more than happy to shoot you some registration codes ;)

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37268 Julie Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:31:01 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37268 @Andy Hahaha, I'll mail you some ;) @Andy Hahaha, I’ll mail you some ;)

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37267 Julie Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:27:50 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37267 @Scud There's no way to reject a call (that I can find) while the phone is idle and the slider is closed. Positioning the cursor is a bit tricky. You have to hold down the Orange key on the keyboard to get good control over movement. @Scud There’s no way to reject a call (that I can find) while the phone is idle and the slider is closed.

Positioning the cursor is a bit tricky. You have to hold down the Orange key on the keyboard to get good control over movement.

]]> By: Andy Chen http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37266 Andy Chen Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:24:39 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37266 I want to review your lasagna. Send some over, or save a placesetting for me. Enjoying the Pre write-up! Totally insane on the "slide call button" feature... I want to review your lasagna. Send some over, or save a placesetting for me.

Enjoying the Pre write-up! Totally insane on the “slide call button” feature…

]]> By: Doc http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37263 Doc Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:50:21 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37263 Sorry, I meant I am a convert now. Sorry, I meant I am a convert now.

]]> By: Doc http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/11/a-week-with-the-palm-pre-smartphone-day-4-5/comment-page-1/#comment-37262 Doc Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:48:31 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16406#comment-37262 That's probably why I didn't understand I guess. Being a longtime Windos Mobile user I love the Pre. I tried PalmOS (PalmIV and Handspring) back in 2000 and 2001 and hated it. I've never tried a Centro, and I've thus never used a 700w even though they run WinMo. I've been using WinMo since that time and have about $350 invested at Handango. I obviously lose this switching to the Pre, and I'm ok with that. Having never liked Palm, or their products, I'm not a convert based on the Pre. Wonder if the Folio works with the Pre? ;-) That’s probably why I didn’t understand I guess. Being a longtime Windos Mobile user I love the Pre. I tried PalmOS (PalmIV and Handspring) back in 2000 and 2001 and hated it. I’ve never tried a Centro, and I’ve thus never used a 700w even though they run WinMo. I’ve been using WinMo since that time and have about $350 invested at Handango. I obviously lose this switching to the Pre, and I’m ok with that.

Having never liked Palm, or their products, I’m not a convert based on the Pre. Wonder if the Folio works with the Pre? ;-)

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