Palm Centro Dark Blue Smartphone (Verizon Wireless) | 
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| Brand: palm
Category: Wireless
List Price: $299.99
Buy New: $99.99
You Save: $200.00 (67%)
New (3) from $99.99
Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 3284
Color: Dark Blue
Media: Wireless Phone
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Display Size: 4
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
Model: CENTRO690P
UPC: 652810813808
ASIN: B001B63V3U
Release Date: June 13, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Promotion: Data not available Terms and Conditions
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Dark blue smartphone with comprehensive organizer functions, digital audio player, and 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder | | • | Fast data connectivity via EV-DO; Broadband Access service for using phone as modem | | • | Text, e-mail, and instant messaging; Web browser; Bluetooth for communication headsets; MicroSD memory expansion | | • | Up to 3.5 hours of talk time, up to 300 hours (12.5 days) of standby time; measures 4.2 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches (HxWxD) | | • | Includes: handset, battery, charger, stylus, USB cable, quick-start guide, Getting Started CD |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
Life starts after five o'clock. Not coincidentally, that's also when the Palm Centro smartphone comes alive. Not only does the Palm Centro for Verizon handle all your favorite voice functions, but it also offers text, IM, e-mail, and web access, all in a body that's a lot smaller than you'd think. Add in such features as a 1.3-megapixel camera, 64 MB of internal memory, Bluetooth 1.2 support, a microSD memory expansion (up to 4 GB), and a full QWERTY keyboard and you have a terrific smartphone for all your messaging and personal needs. It also offers the Palm OS 5.4.9 platform and support for Windows XP and Vista and Mac OS X 10.2 and higher. 
The Palm Centro's full QWERTY keyboard makes it easy to type text messages, IMs, and e-mails. | Verizon Service Options
With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon's multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.) Getting on the Internet is easy using Verizon's Mobile Web 2.0 package, which allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. Verizon's Get It Now wireless download service is also fully compatible with this phone. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads using the Get It Now service. With BroadbandAccess Connect (subscription required), you can use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with BroadbandAccess Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices. Verizon's Wireless Sync always-on email service (subscription required), you can stay connected and get the job done while away from the office--without a delay and in a secure environment. Email is delivered to your device in real time across the National Enhanced Services Rate & Coverage Area, and you get the ability to forward large attachments via email as well as access both your personal and corporate emails on one device. Wireless Sync offers strong security with AES encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard) technology so that unauthorized parties cannot access or alter application data transmitted over wireless networks. Phone Features
The Palm Centro boasts a sleek, rounded housing that measures a mere 4.2 by 2.1 by 0.7 inches (HxWxD) and weighs 4.2 ounces. It's notably smaller than many competing smartphones, yet doesn't sacrifice functionality at any point along the way. It has a large 320 x 320-pixel touchscreen (up to 65K colors), which offers a crisp resolution for photos and videos. And thanks to the full QWERTY keyboard, you can say L8R to those tricky keys on your old cell phone. The Palm Centro offers a ton of ways to stay in touch with friends, whether you're firing off a quick text, instant messaging, shooting an e-mail to the office, or using that old-school standby: a phone call. From a phone perspective, the Centro lets you dial people right from your address book, set up three-way calls from the touch of a button, or use the speakerphone to talk hands-free. The keyboard, meanwhile, makes it a breeze to type complete messages whether you're sending text, pictures, or even audio or video clips. Plus, the Centro keeps all your messages in a chat-style view, so it's easy to keep track of the conversation. Want to keep up with all the latest gossip when you're away from the computer? Turn to the Centro's instant messaging functions, which support all your buddy lists on AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and others. Similarly, the Centro lets you access your personal e-mail accounts, such as Gmail, AOL, and Yahoo. As a result, you can reply to invites and answer e-mails when you're out and about. 
The Centro is the smallest smartphone yet from Palm. | Whether you're keeping up with friends on MySpace or looking up directions to the new bistro across town, the Centro's touchscreen and keyboard make it fun to navigate around the web. The Centro includes a fast built-in web browser that lets you check out photos on Flickr or watch videos on YouTube, with broadband-like speeds on the EV-DO network that are guaranteed to impress. No more waiting around for your favorite sites to load. The Centro is also compatible with Google Maps, making it simple to get directions or see which freeways are clear and which ones are parking lots. Google Maps shows you red, yellow, or green traffic routes in real time. The Palm Centro includes a complete organizer for keeping track of all your daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities. The contacts list gathers all your friends' phone numbers, addresses, and more, while the calendar keeps you from missing upcoming meetings, events, and parties. You can even enter a friend's birthday in the contacts list and will automatically show up in your calendar. As with the best organizers, the Centro also offers a to-do list that lets you check off items when they're complete. As a result, it's easy to keep track of what you did and still need to do. And should you come across a tidbit that doesn't have a logical home, simply turn to the memo function, which lets you store random information such as hot spots in Vegas or the names of movies you'd like to rent. Say goodbye to carrying around crumpled scraps of paper in your pocket or purse. Finally, it's possible to save a copy of all those names, numbers, appointments, photos, and videos on your computer thanks to the sync function. Whether you want to take pictures, play videos, or listen to music, the Centro has got you covered. The 1.3-megapixel digital camera (with a 2x digital zoom) lets you shoot pictures and send them to friends, store digital albums, or shoot videos. The built-in MP3 player, meanwhile, lets you take your tunes everywhere you go. With 64 MB of storage, there's plenty of room for your playlists, plus you can add up to 4 GB more with an optional microSD card. And thanks to Pocket Tunes Deluxe, you can play the songs you downloaded from places like Rhapsody or Yahoo. Other features include: - Download, view, and edit Word and Excel compatible files with Documents to Go
- Rehearse PowerPoint presentations and consult important PDF files on the go
- Palm Operating System 5.4.9
- Bluetooth version 1.2 with the following profiles: HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), DUN (dial-up networking)
- Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4/T4
Vital Statistics
The Palm Centro weighs 4.2 ounces and measures 4.2 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches. Its removable 1150 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of talk time, and up to 300 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 800/1900 CDMA frequencies as well as the 1xEV-DO r0 data network.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Bluetooth Sync Doesn't Work November 6, 2008
If you're consideirng this to use its bluetooth service to sync with your desktop, it doesn't work. I'd like to get my money back. I've been playing around with it for days. Other than that, it is pretty cool.
 Slow software, synch problems, and service drops October 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I had a Palm Treo before this. It too had hot synch problems so I rarely used that feature. I expected buying the Centro with mostly the same features but 2 years more current, it would have improved. Sadly synchronizing has not improved. I often have to reboot my Windows system to get it to synchronize. An even bigger issue for me is the software has significant unpredicatble delays. I will be navigating through my favorite buttons when the system hesitates. This happens in just about all applications I use. I have not found a reason for these signifiant delays. This phone also looses signal more often then my Treo ever did. One night after arriving late to a hotel after a hard days work, the phone kept chirping in and out of service. I was too tired and the phone was too far to motivate myself to get up and turn it off. I hoped the problem would not last and thought I was tired enough to fall asleep any way. To no surprise the next morning I had little battery life left. The Google Map feature is not a GPS. If you have no idea where you are then it is of no help. Turn by turn on this samll screen probably should only be used by a passanger and not a driver. When a friend looking for a new phone asked if I would recommend the Centro, without hesitation I said, "no."
 DOES EVERYTHING! September 25, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I recently upgraded my Verizon Wireless phone to a Palm Centro Smartphone. The device is power packed with great features and allows for flexibility and convenience. I was not able to synchronize my phone with the computer once I installed the included software. Palm support online was very helpful and I was informed that because my computer is 64 bit, it is incompatible. The technician said the company is developing a software that will enable the Centro to work with 64 bit computers. In the meantime, he suggested using bluetooth technology to utilize the hot synch function. I researched online and found the Kensington Blue Tooth USB 2.0 Adapter, which I bought and installed last night on my HP 64 bit Windows Vista laptop. The installation took a few minutes and the phone was immediately recognized. The Hot Synch launched flawlessly and I am now able to wirelessly synchronize the Centro to the computer from anywhere within range. The sound on this phone is loud and clear and the numerous features are easy to access. I would highly recommend the Palm Centro Smartphone!
perfect - once you figure it out August 27, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
ok so i just bought the palm centro about a month ago. it does every single thing i wanted it to do - but it took some time to figure it out.
all of the other reviews are right on - so if you have other questions about it - read them.
i just wanted to give you a few tips:
1) there is a button in the bottom right corner of the keypad that is the equivalent of 'right clicking' with a mouse. when in doubt, try it. it solved lots of my problems.
2) turning on "shuffle" on the music player was NOT easy - but once you find it, it does it automatically unless you turn it off. to get it to shuffle: when in the music player, push that 'right click' button (bottom right button on the keypad). go to 'tools', then select 'choose skin' choose the sleek blue one. once you do THAT, the button to shuffle your songs is the tangled two arrow button below the box that shows what song is playing.
3) the phone does NOT have an easy to use, simple alarm clock. some people freak out about this. i even read of one couple who returned the phone because of it. however, you CAN set alarms pretty easily - just use the calendar to set up recurring appointments - these have an alarm that you can set.
4) i've had the phone for about a month, and i just TODAY figured out how to send Word and Excel files FROM my phone TO another computer. i figured out how to send them from computer to phone long ago. but today i finally tinkered with it (which is what you have to do pretty often) and discovered how to send files from phone to computer. you have to install the "Versamail Personal Edition" email program, which you'll find under "My Centro" on the main screen. once that's installed, you can use it to bring your usual email provider (i use gmail) onto the phone, and then once you're using your email, you can attach files to emails and send them either to yourself or to other email accounts.
5) to customize ringtones: at first glance, it appears that you can only use the ringtones assigned by the phone. they're ok, but i like to use my own songs, or buy them and use them. if you haven't ever used ventones.com - it rocks. anyway, just send a text message to your phone with a song attached (ventones shows you how to do this). once you've opened that txt msg on your phone, right click (that bottom right hand button) and 'save as ringtone'. simple, once you know how. ;)
these are some mysteries i've finally solved. hope that helps.
jeff
A great replacement for the Treo 700p and the expensive data plan. August 13, 2008
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
I've had a couple of weeks of experience with the Centro, and I must say it has nearly turned around my bitterness towards Verizon and the train wreck that was the 700p (which apparently they finally fixed in an update a few weeks ago).
First of all Verizon apparently views this phone as a "low" end smartphone. As such they are offering it with a less expensive $29.99 unlimited data & email plan. This is a nice little touch and finally drops their data rates south of highway robbery. Oddly enough the internet in the Centro seems faster and more stable than the 700p, which was decent in itself when it wasn't crashing.
EDIT: Apparently the data plan isn't listed as one of Amazon's offerings, and I've found my local Verizon store messed up adding it initially. I'd call Verizon customer support and ask for the E-mail and Web for Smartphone Plan after activating your new phone.
The keyboard is much smaller, but I personally prefer the texture to the keys. The old Treo keys were rather smooth and sometimes slippery if you try to type with one hand. These new keys have a good amount of texture to aid in one handed typing. However, they don't have the same amount of "click" to them.
Battery life seems fine. I've gotten a bit better battery life after taking some advice from the forums of Treocentral and turned off the auto syncing of the time. Overall I charge the phone every other day with my usage patterns (some web, about 3 hours or so of pocket tunes internet radio, some calendar viewing, and a bit of Sudoku and Solitaire).
It feels a bit cheaper built than the 700p, but the software seems a lot more well put together. Verizon was apparently lazy and took almost no effort to tamper with this phone as they usually do with most of their phones. The only dedicated Verizon application I've noticed was Wireless Sync (which I've heard was a buggy, slow email client). Other than that I've got a full version of Docs to Go, Google Maps (which seems a bit slow when you zoom in all the way, but is otherwise strangely addicting), Pocket Tunes Deluxe (with internet radio), Sudoku (addicting), and many variants of Solitaire (from Astraware). The rest of the applications are pretty much the same as other Palms.
As a final note I've had the chance to see every single color of Centro (with the exception of the Grey/White unlocked GSM version), and I must say the "Cobalt Blue" color that Verizon picked out was a brilliant choice. It doesn't stick out as much as "Electric Blue," but it's the type of color you could bring more or less anywhere and still look good.
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