We just sat down with Palm for a more in-depth look at the
Pre, and here are our takeaways. First off, the software and hardware they're showing right now aren't the final versions. They're updating and tweaking as we speak, so some of the features haven't been implemented yet. Our take? Check it all out after the break, along with video, a full spec rundown... and in case you're wondering... it rhymes with Tree!
Software
The UI is incredibly well thought out and smooth. Animations going in and out of apps, and all of the menus and switching are done with a grace and simplicity that we rarely see on any device. The UI outclasses most of its competition on a number of levels, and actually may be quite a bit more revolutionary than the iPhone. Multitasking works like a charm, and reps say you can push it quite hard before you'll need to close applications. One of the most fascinating components of the UI is that when you're zoomed out to cards, the data is still active in the previews.
There are all sorts of little perks to the OS that make things easy and convenient. For instance, when viewing an email you can click on the sender and view their contact card, which is populated with traditional info like phone and email, but also includes statuses for different services like GoogleTalk and Facebook -- another tap and you're chatting with them.
The browser is based on WebKit, though it's actually faster at rendering, displaying and scrolling through pages than any of its competitors, including Mobile Safari. If you're on a web page you can flip the display around and it will automatically reorient.
We're told that the OS is based on Linux, and is in some way an extension of what they've been crafting for a while now, but on top of that Linux core is a display layer that is basically WebKit: all of the apps, including Palms own, are built in HTML, CSS and Javascript, and can make calls deeper into the OS for certain functionalities. That means almost any web developer can build an app for the phone, but there are limitations. 3D gaming, for instance, won't be possible, at least with version 1.0 of the OS -- though Palm might add a different, more powerful display layer in the future. Palm has confirmed that there will be an app store and an SDK which will be available to anyone.
The device features copy and paste, which is implemented by holding a thumb on the gesture area and grabbing the text you want with your other thumb or a finger -- there's also a dropdown menu that lets your move through a number of editing options.
Hardware
We were playing with prototype versions of the phone, but it's certainly all there, other than a bit of a rough slider mechanism that will certainly (hopefully) be worked out before the device goes to market.
The phone is very light and surprisingly thin, though it doesn't feel like a "toy." There are buttons and ports around the edges, but everything's fairly flush with the device -- and almost impossible to spot in the dark room we were checking it out in. The most notable protrusion is the ball / button, which feels a lot like a ball bearing -- if the OS relied on it more it might be a bit too small, but with plenty of swipes and gestures to do on-screen, it's probably just about right.
The screen is encased in the rounded shell of the device, but comes through incredibly bright and sharp, with zero trouble with viewing angle. Glare might be an issue outdoors, but it's not too bad otherwise. Touching the screen is responsive and precise, we never felt like it was "glitching out" on us, and with a few exceptions everything in the OS was large enough to be tapped on the first try with our gargantuan fingers.
The keyboard is reminiscent of the Centro or Treo Pro, but closer to the Pro in that the keys are spread out and somewhat larger. The key presses are about as shallow as the keys on the G1, but the rubberyness makes that forgivable. At a glance, it doesn't seem quite as robust as something like the Bold's clicky keyboard, but we didn't really get much time to play with it, so we'll hold our official statement. It's definitely useable, and we're looking forward to logging a few hours with it.
You can charge the phone over that wireless Touchstone accessory or over the microUSB plug... or by replacing the battery, as Palm was happy to point out.
The camera takes decent pictures, and that LED flash certainly helps, but it's not a particular strong suit of the phone.
On the Sprint end of things, they'll be pushing their "Everything" plans, and there'll only be a black version of the phone to start. There's no global roaming (of course), though Palm does have plans for a UMTS handset.
Here's a quick rundown of everything you need to know spec-wise:
- High-speed wireless (EV-DO Rev. A or HSDPA, depending on version)
- 802.11b / g WiFi
- Integrated GPS
- 3.1-inch 24-bit color 480 x 320 display
- Dedicated gesture area below display
- Slide-out portrait QWERTY keyboard
- Exchange email support in addition to POP and IMAP
- IM, MMS, and SMS messaging
- High-performance browser
- 3-megapixel camera with LED flash and "extended depth of field"
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR with A2DP
- 8GB of internal storage
- USB mass storage mode
- MicroUSB connectivity with USB 2.0
- Proximity sensor for detecting when phone is near face
- Light sensor to automatically dim display
- Ringer mute switch
- Removable rechargeable battery
- 59.57 x 100.53 x 16.95mm closed
- 4.76 ounces
posted Jan 8th 2009 7:20PM
What is the CPU type and speed?
And is there microSD?
OMAP 3430, which is an ARM cortex A8 (I think) No idea on clock speed yet.
http://focus.ti.com/general/docs/wtbu/wtbuproductcontent.tsp?templateId=6123&navigationId=12643&contentId=14649
More info on the cpu, its a beast!
You guys keep showing the browser. Okay, but what else does it have. Can it play movies and television shows? How about the music player? Does it have games? Google Maps? Inquiring minds want to know.
Thanks for the cpu info! :)
Paul they can only show us what Palm is letting them show us at this earlier stage of the build. I'm sure if they had a go with all of those things your asking for it would be up here by now :)
Quote:
"Memory
8GB of user storage (~7.4GB user available)
USB mass storage support"
http://www.palm.com/us/products/phones/pre/index.html#tab2
No memory extentability listed.
I still want it though :)
Is their anything about the clock speed of the CPU? I can't find a match up anywhere...
One thing is for sure, while it may or may not be a competitor to the iPhone (we won't know until we see some more apps), this is looking to be the nail in the coffin of Android. I say that because the Palm is running Linux and they have mastered elements of multi-touch and strolling that Google has yet to do. Maybe Cupcake will fix the Android OS, maybe not.
The hardware isn't there yet. I don't understand the whole gesture thing at the bottom of the phone and the portrait keyboard is going to suck for landscape related work. Other than that, I'm looking forward to some in depth reviews.
This new Palm OS makes Android look like Windows 95.
Here is information on the ARM Cortex A8 core which is apart of the OMAP3430 CPU.
http://www.arm.com/products/CPUs/ARM_Cortex-A8.html
It can be clocked between 600-1000+ MHZ. Similar products you may have heard about also with the ARM Cortex A8 core are the Pandora and Archos 5.
@Paul Chapel
What crack are you smoking? There are 86 pictures showing all sorts of apps such as Mail, Music, Pictures, and Google Maps. And this is WAY to early to be saying that this will "kill" Android. Your only justification for this is that it is based on Linux, which means absolutely squat. Just because it's based on Linux doesn't give it any advantage at all. Android is just as free and open-source. Adn while this may have fixed some things such as multi-touch (which is coming), we still don't know enough about it to say what its own flaws are.
Damn Palm for not rubberizing this!
@TonicBoy - Yes but we didn't see any of these apps, except the browser. The browser looks fantastic and considering Palms heritage I'd think they would nail all the organizer and phone functions no problem.
IMO this OS makes Palm a prime takeover target for Microsoft or Nokia. Both are suffering from having a GARBAGE OS that can't compete with the iPhone and won't be able to for a long way to come.
Anyway - looks fantastic so far. The only thing that gives me pause is the use of web technologies for all apps. I mean - that stuff makes for great websites, but AJAX is most certainly not a nice, clean programming environment like I would wish for in a brand new device.
I'm a pretty loyal Windows Mobile user, however what I've seen so far is very impressive and may entice me to switch. We've even started a community over at http://www.SprintPre.net to chat about it.
@Paul Chapel and all others raving about this being the Android killer.
This is certainly not a bad device, but what a lot of people is missing here is that this is really no different to the iPhone. When you purchase a Palm device you buy into a certain eko system. The device is running their operating system, with their apps. You might as well buy the iPhone since its the industry standard. I.e. you can´t read one review or comment thread without someone mentioning the iPhone, and it has like one million gazillion accessories and apps. Android is a completely different story since it´s a open platform that any number of manufacturers can produce devices for. More manufacturers means more flavours of devices - which could mean more customers and more developers creating applications for it. Just because the G1 isnt your flavour doesnt mean there arent any number of devices in the comming years. With the palm youre stuck with this soap designed awful looking device until Palm decides to release another device.
I am falling in love with this device.
There are so many stupid idiotic quirks with MY iPhone that at times make me want to literally chuck it at a wall.
When I want to do things quick and efficiently, I have to wait for long load times.
This PRE is finally what the iPhone SHOULD have been.
Now, there will still be things that the iPhone will be better at, mostly games and media aspects,
but then again, in this Engadget post, it says Palm might release a more display layer, so there is still hope.
In any case, this phone kicks the BB OS' ass when it comes to efficiency and connectivity. Now the only thing BB has is its BIS/BES. It still doesn't do IMAP perfectly, and HTML emails definitely need work. So if this new PRE does these things well, then BB has a hell of a lot of catching up to do. On the other side, the media aspects seem very comparable to the iPhone, and the browser seems even better than the iPhone. One of the reasons I'm keeping my iPhone is because of its media (video and games) capabilities and the browser. If PRE has a better browser, then it will definitely become my next device, replacing my current BB Javelin and iPhone 3G.
It will finally be that one device that does everything well, does phone aspects exceptionally, is efficient for using for work, but still has good media and great browser. It will definitely become my daily device.
Now.. let's just hope that from now until the actual release date, Palm doesn't screw it up. Which it doesn't seem like they will, as they have so much of the phone done right up at this point. I'm routing for you Palm!
Well done Palm.
Seriously. This is exactly the type of phone I've been wanting on at&t (and pretty much what I'd hope the XPERIA 1 was gonna be but isn't).
Come on, give us that sweet UTMS lovin'!
Satan ... if you're around on the engadget blogs and trolling with "First"/"Will it Blend" messaages... can you stop by my place tonight ... I think I'll trade my soul for having one of these right now .....
Oh wait - never mind - forgot I no longer have my soul with me (#@#$@#$ damn you iPhone ...).
You trade your soul wayyy too easily. I'd trade mine for a billion shares in Palm stock at about 9AM this morning personally.
I don't know what it is but I'm way more attracted to this than the G1.
Copy/paste, removable battery, who are these guys, what were they thinking!?
Oh my god... It's actually good.
And I jizzed in my pants.
Correction: It *looks* good. It's impossible to say how good it is until you actually use it.
Still, as first impressions go, it's probably the nicest iPhone to hit the market since the original iPhone. I'll give a 7/10 on the iPhone scale.
I give the iPhone a 6/10 on the iPhone scale.
@Ian - Really? If the PRE counts as 7/10 on the iPhone scale, I can't give the iPhone anything higher than 4.9/10
Why no TV-Out? Why no better camera? Why?
There some of the reasons I didnt get an iphone amongst many others.
But camera isn't important for most people that would want this phone. The tv out is not being present is probably outweighed by the other benefits but would be nice if it was there, not that I use it on my N95, but I'm sure others would.
The reason you don't use the TV-Out on your N95 is because it looks like a bunch of fuzzy crap on a 50" screen. This has an ever so slightly higher resolution but anyways so it would be nice if it had TV-Out.
The iPhone does have TV-Out functionality, though.
disagreed. The camera is the one big thing a lot of smart phones get wrong. I didn't say "all," I know there are phones out there with kickass cameras, but if you're going to do convergence, you should do it right. Why bother putting a megapixel camera in these phones if they suck? I deal with iPhone's camera because I hate having multiple things to carry around, and most likely lose. I wish these manufacturers would man up and start putting 5mp's with autofocus and flash mandatory.
*that was at esat
Levi, Nokia have been putting 5MP cams with flash on practically all of their Nseries devices for the past 2 years.
Lol. Levi I actually 100% agree with your view point on cameras in phones! Notice I said 'most people'. I actually excluded myself from them, although didn't make that clear :)
Levi
Megapixels are important but they aren't the only factor when it comes to a great picture. The Lens plays a very big part but good lens cost money and take up space hence why most camera phone pictures suck. I have seen shots taken on 2 and 3 megapixel cameras that blow away 5 and 6 megapixel cameras and it was all due to the lens.
If you need to use your phone on your tv, maybe you need bifocals.
Why no copy and paste? Why no A2DP? Why?
Not every device can have every feature ever invented, and Palm kind of has a history of camera suck, and TV-out, for me at least, is a gimmick. Although I love gimmicks, I have to say. :)
Still, fabulously (ahem, sorry) pre-tty device, it is now one of the top contenders for my next phone, depending on its price and whether Palm's new OS can get the huge library of devs and apps of the glorious days gone by, but soon to return (hopefully). Makes me wanna be a Palm fanboy.
Sorry, Mobius. It does have copy-paste unlike some other smartphone....
It also has A2DP, btw
Very happy to hear about this. Was worried about Palm for a bit. Competition is ALWAYS good, especially when it appears to be this impacting.
I know, I'm with sprint on the centro, and the phone is so well made. palm is my new favorite company, and while i knew and expected them to have a phone that would be cool, i never expected it to completely blow my mind. this has notifications like the g1, which was what i liked about it. and i believe they did it better because it doesn't get in the way and you can respond without leaving what you're doing.
i love the multitasking, card feature. if it's anything like how tabs are in safari, that alone makes me want to buy it. it has a sweet interface, and keyboard, which is the only thing stopping me from buying an iphone, and it's on my carrier. plus it has a 3.5 mm headphone jack which the g1 doesn't have. there are no downsides to this phone! with the iphone and g1 there are problems that while ill admit are minor, arent in this phone.
sprint, which i don't really understand why it has such a bad rap. i've never dropped a call. always had reception, and on evdo, the download speed was faster than on my sister's g1! and there's gonna be a WCDMA version!
the spotlight like feature is awesome, and i love synergy. the fact that it takes all info on every social website and puts it all in a list with no duplicates boggles me! the processor is a huge plus, i assume you can have a lot of apps open without having to worry about closing one of them. plus confirmed copy and paste! I've always wanted a phone that is like a computer, where you aren't limited to what the company gives you, and i feel like i can get it with this phone. one of the gripes i had with the iphone, was that there were so many restrictions on what you could do with it. you couldn't change at all how the ui looked, and you were pretty much stuck with what apple gave you. with the centro i changed everything about it to bring the interface out of 1990, but after a while, because development has stopped for palm, i just hit a wall. i hit a wall with the g1 and the iphone too. the android has that sort of limitless possibilities feeling, but this just seems bigger to me.
wow, i didn't mean to do a whole review on the thing but i'm really excited! this phone just feels like, if done right, there will be an endless amount of new options available for the user. good luck to you palm, and i look forward to seing all this phone can do.
This or N97? The larger screen and keyboard and the better camera (matters to me as I'm not a big camera user, dont own one, just need for pointing and shooting at odd moments) of the N97 and its much larger memory are tempting me, but everything else about this Palm Pre seems awesome especially the UI. I'm a bit bored of the Nokia UI and OS now. This looks much slicker better and easier on the eyes.
Any one else have thoughts regarding the Pre and the N97?
Don't buy the N97. Show Nokia that the people want capacitive screens! Are you gonna use all of those 48GBs on the N97? If not, get the pre! Besides, I'll bet that you'll be able to buy this before you can buy the N97.
For me, I prefer N97 (I own an iPhone already). But I think if this is priced CORRECTLY then it should be a hit.
For most engadget readers, who claim their eyes can't detect 200 dpi even up close .. this phone is good. But I can see up to 1200 dpi up close so I prefer the high res of the N97 because it will make a difference in making web pages readable without having to zoom in.
I pray it hits Verizon Wireless by the end of the year. I'm pretty pissed Verizon let ANOTHER amazing phone slip through its fingers (Apple went to Verizon 1st with the iphone & they said no thanks).
I'm excited anyway. Long time Palm fan and its great to see them put out what looks like a bombshell product.
i heard the verizon ceo that said no to iphone, committed suicide.,
Great, no new info in this post!
1) MicroSD or some other expansion?
2) Flash?
I second these queries!!!
there's microSD listen to the lady talk about charging, it can be done through the microSD port or wirelessly