I have to honestly say that the Pre is definitely a choice I would be willing to consider as a backup device to my Nokia E71. In fact, I would even have the audacity to claim that I may prefer owning the Pre over the N97. My reasoning behind this is simply in regard to affordable pricing and interface simplicity from Palm's new smartphone entry as well as my reservations about the N97's execution of an efficient user experience. There is no doubt that this Sprint exclusive model will soon be made into a GSM device and I am really eager to see one in person. While I am certain the N97's chance in the spotlight will be a great one, I am not looking forward to the high price point nor am I running to be the first guinea pig to test out Nokia's touch interface. Seeing the XpressMusic touch model in action really didn't impress me, and a part of me is not able to invest about $800 on a high end NSeries that may or may not be an improvement. While Nokias do have the upper hand over Pre's limited multimedia features (it can't even shoot video footage right now according to Gizmodo.com), those aren't my primary uses in a phone. I prefer a tactile qwerty on a compact form factor with exceptional screen, build and sound quality converged with reliable messaging and Internet access. Any extra features are always a luxury, and I don't mind taking advantage of those on a great model when the opportunity arises. The E71 still continues to give this to me every day that I choose to use it, and I am often surprised with how long I have been devoted to this ESeries phone. Extra luxuries are the Nokia Sports Tracker, GPS, music player, 16GB microSD support, acceptable camera quality for movies and stills, easy PDA access and efficient multitasking and North American 3G support. There is no other device out there that can measure up to this like the E71 can, locked or unlocked. For the first time in a long time, the Pre has awakened a strong interest from my frugal side that likes to pinch pennies, for I truly believe that the Pre will be no more than $500. For the first time I can honestly see myself being able to at least AFFORD a new device that can be just as reliable as my E71.
The new Web OS from Palm is truly a marvel after what the company has gone through with so many customers losing faith in its innovation. I should know since I was one of those customers. The Foleo disaster and the archaic Garnet OS had disgusted me to no end and I was more than happy to focus on other smartphone brands. Needless to say, that has all changed with the Pre announcement and I am once again a fan of Palm. Witnessing such a flawless demonstration of a refined interface on a compact model with a tactile qwerty is more than what I could've asked for from Palm, so kudos to the company. In addition to the interface, the Pre's Internet browser is another homerun with multi-touch gestures. Built from Webkit like the iPhone and Nokia browsers, I didn't see if this has any support for flash video and will assume that it doesn't (I guess you can't have everything). Though its UI looks to be just as polished as the iPhone, I am really pleased to see it paired with a TACTILE qwerty keypad that slides vertically. For daily usage I can really see the Pre fitting into my routine, even if it doesn't measure up to the E71. While the Pre cannot beat my E71 to become my main phone, it is truly a practical equal to the iPhone in my opinion.
After years of being familiar with the Garnet OS from my past Palm Tungsten E, Z22 and TX PDAs and my Treo 680, it is wonderful to see such a fitting modernization...even if it is long overdue.
As for my feelings for Windows Mobile, I am basically over it and have no more vested interest in it whatsoever. After many, many months of putting up with the same sluggishness of the OS, I got fed up with my Treo 750 when it failed to perform reliably during an emergency I had a while back. If I could have thrown that Treo out of the window I wouldn't have been surprised one bit, for I was that frustrated. At that point I vowed to never actively seek out any more Windows Mobile devices EVER, and I currently keep my backup Treo 750 only out of necessity. The overhyped and overpriced Xperia X1 doesn't interest me anymore, and this should be of no surprise since Sony Ericsson had been sadly lethargic in releasing this device promptly to the market. Whether it is on the sliding qwerty of a HTC Touch Pro or the keypad of a Treo Pro, Windows Mobile will always remain a clunky, overgrown mobile OS that is too big and much too complex for its own good. There is much truth that rings in the saying, "less is more".
TRENT
Sent from my Nokia E71
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