Treo Pro vs. Palm Centro

[DaniPhiSig]

I currently have a Palm Centro...I've been using it for about 6 months or so and I just love it. :laugh3:

I have been looking at the Treo Pro as a possible upgrade (the Palm Pre is just too icky for me), and I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money to do it. I know they are on completely different operating systems. I LOVE the Palm OS software, it's really easy to use and I love the Desktop Software that comes with it. For someone who is familiar with that software after using it for so long (9 years or so with the amount of PDA's that I have owned), is it better to stick with it, or try something new?

I want to make sure that if I upgrade, it's a good thing I am upgrading too....

Thanks!

[chris]

I currently have a Palm Centro...I've been using it for about 6 months or so and I just love it. :laugh3:

I have been looking at the Treo Pro as a possible upgrade (the Palm Pre is just too icky for me), and I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money to do it. I know they are on completely different operating systems. I LOVE the Palm OS software, it's really easy to use and I love the Desktop Software that comes with it. For someone who is familiar with that software after using it for so long (9 years or so with the amount of PDA's that I have owned), is it better to stick with it, or try something new?

I want to make sure that if I upgrade, it's a good thing I am upgrading too....

Thanks!

You'll find the Treo Pro's keyboard familiar, but that's where the comparison ends. As you mentioned, the two operating systems are vastly different. Why are you moving from the Centro? Better yet, why do you think the Palm Pre is "icky"?

The Treo Pro is a great Windows Mobile device, but I'd recommend it for those interested in a device powered by WM. If you are coming from Palm OS, the Pre will allow you to run "classic" Palm OS apps. I'd go Pre or simply stick with your Centro.

[benjie]

A person who likes to tinker would love WM - lots of options. If you are wanting a phone that really works in the office/work environment, WM excels there also. Otherwise, the Pre really is a good alternative - much better in my uneducated opinion that the iPhone. The iPhone at this time means nothing unapproved for most users - little tinkering and what you have everyone else has. The Pre promises much more and even at its release state offers more than the iPhone.

[chris]

I agree with your assessment of Windows Mobile. I've used the Q, Tilt quite a bit and there is no end to what you can do. The vast menu structures can be a bit cumbersome at times, especially in WM Standard.

My feeling is the Pre will be similar to the iPhone when it comes to tweaking. I'm still not sure if Palm's going to allowing skins/themes. That's a big reason why people "jailbreak" their iPhones.

[benjie]

But Chris, there must be something to a phone with a brain other than noise. My Touch Pro main screen (today screen) is not graphic - it shows the date/date/time, has a good search plug-in and a list of appointments - that is it. I have Kinoma and pTunes (both paid for) but rarely use them. $500 or so for a noise machine is just too much for me. Now a device in that price range that handles a work environment interests me and hence I have not a problem dropping the money for such a device.

[chris]

I think all the phones in the discussion have "brains". The manufacturers put limits to what the end user has access to, in an effort to protect themselves from... themselves.:wink:

There is a new app for the iPhone that has me pretty excited. I've always been a big fan of FileMaker Pro, a pretty robust database program. They've put a glossy interface on it and branded it "Bento". The Bento app costs $50 and the iPhone is less than $5. This allows to you create your own db apps and sync with your desktop. The options are limitless.

As for the Pre, I think you'll see more business related apps for that platform.

[benjie]

I am a HanDBase fan and there is talk about doing it for the Pre. Document editing, spread sheet and a database application are big needs for me. When it does come out I will at least take the time to look at it.

[cfong]

I have used my Treo Pro for a week. The more I use it, the more I like it. The Pro, true to its name, is more of a working tool than a toy. What I like best is its TODAY screen. I see the upcoming events in my calender every time I pick up the phone. Also, emails works great. I have a corporate email address and a hospital email address, both have strong firewalls. I had no problem syncing to either email server. Setting Yahoo mail and gmail was simple a breeze. Now I have 4 emails literaturally at my finger tip.

It doesn't have iphone or pre's multi-touch screen, but I don't really care.

Key pad is kind of cramped, not as comfortable as a blackberry, but you can get used to it.

It does have lots of options for you to tweak. But I think if you are reasonablly familiar with Windows' way of thinking, you won't feel overwhelmed.

The only think I don't like is the speed dial. It sucks.