$149.99 on contract
Features:
-3.0 megapixel camera with flash
-Wi-fi compatible
-3.1 inch display
-320x480 resolution
The Pre Plus brings to use all of the potential functionality of the Pixi.
Web OS, which I really enjoyed using, works as it should on this phone.
The Pre Plus features a 3.1-inch display and a gesture area on the front. It has
a USB charger with a little cover, a lock/power button and a ringer silencer, a
3.5 mm headphone jack, a volume rocker and a camera with an LED flash.
The footprint of the Pre Plus is a bit smaller than similar smartphones. Some
people might find this annoying, but I actually liked it. The screen was big
enough for my hands (not small hands either), especially because it
incorporatesw a physical keyboard rather than a virtual one. The phone feels
very nice in hand. It fits comfortably in your palm and the rubberized back that
comes with the phone makes it easier to hold.
While the keyboard works well, the plastic at the bottom of the keyboard is
sharp and unpleasant to the touch. It is possible to avoid touching it, but
using the phone would be much easier if you didn't have to worry about that
painful little piece of trim.
Just like the Pixi Plus, the Pre Plus has Web OS. Most actions are made either
by using the touch screen or the gesture area right below the touch screen.
I'll admit Web OS gestures can be confusing at first. For instance, it took me about 15 minutes to realize that you have to slide your finger up the screen to close an application. Once learned, though, the gestures become second nature rather quickly.
The Web OS notification system is a real positive. When a text or e-mail comes in, a notification appears on the bottom of the screen without making you stop what you're doing.
Palm's Web OS is also unique because of its card-based multitasking system.
Card-based refers to the "cards" that represent each application. Multiple cards
can run at the same time allowing the user to slide through them to choose an
open application.
Another plus for the Pre Plus and Verizon's other Web OS phone, the Pixi Plus,
is mobile hotspot. Mobile hotspot allows the user to create a wireless hub that
allows connections for up to five devices. Security settings can be customized,
and the Pre Plus tracks who is connected to it.
The downside of mobile hotspot is the price - $40.00 a month.
The Pre Plus provides a pleasant experience to the user. Aside from the
aforementioned sharp plastic at the bottom of the keyboard, I have few
complaints.
My rating: 9 out of 10 bars.
