For the most part, Palm's phone designs have hovered around cute.  That gets even more pronounced with their latest release, the tiny HP Veer 4G.  Don't be fooled, though -- this is quite a capable device.

Physically, it mirrors the same pebble-like shape of the original Pre in an even more streamlined package.  The size and weight makes sure it slips in comfortably in your pocket, although usability is somewhat hampered by the petite styling. Put simply, the 2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen (320 x 400 resolution) is way too small by today's standards.  While it's sufficiently bright , sharp and shows off nice colors, web browsing is a chore and the finger really gets in the way.  Fortunately, you don't have to type onscreen -- there's a slide-up portrait QWERTY keyboard.  While cramped, it does make for some good typing after you get used to it.

As a phone, the HP Veer 4G makes for good calls with no background noise and very little interference.  Those on the other end noticed some echoes on occasion, although they were infrequent.  Speakerphone is just usable enough -- tinny, but perfectly serviceable even outdoors.   Battery is rated at 5 hours of talk time.

Despite the size, this quad-band world phone packs a full set of features.   You get a helping of voice and calling options, full connectivity support (WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G and HSPA+) and a robust set of messaging capabilities.  Do note that the handset seems to choke a bit on its data connection, so the same AT&T HSPA+ on  a different phone will seem faster (especially with WiFi hotspot involved).  Regardless, internet access is plenty fast, although you'll probably be disappointed if you've used a different "4G" phone before.

The Veer 4G runs WebOS 2.1.2, which comes with the excellent Synergy system for managing contacts, emails and calendars.  Since the last version of the platform, this service has expanded its reach, now syncing with even more types of accounts (seriously, you won't feel shortchanged a bit).   Notable additions include Stacks (a new visual take on multitasking that does simplify things) and Just Type (a universal search that you can use from any screen).

A bunch of apps are included that run the gamut, from entertainment to productivity tools.  The 5.0 megapixel camera takes decent pictures, although the lack of editing options is frustrating.   On the downside, it only comes with around 6GB of usable storage and no microSD expansion.

Overall, the HP Veer 4G packs in a good amount of features in a small and attractive frame.  The diminutive size brings its own set of problems, though.  If you don't mind the negatives, it's a pretty good buy for the $99.99 price on a two-year agreement with AT&T.

With Android smartphones flooding the market and the iPhone holding strong, HP has an uphill battle with the Palm Pre 2.  The fact that majority of the improvements here happened on the software end probably won't help its case any.

Physically, the handset's design doesn't stray far from the original Pre -- pebble shape, compact build and a slide-out portrait QWERTY.  Display is a 3.1-inch capacitive touchscreen (320 x 480 resolution), which is more common in bargain Androids by today's standards than high-end performers.  Regardless, it works just fine, provided your tastes haven't been spoiled by the 4-inch behemoths that are slowly becoming the norm.  If the screen is small, so is the keyboard, which will likely give those with larger fingers a whole lot of problems.

As a phone, the Palm Pre 2  makes for good calls.  Voices came through clear, but static seemed to find its way into conversations regularly.  Those on the other end reported a similar experience.  Speakerphone is usable, but very hollow-sounding.  Battery should be good for up to 6 hours of talk time.

Like we said, the major changes here happen on the software end with WebOS 2.0.   Features like Stacks (which improves the Pre's multitasking  immensely) and Type (combined universal search plus quick actions) really sweeten up the user experience, especially when paired with all of WebOS' already solid offerings.  Since the phone is equipped with a beefy 1GHz CPU and 512MB of RAM, everything runs zippily, although there's occasional sluggishness when you've got a huge pile of apps running.

You get the usual smartphone goodies on board, such as multiple calling options, basic and advanced messaging and a slew of wireless connectivity options (WiFi with mobile hotspot, 3G, GPS and Bluetooth).  A few tools and apps are also included, with access to more via the App Catalog (which, unfortunately, is far from bustling with activity these days).

The media player is nice and functional, but nothing special.  There's 15GB of available storage on the device, but no expansion slots, so manage your large files wisely.  The 5.0 megapixel camera comes with LED flash and manages very good photo quality (both outdoors and indoors).

As capable of a smartphone as the Palm Pre 2 is, it really is behind on the times, even at the slightly lower $149.99 contract price on Verizon.  With the Palm Pre 3 just a few months away, it may be wiser for WebOS fans to wait for the bigger and faster successor to hit shelves.

Despite embracing the same general design as the Pre handsets before it, the HP Pre 3  is being billed as a "business-class phone."  We're not exactly sure about that marketing angle, but it is quite the serious performer.

Bigger than its namesake predecessors, the new phone measures 4.37 x 2.52 x 0.63 inches and weighs 5.5 ounces.  It should be quite the workhorse, too, packing a 1.4-GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard -- a good fit for professionals who could use both the beefy multi-tasking power and the productivity afforded by physical keys.

Details of the HP Pre 3 include a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen (480 x 800 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module with LED flash (capable of 720p videos), a front-facing VGA webcam, support for the HSPA+ network, WiFi (with mobile hotspot functionality), stereo Bluetooth and a choice of storage capacities (8GB or 16GB).  Juice is drawn from a removable 1230 mAh battery module.

It's running the latest version of webOS, which comes with all the smartphone niceties you expect, along with integrated support for Flash 10.1.  The device also features one-touch contact syncing with the upcoming HP Touchpad tablet.

Availability for the HP Pre 3 is slated for the summer, with no word on carrier or pricing details.

[HP Pre 3]

Want your next smartphone to be compact and extremely pocketable?  The HP Veer could be exactly what you've been waiting for.

Measuring a diminutive 3.31 x 2.15 x 0.59 inches and weighing only 3.63 ounces, it should easily be one of the lowest-footprint smartphones around.  The size only gets more impressive once you realize that it packs a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard.

Details of the HP Veer include a 2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen (320 x 400 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module, aGPS, WiFi, 3G with HSPA, stereo Bluetooth, 8GB of built-in storage (no microSD expansion, though) and a 910 mAh battery (rated at up to 5 hours of talk time).  Despite having the length and width of a regular credit card, it fits in an 800Mhz processor to command the action.

The phone runs webOS, complete with the platform's full range of features, including native Flash 10.1 compatibility.  Full messaging support (including corporate mail) should see that vertical QWERTY slider put to good use, as well.

Granted, a 2.6-inch touchscreen doesn't sound like the most enjoyable thing to work with.  Still, we'll hold off our judgments on the HP Veer until we get to play with one.  It's slated for availability in early Spring, likely at similar price points as the lower-end LG Optimus series.

[HP Veer]

Rumors of both a new Palm device and an updated version of webOS have been swirling for weeks now.  Today, HP decided to come clean and unveiled the Palm Pre 2.

As rumored, the new handset comes with HP webOS 2.0, a revamped and renamed version of the much-lauded (well, for a time) mobile platform.  Everything good about it just got better, too, with the promise of "true multitasking" (probably like Android's been doing this whole time), along with new features, such as Stacks (for organizing open apps), Just Type (for accessing a variety of functions without opening a single app), HP Synergy (a web service aggregator) and Exhibition (apps designed to run while the handset charges).  It also comes with beta support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 right in the browser.

Details of the Palm Pre 2 include a 3.1-inch capacitive touchscreen  (320 x 480 resolution and encased in glass), a slide-out portrait QWERTY keyboard, a 5.0 megapixel camera module (with LED flash), aGPS, 3G with HSPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, 16GB of built-in storage and a battery module with 5.5 hours of talk time.  Dimensions remain similar to the original Pre, although it's slimmer and more streamlined.  A 1GHz processor drives the action.

SFR customers in France get first crack at the GSM version of the Palm Pre 2 starting this Friday.  Verizon Wireless and an undisclosed Canadian carrier will get the first CDMA versions, although exact availability dates have not been announced.

You can check out the rest of the details at the Palm Pre 2 press release, where they outline a good lot of the webOS 2.0 features.

[HP]



Palm just announced the release of a new software development kit that they're calling a PDK. It's not an SDK since the folks behind the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi have already released one of those. Instead, the new system stands for a "Plug-in Development Kit," and is designed to extend the functionality that webOS-powered devices can handle.

One of Palm's earlier selling points for webOS was the ease with which developers can put together apps on the platform, being based upon web technologies such as HTML and Javascript. Problem is, that didn't exactly make developing 3D games for their handsets easy. With the depth and variety of games turning out to be a major selling point for Apple's iPhone, that's not a good thing.

So what exactly is a PDK? In Palm's terms, the new mobile development platform allows programmers to run C and C++ code on their phones, practically extending the range of software that can be run on their handsets. That means having the power to produce more compelling games than what simple web technologies would have allowed.

For developers, that means getting an existing game or application onto either the Pre or the Pixi won't require a complete redesign, allowing you to reuse existing code. Sure, it's not as simple as recompiling the exact same library for new hardware, but it will entail both less cost and effort.

[Palm via Mobile Crunch]

Palm got a lot of people excited earlier in the year with the release of their Palm Pre touchscreen slider.  Now, they're following it up with a slimmer, more affordable smartphone, the Palm Pixi, which features the same exciting webOS that brought them back into everyone's consciousness.

Rather than a successor to the Pre, the new handset is actually a lower-tier release.  In fact, you can think of it as an entry-level version of the original webOS smartphone, bringing a few less features to the table.

Physically, the Pixi is smaller and lighter than the Pre, being Palm's slimmest handheld device to date.  Both build and feel in the hand are actually better than the Pre, a direct result of ditching both the sliding keyboard and the glossy finish.  Do note that Palm will be selling it with a number of custom back covers, such as in the above photo.

With a 2.63-inch capacitive touchscreen,  display real estate is an obvious tradeoff.  It's bright and sharp, but the screen can feel a little too cluttered at times.  It continues to support multi-touch and comes with an "invisible" gesture bar right below the screen.  The keyboard, surprisingly enough, is extremely comfortable to use, despite the decidedly tinier keys.

As a phone, the Pixi managed clear calls with plenty of volume.  Speakerphone conversations sounded a little hollow, but allowed for plenty of loudness.  System performance is slower than the Pre and, if you've used the previous device with any regularity, you'll notice the delays.  It's not half as bad as when working with a Windows Mobile handset though, so it's still great.  Battery has a rated life of over 5 hours, which should be good for at least a couple days or more of regular use.

The entire suite of webOS' functionality stays intact here, so you get the same social-friendly, multi-tasking environment as Pre users enjoy (for more on this, check out our Palm Pre review).  On the features end, you'll quickly notice two things: the lack of Wi-Fi and a less-powerful camera.  Since this is Palm's entry-level device, the camera can be forgiven.  But, Wi-Fi?  Come on.

It comes with the usual suite of webOS apps, including a read-only version of Documents To Go, a PDF reader and Sprint's bevy of streaming content services.  Support for App Catalog remains intact, although the 350-strong inventory doesn't really whet anyone's appetite all that much.

All the usual smartphone accoutrements come here, including various calling options, extensive messaging support, stereo Bluetooth and a GPS.  Multimedia capabilities remain the same as the Pre, with support for a respectable amount of audio and video formats, along with very good streaming movies (way better than 90% of smartphones around).  The smaller screen makes enjoying videos a little tough, though.  It comes with 8GB of internal storage with no expansion slot.  Performance for the 2.0 megapixel camera is about average for similarly-configured handsets, though editing options are virtually non-existent.

Overall, the Palm Pixi sounds like an exciting entry-level smartphone, with an attractive $99 price point (with a two-year contract).  Heavy messaging users will love the extensive support, along with the excellent QWERTY keyboard.  Multimedia actually remains a strength, despite the reduced screen size.

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Palm's second webOS phone is finally official.  Called the Palm Pixi, the handset will feature core hardware similar to the Pre, but comes in at a candybar form factor with a front-mounted full set of keys.

With an uncluttered front panel, the new device offers a fresh departure from the semi-industrial look that most full-QWERTY candybar devices tend to come with.  Design appears particularly smooth, with slim lines and an understated sense of style.

Exterior details include a 2.63-inch touchscreen display (320 x 400 resolution), a gesture area below the screen, white-on-black four-row keyboard design, a rubberized back cover, microUSB connector and a 3.5mm audio jack.  It's running off a Qualcomm MSM7627 chipset and comes with a 2.0 megapixel camera (with flash and autofocus), an onboard accelerometer, 3G connectivity, Bluetooth with EDR and 8GB of built-in storage.  It doesn't come with a Wi-Fi chip.

The Pixi will support the full range of webOS features, including multitasking, notifications, universal search  and Palm Synergy, which links the user's range of information from Google, Exchange ActiveSync, Facebook, Yahoo! and LinkedIn.  Palm will be releasing it along with the "Palm Pixi Artist Series," a selection of limited-edition back covers for the handset, featuring designs from well-known artists.

Sprint will be selling the Palm Pixi to US customers at a $149.99 price (with instant and mail-in rebates) on a two-year contract agreement.  It's scheduled for release later this year.

Apple's recently-released iTunes 8.2.1 update, which the company says “addresses an issue with verifying Apple devices,” actually does something a little more specific than that. In particular, it draws up a list of hardware units that are allowed to sync with iTunes, barring those that are merely masquerading as Apple devices.

The prime target of the update, of course, is the Palm Pre, which has used the fact that it syncs seamlessly with iTunes (identifying itself as an iPod) as one of its selling points. While the Pre did manage that capably, pulling down songs, videos and podcasts like a natively-supported gadget, Apple wasn't so keen on the idea. In fact, the iPod-makers already dropped a hint about its plans for "unsupported third-party digital media players" with a knowledge base article last month.

With iTunes 8.2.1, Apple made good on its threat, dropping the ability to sync with the erstwhile iPhone 3GS competitor. Palm confirmed this with Down Jones, even going so far as to suggest that Pre users not upgrade to the latest iTunes update. Of course, that's as terrible a solution as you can think up, considering all future updates will likely come with the same facility anyway.

All is not lost, of course, for Pre users, who have a number of syncing options available at their disposal, albeit none of which are as convenient as iTunes. Users can copy files to the Pre, after all, much like a USB drive, although that's undoubtedly a more laborious process. There are also various third-party apps that can do the job, including The Missing Sync and DoubleTwist. If anything, I'll bet we'll see a few more pop up in the next couple of weeks, trying to bridge the gap the latest move by Apple creates.

Palm has finally put a stop to the teasing and announced a definite launch date for their much-awaited Pre.  According to the press release from Sprint, the handset will go on sale Saturday of June 6th - just two short days before Apple is expected to make its own announcement about the newest iteration of the iPhone at the WWDC.

Also listed are the stores carrying the first webOS handset.  Far from being a Sprint Store exclusive, it will also be available from Best Buy, Radio Shack and Wal-Mart beginning at launch day.  Price for the touchscreen slider is pegged at $199.99, pending a $100 mail-in rebate.  Buyers will need to sign up for a two-year tie-in with Sprint, either with the “Everything Data plan” (available in $70 and $90 contracts) or the “Business Essentials with Messaging and Data plan” ($70 and up).

On a related note, Reuters is reporting that a limited number of Palm Pre devices will be available during the roll out, as a direct result of a short supply of the phone's custom display.  Sprint CEO Dan Hesse himself confirmed the shortage, even mentioning that they won't advertise the handset heavily between June and August because the company isn't going to be able to keep up with the demand.

According to some unofficial sources, only 200,000 units are currently in stock and that is for all regions that the phone will launch in during the third quarter.  Those who fail to get a Palm Pre during the first three months can expect to score one when Christmas season shipments come in (as expected) during the latter part of the year.

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