Sprint ups the Palm Centro teaser: $99 on October 14

Sprint just brought up their Palm Centro site and with it, a few more details to make the dealio all official-io. The "world's smallest Palm device" will cost you $100 beans after $100 mail-in rebate, minimum $25 data plan, and two year commitment to Sprint (and Garnet) when it launches on October 14th. We're also seeing a choice of a candy-red finish for the first time if black is a bit too staid for your tastes. Perhaps we'll hear a little more later today when the DigitalLife show kicks off in New York.

[Thanks, Conrad A-B.]

[nih @ Sep 27th 2007 3:48AM]

That's the first time in a very long time that I've seen a mobile beauty-shot without anything on the screen. Come on Palm marketing department!

[ryanwalklin @ Sep 27th 2007 5:38AM]

Why bother? Not like the OS has changed in 4 years.

[strider_mt2k @ Sep 27th 2007 7:33AM]

ryanwalklin for the win on that one.

Let's look at the replay...

[Bernhard @ Sep 27th 2007 5:04AM]

If that thing comes with Pocket tunes deluxe(and a standard 3.5 mm audio jack), Docs-to-go 10 and hi-res screen, it would be a pretty decent device. Palm would need to rethink the input method however. Graffiti instead of the keyboard could prove more useful for bigger hands.

[trumpton @ Sep 27th 2007 5:42AM]

If it's anywhere near as good as the new Treo 500v, this could be a very nice little number indeed.

I nornally hate Windows phones but was really pleasantly surprised by the 500v - it's a lovely phone and Vodafone's location-based services were very impressive.

If Palm can get a European version of this phone out they stand to do quite well. The OS may be old, but it's still one of the best around and there's zillions of apps available....

[Rich @ Sep 27th 2007 8:37AM]

Palm? Do well? In Europe?

That's as likely as David Beckham becoming the next governor of California.

[Glenn Blanchard @ Sep 27th 2007 6:14AM]

Ok all you crybabies that whined about the iPhone/ATT deal. Let's hear the whining about this exclusive deal just as loudly. No? Oh right, this is a piece of crap.

[prokanda @ Sep 27th 2007 6:31AM]

it's only a 90-day exclusive.. after that it's going to verizon (and then prolly a gsm version to the other US carriers)...

[prokanda @ Sep 27th 2007 6:36AM]

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/25/latest-palm-centro-leaked-shot-looks-official/

there ya go. maybe you should read up on things first.

[panda1 @ Sep 27th 2007 7:10AM]

Is it just me or is this phone ugly? My Treo 650 is better looking than this. Palm really need to hire some new designers.

[Razor @ Sep 27th 2007 8:01AM]

I'm undecided on the looks. My big hang-up is to see whether the Palm engineers finally decided to use a 3.5mm audio jack. I've been a Palm and Sprint customer long before my Treo 300 and currently have a treo 650. I love the iPhone but the thought of going over to AT&T and pretty much getting the download speeds of my three year old phone just kills me. RIght now my iPod and Treo are on their last legs and begging to be replaced soon.

For $99 this seems like it could be a real winner...

[Herman Manfred @ Sep 27th 2007 7:55AM]

Did Sprint raise the price of data for this?

[Teo @ Sep 27th 2007 8:10AM]

It is unbelievable other smartphone from Palm without Wifi? Could anyone explain that?

[Baz @ Sep 27th 2007 8:22AM]

Nothing to see here, people - move along....

In truth, I have nothing against the PalmOS - though would prefer it if it had some sort of (tabbed) means of switching between 'open' programs. And I'd really appreciate it if Palm didn't make it so that each new Treo (and Desktop) had less features and software support than the last.

Design-wise, its boring - and a small screen and even tinier thumboard go against the current industry norm for smartphones - and what many users want. Moreover, while it is 'small' it is appears nowhere near as svelte as current Apple, Nokia or Motorola products that are capable of the same - if not more.

It looks chunky yet for small hands - is it meant for children? Is it Palm's Firefly?

[Tony C @ Sep 27th 2007 8:24AM]

Uhhh... That's a big negatory on the "world's smallest Palm device" there Sprint... You seem to be forgetting about the Fossil Palm "Wrist PDA" watch...

http://www.fossil.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=25789&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=956&iSubCat=2208&iProductID=25789

World's smallest Palm PHONE, now that I'll give you... For now... ;)

[FrankTheCrank @ Sep 27th 2007 8:39AM]

Here's what I say about your two year agreements: F*CK YOU!

[Geoff @ Sep 27th 2007 10:22AM]

"That's a big negatory on the "world's smallest Palm device" there Sprint"

Beat me to it. Been wearing a Palm on my wrist for a couple of years now.

[joe @ Sep 27th 2007 10:54AM]

Ahh, Speak-N-Spell. I missed you so.

[Dave @ Sep 29th 2007 11:15PM]

I too am looking for information on why the data plan is listed as $25...is this going to operate differently the 'standard' Sprint service @ $15 a month which is why business users flock to Sprint.

Any links / info would be fantastic

[LAdude @ Sep 30th 2007 3:09AM]

but the fossil watch is not a phone or online device....