Rab’s World

I have been a smartphone user for quite a while. I actually go back to the HandSpring Visor. I went through the first Treo 180g (graffiti) to the Treo 270; the Treo 600 and finally in early 2006; I went to the Treo 650. This is where I am at today.

So many innovations since I bought my GSM; Unlocked; carrier-unbranded Treo 650. Apple is one of my favorite companies. They have answered the prayers of millions of hand-held smartphone users who demanded a refreshed look at the design and function of a mini-computer (aka ’smartphone’). The Apple iPhone is the undisputed champ of handheld convergence.

Thanks to a site that I have been a member of for a while; TreoNauts have posted a sticky blog comparison chart. The Comparison Chart For Palm Centro and Treo 755, 750, 700w , 700p, 680 and 650 (and now a 800!) is a nice table breakdown to help the person to decide if an upgrade is necessary.

I’m one of these people. This is my situation. I tolerate the Palm OS. I’m an avid fan of Apple products. I really prefer the operations and elegance of an Apple iPhone. but…a) I’m on T-Mobile USA GSM. b) I travel to other countries who only use GSM. c) My monthly wireless bill would double because the iPhone’s elegance is so dependent upon Internet connectivity. So … without hacking and manipulation at this moment; I would have subscribe to AT&T for 2 years bondage and then be denied the use of an iPhone overseas when attempting to use a foreign SIM inside the joint.

So which upgrade path do I take? Basically the iPhone is still not an option until the next hardware enhancement rumored to happen sometime in late 2008. [*** Update *** iPhone with 3G Radio capabilities released to the world on July 11th. See here!] I am looking at the aging Palm OS again. I decided to ‘x’ out the Treo 755. I’m not waiting around for a rumored Treo 800 also [*** Update *** This is out on CDMA networks with Windows OS..yeccch!] . So that leaves the Treo 680 and the sleek Centro. You know what? I think I’m going to go for the Centro.

Largely because of the February announcement that unlocked, GSM handsets in various colors are available for sale in Europe. There are sites on the ‘Net asking for $320 USD for the device. Yessir! This price is way too close to the Apple iPhone which is going for $299 USD/16 GB, locked model in the States. Yes; I’m aware that there is a GSM version in the USA. It is carrier-locked to the ubiquitous AT&T. American companies subsidize their wireless handsets. Hence, the $99 USD price you have been seeing with Sprint and $69 USD with AT&T.

I will get my hands on an unlocked GSM centro to use with my T-Mobile account. A review will be coming after that. feel free to comment!