Palm Pre Plus

“The webOS software is its greatest benefit, as it is easy enough for practically anyone to use, especially those who have never considered using a smartphone before. But with little changes in the software since last year, Palm will have to play catch-up with the iPhone and Android-based phones, which currently have more robust operating systems and with thousands of more apps that can be downloaded. Only time will tell how things will play out between webOS 1.4, Android 2.1, and iPhone OS 4.0. Regarding our ratings below: When the Palm Pre for Sprint came out last year, we gave it high marks because it was unique and was one of the easiest smartphones to use on the market. Since then, more competing devices have come out, and the Pre Plus is not as “cutting-edge” as it would have been last year. We base our ratings on the current Palm Pre Plus, as well as how it compares to other current devices.”

“As far as phones go, it is by no means perfect -- like the iPhone 3GS or the Nexus One or the Droid, it has its issues, and you will find yourself annoyed by certain decisions Palm has made here. It should be obvious that as a smartphone buyer, you have some amazing options right now. If you're a Verizon customer, you can get the excellent Droid, or wait for the forthcoming Nexus One, to say nothing of the BlackBerry offerings on the network (if that's your cup of tea). If you're carrier independent, then your choice is even harder -- T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T offer a stack of seriously great phones that would make even the pickiest geek happy. So why choose the Pre Plus on Verizon? To answer that question, you have to figure out if you believe in the potential of webOS devices; Palm doesn't have the fastest phone, or the phone with the highest resolution, certainly not the biggest app selection, and it doesn't have a massive community behind it. What it does have, however, is a brilliant platform with huge potential to change the way you work and live with your phone (provided they tap that potential soon... as in now). If you're as hopeful as we are that that potential will be fulfilled, your decision should be a simple one.”

“The obvious things come to mind as we know that this is almost the same device that was unveiled well over a year ago – which is undoubtedly in the later stages of its product cycle. Sure we've seen some improvements with webOS that showcase the commitment in balancing the platform, and it's evident that all the steps have been gradual – but consumers are surely expecting to see a major overhaul some time soon. You really can't help comparing it to Verizon's version, which trumps AT&T's one, because it offers free Mobile HotSpot on-board and has a better price. Unfortunately, AT&T's product doesn't provide anything refreshingly new for its webOS starved customers. And with the steep $149.99 price tag associated with it, there are  few reasonably strong points in going with this device – even with the inclusion of the Touchstone charging dock for free. When that limited promotion ends, consumers will easily see the value with Verizon's version and gravitate towards it – that's unless AT&T decides to match it in every way.”