Palm Pre on Bell - good choice?

[etherboy]

I have a buddy who is looking for a new phone, and is really interested in the Palm Pre on Bell.

He has a contract with them that is ending (or has just ended), so I suggested he call retentions and find out what deal he can get.

Is that the best idea?

Did they fix the Pre's problems?

I have an iPhone 3GS (loliPhone) but he's not interested in an iPhone, so just wondering what other options are available (Xperia? HTC etc).

He's looking to spend about $30-50 / month on a plan.

Thanks RFD! :D

[Qwavel]

I really don't see how Palm can compete with the big boys. The Palm Pre is being sold on Bell in Canada and on Sprint in the US. That ain't much.

It seems to me that it will be crushed by the iPhone, Nokia, RIM, and Android.

That will mean fewer apps and firmware upgrades for the Palm. Also, it requires a hack to get anything other then the most basic apps onto this thing (it only 'officially' support Javascript apps).

If you want a touchscreen, get a Nokia N97 (coming soon to Bell), a Blackberry Storm 2, or an Android phone. I don't think Bell has an Android phone yet but they seem to be popping up everywhere so it should soon.

[RiCHC3]

Unless it works on the HSPA network (doubt) I wouldn't snag it.

I'm leaning towards the Xperia -3- which uses Android and has a forward facing camera (for video conferencing) which will probably become more popular in next few years. However, not sure if Bell (or any canadian carrier) will get it.

HSPA phones use Sim Cards and in that sense, they're easier to sell off in the future. In that regard, you want to focus on those types of phones for now.

[bonk66]

I have had a Palm Pre since it's release in Canada a couple months ago and I have never been happier with a phone. I was with Rogers before I switched and seriously considered buying an Android phone. However one stop at a Bell store with a demo Pre and I was hooked.

The interface is so slick, I got used to the keyboard within a day, the phone quality is great and setting up sync with Google calendar and mail was very easy.

I realize that Palm is in an uphill battle with this device but even if the App store doesn't get much bigger it's already an amazing device. Especially at $99.

I don't know which problems you are refering too, but I haven't had any problems; Mind you I don't use iTunes. My biggest problem is that my heavy use drains the battery, but I just charge it whenever I can. All touch screen multi use devices are hard on the battery. I have a herd of friends with iPhones and those that took the time to play with this device were impressed, they loved the multi-tasking.

I encourage your friend to check one out!