Palm Pre...Definitely Worth the Wait in Baltimore,Md.
Any one who knows me knows that I am a Palm person, starting way back with the Palm V. Loved learning how to use that first PDA. I have moved up to the Palm 700P but knew my time was limited, hoping that my trusty Treo could hold up until the Palm Pre arrived. It did!
I was standing in line at the Sprint store that Saturday morning before 7:30AM with Dick Betts; the only difference was that he was in Florida and I was in Maryland. This little bit of distance did not stop either one of us from texting and updating about the phone. I was number 14 in line in Baltimore and he was number 16 in Ocala. Michael and Yvonne at the Sprint store helped with that early morning rush. I found out that the Palm Pre...Definitely Worth the Wait-Baltimore,Md.
When I first touched the display phone I texted Dick saying it was going to take some time to get used to using the QWERTY keyboard because the keys were even smaller than my Treo. But as soon as I got my hands on this sweet little beauty I found I could use my nails for the keys - yeah, I do love that. (I've always used my fingernails and never the stylus, and the the Pre does not use a stylus so I didn't have to unlearn that.)
I am envious that Dick had the luxury of spending unlimited time with his new Pre. I had to show properties and sell a couple of condos, attend an all day class, meet with my publisher, write an offer, attend a funeral, set up home inspections, etc. I need to spend lots more time on my new toy, but I love it so far. Can't wait to read Dick's website with Tips and Tricks for this new tool - hope he will hurry up so I can have the benefit of all this learning!
With over 7000 contacts it took awhile to transfer the data to the new Pre. We did this in the Sprint store, or so I thought, but found out later that only my facebook contacts transferred over. And in the process I discovered a neat feature of the new Pre - the usb cable is part of the wall charger! 
Using this cable is how we finally transferred the data.... we used the old hot sync from the TREO then placed the data on a newer computer and then transferring to the new phone.
Still have a lot to learn, but I'm loving this new Palm Pre. I'm also sold on the quality and sound.... the reception is so much better. No "dead" spots in my home or neighborhood.
Palm Pre...Definitely Worth the Wait in Baltimore,Md.
410-530-2400
Margaret, I alerted all my Palm buddies about this new edition last week when it was announced. Palm does some unique things with their brand. I'm waiting to get the iPhone 3G S on June 19th as my next Apple upgrade!
Margaret--I am so behind the times. My phone is in dire need of updating, but I hate to start the process of looking, comparing options and making decisions. Thanks for the update though.
Very cool phone Margaret. I have never owned a Palm but did recently get a new iPhone., this was my first ever smart phone and now I just don't know how I ever survived without one.
Margaret enjoy your new toy. It is nice to find something that works for you.
Margaret - The I love palm products and the pre looks really cool. The only thing I don't like is that it is only on sprint. I always here people complaining about their bad coverage in the area.
Hmmm....jumping in the toy box is something we will have to do soon....setting aside the time to learn at this point would mean plastic surgery to keep my eyelids open and brain functioning 24/7....keep us posted on our learning curve !
I don't know anyone that has this yet......I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Have a great weekend!
Ann
Hi Margaret....I'm like you love my Toys for Business, except when they let you down. I too am looking at Buying a Pre, they are not yet available in Canada, not a big deal as I have year or so on my Palm 755 Contract with my cell phone provider. Sounds like you had fun, especially moving your contact list, that sounds like it was a little stressful.
You're one busy Girl, Enjoy your Pre, can't wait to hear about all the new features..mmm maybe write a book on Realtors and their Pre :O))
Cheers, thanks for sharing.
Gary,My daughter calls the Pre an iPhone wanna be.
Mary, The best phone is the one you feel comfortable using. Ask others, go to the store and try different ones. Most phones give you a trial period.
I can just see you with that iPhone. Tough to get you to get one...even tougher to get it away from you. Glad you are finding it so helpful.
Jennifer, The problem with new toys...finding time to play.
Robert, I heard the same thing. Decided to try for myself. The service is so good but more important the calls are much clearer and no dead spots so far!
Sally, Drove up to Pa. and back today. Got to play with it for a couple of hours. Finding the time was not easy.
Fred, I would be happy to share information as I learn more. The emailing,texting and returning calls are all so smooth. I am loving it.
I'm soooooooooo far behind the times. I still have a phone that I use to make and receive telephone calls. LOL
Russell, Does it have a rotary dial?
I think Palm Pre will be as useful if not more useful for Realtors than the iPhone. I have both devices, and the only thing I can say the iPhone has as an advantage today is the number of available software applications. They are in the thousands, where the Pre has little to show at this time.
The good news is that Palm released its SDK, or software development kit to application designers recently. Expect the Palm store to have an explosion in the number of applications available soon. In fact, I expect many of the popular iPhone apps to be available on the Pre, since it has an accelerometer, and the screen technology actually is better (IMHO).
Can't wait to get the "Urban Spoon" on my Pre!
G. William, I am loving the Pre even if my own daughter calls it the "iPhone Wannabee". I am finding it very easy to find almost anything. The email is awesome. According to the website , the SDK should be available later this summer.
BTW, You can just google urbanspoon or go to the website on the Pre..that's pretty simple...at least until more apps are available. We just had dinner at our favorite restaurant, Tio Pepes. I will be doing a post on it later.
Margaret - Upgrading to the iphone or Pre within the next few days. Leaning toward the Pre for the non-At&T factor. I know some feel the carrier is a non-issue, for me it is a biggie. Curious what you think specifically of the keyboard now that you have used it for a while. You mentioned needing your fingernails. Has that gotten easier? I found the top row a bit difficult for my fingers. Also, any issues with the slider? It did seem a little flimsy, that was a concern. Otherwise, I am sold. Really wish it had video, but I think that I will have to just hang on to the flip for now. Thanks in advance for your input.
Steve, Just left you a voice message. I like the keyboard..no problem with the slider, very smooth. When I used the Treo, I used my fingernail to write and enter information... never the stylus. This keyboard is very easy for me to use with my nail.
The email and messaging are perfect for me.
Margaret, It was a pleasure to talk to you tonight. Thanks for taking the time & all of your information.
Steve, It was a delight speaking with you tonight. Let me know what you decide about the Pre. It will be fun sharing.
Can you use the Pre with Boost? Seems like $50 a month would be pretty good.
Brian, Welcome to ActiveRain. I enjoyed your first post about the new iPhone..Sounds like you are going to love it.
I don't know about Boost..you might want to check with Dick Betts...he is the genius of all type of smart phone.
Margaret - Wanted to wrap up my story for you - I did wind up with the iphone. However, the phone part just wouldn't cut it for me here. Especially in my home, it was just terrible. Back with Sprint & the Pre & very happy. So far, so good. And so nice not to be dropping calls & cutting out again.
Hi Steve, Left you a message earlier. Glad you are enjoying the Pre.