Storage

The Palm Pre is equipped with 8GB of internal memory. Plenty of smartphones don't even reach the 1GB, so this is an impressive amount of storage.

The handset's functions take up 1GB, so it actually comes with 7GB free for usage. This should be plenty of space for the largest of music collections.

Users who wants to add memory are out of luck, as there is no memory card slot. But more storage options are available with USB mass storage support and Palm's over-the-air backup.

The Palm Pre comes with large storage room and flexible backup options. Put too much on it, though, and the phone, like any device with lots of applications, may become cumbersome to navigate. While an expandable memory card slot would have been appreciated, users won't likely fill up all 8GB of storage.

Connectivity

The Palm Pre connects wirelessly to Bluetooth accessories. Consumers can communicate wirelessly using headsets and handsfree car kits, listen to music through stereo Bluetooth headphones (not included), transfer files, print documents, control audio and video, and support gaming tools like joysticks and mice.

Palm supports over-the-air backup, to store and remotely erase items and update the software.

For wired options, the Pre can use a micro-USB cable to connect with a computer and upload files and sync music.

The Pre is also compatible with Palm's new Touchstone charging dock (sold separately). Magnetically snapping the handset into place, the Touchstone charge the Pre wirelessly.

A special Touchstone back cover is also required for the Pre. Charging takes about as long as it would with a wall plug charger, making this unique, portable system extra handy, especially since the phone's battery doesn't have the longest life.

Conclusion

The Pre has many strengths. Among those is its sleek design and bold, large screen; 3.2-megapixel camera that takes impressive photos; integrated messaging system that allows a person to see emails from multiple inboxes, ability to layer items from more than one calendar; switch between messaging systems in the middle of conversation.

Its impressive 7GB of free memory ensures users never run out of storage, able to sync with a computer and use Wi-Fi and 3G Internet to browse the Web.

Remarkably, the Pre has a more compact screen with all the resolution of the bulkier iPhone.

Its applications and entertainment features are plentiful, with access to Amazon's MP3 store and Sprint services for online music, clips of videos and satellite radio.

Here's what's missing, though: the camera can't record video, there's no Flash support for the Web, the inability to edit documents, and a small keypad and muffled speaker placement.

The Pre also falls considerably short of the iPhone on applications.

The Pre's application menu offers enough to keep people connected, entertained and organized and the menu screens are easy to understand. Plus, the choice of keeping items separate or together comes in handy. But when it comes to innovative extras, the Pre just doesn't go far enough to top the competition.

For those who want to get the maximum amount of applications on their smartphone or carry around a larger screen with better battery power, the Pre may not be right for them. But to stay connected, juggle multiple communications at once, and learn more about what's available around them and view pictures and video on a high-resolution screen, the Pre is a good pick.

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