Palm announces the Pre Release Date and a Rebate

What is going to happen with wireless cards? That's intriguing! I recently got a Verizon wireless card to operate my HP mini.

Then I became interested in PDANet after a revival of discussion. My HP mini does not have a CD player. I'm trying to figure out (a) if PDANet will take the place of a wireless card satisfactorily and (b) how to get PDANet onto the mini. I use Palm Desktop 4.2 and I don't see that I can download it from the web. I don't want to change desktop versions because my Treo 755p is happy and I don't want to rock the boat.

I always look forward to reading what's going on in this group!

Ann Hobbs

I have had Sprint for over a year now and have not had really any trouble at all. Previously had been with Nextel(which is Sprint) for 5 years, Verizon for 3 years before that. I have to say that overall Sprint seems to have great coverage for So Cal. I have been using the 755P and love it also but have been anxiously awaiting the Pre. I currently have my ekey on my Palm and am trying to find out if the Pre will be compatible. Another feature I have found out that I will lose is the ability of my phone to act as a modem when I am out and about. The 755P has this feature and I do use it. I am told the Pre will not be able to do this as it is essentially its own computer. None the less I will likely be one of those crazy people on the phone to order the Pre June 6th!

Question to Ann Hobbs: How do you like your HP MIni, and how does it serve you better than a laptop, in which situations? I saw one at Costco, and it seems small and light enough to travel to meetings with me in my purse --- more convenient than my laptop, it seems! Your input would be appreciated!

I really like the mini. Had to get used to the 90% size keyboard, but after texting on tiny, tiny keys that's no problem. The mini easily fits in my purse. It is smaller than an 8X11 sheet of paper. It's easier to go through airport security because it's easy to get to. Perfect for emailing while traveling. Since most of my real estate applications are online and not downloaded programs, I've had no trouble writing and sending offers to the office and to clients. Our MLS is also online, so I can easily answer questions or do searches for buyers. My business never misses a beat when I'm traveling. I use an air card so I'm good to go no matter where I am. Sending photos is a snap also. I never enjoyed dragging a heavy laptop around, especially after getting my Treo 755p. Having the mini allows me to complete tasks while on the phone with clients.

The biggest plus is, of course, the cute factor. People are all over me in the airport when I take it out of my purse!

Clark Howard, our Atlanta consumer guru, says minis (or netbooks) will be available soon at prices between $100 and $300! What a deal!

Thank you for your input, Ann! Up to the last line in your first paragraph, I was thinking well, my BlackBerry does all that, why do I need a mini? Your last thought about being able to complete tasks while on the phone with clients is the clincher!! I like that! And, cute's not bad either, ha!! I think the one at Costco was just about $300; I'll check when I go there next time. Thanks again, I appreciate your help!

Group,

Well the wait is over, I got my Palm Pre this morning! Like thousands of others I stood in line outside of a Sprint store at 7:30 in the morning waiting. I was out the door by 10 dropping $350 for the purchase which included the car charger. I did get a $100 mail in rebate. So since about 11 I have been learning about the Pre, exploring each app and downloading more apps. Please remember I have 17 smartphones including i-Phones and Blackberry and guess what? This phone puts all of them to shame with core functions. Yes the apps selection is currently weak put what the Pre can do just amazes me.

I have 6 web pages open at the same time along with my calendar, contacts and texting. Just flicking my finger to bounce between sites. It's packed with videos on how to and Sprint did a nice job with step by step directions.

So I am only about 25% of the way thru the device which is what the average user gets out of a smartphone. I plan on another 12 hours of exploring.

I am planning a new page on my website with "Tips and Tricks" for the Pre, but not today, still learning.

Understand why Sprint and Palm made about 2 million of them!

Dick

Dick, We were in line together this morning before 7:30AM...the only difference, you were in Florida and I was in Maryland. Did not stop us from texting and updating. I am envious that you have the luxury of spending unlimited time with the PRE. I had to show properties and sell a condo today and now I have to write the offer. I need to spend lots more time on my new toy. Love it so far. Can't wait to read your website with Tips and Tricks...hurry up so I can have the benefit of all your learning...lol.

I was so concerned about the Sprint reception and am finding it is so much better than Verizon for me

Margaret

Dick and Margaret,

I am so excited about the Pre and cant wait to get mine! The hold up for me is the the Supra eKey...how long will it take them to give us an app for the Pre?

Margaret, do you use the eKey on your phone? I currently have the 755p ; it is such a joy to only carry one device for showings. But OH! the Pre looks terrific!

Please keep us posted on your venture into this new and fun toy!

I have a funny to tell; I went to the Sprint store on Friday to replace a phone for my daughter and the guy said well your husband's has been ready for an upgrade a LONG time, don't' you want to upgrade that one too? What is it a rotary phone ? LOL Needless to say my husband is one of those that say if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Looking forward to your posts,

Callie

Callie,

I did speak with Supra at NAR Mid Year and the hold up was Palm even if they do get it to work you will need the fob. The fob is a second device that converts Bluetooth to IR to open the boxes. The web browser will change the way you look up listings because of accessing a full website.

I can speak for Margaret her town does not use Supra lockboxes but she will be a great REALTOR to watch and hear how the Pre is working with her business.

I think I have given my opinion many times on my feelings about carriers, gee on Friday you could not get the Pre but 8:00 Saturday morning you could.

Dick

I started with Sprint in OH too many years ago to count. I stuck with it in FL but am seriously considering switching to Verizon when my lease contract expires in February. Coverage in he Tampa Bay area has been okay but not getting better - seems worse as time goes on. Checking the coverage maps Verizon is a no brainer- except for the cost. I am not fond of Sprint's customer service either.

If Supra accepts PRE that may be an option when Verizon gets it. If not I'm probably stuck with a Blackberry.

Martha Vasquez