Verizon Wireless announced that the Palm Centro smartphone will be available online and in stores beginning June 13.
Centro runs on Verizon Wireless’ high-speed data network, which gives customers the ability to quickly send and receive e-mail messages and attachments and browse rich Web content. Verizon Wireless customers can also use the Centro as a modem for their laptops when they subscribe to Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess Connect service plan. The handset sports a vibrant color touch-screen, full QWERTY keyboard and a lightweight design.
Centro’s built-in Google Maps(application delivers quick, reliable directions and lets users perform local searches and view moveable/scalable maps, satellite imagery and traffic updates. Customers can also map a contact’s address directly from the contact application simply by selecting the “maps” button.
Customers using the Centro will get access to VersaMail 4.0 with built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support for Microsoft Direct Push Technology to deliver e-mail and calendar updates from a home or office PC using Outlook(R) directly to their handsets. Centro users also have the option of using Wireless Sync, Verizon Wireless’ proprietary e-mail solution, for quick and easy access to personal or corporate e-mail, contacts, calendar and tasks from their home or office PC. Wireless Sync supports POP3 or IMAP e-mail accounts and it supports Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Notes and IBM Lotus Domino.
The Palm Centro also includes the following features and capabilities:
— Text, picture and video messaging (text messages are presented to
customers in a “chat-style” view so customers can see their entire
conversation unfold)
— Superior phone functionality, including one-touch speakerphone and
conference calling, the ability to respond to a call with text
messaging, and the option to use the touch-screen dial pad
— Smart, fast Web browsing using the award-winning Blazer browser
— 2x digital zoom camera with video capture
— Media player with Pocket Tunes(TM) Deluxe (PlaysForSure-compatible)
— Bluetooth(R) v. 1.2 with support for hands-free car kits and headset
profiles
— 64 MB available user storage and microSD(TM) memory card slot with
support up to 4 GB
— User-friendly, familiar Palm OS(R) 5.4.9, including one-touch access to
key applications
— Small, sleek form factor: 2.1” (l) x 4.2” (w) x 0.7” (d)
— 4.2 ounces with battery
— 320 x 320 pixel color touch-screen and full QWERTY keyboard for easier
e-mail, messaging and Web use
Pricing and Availability
The Palm Centro smartphone will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City, for $99.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers may want to pair their Centro voice plan with Verizon Wireless’ E-mail and Web for Smartphone service for $29.99. This is an unlimited monthly data plan for Web browsing and e-mail support and includes personal e-mail accounts. To tether the Centro to a laptop with a USB cable, customers may opt to include a BroadbandAccess Connect plan in their service package for $30.
For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers may call 1-800-VZW-4BIZ or contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative.