A few days ago (OK, so more like 2 weeks...) I told you about my adventures with the Palm Pre Plus from Verizon. Last time, I was just trying to learn to use it and get to know it a bit. Now, I feel like I know what I'm doing.
Join me, along with these fine folks to hear more about the Verizon Palm Pre Plus (hint: they have opportunities to win, too):
This Full House
Mom Trends
Tech for Mommies
Mom Generations
The Full Mommy
Rockin Mama
Musings of a Housewife
Manic Mommies
Quirky Fusion
It takes me forever to "move in" to a new phone. I like to take my time and get things just right so I feel like the phone is doing everything it can do for me.
This week, I'll talk about the basics that most everyone looks for in a phone: phone calls, contacts, texting, calendars and e-mail.
Phone calls: the Palm Pre Plus has a large, bright phone keyboard screen. The touch area for the numbers is roomy, so even sausaged-fingered people can make calls without too much error. My calls have been good quality so far, and I live in a tough area for reception.
Additionally,it has a speakerphone, speed dial, conference calling ability, an airplane mode and a silent ringer switch.
You can search for numbers from this screen by name or number to quickly find the number you need. The screen also has quick access to recent numbers that you've received calls from or dialed, which is important to me, since I'm not good at writing down numbers.
You can easily add these numbers to your contacts right from the screen, which is great for trading numbers with someone. You can call their phone, and right away, you have their number in your phone and can add it to your contacts.
Contacts: Adding contacts is pretty straightforward. One thing I noticed right away is that the Palm Pre Plus has built-in ways to add contacts from Google, Facebook, Microsoft Exchange, Linked-In and Yahoo. It's as easy as selecting "Add an account". There are also several options to import contacts from another phone.
There are plenty of fields to add information about your contacts including the ability to add a photo for each contact as well as assign them a ring tone so you can quickly and easily see who's calling. You can also view all your contacts at once, or separate them into personal, work, etc.
Texting - The Palm Pre Plus can handle IMs, texts and multimedia messages so you can stay in touch with people lots of ways. I had no problem adding my Google Talk IM.
[Side note]
If you don't know how to text, now is the time to learn. Your kids will get older, and despite what you say now, they will be texting, and you will need to communicate with them.
Also, I promise you'll be amazed at how handy it is.
Oh, and three small words to remember: Unlimited. Texting. Plan.
Just do it, trust me.
[/Side note]
Like I said before, at first glance, the physical keyboard looks quite small and cramped-ish. Don't let that throw you, as with many things, it just takes a bit of use to find your groove.
Calendars - I admit that I am off and on about keeping my calendar in my phone. It makes sense, and I am so much more organized when I do it, but there's something off-putting about entering dates in a small phone.
I do so much better with it when I enter things online such as with Google Calendar. The Palm Pre Plus can pull all your calendars (Outlook, other work, school, personal etc.) together in one view with appointments color coded so you can see the different accounts, or you can view each calendar alone.
I had no problems adding all my Google Calendars, it was very quick and easy.
Imagine just being able to look at your phone and find out the day's agenda or figure out where your appointment is (the Palm Pre Plus also has GPS, more on that later). Give it a try, calendars aren't just for business users.
E-mail: My favorite thing about the Palm Pre Plus e-mail is that it's really easy to use, and you can see a list of all your accounts (and their folders) on the same page. No more going from website to website to sign into your e-mail. You can also view e-mails from all accounts merged into one list, but that's not been too helpful to me.
If you don't currently use a phone to check your e-mail, it's really a great way to keep in touch and have information you need right with you. How many times have you left the directions to the party at home or needed the name of that great product someone e-mailed you about while you were at the store?
So, so far I really like the basics of the Palm Pre Plus. If it's your first smart phone, you'll be amazed at all the information you can have right in your hand.
Of course, it does the "gee whiz" stuff too, like Facebook and Twitter plus a host of other things that will amaze you. We'll talk about that next time.
For now, though, let's do something even more fun:
The giveaway:
Want a chance to win a $25 gift card to Verizon Wireless? You could put it toward a new phone, or even pay a bill.
Here's how to win:
1. Tell me where you could use a cool phone like this (kids' sports practice? At the park? Long train commure?) and and leave a comment (and a valid e-mail address).
2. (Optional) For an extra entry, Tweet about this giveaway and leave a separate comment.
3. 1 winner will be picked randomly via Random.org from the comments.
4. Winner has 24 hours to get back to me, otherwise another winner will be drawn.
5. Hurry! Contest ends Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10pm CST.
I wrote this review while working on a Verizon Palm Pre Plus campaign by TheMotherhood.com on behalf of Verizon Wireless and have been given a Palm Pre Plus (and prizes for giveaways) to facilitate my review.
Comments (47)
I could use this phone everywhere I go.
Posted by Rebecca Graham | February 24, 2010 2:25 AM
Posted on February 24, 2010 02:25
I could use it anywhere but it would be a great 1st phone for my son. pattyherbert1965@yahoo.com
Posted by patty herbert | February 24, 2010 8:58 AM
Posted on February 24, 2010 08:58
This sounds like an amazing phone - it takes the necessity away for having My-Fi and a phone plan saving a boat load of money every month (depending on how the data plan works of course!) making it the PERFECT phone for work, play and everything in between!
Posted by Chris | February 24, 2010 11:00 AM
Posted on February 24, 2010 11:00
I could use this phone anywhere, it would be great to text on just for the simple fact that my last phone crashed from all the text i was recieving!
Posted by Nicki | February 28, 2010 10:17 AM
Posted on February 28, 2010 10:17
What a cool phone. This phone would come in very handy on a daily basis to coordinate my work calendar and family calendar and also to be available while at work if the kids need me.
Came over to your site from Musings of a Housewife and I'll be sure to come back!
Posted by Kim Acosta | March 1, 2010 5:31 AM
Posted on March 1, 2010 05:31
Just tweeted this and am now following you!
Posted by Kim Acosta | March 1, 2010 5:33 AM
Posted on March 1, 2010 05:33
I can see myself using this phone checking email or making a "to do" list, while I am in line at the grocery store!
Posted by Patrice | March 1, 2010 10:13 AM
Posted on March 1, 2010 10:13
I could use it during work to pass the time.
My job is to stand inside a hut for 8 hours a day. Really.
Posted by roneyii | March 1, 2010 10:19 AM
Posted on March 1, 2010 10:19
I have 3 boys and spend most of my afternoon carpooling. It would be great to have everything right at my fingertips while I am traveling! I hope I am the lucky winner!
Posted by Rebecca piatt | March 1, 2010 12:42 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 12:42
I could use a phone like this everywhere - trying to get some personal things done during my lunch hour; shopping; travelling to visit relatives on weekends, etc.
Posted by Sharon I. | March 1, 2010 12:45 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 12:45
I could use the phone almost anywhere!! I so want a Pre!!!
Posted by Priscilla | March 1, 2010 12:58 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 12:58
I could use this phone anywhere! I've never had a smart phone before but I hear you can download coupons on them now which would be a great function as well as email etc...
Posted by Kristen Jordan | March 1, 2010 1:16 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 13:16
I would use it to blog remotely!
Posted by Heidi | March 1, 2010 1:19 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 13:19
I could use this phone to take pictures of my son and send them to dad when he is at work! :)
Posted by Brianne | March 1, 2010 1:20 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 13:20
I would use this phone for alot of things....taking pics of the kids out at the park/sporting events and uploading them to facebook, keep track of appointments and practices for t-ball.
Posted by Jeannine Mellan | March 1, 2010 1:34 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 13:34
I would use this EVERYWHERE! I'm so unorganized in my mind, and this would help keep me on track wherever I am.
Posted by Jessica | March 1, 2010 1:35 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 13:35
I tweeted about it and added the link!
Posted by Jessica | March 1, 2010 1:37 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 13:37
i would use this phone to text or call my daughter to see how she is doing whereever she may be. i don't know what moms did without cellular phones!!
Posted by cheryl epstein | March 1, 2010 1:53 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 13:53
I would use this everywhere...to check my calendar, call husband, arrange my hectic life! I currently juggle two phones (one for work that is ancient and a freebie basic from Verizon) half the time my children try to reach me at work and they leave a voicemail on the phone that is not with me... aggghhh help!
Amanda
http://raisingtomorrowsmen.blogspot.com/
Posted by Amanda | March 1, 2010 2:01 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 14:01
I'm most likely to use my phone in the car. I spend lots of time in the car waiting on my kids and my husband, so I do a lot of texting and web browsing in my "down time". I'm looking at getting a new phone in the next few weeks and it's down to this one or the Droid. It'd be nice to win one though!
Posted by Bridget | March 1, 2010 2:07 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 14:07
I would use this phone everywhere! I have a Pro and really want the Pre because of the organizational tools!
Posted by melanie bleile | March 1, 2010 2:10 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 14:10
I would love this phone, my husband has one and it is so cool. He has shown me the calendar and how it organizes his work and personal life and I think that alone could save me a LOT of time having everything so organized.
Posted by Kim | March 1, 2010 3:03 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 15:03
I would love to check out the calendar features on the Pre while at the park w/my boys!
Posted by Dottie Wilson | March 1, 2010 3:19 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 15:19
hi. i am a bit behind the times when it comes to technology! i have a cell phone, and yes, I do text, but my computer is in my basement and I don't always get to check my email. With six kids between 8 and 15, I am getting tired of missing 'email alerts' about canceled game, spur of the moment playdate, carpool requests, etc. I would love to try this out! thank you!!
Posted by maura | March 1, 2010 3:52 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 15:52
I am a busy mom with a part time business. The Palm Pre Plus would be helpful to like up both sides of my brain!! The "PixelPipeline" would help for my blog/newpaper column and who couldn't use the "Shopping Manager"??
The Palm Pre's the phone for me!!
Posted by Laura | March 1, 2010 4:20 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 16:20
If I had an awesome phone like that I'd definitely need that unlimited texting plan! :)
I would use it as a phone (of course), but also for the calendar & organizing functions. I would like to have an electronic calendar like that. It would just make life a little easier!
Posted by Heather H. | March 1, 2010 4:34 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 16:34
Tweet -
http://twitter.com/iammrshughes/status/9845053702
Posted by Heather H. | March 1, 2010 4:36 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 16:36
I could use this phone in SO many ways. I feel like I'm always running around with my kids. It would be great to take with!
Posted by Jessica | March 1, 2010 5:09 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 17:09
This phone would be such a great help to me because of its multitasking! I'm a full time working mom and manager! Between appointments, practices, and day to day life. I need something that can keep up with me and my schedule! I currently have a basic flip phone!
Posted by Jessica | March 1, 2010 5:19 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 17:19
I need a new phone that will bring me into the 21st century! My boys play 3 sports and my daughter is about to begin preschool and dance. Plus, my husband coaches 2 basketball teams and 2 baseball teams, plus works full time and holds a seat on our local township board. I need a better way to keep all of us organized!!!!! (calendars, grocery lists, phone numbers, music/games for the kids, etc.) Not to mention, I need to learn how to text because our oldest son will be getting a phone of his own soon!
Posted by Suzanne Engler | March 1, 2010 6:37 PM
Posted on March 1, 2010 18:37
How would I NOT use this phone? I'm so ready to give up my prehistoric flip phone! I'm a writer working from home - this would open up my world.
Posted by Suzanne | March 2, 2010 1:50 AM
Posted on March 2, 2010 01:50
Oh, I so need this phone! I am a busy mom working FT, and running 2 kids to all of their doc appts and practices. I have researched this phone to death, and I so want it! Unfortunately, Verizon tells me it's not time yet:( But if I won one.....:) Thanks!
Posted by Lisa Book | March 2, 2010 6:46 AM
Posted on March 2, 2010 06:46
I could really use this (the CLOSEST store is 18 miles)... we are R U R A L! LOL
Posted by Merrie L. | March 2, 2010 9:04 AM
Posted on March 2, 2010 09:04
I would love it to keep track of my calendar! With 2 kids, my husbands schedule and life it's hard to keep track of things.
Posted by Kara | March 2, 2010 9:07 AM
Posted on March 2, 2010 09:07
This would be a great phone to have when I am on the go with my daughter...dance, cheer, hockey, girl scouts, etc.!!!
dmkayes@gmail.com
Posted by Darcie K | March 2, 2010 10:14 AM
Posted on March 2, 2010 10:14
I could use this for my numerous visits to the doctors office and for my dd volleyball practice
tbarrettno1@gmail.com
Posted by Tabathia B | March 2, 2010 11:34 AM
Posted on March 2, 2010 11:34
tweeted http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/9883761376
tbarrettno1@gmail.com
Posted by Tabathia B | March 2, 2010 11:40 AM
Posted on March 2, 2010 11:40
tweeted http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/9883761376
Posted by Tabathia B | March 2, 2010 11:41 AM
Posted on March 2, 2010 11:41
I will use this when my daughter is at her music lesson and I want to catch up on the emails from the day as well as coordinate all of our calendars.
Posted by rachel molly | March 2, 2010 12:05 PM
Posted on March 2, 2010 12:05
I would use this cool phone on my lunch during work. It would give me something fun to play with! :)
Posted by Katherine | March 2, 2010 5:03 PM
Posted on March 2, 2010 17:03
Tweet - http://twitter.com/ktkatherine/status/9895838107
Posted by Katherine | March 2, 2010 5:04 PM
Posted on March 2, 2010 17:04
I would use it while the kids play outside or at the YMCA.
Posted by Stacey V | March 2, 2010 7:55 PM
Posted on March 2, 2010 19:55
I could use this for my boys sport activities.
Posted by Melliss C | March 3, 2010 10:37 AM
Posted on March 3, 2010 10:37
I would use this while sitting in car pick up line at my kids school. It's a long long wait. My phone now is strictly for phone use only. No fun stuff at all. Sniff.
Posted by Michele D | March 3, 2010 12:38 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 12:38
I would love this phone, but I would give it to my wife who would really use it every day.
Posted by Todd | March 3, 2010 12:39 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 12:39
I would love to have a cool phone like this on my lulnch break at work. I usually read the paper or the book I'm reading, but there are certainly times I'd love to be able to sit down and catch up on emails or research something and this would be VERY handy.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!! :)
Posted by Katy M | March 3, 2010 12:46 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 12:46
I Tweeted about this giveaway here: http://twitter.com/katygmorris/status/9935739651
Thanks!!! :)
Posted by Katy M | March 3, 2010 12:48 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 12:48