To all my Palm OS loving friends!

 Many of us ‘cut our teeth' in mobile technology on early Palm Operating System handhelds like the Vx or M500 series. We followed Palm into our first "Smartphone" with the Treo 650 (which was a great device).  The Treo helped many of us understand the importance and freedom of having web and email with us all the time.  When the Treo 650's started to show the effects of age, the industry had changed.  Other manufactures started introducing their own version of Smartphones; many of which highlighted different features or functions and had different Bells & Whistles. My email box started filling up with questions about Windows type devices, Blackberry capabilities and iPhones.  I incorporated the Windows type devices into my training quickly after their release and am currently getting ready to add the new Blackberry and iPhones.

 With all the new devices being released I finally started thinking it might be time for me to move onto something besides a Palm OS device.  Just in the nick of time Palm, Inc. revealed the new Pre!  My email has been overloaded since the unveiling at the CES show.    

 Many of you have either attended my sessions or read some of my articles so you know I always evaluate Smartphones based on getting the most out of them for the Real Estate Professional.  Many of the bells and whistles that come with certain Smartphones are great for entertainment value but lack how they can help you run your business.  So let's take a look at some of the features and point out how they can help your career.

 Screen

 Most importantly here is the screen size.  You Centro users over 50 are going to be thrilled to know the new Pre has a screen size of 3.1 inches versus the Treo's 1.75.  The Pre offers a very high quality 480 x 320 which will give you a very clear screen.  Plus it is a true Touchscreen, which means no more sticks - just use your thumb!

 Keyboard

 Have you ever tried typing on an iPhone?  In my opinion those on-screen keyboards just don't get it!  The Pre has a curved slide out QWERTY keyboard which is great for texting, email and data entry.

 Online Speed

There are two ways to connect to the internet: Wi-Fi and "3G".  Wi-Fi means you are in range of a wireless internet service.  If you are "in range" of this service, the Pre will detect it and use it to allow faster web and email.  3Gis the fastest internet access which uses cell towers; the Pre has it.

 Built in GPS

 As a REALTOR a GPS is a must, the Pre has one built in that will give you turn by turn directions. 

 Camera

As we have grown up with cell phone cameras most agents have recognized they just didn't give high quality pictures.  You couldn't count on using the photos for flyers, advertising or in the MLS.  Well guess what?   The Pre has a 3 MP camera; this would be 3 times better than most cell cameras!  I look forward to seeing just how high quality these pictures turn out.

 Operating System

Finally Palm has released a much awaited new software, code name "Nova".  According to experts, this new software is "one of the hottest mobile platforms yet".  They have named it WebOS which rivals anything on the market and I am excited to put it to the test.  One thing Palm has brought from their previous system is the ease and simplicity in bouncing between programs.  With just a flick of your finger you can switch from one program to another without having to "close" the previous programs.  Picture the programs like a deck of cards, you can stack them or close them with ease.  If you are composing an email and need to check your calendar, just flick your finger.  Yes, other Smartphones have this feature but not as cool as this!

 Dashboard

 The WebOS has a feature I think we will really like, the bottom of the screen has a ‘flexible space' called the dashboard.  You can select the programs to be displayed and if you get a text or a calendar event alert it will pop up in this area while you continue to work on the application that is open! It allows you to read the first line or so of text without disturbing the application you are working in.  Pretty cool!

 Touchstone

 I know you can tell I am excited about some of the new features being introduced by the number of times I am saying "Cool", but try this cool feature out - the Pre comes with a hockey puck sized accessory called a Touchstone.  Simply set your Pre on it and it charges wirelessly!  Cool!

 Miscellaneous

 A few other features of interest: 8GB of internal memory; stereo Bluetooth; removable battery and weighs 4.8 ounces. 

 For many of you we will have to wait and see if GE Supra adds it to the device list of compatible devices for their iBoxes.  Watch for an update on any approved devices on their website: www.Supra.com. 

 I currently do not have a Pre but I am working all my resources to get one.  I have read both what Palm, Inc has published and what some folks who attended the CES show have written and am very impressed.  So, die hard Palm supporters, there might be light at the end of the tunnel!

 For more information on (and some pictures of) the Pre, visit: www.Palm.com.

Dick Betts

National Speaker Real Estate

www.DickBetts.com

Dick@DickBetts.com