Display:320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~186 ppi density)
Camera:3.15 MP
Battery:
Released:Released 2009, October
Introducing the Palm Pre: A Revolutionary Device Released in 2009
The year was 2009, and the mobile phone industry was dominated by big players like Apple and Samsung. However, one device managed to make a significant impact and change the game for smartphones - the Palm Pre.
The Palm Pre, released in October of 2009, was a product of the brand Palm, known for its pioneering efforts in personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smartphones. This device was the first to feature the operating system Palm webOS, which was praised for its sleek and intuitive design.
The Design and Features
The device itself was relatively light at 133g, with a thickness of 16.9mm. It had 8GB of internal storage, but unfortunately, did not have a card slot for expansion. The compact and QWERTY keyboard made typing a breeze, and the Mini-SIM slot allowed for easy connectivity.
The Palm Pre's display was a 3.1-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. While it may seem small by today's standards, it was considered quite impressive back then, with a screen-to-body ratio of almost 48%. The device ran on a 600 MHz Cortex-A8 processor and a PowerVR SGX GPU, making it a powerful contender in the market.
The Palm webOS Experience
The Palm Pre's main selling point was its operating system, Palm webOS. It was lauded for its user-friendly design, multitasking capabilities, and seamless integration with popular social media platforms. The OS also featured an "Activity Cards" interface, allowing users to switch between apps effortlessly.
In terms of memory, the Palm Pre had 8GB of internal storage and 256MB of RAM. While it did not have a card slot, the device was equipped with a 3.15MP rear camera with LED flash, making it an excellent choice for capturing memories on the go.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Palm Pre had all the essential connectivity options - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a microUSB port. However, it did not have a radio, which was a bit of a letdown for some users. It also featured an accelerometer and supported WAP 2.0/HTML browsing.
The device's battery life was decent, with a removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery that could be charged wirelessly. It had a standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours.
Affordability Factor
Unlike other high-end smartphones of that time, the Palm Pre was relatively affordable, with a price tag of around 180 EUR. This factor, coupled with its innovative design and features, made it popular among consumers looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful device.
Discontinuation and Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, the Palm Pre's reign was short-lived, with the device being discontinued in 2010 due to low sales. However, it remains a crucial piece in the history of smartphones, as it paved the way for future advancements in the industry.
In conclusion, the Palm Pre may not have been as popular as its competitors, but it surely left a mark on the smartphone market with its unique design, user-friendly OS, and affordability. It will always be remembered as a revolutionary device released in 2009, ahead of its time.
