Palm Pre Hands on (almost)

Yoda would have been proud of the Jedi spy feats I pulled off to get into the Palm exhibit. I told the security guy I wanted in, and "No, I don't have an invite." Then I spoke to two Palm PR people who took my card, looked at my press badge, and said, "Okay."

EPIC WIN!!!!

So it was a pretty swank affair, with sushi, a DJ, soft lighting, and cream curtains. I'll post the video soon, but for now pics and highlights will have to do. UPDATE: Video of the Pre in action is up and ready to watch.



So what did I find out? Many things we already know: The slide-down physical keyboard makes the Palm Pre a must for business users, and will attract guys like me who dislike typing on a flat surface. 4.8-ounces, 3.1-inch screen, new Palm webOS, etc.

Here's what surprised me:

• The Pre has both a touch screen and a touch bezel. Touch navigation doesn't end at the edge of the screen!


• Unlike the iPhone, programs running in Pre's background keep running, so you'll never be disconnected from a server or have to reopen programs again.


• Facebook!


• I never saw a Pre leave the hands of a Palm rep.


• Palm showed off the Touchstone Charging Dock. A slick little suction/magnet device that could attach to any flat surface and charge your Pre at the same time. I saw the Pre attached at a 90 degree angle and it didn't drop!

My little description can't begin to describe how excited I am about the Pre. When we get a demo unit, I'll be sure to post a review.

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