Smartphones. You either you love 'em -- seriously, it's like some folks just can't seem to figure out WHAT to do with their hands, without them -- or, if you're like most moms I know (in a constant rush and tired of squinting at tiny print) you don't have time to futz around and figure out how to turn the gosh-darned cell phone on.
I am a little bit of both.
My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I purchased our first "touch screen" cell phones a few months ago and, well, it would be nice if phone companies offered some sort of "free two week trial" or something.
Yes, I broke it, ALREADY (actually, the "home" and "end" and "call" keys are sticking) but, don't tell my husband, okay?
I am very excited to partner with my friends at TheMotherhood.com and participate in the Palm Pre Plus campaign on behalf of Verizon Wireless, by testing out the "multi-tasking made easy" apps featured on the Palm Pre Plus.
For the next 4 weeks, I'll be writing about my experiences (in very layman terms, of course) and sharing some great stuff (yep, I've got one to giveaway, at the end of the program, too) while I try really hard NOT to break their pretty new phone, too.
Today, I am simply trying to learn how to use the darned thing -- wanna see?
I've played with my Palm Pre Plus for a few hours (on and off, all weekend) and this is the stuff I've been able to figure, so far:
Turning on the phone: is a snap...or, a push...of a tiny little button located at the top of the phone. It's the only button on top...so, no confusion there.
Turning off the phone: There's a little ringer key next to the power button (as mentioned above) which is GREAT for when you forget to turn off your phone and saves you having to go through extra steps to get to the right screen. Especially, in a very dark movie theater. I like that!
The touchscreen: is nice and wide (okay, wider than previous cell phones that I've owned) bright and clear, too (less squinting involved) while, "sliding" the phone up and then hearing a "click" lets me know that...yep... it's open.
Using the touchscreen: was difficult at first and -- although, the phone comes with a "gesture guide" complete with pictures -- I found it easier to learn how to maneuver through screens by referring to Verizon's product demo page of key features on the Palm, which includes animation and actually "shows" you how to do this.
Don't use your fingernail: is my biggest takeaway on this. The "gesture area" (pictured above: it's that black area at the bottom and just above the keypad of the phone) is very, very sensitive. Which can be a good thing, unless you're used to tapping REALLY HARD!
Making a call: I like the option of being able to dial direct, or from my contacts ALL on one screen!
Opening applications: is easy, once I got used to using the touchscreen and "gesture area" but, I'm still using my fingernail, which sometimes slows this process.
Using the web browser: with Twitter is awesome - there's a navigation bar which includes; home, mentions, favs and direct messages and is quickly accessible with a simple tap.
Setting up Email and IM: is next on my to-do list!
FINAL VERDICT - WEEK 1: Using the Palm Pre Plus is a lot easier than I first thought -- what, no THICK user manual? The design is comfortable; however, I'm still having trouble with "gestures"and I believe this stems from always being in a rush and a lack of patience on my part.
There's plenty of online support and I'm looking forward to learning more about other features, like:
- Notification panel - stay aware of incoming calls, texts and emails and still keep doing whatever I'm doing, without interruption when, you know, I wish to remain unreachable...for just a few seconds, PLEASE
- GPS navigation - finding the cheapest gas station or nearest restaurant
- Trying out the camera and video capabilities
- The "start the dishwasher" and "finish the laundry" features
HAH! Just kidding -- there is NO "start the dishwasher" or "finish the laundry" feature...DAMMIT...not that I am aware of, anyway. Just making sure you're still with me ;)
EXCELLENT! Then, I'm very happy to tell you that the folks at Verizon Wireless have sent me a $25.00 gift card to share with one (1) of our readers and use it, well, however you want, like for online purchases or perhaps towards bill payment at VerizonWireless.com.
Because, we roll like that!
LINKAGE:
Click here for an online tutorial for the Palm Pre Plus: http://phones.verizonwireless.com/palm/
Click here for a product demo online: http://support.vzw.com/swf/palm_pre_plus/swf/simulator.html
Are you on TheMotherhood.com?
Do you do Twitter? Follow along the conversation online by using the hashtag #VerizonPalmPrePlus (it's long, I know, but kinda fun to type!)
GET IT HERE: To enter, leave a comment below, like, are you smarter than your Smartphone [Me? Nope, learning as I go] along with a valid email address on this post by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 15th and you're automatically entered to win. One (1) winner will be picked (via random.org) and announced via email and posted on My Prizey Giveaways Page!
'CAWSE WE LOVE TO SHARE & SOME EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN, TOO:
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Good luck and wake me up when, you know, ALL the snow melts!
© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.
DISCLOSURE: 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.
