An Old Friend

[From Amin Hafez] I have written before in this website describing confessing my utter love for all things converged. Two years ago if I was asked what my device of choice was I would answer without a moment's hesitation that it was the Treo 680 (and 650 before that). The last two years has seen the market absolutely bombarded with different and amazing devices, from the HTC Tytns to the Touches, the iPhone and several Symbian models from Nokia and Sony-Ericsson. During this time Palm chose to stay silent, not changing anything major in their devices, totally convinced that these devices were the best. They weren't shy to announce the different iterations of their WM or Palm powered devices thinking that their customers would stand by them through these subtle improvements.

Unfortunately that wasn't the case.

Many loyal customers, myself among them, jumped ship. Opting to go with the more powerful Windows Mobile HTC's or the sleeker iPhone. We were tempted by built in Wifi, GPS or the smaller form factors.

Then something strange happened. Palm had an ace hidden. The Centro. I really don't know what the Centro ignited but as soon as it came out it was bombarded with extremely positive reviews that no other device has seen. The Centro rekindled the Palm flame which, I believe, has breathed new life into Palm until the new OS comes out next year. Not only that but I find myself opening the drawer and taking out my old 680, syncing it and using it instead of my collection of two HTC's, an iPhone and a Blackberry. Using the Treo 680 again after more than a year and a half of WM felt strange. It was like when you see an old friend and you hang out together for a while remembering the good days you spent together. I immediately re-synced my info, installed all my favorite old programs that I always used and added some more that had come out. I felt immediately at home. No hidden menus, no fussy waiting screens, an excellent keyboard and programs instantly launch.

I purchased the Centro online and can't wait for it to arrive. I'm looking forward for another reunion with an old friend. Palm.