Verizon’s Palm Pre Plus – Initial Impression

I am so honored to have been recently selected to participate as a Verizon Palm Pre Plus Mommy Blogger. I have always been a big fan of Verizon and was so bummed when I had to cancel my contract with them in order to get my iPhone. However, the day that they start selling the iPhone themselves, I’ll be the first one to switch back. Their customer service and coverage is second to none.

I was given a gift card to purchase the Palm Pre Plus at my local Verizon store. From the moment I walked in to the time we left, we were given excellent customer service. Our salesperson, Gil, was so enthusiastic and excited about the Palm Pre Plus that I couldn’t help but get excited, too. Now, he could have totally been acting  but I didn’t care. He made my whole buying experience fun, quick, and pain-free – which wasn’t an easy task considering that I had all three kids with me!

A long time ago, I used to own a Palm Treo Smartphone so I was a little familiar with the company and their phones. However, when I saw the Palm Pre Plus in person I was surprised at how modern it looked. I love the glossy black finish and rounded edges. And measuring only 4″ x 2 1/2″, it can easily fit into my diaper bag or even in my pocket when I’m making a quick run into the store. I’m looking forward to see if this phone is as functional as it is stylish.

I was also very impressed with how vivid the display colors are. When I get a new phone the first thing I usually do is change the stock background image. However, the one that was already on my phone when I purchased it was so crisp that I still have it on there. I was also able to check out the installed sample video presentation and thought it looked so real that it was almost 3D. I’m curious to see if it’s because of the editing software they use or if a video that I take myself will look that good.

They next thing I checked out was the slide-out keyboard. When I talk to people about their impression of the Palm Pre Plus they all have the same concern – the small keyboard buttons. Just by looking at it, it does look a little smaller than what I’m used to. However, I do like how you can feel the buttons click whenever you press them because it helps me to know that the letter went through without having to look at the screen after each strike. Lately, I’ve been texting a lot more so I know I’ll be able to give this keyboard a real test over time.

So as first impressions go, I find myself really liking the Palm Pre Plus. However, over the next month I’ll be testing out various functions and applications – schedules, contacts, multi-tasking, planning tools, internet coverage, social networking, etc. -  to see if this phone is something that parents would find useful and invaluable. Stay tuned!

This post was written for Verizon Wireless who provided a complimentary phone and one month service in exchange for my honest opinions.