Unveiling the Palm Pre 2 CDMA Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network Technology

The Palm Pre 2 CDMA utilizes CDMA/EVDO technology, which was a popular choice in the United States market during its release. This technology provides reliable voice and data services. The device supports 2G bands (CDMA 800/1900) and 3G bands (CDMA2000 1xEV-DO), allowing it to offer fast data speeds through EV-DO Rev.A up to 3.1 Mbps, which was considered competitive at the time.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in October 2010, the Palm Pre 2 CDMA made a brief impact before it was discontinued. Despite its short lifecycle in the market, it marked a significant update over its predecessor, the Palm Pre, and ultimately represented a crucial moment in Palm's history as it transitioned under HP's ownership.

Design and Build

The body of the Palm Pre 2 measures 100.7 x 59.6 x 16.9 mm, weighs 145 g, and features a sleek yet compact build that is easy to hold and operate with one hand. Its signature curved design is ergonomic, fitting comfortably in the palm, while it features a physical QWERTY keyboard, which slides out smoothly for quick typing, reflecting Palm's aim to combine the benefits of a touch interface with a tactile keyboard experience. The device uses a Mini-SIM card.

Display

Equipped with a 3.1-inch TFT display, the Palm Pre 2 offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 186 ppi. Although modest by today's standards, the display was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, aiding in durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Platform and Performance

Running on HP webOS 2.0, the Palm Pre 2 was positioned as a smartphone capable of smooth multitasking and fluid user interface interactions. The combination of a 1.0 GHz processor with 512MB RAM allowed it to handle the OS's card-based multitasking feature efficiently. Although webOS faced challenges in gaining widespread adoption, it was praised for its innovative user experience.

Storage

The device comes with 16GB of internal storage without support for expandable memory through a card slot, which was a typical standard for smartphones of its era. This capacity was adequate for storing apps, multimedia, and other data.

Camera Capabilities

The Palm Pre 2 features a single 5 MP rear camera, equipped with an LED flash to assist in low-light photography. It supports video recording, which aligns with the standard features expected in smartphones during its period. However, the device lacks a front-facing camera, which limits its capabilities for video calls and selfies by today's expectations.

Audio and Connectivity

On the audio front, the Palm Pre 2 provides a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones and external speakers. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for internet browsing, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP for wireless audio, GPS with A-GPS for navigation, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Browsing

The smartphone houses essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, enhancing the usability of the device. The webOS browser supports HTML and Adobe Flash, offering users a modern browsing experience relative to its time.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, the Palm Pre 2 offers a standby time of up to 350 hours and a talk time of up to 5 hours. The ability to replace the battery was a valued feature for users who desired the option to carry spare batteries for extended usage.

Miscellaneous Features

Available in classic black, the Palm Pre 2 was priced at approximately 210 EUR, targeting mid-range smartphone consumers. Its design philosophy and webOS provided a strong differentiation from other platforms such as iOS and Android at the time.

The Legacy of Palm Pre 2

While the Palm Pre 2 may not have become a best-selling device, it occupies a notable place in the history of smartphones due to its innovative features and design. It highlighted Palm's impressive attempts at competing with major players by offering a robust user interface and handling multitasking like no other OS at the time. Ultimately, the transition of webOS under the ownership of HP signaled the end of an era for Palm, yet the ideas and design philosophies introduced continue to influence mobile technology.