When cell phones first came onto the market, people believe the product to simply be just an extension of the already popular cordless telephone found in most homes. There was no imminent need to have a phone everywhere people went during the course of a day. Since that time, the cell phone market has rapidly changed. The first few phones handled basic needs of making and receiving phone calls. From there the phones expanded to offer voice messaging services. Today, there is virtually nothing a cell phone can not do.

In steps the Palm Centro Smart Phone from Sprint. This phone was released to the market with a price tag of $99. While that might seem a bit expensive to novice cell phone users, many will know that smart phones typically carry price tags of much higher amounts. The Centro Smart Phone is a fusion of typical cell phone and smart phone - all rolled into one. The outward appearance is that of a regular cell phone. It is the features offered inside that make the phone a smart phone. Sprint hopes that the new phone will appeal to those users who are in a transition period. Here, there is not quite a justifiable need for a smart phone; however, the desire is certainly present.

Staying in touch has never been easier with the Palm Centro Smart Phone. Messaging is taken to a whole new level. Standard text messaging is still available but with a whole new look. The multimedia capabilities of this phone allow for videos and pictures to be included with text messages. Popular internet messaging services such as AIM; MSN and Yahoo messenger can come along as part of the pre-loaded features on this phone. This allows for messaging conversations taking place on a lap top or home computer to come along for the ride. Internet capabilities allow for email to come along as well. The in-box can be checked as often as necessary so that all important business meeting noticed never goes missed.

The latest Bluetooth technology allows for hands-free phone operation. With more states cracking down on drivers behind the wheel and on the phone, this lets a driver continue a conversation and keep a safe eye on the road. The Palm Centro Smart Phone comes equipped with an internet browser. This allows for popular websites such as myspace; You Tube; and E! Entertainment to be accessed from anywhere a user happens to be at the moment.

Another attractive multi media capability of the Palm Centro Smart Phone turns it into a traveling MP3 player. Pre-loaded with Pocket Tunes Deluxe music program, selected music can be downloaded and stored in the virtual memory section of the phone. These songs can later be accessed to create music libraries or specific ring tones for contact book entries. Sprint TV multi media functions allows for live television to be viewed on the Palm Centro Smart Phone. The vivid 320 x 320 pixel color touch screen provides high resolution viewing of popular television shows. With this feature, there is never a need to miss the evening news or latest gossip show.

Michael is a writer for EverythingCentro, where he reviews Centro accessories and Centro cases. During his free time, he helps new smartphone owners by responding to questions in the Palm Centro forums.