The Palm Centro is like the friend you call when you need to be bailed out of jail: Reliable, smart and capable of getting the job done. But its dependable nature also means it's not exactly the handset you want to party with.
Now offered by AT&T in a GSM flavor, the pocket-size, easy-to-use Centro handles messaging (IM, texting, personal and corporate e-mails) and light office tasks with graceful aplomb. Apps like viewing PDFs, creating Word files and listening to MP3s are handled swiftly and easily. Simple web pages (like craigslist) loaded quickly but bright colorful ones (like Wired.com's) stalled and hiccupped on the Centro's screen.
Our main beef: Centro stuttered a bit during TV or Internet radio streams and while zooming in and out of Google Maps. Blame it on the phone's relatively slow EDGE antenna and AT&T's inconsistent coverage. This was less of an issue on the original Centro from Sprint mostly due to its 3-G support.
To make it up, AT&T's version roams internationally; Sprint's can't. But that's about the only significant edge the GSM Centro has over its CDMA brother. Sure for going out and clubbing, the flashy iPhone is the handset of choice. But for steady business apps, the Centro is a fine selection. And besides, it's a cellphone that you'll never have to jailbreak.