Palm Touchstone

There has been a lot of hype about the new Linux-based cell phone, the Palm Prē. One of the new technologies that this hot new phone is sporting is the Touchstone charging system.  This systems is an optional extra and doesn't come packaged with the phone.
Along with the wireless connection for the charging Palm have included another couple of features with the TouchstoneTM system. When you are taking a call and place the Palm Prē on to the dock, Along with the wireless connection for the charging Palm have included another couple of features with the TouchstoneTM system. When you are taking a call and place the Palm Prē on to the dock, the phone switches to speaker phone and will switch back to standard when the phone is lifted off the dock. When the phone is receiving an incoming call, removing the phone from the dock will automatically answer the call with out a need to tap the screen. When the phone is on the dock and not in use, the phone switches to what Palm call "Nightstand mode" which displays the time and incoming notifications.
The Touchstone charging system employs a circular docking unit that you plug your existing universal charging cord into. The back panel replaces the original back panel on the Palm Prē. Once the switch of the back panel has been made and the TouchstoneTM dock is plugged in to a power source it is ready to use.
Simply by placing the phone on to the dock, it is magnetically pulled into the optimum location and will begin automatically charging. This is achieved using a similar inductive charging mechanism as the common household rechargeable electric toothbrush.
What's to like;
  • It is great to see Palm embracing this new technology and being one of the first smartphone companies to use it
  • The dock has a material coined Micro-Suction® attached to its base to securely fasten it to surfaces and preventing the dock from moving while the phone is being removed
  • The dock is inconspicuous and aesthetically pleasing, and holds the phone at a convenient angle for use and viewing
  • Using magnets the dock and the phone snap together in perfect alignment, to ensure best results in charging times, while still allowing the phone to be placed on either vertically or horizontally
What's not to like;
  • The Palm Prē will not be available in New Zealand for a while yet, the current release only works on CDMA networks, so we are waiting for the GSM release, it sounds like Vodafone will be picking up the Palm Prē as soon as this version becomes available
  • While the phone is on the dock the screen is on displaying the time, this is not something that can be switched off, which removes the freedom of choice for the user.





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