An overview of the Palm Pixi

Introducing the second WebOS phone from Palm, The Pixi.

The Palm Pixi is an attractive, small and sleek device with a curved back which adds to the modern look. It weighs in at 3.26 ounces and measuring 2.17 inches wide, 4.37 inches heigh and 0.43 inches deep. Making it thiner than the iPhone 3GS. The plastic device does not have a cheap feel due to the smartly chosen materials.

Palm will be introducing quirky "artist series" interchangeable backs to allow the consumer to customise their phone. The backs are Touchstone compatible which allows magnetic inductive charging. The Touchstone plugs into the wall and the handset sits on it and wirelessly charges. However, the Touchstone is nearly as expensive as the phone it's self. The Palm Pixi has a capacitive multi-touch screen with 320 x 400 resolution which is 80 less than the Palm Pre though the clarity and colour is great, though not as sharp as the Palm Pre. The QWERTY keyboard is tiny, however very easy to use due to the sharp clicking and great feel. Palm have also replaced the physical centre button with a LED slit which lights up to let you know when it can be used. such as, moving between applications, desktop and browser.

Features include a 2 megapixel camera with a LED flash, extended depth of field and geotagging capabilities. With WebOS software the Pixi shows clearly what is running and offers great multitasking. WebOS brings together information, contacts, calendars etc from the Web or work and displays them in one logical view. In addition to Facebook, Google and Microsoft Outlook information being linked together the Palm Pixi also integrates Yahoo using Palm Synergy. This enables layered calendars, linked contacts and combined messaging. A Facebook application has also been introduced on the Pixi allowing you to see friends comments, statues etc. The device has built in GPS and allows access to Sprint Navigation which provides directions. Other features include internal memory of 8GB, up to 5 hours talktime, Bluetooth connectivity, a digital audio player and 3.5mm headphone jack.

In conclusion, with it's innovative user interface and attractive appearance, the Pixi will appeal to most consumers. However it is more basic than other smartphones due to performance issues and no Wi-Fi connectivity or a microSD card slot is disappointing. The Palm Pixi includes great organiser tools and a fast web browser. If you're looking for an easy to use QWERTY keyboard and a smaller phone. The Pixi beats the Palm Pre on both accounts Overall it's a great, attractive and fun device.