Photos: Palm Centro

Despite its so-so technical specifications and awkward keyboard, the Centro manages to impress thanks to its array of built-in software. This is well thought-out and, although similar to earlier versions, remains easy to use and functional.

Calendar, task management, contact management and note-taking are the core PIM tools, with mobile email covered very well by VersaMail. This can handle both POP and Exchange-based push email. An SMS client that supports threading makes it easy to follow a text conversation.

You get a web browser and Google Maps, along with Documents To Go, which — if you are brave enough to struggle with the keyboard — can be used to edit as well as view Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. Other applications include a music player and voice memo utility.