AT&T might have a cheaper Palm Centro ($69 with a two-year contract agreement), but Sprint is the US carrier that now has the best Centro when it comes to functionality. I'm saying this because Palm has released a software upgrade for Sprint's Centro, which should make it, theoretically at least, better than all the other Centros on the market.

The new software update (version 1.07) brings the following:

- enhanced Gmail IMAP compatibility plus updated Gmail setup wizard;

- Google Maps with My Location can now better approximate your current location;

- enhanced Bluetooth;

- better Sprint TV performances;

- improved AOL Instant Messenger functionality;

- Mobile Voice Control enhancements (adding a contact is now easier);

- enhanced email attachment control;

- enhanced delivery for emails sent by users to VersaMail accounts with the Direct Push Technology from Microsoft (through Exchange ActiveSync)

- default camera shutter sound is now "ON", hence a click can be heard when taking photos (this can be changed from the camera settings, of course);

- over the air (OTA) updates for the Preferred Roaming List are now allowed.

The 1.07 software version for Sprint's Palm Centro can be downloaded directly on the handset - access the Options menu and enter the Phone Info section - or through a PC or Mac, from Palm's official website.

For the US users who don't have a Palm Centro yet but who are thinking about getting one, the smartphone can be bought from Sprint in three color versions (black, red and pink), for $99 with a contract agreement for two years. Or, if Sprint isn't among the carriers that you're fond of, you can also get the Centro from AT&T (for the price mentioned at the beginning of this article), from Verizon (for a price similar to Sprint's) or even unlocked, in a white GSM edition offered by Palm for $299.