AT&T and Palm launch new crossover device

AT&T Inc. is teaming with Palm Inc. to introduce a new crossover device known as the Palm Centro.

The new device features a color touch-screen and a traditional keyboard layout (known as QWERTY) and allows consumers to use the full range of AT&T wireless services, including voice, text messaging, instant messaging, e-mail and Web.

“The demand for crossover devices is skyrocketing, and the Centro hits a sweet spot for many customers looking for a QWERTY device with a solid suite of messaging and multimedia features,” says Michael Woodward, vice president of Business Mobility Products for AT&T’s wireless unit.

The Centro will cost $99.99 after a two-year service agreement and a mail-in rebate. It is the smallest and lightest Palm product to date and will offer AT&T services such as XM Radio Mobile, Push to Talk and MusicID. Unlimited e-mail and data access is available for $30 a month with AT&T’s PDA Personal data package with a corresponding voice plan. Messaging packages are available beginning at $5 for 200 text, picture, video or instant messages. Unlimited messaging is available for $20 for individual plans and $30 for FamilyTalk plans.

San Antonio-based AT&T (NYSE: T) is a global communications holding company and the fourth-largest private sector employer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to the Dallas Business Journal’s 2008 Book of Lists

On Tuesday afternoon, AT&T also said it will launch an unlimited minutes calling plan on Feb. 22. The plan will cost existing customers $99 per month.