Word on the street is that Sprint is releasing a new Palm device entitled the Centro. So is this another example renaming wherein the device actually has a normal Treo name (number) or is it an entirely new line of devices?

Personally, I have a feeling it’s the latter. Why else would Sprint get a 90-day exclusive on the upcoming Palm Centro. The Palm Centro is billed as a low-end device, aimed at the younger generation or those on a budget. So what will the accessory market be like?

We have all seen how the Treo’s line of accessories has taken off, and has even started a small cult behind the device. I think the Centro could be the next cult-forming line of Palm devices. With an EV-DO connection from Sprint, the number of accessories designed solely to increase functionality is near infinite. Several of Palm’s devices already have an optional GPS kit, numerous cases, screen protectors, and several other accessories. The Centro should have the same connector as the Treo, so most accessories are going to work without an issue.

The accessory market for normal flip or candy bar style phones is huge, but with actual operating systems running on smart phones, and their popularity increasing, I can only assume that accessory market is growing. A smart phone that is billed for going at $99 with a two year contract is about as cheap as a smart phone with a QWERTY keyboard gets.

The market for such a cheap and useable device has got to be high. I bet they sell a ton of these Palm Centro’s as soon as they drop. Like I said, I don’t think Centro is going to be a single device, but more of a line of devices similar to that of the Treo line.