I am using a friend's Palm and am quite unimpressed by the browser. Does anyone know of any alternatives specifically freeware? Coming from a Windows mobile device I am little to no help to her.

Also as a side question, has anyone sucessfully tethered with this device?

People are using Opera Mini as an alternate with varying degrees of success. It requires an instal of Java for Palm.

There are several tethering programs. If you use the one thru Sprint, it will cost an extra data plan. There are other "hacks" out there if you look (just google Centro tethering and I'm sure you will get something)