New PalmOS handhelds hit market
Continued from Previous Page
The real exciting news, however, is color. While the m500 is a slim
monochrome device with a case and screen nearly identical to the Palm
V series, the m505 sports a new color screen in the slim-line format,
a combination at the top of many Palm wish lists. The screen uses a
new reflective, side-lit LCD screen like the iPAQ Pocket PC from
Compaq. While dimmer than either the Palm IIIc or
Visor Prism
when used indoors, it is perfectly readable in bright sunlight, a serious
limitation in the older color models.
SONY CLIE PEG-N710C
On May first, taking the lead in both screen technology and
counterintuitive cryptic product names, Sony announced its new Clie
(pronounced KLEE-AY) model PEG-N710C. The device offers a
high-resolution 320 x 320 reflective display, side Jog-Dial control,
rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, and a built-in MP3 player.
Retailing for $499.99, the new device will be the most expensive
PalmOS unit to date. Available initially in Japan, the new Clie also
comes bundled with audio and video playback software designed to
work with its included proprietary Memory Stick
expansion technology. Pushing the envelope on a number
of fronts, the real questions are how compatible the
device is running existing software, and how much
software will support Memory Stick. Both may have to
wait until it is widely available worldwide.
HANDERA 330
The last entry into this year's hardware shoot-off is the new HandEra
330 ($349) from the company of the same name. A long time hardware
innovator in the Palm world, its maker, TRG, shed its generic and
somewhat forgettable moniker in the most eyebrow-lifting name change
since PalmCentral transformed first into PdaCentral then into GoPda,
and finally into Handango. As a note to companies wishing to join the
crowd, the names Handelicious, Handalooza, and Handimonium, are still
available. The HandEra may very well be the first mainstream device for this
company formerly known as TRG. While sporting the same 8MB RAM and
33MHz processors as the other new arrivals this Spring, the 330 sports
a new high-resolution 240 x 320 monochrome display. While looking
very much like a standard Palm Organizer, this means that the display
is 50% sharper, and that the display extends all the way down into the
graffiti writing area. A benefit is that you can now see your
graffiti writing ink (ala TealEcho) and on programs
written with special HandEra support, the graffiti
area can be dismissed altogether for a truly large
display screen. In addition, HandEra has expanded the
PalmOS to automatically scale-up programs to use the
higher resolution display and provides system routines
for them to easily support screen rotation.
Besides the new display, the HandEra is also the first PalmOS device
to support two simultaneous expansion cards. It contains both a
SD/MMC expansion slot for cards compatible with the Palm m500 and
m505, and a standard compact flash (CF) slot like its predecessor,
the TRG Pro. For power, it supports either four AAA batteries or a
rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. It also has a Jog Dial, voice
recorder, and the same amplified, clean sound of the TRG Pro, though
still does not provide a headphone jack.
What Should I Buy Now?
Guide to Choosing a Palm
All the new devices make it more difficult than ever for a prospective
buyer to choose the right model. Like many decisions, the specific
choice depends on personal preferences and priorities. Considering the
new releases, here are some factors to consider before making a
purchase decision: >> Continued on Next Page...
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