What Should I Buy Now?
Continued from Previous Page
Emulation mode is not perfect, and even completely properly written
programs can have display or interface quirks or other problems.
Graphics programs, hacks, and desk accessories may be especially
problematical or may not run at all. While most major developers will
update their products to at least be compatible, not every one will.
Thus, choosing a HandEra may not be the best for some who downloads
lots of games or utilities off the internet, but may be a fine choice
if you use a limited number of programs that are known
to be compatible. Similarly, the Sony Clie PEG-N710C's even higher resolution 320x320
display may also face some compatibility issues. The fact the display
is exactly twice the resolution of a standard Palm display, however,
means that the PEG-N710C should be able to emulate a 160x160 display
by doubling-up pixels. While this would negate any benefits from
having the new display, it means the new Clie is more likely to run
most existing programs without modification if Sony implemented this
properly. As on the HandEra,
however, programs would need to be specially enhanced
to fully utilize the increased resolution.
EXPANSION OPTIONS
For many, the choice of which new PalmOS organizer to purchase will
hinge on what expansion technology they choose to adopt. Four major
expansion technologies now exist: Springboard, SD/MMC, Memory Stick,
and Compact Flash. The decision on which to choose depends not only
on the strength of each technology, but the price and availability of
current and future peripherals for each format.
The Handspring Springboard format has the advantage of being the
oldest of the four technologies, and thus the one with the most
available peripherals. There are flash memory cards, modems, radios,
mp3 players, cameras, GPS devices, and even a cell phone available as
Springboard modules. Being a technology specifically designed for
Handspring Visor, however, it is unlikely to be a cross-platform
standard adopted by other manufacturers. Also, its relatively large
size makes it awkward for slim-line organizers. The Edge
"backpack" adapter, while functional, is awkward,
forces removal of the front flip cover, and nullifies
most of the benefit of choosing a slim organizer in the
first place. Roughly the size of a stick of gum, Memory Stick is a proprietary
technology created and owned by Sony. While a few camera, GPS, and
similar devices have been developed, they are not widely available,
and Memory Stick expansion is generally limited to flash memory cards
that can be interchanged with Sony mp3 players, laptop computers, and
digital cameras. As with their former "Beta" videotape format, Sony
maintains the intellectual rights to Memory Stick, controlling who
can develop peripherals for it and charging them an
annual royalty. Being a closed standard ultimately
limits how many add-ons will be available in addition
to those made by Sony, and will tend to make them more
expensive than those for competing technologies.
Compact Flash, on the other hand, was the first open expansion
standard adopted by a PalmOS organizer, and first appeared in the TRG
Pro. Compact flash cards are used by many digital cameras and similar
devices, and are thus relatively affordable. Electronically a subset
of the PC card expansion format, compact flash cards can also be
accessed in a laptop computer's PC card slot with an inexpensive
adapter available for under $10. More importantly, though, the
standard is used by PocketPC devices, so many GPS units, modems,
wireless pagers, and other devices have already been
developed and can be used on a TRG Pro or HandEra 330
with the proper supporting software. If the HandEra
gains in popularity, more hardware manufacturers are
likely to add PalmOS software support to their
peripherals, quickly adding to the number of devices
available. SD/MMC card support is perhaps the most promising of the new expansion
technologies. Supported by both Palm and HandEra, SD/MMC are the
first formats usable by than one licensee's devices. Also, with its
convenient small size and the power of Palm Computing behind it, it is
likely to emerge as the leading expansion format for PalmOS devices.
And while not as widespread a standard as compact flash, both SD and
MMC are industry standards supported by several large electronics
manufacturers. Thus, media is likely to stay cheaper
than with a proprietary format like Springboard or
Memory Stick. Perhaps the only downside will be short-
term availability of expansion devices other than basic
flash memory cards. After Handspring first released
the Visor, it took about a year before most of their
announced Springboard modules became widely available.
Many SD and MMC expansion peripherals may take a
similar amount of time to emerge.
EXTRA FEATURES
Lastly, before making a decision, consider a few of the extra features
offered by some of the newer models. Both the Sony Clie PEG-N710C and
HandEra offer added Jog Dial controls and enhanced audio support.
Both, however, are implemented differently and currently have spotty
third party software support. Sony supports a headphone jack and Mp3
player, while HandEra adds a microphone for a digital voice recorder.
Another consideration is USB availability. USB ports come standard on
the Sony Clie units, Handsprings, and on the new Palm m500 and m505.
Other units require adapters which connect to USB but only run at
serial speeds, losing the benefit quick USB HotSyncing.
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