Palm Tungsten-T

Earlier this month, Palm rolled out its Tungsten-T handheld device, the first device based on Palm OS 5, which runs on ARM-compatible processors (similar to those that Pocket PC 2002 devices use). This device is also the first Palm OS device to combine built-in Bluetooth wireless functionality with a color display and the first to offer voice recording.

Palm has cleverly designed the Tungsten-T, which is just 4" x 3" x .6" when closed. The device slides open (adding .8" to its length) to reveal a writing surface for built-in Graffiti text recognition. The Tungsten-T also offers dual expansion ports, a Palm Universal Connector, and an SDRAM slot. The device weighs less than 6 ounces. Its list price is $499.

I haven't formally tested the Tungsten-T, but I've had a chance to briefly play with one of the devices. The clever slide-open case seems to work well and makes the device truly pocket-sized when closed. Also, it has by far the most impressive display of any Palm OS device to date: full color with good contrast and a bright backlight. What I'm really looking forward to, though, is a device that combines the Tungsten-T design with the i705 device's wireless functionality. I think such a device is forthcoming because Palm is also using the Tungsten name for its wireless email server ( http://www.palm.com/enterprise/products/mims ).

To recover from its missteps during the past year and a half, Palm simply must get Tungsten right. I'm extremely interested in feedback from early adopters: If you or a coworker has a Tungsten-T, please write and tell me about it. For more information, go to the following URL.
http://www.palm.com/products/handhelds/tungsten-t

TABLET PC LAUNCH
As you read this newsletter, Microsoft is hosting a Tablet PC launch event in New York City. Windows & .NET Magazine contributor Paul Thurrott will be attending the event, and you'll be able to read his impressions at the following URL.
http://www.winnetmag.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=27185