PALM RAISES BAR WITH TWO NEW MODELS
| Palm makes the most successful and widely used
PDA but there are lots of competitors giving them a run. So it's
nice to see that Palm just introduced two new models that offer
increased functionality through hardware and software enhancements.
Handspring's Visor was the first to offer expandability through its
plug-in modules and now Palm's m500 and m505 handhelds offer a
similar expandability via their Secure Digital (SD) / MultiMediaCard
slot. Although no products are available yet for the slot, companies
such as Panasonic and Toshiba will be producing devices using
wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, and modules that endow the
PDAs with more memory, scanners, radios, modems, cameras and MP3
players. Both models are the first to use a new universal connector
that accommodates USB, the docking station and an attachment
methodology that will accommodate future Palm devices. Additional
Internet access and email features are found in the new Palm 4.0
operating system also being introduced in these models. Both models
use a faster processor and come with 8 megabytes of memory. Another
new feature allows users to choose between an audible, a silent
vibrating alarm or a flashing light for notification of important
events and messages. |
 |
The m500 ($399) comes with a black and white screen,
the m505 ($499) sports a new backlit reflective 16 bit color screen that
draws less power than the color screen used in the IIIc model. Palm claims
3 to 4 weeks of average use on a single charge. The units also come with a
selection of both Windows and Macintosh software.
www.palm.com
Portable MP3 player offers dual function
 |
In my never ending quest for really cool MP3
players, I've found a single unit that works in both the car and as
a stand alone player. At first glance, the Duo looks like a
silver-metallic cassette but a closer inspection reveals all of its
buttons, plugs and slots. Powered by rechargeable batteries, the Duo
offers most of the features found in more expensive players. Buttons
to play, rewind and advance, earphones and a flash memory slot let
you play and store your downloaded MP3 files. The Duo connects to
your computer via its USB port. To play your tunes on the car
stereo, simply insert the Duo into your stereo's cassette slot. I
was surprised to see the Duo's lack of a display screen. Not being
able to see info such as a song's title and artist on an MP3 player
is a turn off. Still, the Duo's dual functionality is a really good
idea. Requires Windows. Three models include the Duo-MP3, Duo-Aria
and Duo-64 offering different memory sizes and features. Check their
web site for pricing and feature details. |
www.digisette.com
973-455-7084
WebPad II offers better surf experience
| Honeywell has just introduced their WebPad II,
a three pound handheld touch sensitive 10.4 inch display screen that
offers wireless Internet access. Less than an inch thick and about
the size of a sheet of paper, it operates at a range of up to 300
feet from its access point base station making it ideal for most
home and small office applications. The WebPad II has an Instant On
feature and a data transfer rate of up to 11 megabits per second so
even a fast DSL or cable modem connection won't become bogged down.
A built-in reader lets you scan Word, PowerPoint and Excel
attachments. You can print with a compatible printer. The WebPAD II
supports Windows Media Player, MP3s, JVM Web pages and Flash files. |
 |
The WebPAD suggested retail is $1650. The 802.11b
access point base station (which permits wireless surfing by up to 250
WebPAD devices) with Ethernet port and built-in router and firewall
functions carries a suggested retail of $355.
http://content.honeywell.com/yourhome/webpad/webpad.htm |
