Palm IIIx -
The Palm IIIx carries on the tradition of the attractive and popular Palm line of PDAs. With its 4MB memory, this connected organizer is rated to hold 12,000 addresses, 5 years of appointments, 3,000 to-do items, 3,000 memos, and 400 e-mail messages. The "x" in IIIx stands for expandable, and the Palm IIIx offers memory expansion with an internal slot for upgrade cards.
Setting up the Palm IIIx was easy--we just inserted two batteries, connected the cradle to a desktop PC serial port, dropped in the software CD-ROM, and followed the installation wizard.
You can navigate through the Palm IIIx's main applications--memo pad, to-do list, address book, and calendar--with six push buttons or by tapping the stylus on the backlit display. Palm OS 3.1 facilitates drag-and-drop linking to Microsoft Word or Excel and provides network synchronization and automatic configuration with Microsoft Outlook. The CD-ROM that comes with the Palm IIIx provides all the necessary software to manage tasks on your desktop, too.
The Palm IIIx is PC- and Mac-compatible (an inexpensive MacPac connection kit is required for Mac users), and, as with the PalmPilot Professional, the Palm IIIx uses the industry-acclaimed HotSync technology to exchange data with your desktop PC. The documentation is extensive and well written; it includes a Getting Started card, a handbook, a software-and-resource guide, and an accessory catalog.
In our test of the Graffiti Power Writing feature, which allows you to write on the Palm IIIx using Graffiti's shorthand alphabet, the Palm IIIx interpreted a full paragraph with no errors. We easily and successfully transmitted the text to another device through the infrared transceiver. We found Palm IIIx's expansion slot beneath its cover. While memory upgrade cards are not yet available from 3Com, other manufacturers do make compatible cards.
With its increased memory and OS 3.1, the Palm IIIx is a great evolutionary step in the Palm line.
Pros:
-Expandable for possible add-on hardware and memory upgrade cards
-Easy to set up, learn, and use
-Widely supported by third-party software, shareware, and freeware
Cons:
-None
Features:
-Enhanced LCD screen for improved viewing at angles and in both dim and bright light
-4 MB storage capacity
-Infrared transceiver
-Graffiti handwriting recognition
-Open expansion slot for possible add-on hardware and memory upgrade cards
-Technical data:
-Size: 4.7 by 3.2 by 0.7
-Weight: 6 ounces
-CPU: Motorola DragonBall EZ, 16 MHz
-Power: 2 AAA batteries (included)
-Battery life: 8 to 12 weeks
-Display: Enhanced LCD for improved viewing at angles and in various light conditions
-Connectivity: Serial port for HotSync cradle; infrared transceiver for other compatible devices; and TCP/IP software for connecting to the Internet
-Flash memory: Supported
-Warranty: 1 year
-Hardware: HotSync cradle with serial cable; 9-to-25 pin serial (DB-25) adapter; and protective cover
-Software: Palm IIIx Organizer applications (date book, address book, mail, to-do list, memo pad, expense calculator, games, and more); PC Desktop applications plus Microsoft Outlook conduit, Excel 5.0 expense report templates, and support for drag-and-drop links to Microsoft Word and Excel; Palm OS 3.1; and bonus-pack software
Released: February 1999
