Palm Vx -
At only 4.7 by 3.2 inches square and 0.4 inches thick, the Palm Vx handheld is truly pocket sized; however, this model sports a hefty 8 MB of RAM. The Palm Vx handheld also sports a sleek exterior that looks supercool--an intangible value to be sure, but one that's hard to argue with.
The Palm Vx handheld offers the same improvements to its screen that were made to the Palm IIIx. These updates since the Palm III handheld include a far sharper screen and contrast-variable backlighting, which makes the Palm Vx handheld much easier to use in low-light conditions. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which charge while the unit sits in its HotSync cradle, make battery life a non issue.
You can synchronize Palm handhelds with your computer so that you can carry all your appointments, notes, contacts, and e-mail with you. The simple one-touch interface makes sense to new and seasoned computer users alike. For owners that prefer Microsoft Outlook to keep tabs on folks for business and pleasure, rest easy.
With the simple installation procedure, and Outlook support out of the box, you can transfer the data you have in Outlook, or start fresh with the Palm Desktop software. In addition, there are thousands of applications for the Palm operating system available on the Internet that make your Palm handheld work as everything from a universal remote to a digital book and restaurant guide.
We had no trouble setting up the device, synching with our PC-based Netscape e-mail, using the Graffiti character-recognition software, or working with the address book, date book, memo writer, to-do list, and all the other applications that put the Palm OS on the map. All in all, this is a great upgrade to an already strong product. If this is your first Palm, it's a great way to start.
Pros:
-Palm OS interface is simple to use
-Easy to install and set up
-Uses rechargeable batteries
-Sleek, solid design can take some punishment
Cons:
-Not expandable (has a closed case)
-Case cover opens too easily
Features:
-8 MB RAM
-HotSync cradle included
-Easily transfer data from your handheld to your PC or Macintosh
-Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
-Stores thousands of addresses, appointments, to-do items, memos, and more
Technical data:
-Standard memory: 8 MB
-Expansion slot: No
-Other expansion memory: No
-Display type: Advanced LCD screen technology for wide-angle, dim-, and bright-light viewing
-Display colors: Grayscale
-Display size: 160 by 160 pixels
-Resolution: 160 by 160 pixels
-Display backlight: Yes
-Processor: 20 MHz Motorola 68EZ328
-Operating system: Palm OS 3.5
-PC compatible: Yes
-Mac compatible: Yes
-PC system requirements: IBM PC 486; Windows 95/98/NT; 8 MB RAM; 20 MB hard disk space; CD-ROM drive; 1 available serial or USB port
-Mac system requirements: Apple Macintosh or compatible with Power PC processor; System 7.5.3 or later; CD-ROM drive; 1 available serial or USB port
-Handwriting recognition: Yes, Graffiti
-Keyboard: Onscreen
-User controls: Stylus
-Memo pad: Yes
-Address book: Yes
-Scheduler: Yes
-E-mail: Yes
-Web browser: No
-Security: Yes
-Stereo: No
-Built-in speaker: No
-Headset jack: No
-Voice recorder: No
-MP3 playback: No
-Audible content playback: No
-AC adapter included: Yes, via HotSync cradle
-Battery type: Rechargeable lithium ion
-Batteries included: Yes
-Average battery life: Up to a month's operation
-Desktop import/export formats: CSV (comma-separated values), tab delimited, text, and direct export to Microsoft Word and Excel
-Serial port: Yes; Macintosh serial adapter sold separately
-USB: No; USB adapter sold separately
-Infrared: Yes; beam data to other IR-enabled Palm handhelds
-Wireless: No
-Docking cradle: Yes
-PC cable: No
-Other hardware: Protective leather cover
-Software: Palm Desktop Software (Windows and Mac), link to Microsoft Outlook, TCP/IP software included to enable Internet-based applications and e-mail
-Width: 3.2 inches
-Height: 4.7 inches
-Depth: 0.4 inches
-Weight: 4 ounces
-Warranty, parts: 1 year
-Warranty, labor: 1 year
Released: October 1999
