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Technology Stocks : PALM - The rebirth of Palm Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: KevRupert who wrote (1657)	9/13/2000 8:13:38 PM
From: KevRupert	Respond to of 6784

Palm VIIx Review: In addition -- the below link is a comment about Palm from the associate editor of CNET. It addresses the issue of innovation and Palm products. I did not post the actual message to show respect for Palm shareholders and people who post on this site. The link is negative in nature -- so please don't read it if it will offend you. I have learned my lesson about posting negative info on this site! Message 14379895 By Ellen Tsin (09/08/00) URL: computers.cnet.com Rating: 6 out of 10 The good: More memory; works with most types of email. The bad: No browser; uses disposable batteries; expensive. The bottom line: This wireless Palm update is useful for road warriors but still too expensive for everyone else. With the new version of the Palm VII wireless handheld, Palm has made a good thing slightly better--but only slightly. The Palm VIIx's enhancements include 8MB of RAM rather than 2MB and a comprehensive array of 40 Web-clipping applications. We're still waiting for a rechargeable battery and a Web browser, but the new programs make the VIIx surprisingly useful. Unfortunately, its high price keeps it out of the hands of people who can't afford to travel business class. Everything but the Wires Like the original, the Palm VIIx combines organizer functions, such as a calendar, contacts, and task lists, with the ability to send and receive messages and access content from any location. While the VIIx is slightly bigger than the popular Palm IIIxe, at 6.7 ounces and 5.25 by 3.25 by 0.75 inches, it still fits in a pocket. Getting started is fairly simple: Just hit the Activate icon, input your credit card information, and choose a plan based on the amount of data you expect to download each month. Prices range from $10 per month for 50K (about 150 screens of data) to $45 for unlimited use. Next, pick a moniker for your Palm.Net email account and you're ready to roll. Unlike your desktop Web browser, you must use special Web-clipping programs to access Palm-friendly sites with the Palm VIIx. Palm has loaded 40 of these apps on this model, so you're likely to find information that interests you right out of the box. There are popular apps from companies such as CBS MarketWatch, ESPN.com, Amazon, and USA Today. Additionally, you can always download more choices from the Palm.Net site. Reading on the Run The Palm VIIx has plenty of options for staying in touch, getting around, and finding sports scores or stock quotes. Sending and receiving email is easy, if not lightning fast, using the iMessenger program with your Palm.Net account or ThinAir Mail, a program that allows you to access POP3 or IMAP and Web-based email accounts. ThinAir Mail is a welcome addition; early Palm VII users had to buy third-party software to get email from different accounts. We were definitely impressed by the innovation displayed by Web-clipping developers, particularly on the m-commerce (a.k.a. wireless shopping) front. When you access the site, Palm.Net uses your location information to provide you with specific content. Brandfinder, for example, locates stores, hotels, gas stations, and other nearby businesses, displaying the results on tiny, zoomable maps. Palm has done a good job of making wireless work. However, at $449, the Palm VIIx is still a pricey alternative for people who need only sporadic access to email and information. That said, if the road is your office, definitely give the unit a second look; otherwise, invest in a Web-enabled phone for your connectivity needs. ____________________________________________________________ Quick Facts Form factor: pad Installed operating system: Palm OS 3.5 Built-in OS compatibility: Windows 95/98/2000/NT Other OSs supported: Mac OS (extra software/hardware required) Amt. of RAM: 8MB Input method: pen Software included: iMessenger, Palm Desktop software