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Computers have revolutionised the world, being able to store and calculate vast amounts of data without error is something which humans are not capable of. Applications for the latest technologies can be found can be found in many aspects of our lives, however for certain reasons computers cannot always enhance certain tasks or procedures.
In 1993 Apple Computer Inc. brought the first PDA to the world, the Newton. Marketed as the ultimate information appliance, Apple wanted the Newton would become a universal tool that would be used for notes, appointments and personal contacts. However at the time of release, existing technology could not meet these demands adequately.
Three years later a company named Palm bought to market the first truly successful PDA, named the PalmPilot. At last technology and the market allowed for a truly portable computer, allowing for vast amounts of data in the palm of a users hand. Finally a truly portable information device brought into the world. For each incarnation of the Palm series, the basic design philosophy has remained the same. Each device retains the same basic rectangular dimensions, a large touch sensitive screen and a stylus pointing device. The newer models featured enhancements to the key areas, like the inclusion of a built in battery pack. Some Palm purists saw this as a back step back from the traditional AAA powered Palms, but the use of enclosed Lithon-Ion batteries allows for longer periods of use between charging.
Another modern standard for Palms in an IR port, these allow for easy transferring of data between Palms. Along with more exotic applications, like sending documents to an IR enabled printer or even use with a IR enhanced mobile phone.
In this review I'll be looking at two different Palm devices, the Palm IIIc and the Palm Vx. Technically they are very similar, apart from the obvious inclusion of a colour display, on the part of the IIIc. Apart from this detail, the two units are quite alike, but they are both aimed at two different markets.
Since the release of the original Pilot 1000 there have been many revisions and upgrades to the original design. In 1997 the PalmPilot Professional introduced backlighting and a larger memory. Next up was the Palm 3, released in 1998, this time round Palm OS 3 was installed as standard, along with the addition of an infrared port.
In February 1999 the Palm 3x had its debut, a keystone moment in the evolution of the Palm series. At the heart of the Palm 3x is a Dragonball EZ processor, which may run at the same speed of it's predecessor, but much more efficiently. Also added was an internal expansion port, which was widely used to accommodate RAM upgrades. Additionally a 16-shade greyscale capable screen was used, quite a step up from the previous models, which were limited to only 4 shades.
The Palm V was also released in February 1999, and also featured the same Dragonball EZ processor which graced the Palm 3x. A few months down the line wireless capabilities were merged with the Palm to give birth to the Palm VII. Essentially a 3x, but with the addition of wireless capability. In July of 1999 the 3 series was revisited and stripped down, resulting in the Palm 3e. Essentially a back to basics machine, aimed at entry level Palm users.
However sleek looks and functionally can go hand in hand, as the Palm Vx demonstrated in November 1999. Small, lightweight and extremely functional thanks to its 8MB memory, Palm had certainly given the executive market something to flash. Big memory equals bigger sales, as Palm found, so they once again threw the Palm 3x back at their R&D boys and got the 3xe in return. Basically the only major addition to this Palm was the 8MB of memory.
Then Microsoft introduced its CE operating system which had support for colour, something which Palm had not added to it's OS, just because non of their PDAs had the ability for colour. Once again the Palm 3x was given just another facelift, finally Palm had a colour device, the Palm 3c. Early 2001, rumours suggest that Palm will be releasing an V series Palm with a colour display. The most likely designation for this new device will be the Vxc, but only time will tell.
The newest device from Palm is a replacement for the discontinued Palm 3e, once again aimed at the entry market. So as of July 2000 the Palm m100 gave PDA first timers an opportunity to experience the power of Palm, at an affordable price. In this review I'll be looking at two of the Palms listed here, the IIIc and the Vx. Both models embody the top of the range model for their own unique markets.
The first Palm to feature a colour display, which does come at a price premium though, is often disgarded by many as just being a rich geeks toy, the IIIc hasn't received the warmest of welcomes. Surprisingly the addition of a colour display and backlight have not resulted in a glorified torch with a short battery life, but in fact go further to enhance the Palm series. The screen is very sharp and a pleasure to use, in fact it's hard to go back to using a greyscale Palm after experiencing the majesty of the IIIc.
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The most stylish of the range, aimed squarely at the busy executive of today, who wants the best in electronic elegance. Weighing at only 4.0oz - compared to the relatively hefty 6.8oz of the IIIC -- the Vx is certainly light enough to be stored in a shirt pocket. The aluminium shell provides the perfect balance between protection and sophistication.
Product Information
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Palm organizer applications:
Desktop import and export formats:
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Unlike much of the Palm's CE based competition, the Palm devices do not come with a built in keyboard, although a portable fold up keyboard can be purchased. Navigating through the various menus and selections on the Palm are typically made by just tapping the screen with the stylus, but what happens when the situation calls for text to be entered?
Following in the footsteps of the Newton, the Palm allows text to be entered via a series of scribbles using the Graffiti alphabet. Unlike the Newton, whole words are not entered, but instead individual letters are inputted. This method has the disadvantage of being slower than entering entire words at a time, but limiting the user in the way brings many benefits too.
First off, the input success rate goes up tenfold. By limiting the user to simple pen strokes for each letter, the Palm is easily able to identify each character. Secondly by using a pre-programmed language, there is no need for the device to effectively 'learn' the writing style of a user. Allow this approach does push the learning process back at the user, the graffiti alphabet is surprising easy to learn and use. Virtually enter letter in the alphabet is just an upper case character, and after half an hour of use, graffiti will become your second language.
Text is entered at the bottom of the Palm on what has been dubbed, the 'Graffiti Pad'. Characters are drawn in on this pad, which are then decoded by the Palm and put onto screen. The pad itself is split into two areas, two-thirds are used for inputting of text, punctuation and other characters. The remainder of the pad is allocated for number input. Thanks to this unique way of inputting data, the Palm has been able to do without a clunky keyboard, boosting portability and production costs.
For those who miss the familiar feel of a keyboard, a virtual representation of one can be brought up on screen, by tapping in the lower left hand corner of the Graffiti pad. At times this feature can be useful, but it comes at the cost of half the screen space. Although the Graffiti alphabet is a quick and easy way to write on the Palm, it certainly does not replace a good keyboard. However for replying to the odd email, or jotting in various notes throughout a day, it certainly is more than adequate.
Upon starting the Palm for the first time, certain applications are pre-installed on the device. One of the most useful is the mail application; this gives basic mail functions to the Palm user. The most useful aspect of the mail software is that is can be HotSync-ed with the Outlook software installed on a PC. This enables any mail written on the Palm to be copied to the PC version of Outlook, and then emailed onto the recipient. Also any email stored on Outlook with be stored upon the Palm device, so that a users desktop email can read off the Palm device.
I personally found the use of mail with HotSync very useful, every morning when I get to work I slot my Palm into it's cradle and synchronise my email. So when I walk around my offices and I all my emails at my fingertips, a very useful resource.
Another of the most useful default applications is the date book, which is basically an electronic calendar. The way in which Palm have implemented this age old aid is to be highly commended. Entering a new appointment can be done in a matter of seconds. Pressing the calendar button on the Palm will automatically turn it on and load the date book, then all it takes is a tap on the time you wish to set the appointment, and quickly scribble in a note. I find myself constantly whipping out my Palm to jot in a TV program I don't want to miss. An essential feature for any organiser, implemented in a very efficient and user-friendly way.
The address book is another application, instantly accessible by a quick-launch button on the front of the Palm. The usual details are storable here, name, title, phone numbers, email address and postal address. Also for every entry in the address book, a note can be attached, allowing extra information on a contact to be held. Each entry can be filled under a different category, allowing easier sorting of a contact database. The default categories are business, personal and quick list, although additional categories can easily be created.
The third quick launch button brings up the to do list, which does exactly as the name describes, it allows the creation of to do lists. In typical Palm style, entering a new to do item is quick and easy. One tap to signal a new item, then a quick scribble on the graffiti pad to input some text for the item. Every entry can be assigned a priority level, from 1 - 5, allowing for more urgent tasks to be listed first. As in the address book, tasks can be stored under different categories, making for work and home errands to be easily separated.
Anytime a piece of text needs to be written into the palm, the memo pad is used. As this is a commonly used application, it can be launched from the far right quick launch button. Upon running the memo pad, previous memos are listed on the screen. These can be edited by tapping on them, or pressing the new button can create a new memo. Once a memo has been opened or created the screen turns into a giant note pad. Information can now be entered in the typical way through the graffiti pad, or even by using the additional keyboard that can be purchased.
Now is a good time to mention the clipboard capabilities built in to the Palm, which are simplistic but functional. Text is highlighted on screen by tap-dragging a highlight round the desired text. Next the copy or cut command is executed; this can be done on the drop down menu, or by entering a special command via the graffiti pad. Finally the pasting can be performed by tapping the stylus at the destination and pasting in the information with another special command. The final useful application I want to touch on, it the calculator. Although a very basic, it gives the user what is required in most situations. The large buttons allow for easy input of numbers, so even just using a finger with the device is fine. The calculator can be quick launched via a touch sensitive area of the screen to the right of the graffiti pad. Under the calculator button is an icon that launches the search command. A powerful utility that searches through the entire Palm's memory for the search string.
The final two buttons are the ones that get the most use, the upper button on the left forces the Palm to return to the main menu. So if the user is writing a memo and wishes to launch another application, pressing this button will fulfil that command. Lastly we come across the menu button, the function of this is to bring down a menu bar style interface in a given application.
The difference between the buttons positioned on the touch sensitive screen and the four hard plastic buttons, it that the touch sensitive ones require the Palm device to be turned on to work. The hard plastic, quick launch buttons will turn the device on and launch the application, saving on time and unnecessary fiddling.
Connecting the Palm to a PC is done via the cradle, when seated in this device the Palm can synchronise data with the computer it is interfaced with. The cradle is connected by a 9-pin serial port, although supplied with the Palm is a 25-pin to 9-pin converter. It’s worth noting that a USB cradle connecter can be purchased, resulting in much higher transfer rates. But USB will not work in Windows NT 4.0, an OS that many executive Palm users will be using. However Windows 2000 users do not have that worry, and can enjoy the higher speed of a USB connecter, over the much slower serial port. With the USB kit, the Palm platform also supports Mac compatibility.
The cradle allows recharging the Palm whilst it is connected. An orange LED on the top of the IIIc indicates recharging, whereas the cradle unit on the Vx lights up to show charging. The handbook supplied with both Palm’s recommends that the unit is placed in the cradle ‘for a few minutes each day to recharge the battery to full capacity’. I personally leave the Palm in it’s cradle when I’m at my desk, as the Palm can not be overcharged. In the two months that I’ve used both devices, I’ve never run out of battery power, or even run the unit down to 50% capacity. This is one of the key success points to the Palm series, the great battery life, which leads to better portability and piece of mind.
The IIIc handbook states that 'A full charge will last up to two weeks with normal use' whereas the Vx 'will last up to a month with normal use'. It's quite obvious that the inclusion of a backlit screen in the IIIc will have an effect on battery life, but how much so? To obtain some real world figures of battery life I put both units to the test.
For these tests I disabled the auto power off for both Palm units, so they would be run to exhaustion. To simulate typical usage, the game Atom Smash was put into looped demo mode. The Palm IIIc was tested at full brightness, middle brightness and finally the lowest brightness setting. For the Vx, it was tested with firstly the backlight enabled, then with the backlight disabled. Before every test the unit was fully charged, and both units have experienced daily usage for two months before these tests were run.
The Vx seems to have far less battery life than the IIIc, this suggests that the IIIc has a bigger and more powerful battery than the Vx. Not surprising when you consider the extra energy demands made by the IIIc. Additionally, batteries are quite heavy components. So in reducing the amount of battery mass in the Vx, Palm has gone to further reduce the weight of the unit. Even with it's larger battery capacity, it's interesting to see the IIIc fairing so well against the Vx. Many people wrote off the IIIc, with instant conclusions about the effect of a colour display on battery life. However these tests have proved that the colour Palm doesn't sacrifice convenience for battery capacity.
As with a PC, increasing clockspeed is possible on the Palm, but doing so leads to a dramatic reduction in battery life. So depending on your work and recharging habits, this may or may not be such a good idea. There are several good overclocking applications for the Palm, but the one I used is called AfterBurner. It comes in the form of a plug-in for the HackMaster program, which manages all the installed 'hacks'.
The AfterBurner hack allows control over many aspects of the Palm's performance. One of the main advantages to this program is control over when overclocking occurs. Every application installed on the Palm can be given a clock speed. The default clock speed of the Palm is 20MHz, but for every program this can be set from 10MHz to 32MHz. To illustrate the theoretical performance increase obtained by overclocking, I have run a benchmark program from Quartus.
As the graph shows, overclocking the Palm can lead to quite an increase in theoretical performance. In certain circumstances, this extra jolt of speed can be beneficial, but generally the default clockspeed is more than adequate.
Why would overclocking be needed? I doubt anyone would really want to read their email at faster speeds, but there are indeed uses for more processing power. One of the key areas in that processing power is really required is in the manipulation of graphics and sound. A practical use of this comes in the form of computer games. By and large most games on the Palm run fine, as you would expect. However some do not, a good example of this are Game Boy games. Before you start getting worried allow me to example, there are a number of Game Boy emulators for the Palm. So after downloading an emulator and a few games, it is possible to play Game Boy games on the Palm. Although even when the Palm is overclocked to 32MHz, games don’t run amazingly well, but it’s still quite cool to play Super Mario Land in the middle of a business meeting.
Both the IIIc and the Vx enjoyed the added connectivity of an IR port installed by default. One of the key benefits of this is that it's possible to copy applications and data between two Palm units very quickly and easily. For some reason, after the first month my two Palms lost the ability to transfer data to each other. Possibly the result of the many 3rd party applications I've installed on the units, or maybe a technical fault. Either way I found this failure to be slightly irritating.
One of the coolest uses of IR is the ability to use the Palm with a IR-enabled mobile phone. I own a Nokia 7110 that has WAP capabilities built in, but the web browsers for the Palm are far more advanced. Not to mention the advantage of browsing on a large screen. The first step to launching the Palm onto the web was setting up the network preferences. Under this menu I entered connection details that my WAP phone uses. Also I setup a mobile phone connection profile, this basically told the Palm to use the IR port to connect to the mobile. Also here I set the speed to 9,600bps, the same speed as the WAP phone. Finally I enabled the IR port on the 7110, and tried to connect to the Internet. Sadly my attempt resulted in an authentication failure.
Undeterred by this minor setback I decided to try again, but this time using my normal PC Internet connection details. Once again I setup the connection information, but this time round connecting to BT Internet. After inputting the username and password I primed the IR port on the mobile for another attempt. One tap later and the mobile was dialling into the new connection number, however this time round I was successful! Now I could use my Palm browser to load up any normal Internet page, I felt quite a feeling of success. The image above shows the Yahoo website, using the ProxiWeb browser.
There are many games that have been made specifically for the Palm, but by using the Liberty Game Boy emulator, a broad range of games is available that would normally only run on a Game Boy. Once you've got a Game Boy game on your PC, it must be run through a small program to convert the ROM into a format Liberty can work with. Once the conversion process is over, all that remains it to copy the ROMs to the Palm. I'd recommend overclocking your Palm when running games with Liberty, it really does help.
Liberty
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Liberty
The best program for overclocking a Palm is called AfterBurner, it comes as a plugin for the HackMaster program. The HackMaster software manages the various plugins, which mostly alter certain previously unchangeable settings of the Palm. AfterBurner allows changing of many underlying hardware setting, but thankfully comes with some documentation to help with the tweaking process.
AfterBurner
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Afterburner
To alter the general look and feel of the Palm, nothing is better than SilverScreen. Sadly this piece of software comes at a price, but it does allow for a 21 day trail after being installed. Silver alters most aspects of the general Palm interface, by substituting the usual GUI for a number of different themes. In the demo version only two themes of available, but it gives a good representation to the power of Silver.
Silver
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Silver
Age old, simple but a good way to waste away time. Whilst searching for various games to download onto my Palm, I can across this little gem, and became quite hooked. As in the traditionally played pen and paper version of the game, the rules are the same. The demo version is supplied with only a fraction of the entire word database, but even the small trail game will take some time to play through.
Hangman
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Hangman
Pushing the Palm to it's limits, this 3D viewer renders real time models. Not exactly an essential application, but it certainly is cool to see it in action. I can't think of many applications for this software, but it's the best such program I could find.
3D Viewer
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Viewer
As you'd expect from such a versatile device, many official accessories are available. For the IIIc a stylish leather case in on offer, resulting in a elegant and secure way to use the Palm. For those wanting a bit more colour in a case, there is a range of PalmGlove Neoprene cases for sale.
One of the more useful devices for the Palm is the portable keyboard. When folded up it takes up around the same size as the Palm itself, unfolded it offers a full-size keyboard. This is something I am considering to buy myself, perfect for taking along to meetings when large amounts of information need to be taken down.
For those who want more style from their stylus, a series of more elegant stylus can be found. Looking more like an expensive fountain pen than the stubby metal wand supplied with the Palm.
Another useful upgrade comes in the form of a PalmModem; this small accessory clips onto the bottom of the Palm and instantly gives HotSync capabilities with a remote PC via a phone line. A useful tool for sending email on the move, although pairing the Palm with a mobile can give the same results.
Palm commands an extremely large market share in the handheld marketplaces, and it's not hard to see way. Both of the Palm units from this review exhibit some of the best ease of use I've ever seen on any computer platform. All of the tasks it has been designed to do, it does with great ease and efficiency. The graffiti input system becomes a second language after a few short hours of use. The layout of the pre-loaded application remains consistent and uncluttered throughout.
Before writing this review I spent two months integrating the use of the Palm's into my daily life. One month was devoted to using the IIIc and the other was dedicated for the Vx. After spending even this short period of time with the device, I would find it very hard to go back. Being able to carry round my emails, appointments and other essential data round with me has really enhanced my day-to-day tasks. Round the office I'm rarely seen without my Palm device, purely because it gives me access to so much information on the move.
The battery capacity and memory size on both models are great, even with my tendency to pile on applications without deleting older ones, I have yet to run out of space on either device. As the test results show, the colour screen of the Palm IIIc does not kill the battery life. In fact, Palm seems to have taken steps to ensure that the operations life of the unit is on par with the rest of the Palm family.
How could I review a Palm device without comparing it to the dark side, or to put it another way, the WindowsCE market. It is hard to directly compare the two systems, purely because they both satisfy different uses. The Palm being a beefed up electric organiser, and WinCE being a downsized Windows PC. But compare them I must, because anyone looking for a handheld device, must choose between a Palm of a CE device.
WindowsCE offers the user a familiar Windows style interface, so users don't have to waste time adjusting to a new interface. This same plus actually hinders WinCE in a way, because a lot of the interface just adds clutter to the screen, sacrificing ease of use. Because the Palm OS has been developed from a pure productivity point of view, it gives the user exactly what they need in a friendly way. The CE platform does have its benefits and its quiche, and I predict that the CE share segment will grow to become quite a formidable opponent to Palm in the near future. With version 3 of CE offering a better interface, and the dropping prices of the hardware, I believe the universal power and appeal of Windows CE will win at the end of the day.
For now, Palm offers the best device for what is does. It doesn't promise to offer as much as CE, and it doesn't have to. Palm provides the user with exactly what they need, and this is exactly why it is so popular.
If I had to recommend a handheld device right now, I'd whole heartedly recommend the Palm series. There is a device to cater for every user, from the cheap m100, the colour enabled IIIc and the executive mean machine which is the Vx. My day-to-day life relies heavily on my Palm now, and if you get one of these devices, your life will too.
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