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Palm/Motorola to Develop Combo handheld/phone

Posted by Hemos on from the making-technology-better dept.

dannyp writes "The New York Times reports that Palm and Motorola are going to jointly develop a phone with embedded Palm functionality. The story requires free registration, as always." I've seen a PalmPilot III/combo phone before - just looked clunky and heavy. And some of the non-US phones do a better job, but I'd still like the ultimate combo phone.

2 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. No NYT signup... by biftek · · Score: 5
    As usual, you don't have to signup for NYT, just use the partners link:

    http://partners.nytim es.com/2000/09/25/technology/25PALM.html

  2. this isn't big news by kootch · · Score: 5
    Qualcomm already makes a cell phone with Palm functionality on the Sprint Network (I don't know if it works elsewhere). It's called the Qualcomm pdQ.

    Info can be found here

    Features:
    Smart Phone Digital phone and electronic organizer in one package.
    - 3COM-based (Palm III platform) Personal digital assistant (PDA) is built-in.
    - Address book keeps track of names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail and website addresses, as well as other information about your personal and business contacts.
    - You can make a call, send an e-mail or open Internet sites directly from your address book. - Date book records appointments quickly and easily.
    - To-Do list allows you to make a list of things to do and assign a priority level and due date for each task.
    - Calculator lets you perform basic operations.
    - HotSync Technology: Synchronize data between your phone and your PC.

    Wireless Web Message Capable
    This phone is MiniBrowser ready, includes all necessary items (software and cable) for wireless connectivity and can receive wireless web messages. Access the Internet to browse text-only versions of popular web sites. Check weather reports, sports scores, stock reports and more.

    Stylus Navigation
    Large Display offers touch-screen capabilities and stylus-based navigation. Hold the stylus like a pen, and you can write directly on the screen.

    Funny thing is that this phone doesn't sell well. When will people learn that taking two things they like, like ice cream and tuna fish, and combining them simply does not always work. This is a perfect example.

    People, especially americans, want smaller phones. Hell, people that WANT a Palm will get a Palm. The majority just want a cell phone and don't need that additional functionality. Plus, putting a huge block of a phone against your ear simply is not "new yorker-ish" (ie stylish)