PalmOne Releases 4GB PDA [updated]

davidconger writes "PalmOne has introduced the first device in their new line of Mobile Manager handheld devices. The LifeDrive includes an embedded 4GB Hitachi Microdrive and additional software for file/folder synchronization. The device includes both WiFi and Bluetooth. Price tag on the device $499. PocketFactory has done a complete review of the LifeDrive." Reader gandell adds a link to Brighthand's review. Update: 05/18 18:08 GMT by T : An anonymous reader corrects this story's original headline, writing "Despite rumors the LifeDrive would run Linux, it runs PalmOS 5 (Garnet). However, the device seems to have a Linux-friendly design, and is likely to run Linux soon, whether supplied by PalmOne's sister company PalmSource, or by Linux hobbyists. PalmSource is likely to offer a Linux OS upgrade for the LifeDrive, once it is ready to support the huge variety of legacy Palm apps under Linux." Update: 05/18 18:44 GMT by T : One more review, this one at MobileTechReview.

Comments

Review repost - site already a bit slow

[Anonymous Coward]

(reposted anonymously - I'm not a karma whore)
I haven't reviewed a palmOne PDA in almost exactly a year. That last review was the Tungsten E. Today I'll be reviewing the Tungsten T5, which curiously enough looks almost identical to the TE at first glance. The T5 is palmOne's new top of the line model set to replace the popular T3. In the year since I posted that last palmOne device review, they have released 3 other PDAs (not including the T5). The Zire 21, 31 and 72. At the time of their releases, neither Judie or I felt these models were interesting enough to us to warrant reviews. To be truthful, palmOne has left me less than excited the past couple of years, and I'm pretty certain Judie feels similarly.

This time around, palmOne is only offering one new model to consumers. Is this just an interim device to compete against the latest Pocket PCs before the new OS 6 devices are ready? Or is the T5 a compelling new PDA that T3 owners should consider upgrading to? Read on to learn my opinion.

Hardware Specs

Processor: 416MHz Intel XScale Processor
Operating System: Palm OS software version v5.4
Memory: Total 256 MB (215MB actual storage capacity; 160MB internal flash drive, 55MB program memory)
Display: TFT color display with backlight, 320 x 480, 65,000 colors
Interface: USB (for HotSync® operation), Infrared, Bluetooth
Dimensions and Weight: 4.76 x 3.08 x 0.61in, 5.1 oz. (including stylus)
Power: 120VAC, 60Hz, 100mA
Battery: 1300mHa Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery (internal - non user removable)
Expansion: SD card slot (Secure Digital), supports MMC and SDIO cards

Package Contents

Tungsten T5 PDA
Stylus
Flip cover (wasn't included in my review sample)
USB cable with sync button
AC adapter
Graffiti 2 sticker
Read This First document
License Agreement
Accessories Catalog
Software Installation CD

I had a real sense of Deja Vu when I first opened the T5's box. This new PDA looks almost identical to the TE. Same color, same shape, same application buttons and same 5-way navigation pad. In reality, this PDA is actually about .25 inches longer, slightly thicker and heavier than the TE.

Although the T5 looks like it has a metal shell, it is only made of plastic. This was the first of several disappointments regarding this new model. As the T5 is set to replace the T3 which does have a metal shell, I was very surprised that the T5 was left lacking one. Even though the case is plastic, it does have a solid feel and did not creak, crack or flex when I performed the good ol' Gadgeteer creak test on it. That said, the case does show fingerprints and smudges. In hand, this PDA feels balanced and comfortable to hold and use. It might be a little too long to be considered a good candidate for a shirt pocket, but it does fit nicely in a side cargo pant or jacket pocket.

On the front of the PDA there are 4 application buttons, the 5-way navigation pad and the color display. The buttons have the same layout as the ones on the TE. They are small, flat and square with good tactile feedback. From left to right, the application buttons are assigned to the Home, Calendar, Contacts and File Manager applications. Like other models before this one, the buttons can be reassigned to launch other applications by modifying their preferences.

The 5-way navigation pad allows you to scroll up/down, left and right. Pressing in on the center button performs a select function. Using the nav pad, it is relatively easy to perform some tasks such as address look ups and application launches with just one hand. The nav pad also makes game play more enjoyable for certain types of action games.

Tungsten T5, Zire 31 and Tungsten T

One of the most exciting changes that the T5 has over the T3 is the lack of a slider. As a matter of fact, the T5 is palmOne's first PDA that has a 320 x 480 display that does not also include a slider. This is a big advantage in my opinion as I grew very tired of

Re:Are PDA's even still relevant ?

[mcho]

why would anyone want a bulky pda anymore ?

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