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When I was introduced to my first PalmPilot, I fell hard. I converted (from the Newton) and have had one strapped to my side ever since. So, when Gareth told me the Palm III (P3) was headin' back to my corner of the Virginia woods for evaluation, I thought this was gonna be *fun*. So, how can such an excellent piece of technology be so... disappointing? Part of the reason we all put up with the Rabid Upgrade Syndrome is that new generations of machines are supposed to get faster, smaller, better. Sure, the Palm III has some worthy incremental improvements, but overall, I'm reminded of a line by Steven Wright: "I'm a peripheral visionary. I see the future, but just off to the side." This product didn't move up so much as move sideways.
Peter's Disappointment List:
On the Plus SideOK, so I'm dissin' the P3, mostly 'cause its predecessor was so radically satisfying. Which is to say, if you aren't palm computing already, this machine is an excellent starting point. It's as solid as any on its family tree. (For all the advantages of said tree, check out my review of the PalmPilot Pro.)Those incremental improvements I mentioned *are* improvements. They include: 2MB of Flash RAM memory - This is twice the memory of the Pro; more room for apps and data. Using Flash RAM means that, in the future, OS upgrades can be handled by software exchange rather than swapping out hardware. Help for the visually challenged - Screen contrast has been improved. OS 3.0 has a double size font. This is a major leap forward for those of us who squint for a living. IR Port - The flashiest hardware addition is the InfraRed transmitter. Get into direct line of sight, and you can beam from up to 4 feet away. It's cool, and from what I read, it works like a charm. That said, the IR implementation is marred by a few gotchas: The P3 doesn't conform to the IrDA standard - a digital heresy which may impede smooth communication to PC's and printers (although I hear that this is already being addressed by our Big Brothers over at IBM.) The upshot? At present, you'll only be able to beam data to other P3 users. Basically, you'll be ready to swap business cards with those you meet who are identically tech endowed. (I think I'm getting a Newton flashback.) The hybrid plastic/metal stylus is much improved over the Pro's swizzle stick. It looks good and feels good too. The PDA's form factor is altogether more stylish, with a curvy design (that still clips securely to the Pilot Modem). One of the best things about the PalmPilot line is the smooth cool upgrade path offered by 3COM. US$129 buys you the IR, 2MB of Flash Ram and OS 3.0. We'll be talking more about this option later...
Missed opportunitiesOne of the most visible changes about the unit is the flip cover. I thought it was nifty at first, then I realized the thing doesn't fold around the back, like it should (even the massively inferior Sharp SE-300 got this feature right). I gave mine up after two days of playing Capt. Kirk. The best thing I can say about the flip cover is that it detaches easily.The Palm III won't work with the eagerly anticipated Motorola Pager Card. There isn't enough room inside the new design. How dumb is that? This move alone should keep the market for the PalmPilot Pro alive. No built-in modem. Sigh.
HotSync NewsOn the Mac side, the P3 is compatible with the current version of the MacPac. The good news here is that a new MacPac, based on the fondly remembered Claris Organizer, should be available Real Soon Now.If you're running Win 3.1, you're S.O.L, m'friend. The new Windows HotSync 'ware is only good for Windows 95 and NT.
The Street Tech Best BuyThis tip was gleaned from Tap, a newsletter devoted to things Palmish. Go out and buy the low priced spread: the PalmPilot Personal. Then get on the horn and order up the $129 upgrade. You'll get all of the same tech capacity, and hold onto 71 dead presidents. Be aware, though, that the Personal is on the endangered list, so you'll have to move fast.- Peter Sugarman [8/24/98] Other PDAs and H/PCs reviewed on Street Tech:
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