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Palm Tungsten T3 Handheld Organiser

Kicking the technology advances up another notch, the Palm Tungsten T3 delivers a professional, sleek alternative to bulkier Pocket PCs that's chock-full of productivity enhancing and information sharing applications. Improvements over the T2 include a full-screen mode when the bottom casing is slid open, a bevy of enhanced display options, compatibility with Java applets, larger internal memory, and an easier to access status bar.

First, just the technical facts:

* Palm OS 5.2.1
* 32-bit, 400 MHz Intel XScale processor
* 64 MB internal RAM, with 52 MB usable for applications and file storage (an improvement over the T2's 29 MB usable RAM)
* Bluetooth wireless connectivity
* Secure Digital memory card expansion slot
* 4.3 (closed) x 3.0 x 0.66 inches, 5.5 ounces

Overall, the Tungsten T3 isn't that much smaller than the Zire 71, but it does feel nicely compact in the hand and its larger navigation button is easier to manipulate with just your thumb. However, the "wow factor" comes into full force when you slide down the bottom of the T3's case to reveal the full screen mode. And it gets even better. The standard "silkscreened" Graffiti input area (so-called because its icons and borders are printed onto the screen's glass) is now replaced by a digital version, which can be hidden to reveal an even larger screen. We found this useful when writing long notes in Memos and viewing an expanded daily calendar view. You don't actually need the Graffiti writing area to input data into notes or Calendar items. With the Full-Screen Writing preference turned on, you can write Graffiti characters anywhere on the screen (you'll even see an outline traced on the screen as you write). But the crowning display enhancement is the ability to rotate the screen to landscape view, which was especially handy when viewing downloaded movie trailers (using the included Kinoma video player). If you're left-handed, you can change the orientation in landscape view so that the status bar and Graffiti input area are more accessible to your own orientation.

The T3 includes the familiar suite of Palm applications (Calendar, Contacts, Memos, and Tasks) as well as a number of third-party software title (ranging from Acrobat Reader to RealOne Player for listening to digital audio). Calendar has been given an Outlook-friendly makeover, adding an Agenda view that consolidates all of today's appointments, tasks, and new e-mails. With full-screen mode on, Calendar's month view now displays smaller calendars for the previous and next months.

Bluetooth wireless functionality is built in, and the Tungsten T3 still includes the BlueBoard and BlueChat for sharing information with other Tungsten users. For Web communication, Palm includes VersaMail and WebBrowser Pro, both of which can be used along with a Bluetooth phone. Additionally, VersaMail can access a corporate e-mail account, including Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino servers.

Java has also now entered the Palm OS arena, expanding the application development opportunities. The T3 comes with a few sample applets (including a periodic table that would be handy at our local pub's trivia night), but we'll have to wait for more development before Java becomes a full Palm OS tool.

Our only complaint, design-wise, is the placement of the Voice Memo button, which as been placed toward the top of the left side of the case, below the on/off button on the top panel. When turning on the device, our left hand's thumb continually triggered the Voice Memo app when attempting to turn on the T3. Note that you can also turn the T3 on by pressing one of the application buttons surrounding the Navigator, or by sliding the bottom case open. Overall, the Tungsten T3 is a Palm powerhouse, blending its traditional information management strength with new multimedia and connectivity functionality (both wired and wireless). It's about as perfect a personal productivity agent for professional settings as it gets. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

* Crisp, bright color screen
* Fast processor, ample internal memory, and expansion slot to boot
* Digital Graffiti input area can be hidden for full screen display
* Screen can be rotated to landscape view
* Access to corporate e-mail and Bluetooth wireless connectivity

Con:

* Voice Memo button gets in the way of turning on and off

Palm Tungsten T3 Product Features

* Palm’s new breakthrough Stretch Display
* Device slides open to reveal a 320x480 display with 50% more viewing area
* Ultra-fast 400MHz Intel XScale processor and 64MB of internal memory
* Wirelessly access email, dial phone numbers, send text messages and connect to the Internet
* What's in the box: Handheld device; Palm Desktop software, including Documents To Go and Adobe Acrobat for Palm OS; all basic utilities such as Calendar, Contacts, Tasks., etc.

Tungsten T3 with leather cover

T | C | W | T2 | T3 | E | E2 | T5 | TX

Palm Tungsten T2 Technical Details

* Memory: 64MB (52MB actual storage capacity)
* Screen: 320x480 Transflective TFT color display supporting more than 65,000 colors and can be rotated in either portrait or landscape mode
* Size and Weight: 4.3 (closed) x 3.0 x 0.66 inches, 5.5 ounces
* Processor: 32-bit, 400MHz Intel Xscale processor
* Operating System: Palm OS v5.2.1
* Voice Memo Button: Capture and organize thoughts with a single touch of a button
* 5-way Navigator: Access information with just one hand
* Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Polymer
* Stereo Headphone Jack: Supports 3.5mm stereo headphones (sold separately)
* Palm Expansion Slot: Add extra memory, or content like a language translator, sold separately. Supports SD, SDIO and MultiMediaCards
* Palm Universal Connector: Add peripherals such as a battery pack or wireless keyboard. All sold separately
* Bluetooth Radio: Built-in Bluetooth radio for wirelessly connecting to other compatible Bluetooth devices
* Notification: Vibration, Audio and LED
* Updated PIM apps: Calendar, Contacts, Memos, and Tasks
* What's in the Box: Palm Desktop software for Windows and Macintosh, Tundsten T3
* Desktop System Requirements: PC running Windows 98/NT/2000/Me/XP (Windows NT, 2000 and XP require admin rights to install. Systems without USB port require the Palm HotSync Cradle-Serial, SKU P10828U, sold separately) OR Mac 9.1 or higher/Mac OS X, version 10.1.2 to 10.2.6