Want a PDA what are you waiting for?

The ultimate in Handheld Palmtops

I will start as I mean to go on, the Palm VX is the best Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) on the market. As far as I am concerned nothing else comes close to competing with it. Hopefully you will understand why by the end of this epinion.

What do I get for my money?
Open the box and you will find the following: -
Palm VX Handheld
Palm Desktop Software
Applications for Palm VX Handheld
Handbook
Protective Leather Cover
Handsync Cradle and Battery Recharger
Link to Microsoft Outlook
Rechargeable Battery Lithium-Ion
DB9 to DB25 Adaptor
Getting Started Guide

Headline Facts and Figures
Dimensions 4.5” X 3.1” X0.4”
Weight 4 OZ
Retail Price $399
Colors Silver, Champagne and Millennium Blue (both Limited Editions)
Memory 8MB
Display Advanced LCD screen technology
Display Size 160 X 160 Pixels
Op System Palm Operating System 3.5
Warranty 1 Year standard Parts and Labor (Upgradeable)

Installation
Installation is straightforward and even a novice should be competent at setting the Palm XV in motion.

Memory
The Palm VX has an 8MB storage capacity, I consider this essential to the effective use of a modern PDA. This stores 10,000+ addresses, approximately 9,000 memos, to-do lists, appointments, 400+ e-mails, and many applications.
The Operating System is loaded on Internal Flash Memory which means that it Can be upgraded easily.

Build Features
Construction
The Palm VX has a sharp aluminium finish except for the buttons.
The buttons themselves depress very easily.
You hardly notice the weight, it is tiny and easily fits in a shirt pocket.
It is extremely strong and durable, built to withstand knocks, occasionally.

Display
The Palm VX features enhanced screen technology, visibility is clear from all angles and in all light conditions (including dim light and bright sunlight.)

Battery
The Palm VX has a rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery. Charging is very fast and will last up to a month. Recharging is done via the cradle.

Infrared
This feature allows you to beam information to other Infrared enabled Palm Operating System Devices. You can also use 3rd party devices to link to Infrared phones and printers etc,

Palm VX Software
Included within the box are the following software applications: -
Date Book, Address Book, Desktop E-mail Connectivity, To Do List, Memo Pad, Expense, Calculator, Security, Games, HotSync technology for local and remote synchronization with your PC, Drag and drop links to Microsoft Excel and Word, Import and Export on the Desktop in CSV, TXT and Tab delimited formats.

Other examples of Palm VX Software
Databases, Fax Applications, Chat, Telnet, Links to Lotus Notes-Oracle-DOS- MAC-O/S2 and Windows, numerous books e.g. Shakespeare, Educational information, Board games, puzzles, jokes, travel information, currency conversion, street maps, cameras, voice recorders, MP3 players and much much more.

Compatible e-mail systems
The Palm VX connects using the standard Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The following are examples of e-mail solutions that can be used, AOL Mail, Eudora Pro, Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook & Outlook Express and Netscape Communicator and various other POP3 & IMAP e-mail systems.

Add on Hardware
These are optional add-ons over and above the unit itself:-

Palm Portable Keyboard $99Retail
This is a collapsible Qwerty style keyboard ideal for the traveller. This comes complete with a carry case, it weighs less than 8OZ and no batteries are needed.

Palm Connect USB Kit $40 Retail
Connect your Palm VX to the USB Port of a PC or Mac through the Handheld cradle or Hotsync Cable.

Palm VX Modem Accessory $169 Retail
Backup or download your e-mails via modem, operates at 33.6kbps.

Palm Ethernet Cradle
The cradle is designed for use by companies with networks, it provides Palm VX users with the ability to have full synchronization services.

GSM Upgrade Kit $89 Retail
This kit connects your Palm VX to the following digital Nokias (5110, 5190, 6110, 6130, 6138, 6150 and 6190) and also some Ericssons. This allows you to backup or send/receive e-mails when you do not have access to a phone line.

Cases $25-$100 Retail
A range of attractive stylish and sturdy cases are available.

The Manufacturers product fact page can be found at: -
http://www.palm.com/products/palmvx/details.html

Some of my experiences with the PDA
I am out on the road regularly in my job as a Computer Consultant. The PDA gives me an effective tool to do my job without having to carry a laptop with me everywhere. No more switching my laptop on to update my to do list or to add a contact, instead I add it to my PDA and I'm away. I can honestly say that I use the PDA an innumerable amount of times every working day, it really is a help and I don't need to call my office secretary anywhere near as much, she thinks I have fallen out with her!

Conclusion
If you want to buy a Palmtop what are you waiting for? This product is absolutely superb, I cannot recommend the product enough and recommend it without hesitation. It is particularly suitable for the traveler and would make a good present for him or her, or that person who has everything!