Palm Goes Enterprise
One model, the Tungsten T, is based on the newest version of the Palm operating system, and the other model, the Tungsten W, runs the older 4.1 version of the Palm OS.
Solution providers say the new handhelds reflect Palm's strategy to divide its user base into two groups: enterprise customers using high-end models under the Tungsten brand, and lower-end customers using inexpensive devices under the Zire moniker.
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With the Tungsten line, Palm aims to segment its user base, solution providers say.
The compact Tungsten T is Palm's first device to incorporate Palm OS 5 and the more powerful ARM processor. The Milpitas-based vendor's previous handhelds ran on version Palm OS 4.1 and the slower Dragonball processor, which many solution providers believe has been maxed out.
In addition, the Tungsten T features several design enhancements, including a slider beneath the screen that opens a writing area for Palm's Graffiti handwriting-recognition engine and a five-way navigation button that works with Palm OS applications, said Anthony Armenta, product group manager for the Palm Solutions Group.
"This is the most compact and powerful device that Palm has developed," Armenta said.
Although the Tungsten T model lacks built-in wireless WAN capabilities, Palm included Bluetooth support in the device for users that want wireless access. Palm said it expects customers to use Bluetooth-enabled cell phones to connect to the Internet.
Peter Nelson, president of Advanced Computer Resources, said he's eager to test the Tungsten T's connectivity capabilities. The Nashua, N.H.-based solution provider has developed a two-way synchronization application that could be used with the Tungsten T, but Nelson wants to ensure that the Bluetooth connectivity will be seamless for Advanced Computer's customers.
"I am anxious to see how well it will work," he said.
The Tungsten W, which runs on the older Dragonball processor and Palm OS 4.1, includes built-in wireless capabilities plus a keyboard and the new five-way navigation button, according to Armenta.
The Tungsten T with 16 Mbytes of RAM carries a retail list price of $499, and the Tungsten W with 16 Mbytes of RAM has a list price of $549 without activation, Palm said.
At press time, Palm said it couldn't provide any information about which carriers would be supplying network support for the Tungsten product line.