PalmOne IIIx Handheld

The Palm IIIx carries on the tradition of the attractive and popular Palm line of PDAs. With its 4MB memory, this connected organizer is rated to hold 12,000 addresses, 5 years of appointments, 3,000 to-do items, 3,000 memos, and 400 e-mail messages. The “x” in IIIx stands for expandable, and the Palm IIIx offers memory expansion with an internal slot for upgrade cards.

Setting up the Palm IIIx used to be easy–we just inserted two batteries, connected the cradle to a desktop PC serial port, dropped in the software CD-ROM, and followed the installation wizard.

You’ll be able to navigate through the Palm IIIx’s main applications–memo pad, to-do list, address book, and calendar–with six push buttons or by tapping the stylus on the backlit display. Palm OS 3.1 facilitates drag-and-drop linking to Microsoft Word or Excel and provides network synchronization and automatic configuration with Microsoft Outlook. The CD-ROM that comes with the Palm IIIx provides the entire necessary software to manage tasks on your desktop, too.

The Palm IIIx is PC- and Mac-compatible (an inexpensive MacPac connection kit is required for Mac users), and, as with the PalmPilot Professional, the Palm IIIx uses the industry-acclaimed HotSync technology to exchange data with your desktop PC. The documentation is extensive and well written; it includes a Getting Started card, a handbook, a software-and-resource guide, and an accessory catalog.

In our test of the Graffiti Power Writing feature, which lets you write on the Palm IIIx the use of Graffiti’s shorthand alphabet, the Palm IIIx interpreted a full paragraph with no errors. We easily and successfully transmitted the text to another device through the infrared transceiver. We found Palm IIIx’s expansion slot beneath its cover. Even as memory upgrade cards don’t seem to be yet to be had from 3Com, other manufacturers do make compatible cards.

With its increased memory and OS 3.1, the Palm IIIx is a smart evolutionary step in the Palm line. –Mike Brown

Pros:

• Expandable for imaginable add-on hardware and memory upgrade cards
• Easy to set up, learn, and use
• Widely supported by third-party software, shareware, and freeware

Cons:

• None

Enhanced LCD screen for improved viewing at angles and in both dim and bright light
4 MB storage capacity
Infrared transceiver
Open expansion slot for imaginable add-on hardware and memory upgrade cards
What’s in the box: Palm IIIx, Stylus, 2 AAA batteries, HotSync cradle with serial cable, DB-25 adapter, Protective cover, Organizer and Desktop applications, Handbook