Brighter PalmPilot Adds Communications

Jon Pepper

The original PalmPilot organizer was widely praised as the best of the bunch. It was small enough to carry easily, had the basic organizer functions most users wanted, and didn't try to be all things to all people. It was also criticized for lacking e-mail connectivity.

The PalmPilot Professional keeps the basics from the earlier model and adds expense management software, a backlit screen, and games. Most important, however, are the new ways to exchange data besides the direct-cable HotSync. For instance, the built-in e-mail software supports HotSync updating of the PalmPilot's mailbox via Microsoft Mail, Exchange, or cc:Mail. Two optional features, Network HotSync ($69) and the PalmPilot modem ($129), offer even more possibilities . The former supports a HotSync over LANs or WANs, while the modem supports remote connectivity and dial-up.

The modem supports about 150 HotSyncs with two AAA batteries. The backlit screen seems to have a negligible effect on the roughly two-month battery life of the PalmPilot, provided you don't keep the backlight turned on all the time.

The PalmPilot has even more third-party support now, so you have additional opportunities to use your favorite desktop applications. Separately available packages such as Act, Goldmine, Notes, Internet Sidekick, and several other PIMs support one-button HotSync synchronization of data between the PalmPilot and the desktop.

The PalmPilot Professional delivers all the power of the earlier model but is easier to use, thanks to the new features. The modem is an especially welcome addition. I found it lighter, less expensive, and easier to use than Windows CE computers.

---

Where to Find

PalmPilot Professional....................................$399

Palm Computing
Mountain View, CA
Phone:    415-237-6000
Internet: 
http://www.usr.com/palm

Circle 1063 on Inquiry Card.

HotBYTEs
 - information on products covered or advertised in BYTE

---

PalmPilot Professional

photo_link (31 Kbytes)