The Flexis FX100 is a new rollable, lightweight, splash-resistant keyboard. The user can roll or wrap the keyboard around the PDA for easy transport. The FX100 can withstand water and other contaminants. Just wipe the keyboard clean if any liquids are spilled on it. Long-time reviewer Robert Zach has this review.

Palm has released an update on its Support site for Palm-branded models that have an SD/MMC card slot. Partially, this is to fix problems some users have had with cards larger than 32 MB. However, Palm also says the patch "improves performance when copying large files".

Sony has dropped prices on their entire line of regular Memory Sticks. The most dramatic cut came at the top, where their 128 MB one dropped from $150 to $90, a 40% cut. The 64 MB Memory Stick was cut almost as much percentage-wise, going from $80 down to $50. Smaller Memory Sticks have also had price drops, too. These prices have already taken effect on Sony's webstore.

At this point, it will probably come as no surprise to anyone that Palm Inc. officially announced the i705 today. Information has been leaking on this new wireless model for weeks and it has actually been on sale at numerous stores across the U.S. since late last week.

Of course, the main function of the i705 is to provide "always on" wireless email. The user is notified as soon as a new email is received, even if the handheld itself is turned off.

It is available now for $450. It will only be offered in the United States.

Sony has recently added to its Memory Stick site a section on licencing the technology, including a sample licensing agreement. Sony uses a flat-fee policy. Each company that licences the Memory Stick pays 500,000 Yen/year, which is about $3,800. There is no charge for each unit sold. There is no additional fee for the Memory Stick Duo, the new smaller form, though there is one for MagicGate Memory Sticks. A licensee is allowed to make both regular Memory Sticks and the MS Duo and any device that makes use of them under this same agreement.

The Palm i705 is now listed on CompUSA's webstore, though it's not yet for sale. -Anon

Pocket Anywhere has permanently shut down its long-standing "Palm-Talk" Yahoo Group. A member of the old group has created a replacement called "Palm_Talk". -Greg Gaub

The week started off with a bang with the release of Sony T615C. There was both a preliminary and final review of this new model and word on when peripherals would be available. There also numerous rumors and leaks on the Palm i705, including some pictures.

There was good news for Palm Inc. and the Palm platform. Sales of handhelds running the Palm OS have passed the 20 million mark and Palm itself continues to lead the world in numbers of handhelds shipped.

J&R Computer World has lowered their price on the Handspring Visor Edge to $200. They have it in both Silver or Blue and offer free shipping in the NY metro area. -Ravi

Palm Inc. already has the Palm.Net sign-up page for the i705 on its site, despite not having yet officially announced that model. The page includes a picture of the new wireless handheld. -Ed

While technically still only a rumor, its pretty obvious that Palm will be announcing the i705, its new wireless handheld, on Monday. In an effort to get rid of the last of its stocks, the company has reduced the Palm VIIx to just $100. This is the model being replaced by the i705. The $100 service rebate that was available on the VIIx has been discontinued.

Palm has also reduced the price of the Palm IIIc to $200. The company is rumored to be planning to release a new mid-range color model in a few months.

Sony announced the PEG-T615C last week and it is now available on its webstore and in some retail locations, too. This is the replacement for the N610C and has a hi-res color screen, a Jog Dial, a Memory Stick slot, and 16 MB of RAM. News Editor Ed Hardy did a preliminary review of this device earlier this week but has now had a chance to really get to to know it and has a full review.

Palm Inc's share of the worldwide handheld market surged in the fourth quarter of 2001. Palm has long held the top spot in handheld sales and last quarter it widened the gap. According to a report from IDC, Palm-branded handhelds accounted for 42.6% of all handhelds shipped worldwide or 1.63 million. In the previous quarter, Palm had accounted for 33% of all handhelds shipped as it was recovering from problems earlier in the year.

Handspring continued its long tenure as the second largest handheld supplier, shipping 425 thousand units for an 11.1% share during the fourth quarter. This was a jump of 36% compared to the same quarter in 2000.