Blue Nomad has released WordSmith 2.0, the latest version of its award-winning word processor, enhanced memo pad, and rich document viewer for the Palm OS HandHelds.

WordSmith 2.0 features a host of new enhancements, most notably Blue Nomad's FineType high resolution font technology. FineType is an innovative display option for Palm-based documents that makes text crystal clear and sharper than ever.

One of the most eagerly anticipated peripherals for the m500 series is the PalmPix digital camera from Kodak. Long-time reviewer and News Editor Ed Hardy takes one of these out for a spin and finds it a bit lacking.

Handspring has droped the price of the VisorPhone to just $50 with a service activation. That's $200 off the previous price. This isn't a short-term discount; this is the new price for this wireless modem and phone Springboard. It will cost $300 without service activation. "It's a great product that wasn't selling at the levels we'd hoped," a company representative told Cnet.

Many have had problems with the HotSync connection timing out on long-delay conduits, like AvantGo. Basically, the handheld gets tired of waiting for the conduit to access its database over the Web. These timeouts only occur when synchronizing with the USB universal cradle that comes with the m500 series and do not affect those synchronizing with a Mac. Palm Inc. has released an update that deals with this issue.

People who travel with a lot of electronic gear might like the Comarco ChargeSource, which replaces the assortment of power bricks required by handhelds, laptops, and other mobile electronics. Specially designed PowerTips deliver power to multiple devices from one adapter. It is now being sold exclusively as the Targus Universal AC Adapter for $120.

Clip on keyboards appear to be all the rage right now. A company named EtherAge has one they intend to release in August. The ClipKee will be the first to have a built-in scroll wheel, which has a lot in common with Sony's Jog Dial. There will be versions for the m500 and V series and the Visor. The ClipKee will cost only $40.

Workbench is a new app that lets users run applications from removable cards. When launching an application from the card, Workbench first copies the application and all the databases that is associated to the application to RAM. It works with the m500 series, HandEra 330, and Sony handhelds. It is $10 shareware.

People who own one of the earlier MatchBook Drive adapters can now trade up to an Innopocket FlashPlus  They are offering a $10 trade-in allowance for the MD-001 (long) adapter and a $15 one for the MD-100 (flush) adapter.  Order the FlashPlus from MatchBook Products then return the MatchBook Drive in the same envelope. When it is received, the refund will appear on the credit card.001 (long) adapter and a $15 one for the MD-100 (flush) adapter.  Order the FlashPlus from MatchBook Products then return the MatchBook Drive in the same envelope. When it is received, the refund will appear on the credit card.

Recently, rumors have been circulating that the next generation of Palm models will use Intel microprocessors instead of Motorola ones. The Register is adding fuel to the fire by quoting unnamed Taiwanese industry sources who said that that Palm is indeed planning to switch to XScale.

Naturally, this is still at the rumor stage. It has been suggested by some that Palm itself is circulating these rumors to improve their negotiating position with Motorola.

Long-time reviewer Robert Zach brings us his thoughts on a leather case from Vaja intended to hold a Palm V with the OmniSky wireless modem still attached.

Seiko Instruments Austin is set to release a family of clip-on mini-keyboards for Palm and Handspring models. The Thumboards will slip directly onto the handheld fully covering the Graffiti area and interfacing with the serial port. They will have replacement hot keys (Calendar, To Do, etc.) as well as keys for "New,'' "Done,'' and "Delete,'' taking away the need to touch the screen to execute these commands. The first model, the Thumboard TB5000 for the Palm V series, should be available in August for $50.

LandWare has released Pocket Quicken 2.01, which adds a number of new features and maintenance fixes. -David Porfido

Kyocera Wireless has announced that the Kyocera QCP 6035 smartphone will be on sale in Canada this month. Bell Mobility will be the first mobile service provider. -PR