Palm Debuts New Tungsten T3, E and Zire 21 Handhelds

Posted By: Ryan Wednesday, October 1, 2003 12:00:02 AM

Palm today has launched their new fall handheld lineup. Palm has introduced two new Tungsten handhelds, the T3 and Tungsten E and a update to zire line with the new OS 5 Zire 21. Palm has also dropped prices on some of it's current models and has discontinued the m515 and m130.

"Skillful integration of distinguished hardware and innovative software is key to a great customer experience, and we're convinced our new handhelds will please new and experienced Palm handheld customers," said Ken Wirt, senior vice president and general manager of Palm's Handheld Business Unit. "What's more, Palm's business innovations let us price the new handhelds very competitively."

Palm Tungsten T3Tungsten T3
The Tungsten T3 handheld is Palm’s first device that supports a high-resolution color screen in landscape, as well as the typical portrait mode. The screen display is 50 percent larger than on any previous Palm branded device.. With integrated Bluetooth, a 400mhz XScale processor, 64MB of RAM (52MB user available), and superior office and multimedia capabilities, the Tungsten T3 handheld offers exceptional performance in a compact design for an estimated U.S. street price of $399. Read the full PIC review here.

Palm Tungsten ETungsten E
The Tungsten E handheld features 32MB of RAM (28.3MB user available), a 126mhz TI OMAP 311 processors, the same crisp high-resolution color display found in the TT2 and Zire 71, updated core PIM applications, multimedia software and SD expandability. It retains the classic Tungsten appearance, with its compact, sleek modern form and improved 5-way navigator for one-handed navigation.

The Tungsten E's dimensions are 4.5" x 3.1" x 0.5" inches (114 x 79 x 13 mm), and weighs 4.6 ounces (128g).This handheld gives professionals an upscale handheld with premium features for an estimated U.S. street price of $199. A full hands on PIC review will follow shortly.

Zire 21
The Palm Zire 21 handheld offers more software, a much faster processor and four times greater memory (8MB, 7.2 user accessible) all at the same low $99 price point. The Zire 21 is an affordable and easy way for the first-time handheld-buyer to juggle daily tasks surrounding work, family and social activities.

The Zire 21 also runs a 126mhz TI OMAP 311 ARM processor. With the latest Palm OS software, Version 5.2.1, the Zire 21 handheld also features the classic Palm PIM (Personal Information Management) applications with an emphasis on value and simplicity. Palm’s famous, easy-to-use PIM applications (Date Book, Address Book, Note Pad, To Do List, Memo Pad, and Calculator) allow users to quickly keep track of important information. Recurring appointments need only be entered once. Helpful reminder alarms alert users to meetings or appointments.

Palm Zire 21The Zire 21's dimensions are 4.4" x 2.9" x 0.6" inches (112 x 74 x 15mm) and weighs 3.8 ounces (108g). New software essentials are included on the Zire 21 handheld installation CD. Users can keep track of birthdays and anniversaries, automobile maintenance, passwords, and expenses, as well as read an eBook and play games with software included in the box. A hands on PIC review will be forthcoming.

“The Zire 21 handheld is Palm’s sequel to the fastest-selling handheld in history,” said David Christopher, vice president of product management for Palm Solutions Group. ”With the same great price and ease of use, the sequel offers more memory for data and applications, as well as faster performance. We expect the Zire 21 handheld to be another hit with first-time users and gift-givers.”

All of the above handhelds are available now in most countries worldwide via consumer-electronics outlets, major retail chains and online e-stores. They can also be ordered online from the Palm.com webstore.

Price Cuts
With the addition of the new models comes a few price cuts and discontinuations. The m515 and m130 have officially been retired. The original Zire has been lowered to $79, while the Tungsten T2 has been reduced to $329. Many retailers are also offering discounts on the Tungsten W for around $299.

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T|E and Z21 have the same proc?!

gfunkmagic @ 10/1/2003 2:04:30 AM #
Wow, that pretty interesting! Anyway, I think these model will do very well for Palm! The Z21 should be a good replacement for the Zire and the T|E will finally give Palm something to compete against the h1935 and forthcoming TJ25/35 from Sony as well the the Dell X3. However I think at $399, I would rather get the Zodiac II over the T3...

Visit http://goodthatway.com/
-better living through better technology.
RE: T|E and Z21 have the same proc?!
bcombee @ 10/1/2003 2:28:07 AM #
I'm curious about the sound capabilities of the Zire 21. While is doesn't have an output jack, it does have a speaker; is this speaker and sound system just capable of making alarm beeps, or can this actually play back digitized sounds? With 8MB, there's room for a small Ogg or MP3 file, stored as a file stream. Not too practical, but useful to know for game developers that might want to target this device.

--
Ben Combee, CodeWarrior for Palm OS technical lead
Programming help at www.palmoswerks.com
RE: T|E and Z21 have the same proc?!
hotpaw4 @ 10/1/2003 3:33:01 AM #
Interesting that the T|E and Z21 CPU's are said to run at 126 MHz, or 7/8th of the T|T's 144 MHz. Also, the OMAP 311 appears not to be listed on TI's web site; only the OMAP 310, for which there seems to be no online data sheet or technical reference. A special low-power low-cost part just for Palm Solutions?
RE: T|E and Z21 have the same proc?!
zirefan @ 10/1/2003 4:51:52 AM #
Being a Zire owner I was hoping that the Zire21 will support Mp3 playback. This will give me a good reason to upgrade!

I guess Palm just want Zire owners like me to upgrade to higher end models like the T|E. There is no upgrade path for the 99 dollars model. Too bad!

Low end and the mp3
Quik_Fix @ 10/1/2003 9:48:06 AM #
I don't think we should ever expect to see mp3 support in the lowest-end models. I say this only because there is a contingency of people out there who really want simple Palms and they may actually NOT buy a Palm because it has mp3 support. I think they're trying to keep that end of the stick real basic. Just my $.02

What i'm interested in is seeing how the Zire21 competes with the original Zire. Now that the Zire is only $79, it may just keep being the top seller!

Oh my God. They found me. I dunno how but they found me...
RUN FOR IT MARTY!

Quik_Fix
quikfix76@msn.com

RE: T|E and Z21 have the same proc?!
JKingGrim @ 10/3/2003 2:30:36 PM #
Good point. Why would a new user that knows nothing about the difference between ARM and 68k buy the Z21 over the Zire now that the Zire is only $79?

Cnet Video of new Palm Handhelds!

gfunkmagic @ 10/1/2003 3:23:14 AM #
Cnet posted a nice video overview of the TE and T3! Check it out!

http://news.com.com/1601-2-5084682.html?pref=yes

Visit http://goodthatway.com/
-better living through better technology.

RE: Cnet Video of new Palm Handhelds!
Quik_Fix @ 10/1/2003 9:57:59 AM #
Nice link. Killer video!

Oh my God. They found me. I dunno how but they found me...
RUN FOR IT MARTY!

Quik_Fix
quikfix76@msn.com

SIZE of Tungsten E

antikryst @ 10/1/2003 4:36:37 AM #
can someone post pictures of the tung E side by side with v/vx and the 505/515 form factors...im just curious

thanks

RE: SIZE of Tungsten E
gfunkmagic @ 10/1/2003 5:09:15 AM #
Here you go:

T|E vs. M500
http://www.geocities.com/noodlenet/


Visit http://goodthatway.com/
-better living through better technology.

RE: SIZE of Tungsten E
Admin @ 10/1/2003 10:51:50 AM #
Here is one, there will be more in my review:

http://www.palminfocenter.com/ss.asp?f=TE/TE_side_1_l.jpg

-Ryan

RE: SIZE of Tungsten E
LiveFaith @ 10/1/2003 12:57:02 PM #
Uggh. Awesome device at good price point. But, size is growing and screen real estate remaining the same. Seems to me that the ideal portable device would maximize the screen real estate and minimize the "waste" around it. Ergonomic considerations notwithstanding.

Pat Horne; www.churchoflivingfaith.com

Universal Connector

Dennizlerim @ 10/1/2003 5:14:19 AM #
This sucks.
Palm has told everybody how proud they were to have a platform third-party developers could ount on, and now they bring out a Tungsten without the Universal Connector.
This is just like Sony has done it...... I really had hoped that Palm would not got the same way

RE: Universal Connector
gfunkmagic @ 10/1/2003 5:24:04 AM #
Well I think you're being to harsh here. I think the point Palm is trying to make is that if you want to use PUC peripheral, you're going to have to spend a little bit more. Palm is trying to get all the old V/Vx and M Series users to upgrde to the T2 or T3 not the T|E. Also, if you recall the M515 when initially released was priced at ~ $399 USD, so it is pretty disingenuous to expect an upgrade at a lower price than what M Series owners previously paid for their devices! The T|E is meant for all the new Zire owner etc. Anyway, Palm did release the new IR keyboard for users...

Visit http://goodthatway.com/
-better living through better technology.
RE: Universal Connector
Dennizlerim @ 10/1/2003 5:36:52 AM #
Sure, it's a great price, no doubt of that.
But IMHO telling everybody that the Tungsten series is the business solution for them doesn't shine through here.
How can it be that they take away one of their most proudly presented innovations on their Tungsten line?
With the UC, it would have been a killer device.
Now we have to hope that people don't care much about a docking station, a nice keyboard(not the one with extra batteries), the extra battery pack and all the other nice things that one can buy out there

RE: Universal Connector
nipaworni @ 10/1/2003 12:28:51 PM #
I like the idea to move to mini-USB. I used to ask myself why don't all PDA have USB slot so that when I want to print something I don't need to transfer to PC. I can connect printer with PDA and then print. Or I can use my PDA to access files in external HDD via USB. So mini-USB may be the answer since it is more standard than Palm Univeral Connector. I wish in the future all USB peripheral will have USB to mini-USB adapter come with it (the same as mouse has USB and serial adapter).

RE: Universal Connector
skennedy1217 @ 10/1/2003 3:32:25 PM #
Another benefit of the lack of UC on the T|E is portability. No longer do you have to go buy a separate travel charging cable or take your clunky cradle with you. With the T|E you just grab the cord it came with and go.

Scott

RE: Universal Connector
DougG @ 10/1/2003 11:40:39 PM #
I keep hearing people whine about the UC, but really how many people use attachments to their Palms....
Seriously.....When at work or out on the town, have you seen people in large numbers whip out a key board for their Palm or other Palm attachments. I would say not often.

You guys need to realize Palms are maybe sold to 10% computer geeks. And 90 % to people who want color screens, great organizing software, IR capabilities, and hardware that can be accidently dropped 4 or 5 times a year.

So you 10% of Palm buyers chill-out about the UC jive.

P.S. Where is the cellphone....as part of the new Tungstens. :-) That is true functionality for the masses. he heh ha

RE: Universal Connector
tthiel @ 10/2/2003 6:15:58 PM #
No UC is a bull**** move on Palms part. Big mistake.

RE: Universal Connector
henryp @ 10/5/2003 12:44:33 PM #
No U/C means no cradle. My current handheld spends a good part of my work day in its cradle on my desk. I love having a cradle.

-- -
Henry
RE: Universal Connector
joejoe @ 10/5/2003 1:06:04 PM #
Not just no cradle which comes with but no cradle ever, period. This is not a small oversight on Palm's part.

Yes, maybe Palm does want everyone to upgrade to the T|2 or T|3 but that supposes that people will be willing to sacrifice battery life & pay for features they may neither want nor need.

At least the upcoming TJ25 & TJ35, although they don't come with cradles, will offer the opportunity of adding these rather basic accessories for about $30.

IMO, the T|E delivers more for less money but its Achilles heel may turn out to be this "avoidable" omission.

RE: Universal Connector
Griffman @ 3/14/2004 5:11:00 PM #
Everyone that is complaning about teh UC really should stop and look back at when there was a diffrent Connecter for Each Serise...I"ve owned palms sence 1996

a Palm Pro, Palm III, Palm Vx, Palm M100, Palm M105, M130, and now a Palm T|T3

I've bought 3 Diffrent Keyboards...now I have to get a new one, I bought a Camra...now I have to get a new one...I have other devices too, but those I think are the ones that are kinda popular with us Freaks...and we are freaks by the way...Palm is now starting to move away from a "Universal Connector" to and accuall Universal Connector...USB will evenchually end up on all the Palms, give it time, and then when the next thing come out we'll all be here...complaning again...I mean I had my complants too, but I mean really who cares...its cheaper for them to make it this way, it will be cheaper for you to buy them, they are coming out with this that won't use the damn port anyway so you can use it on modles yet to come, so why complane...shell out another 100 bucks on a new keyboard like I know I will and shut your yapper. We're freaks...but we have a sence of pride about this...I just admited that I"ve owned 7 types of palms...I didn't menchon that some of those I had to reaplace...I'm on my 9th palm...a palm a Year I average...you have to figure I've spent a 1000 on hardware alone, then about 500 on Perifels...and I'm Proud of that...so what...they changing, change with them...thats all I have to say about that.

Tungsten E case - plastic or metal?

Helek @ 10/1/2003 7:56:07 AM #
Some uncertanity about material T|E's case is made of

Infosync writes in review "the TE comes in a slick metal casing".
BargainPDA writes about "silver plastic"

Can somebody make this clear?

http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/n/4130.html

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1651&showComments=true

RE: Tungsten E case - plastic or metal?
Admin @ 10/1/2003 10:47:31 AM #
I'm holding it now, it's definitely some sort of plastic. I will find out exactly what for my review.

-Ryan

RE: Tungsten E case - plastic or metal?
Helek @ 10/2/2003 3:28:25 AM #
Ryan, what is estimated time for this review?
One more thing, will there be a review of Palm's IR keyboard? That would be great to have some info about this thing
RE: Tungsten E case - plastic or metal?
The Ugly Truth @ 10/2/2003 3:44:23 AM #
Some uncertanity about material T|E's case is made of

Solid gold.

Palm will lose money on each one of these they sell.


Sometimes the truth just isn't pretty™

automobile maintenance app?

ganoe @ 10/1/2003 10:37:11 AM #
So what's the auto maintenance app that comes with the new Zire? Is it new or a licensed 3rd party app?

updated core PIM applications

feranick @ 10/1/2003 10:43:07 AM #
What does exactly mean: "updated core PIM applications"?
Nicola
RE: updated core PIM applications
Quik_Fix @ 10/1/2003 10:45:04 AM #
They've added additional fields to the PIM core apps for better syncs with Outlook and overall usage. Word has it that they may have removed the 4k limit on memos and notes too... Isn't that it the article above? I forget.

Oh my God. They found me. I dunno how but they found me...
RUN FOR IT MARTY!

Quik_Fix
quikfix76@msn.com

RE: updated core PIM applications
Admin @ 10/1/2003 10:58:35 AM #
You can read my Tungsten T3 review to learn more about the updated PIM apps:
http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=6073
RE: updated core PIM applications
JKingGrim @ 10/1/2003 7:37:57 PM #
I saw a screenshot of a TT3 running datebook. It has a today page!

RE: updated core PIM applications
rojo @ 10/1/2003 8:22:43 PM #
The T|E has the today page as well. They call the Agenda view. It is the default view for the calendar which can be changed to day, week or month if you don't like hte Agenda view.

T|E 5-way navigator

Galley_SimRacer @ 10/1/2003 11:33:40 AM #
I played with a T|E at Office Depot, and it seems that the 5-way navigator really is as bad as people say it is. That one was hard to go both up and down. I went to CC and the dude opened up a T|E since they didn't have one on display yet. That one would go up OK,but the down button was hard to press. I decided to buy a T|E, and mine seems to go down OK, but not up! Palm really screwed up by not either putting the 5-way navigator that the T|T uses or the way-cool joystick that the Zire 71 uses. :-(

--
"Life is what you experience between racing games"
Galley

Imagine a TE with VG and UC!

Gekko @ 10/1/2003 1:15:51 PM #
Thoughts?

RE: Imagine a TE with VG and UC!
ganoe @ 10/1/2003 4:26:30 PM #
I'd probably rather have a Tungsten E with Bluetooth.
RE: Imagine a TE with VG and UC!
Wollombi @ 10/1/2003 5:08:34 PM #
I'd buy it. All I could possibly want then would be a 2nd SDIO slot, but it's not a necessity for me.

I'm thinking that if PalmOne did put VG and a UC on the T|E, then T3 sales would suffer badly, and so they decided to go the mini-USB route with a 320x320 screen.

Just my $0.02.

_________________
Sean

"They're smoking crack."
-Linus Torvalds on SCO group's copyright claims against Linux-

RE: Imagine a TE with VG and UC!
hotpaw4 @ 10/1/2003 5:30:23 PM #
A T|E with VG/hires+ would be bigger, have too slow a processor to update that big a display crisply, too little memory for webpro 3, no wireless, no microphone, smaller buttons, a battery life almost as bad as the T3, and cost a more. Might as well buy a T|T3.
RE: Imagine a TE with VG and UC!
Gekko @ 10/1/2003 5:52:12 PM #
the point was a T3 with NO slider.

RE: Imagine a TE with VG and UC!
adamrichman @ 10/5/2003 2:58:31 PM #
Yea, T3 with no slider would kick ass. I actually thought about trading my TT for a TE just because of the no-slide. No-slide with VG, UC, etc. etc. would sell tremendously, I honestly don't know why PalmOne is so stupid... Get rid of the stupid thing! I liked it at the beginning, but looking back, a VG with no slider is what I want! Ugh.. maybe it's time for a Sony...

To those wanting a Tł that doesn't slide:
The Ugly Truth @ 10/5/2003 3:26:12 PM #
You can make a No-slide Tł with this new Palm accessory:

http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jhtml?PRODID=16883&CATID=100434


www.rubegoldberg outlines what you need to do in order to convert a stupid, idiotic Tł into a perfect shiny new No-slide Tł.


Sometimes the truth just isn't pretty™

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