Rumor: More Info on the Upcoming Palm Handhelds

Posted By: PIC Wednesday, August 13, 2003 2:16:26 PM

updated Further information about Palm's upcoming fall release has been posted and a clearer picture of the lineup is beginning to emerge. Last week rumors materialized that Palm is planing three new handhelds sometime around October. The new information shows two new Tungsten models and a update to the Zire.

UPDATE - Oct 1: As expected, Palm released three new handhelds today. Check the article for details and reviews.

Tungsten T3
Rumor Tungsten T3In previous rumors, the first model expected (Palm Part #: P80870US) is listed with a price of $429 and comes in a cube 6x6x6" box. New information supposedly from a large retailer's database shows a Palm T3 with a $399 list price. It is reasonable to assume this device is the Tungten T3, of which pictures were leaked last month.

The T3 appears to have a similar Tungsten T slider design with a 320x480 pixel high res+ screen, 64MB of RAM, built in Bluetooth and a new button layout.

Tungsten E
The second possible model expected was previously shown as (P80880US) with a price of $199. It will come in a 9x3.3x7" box. New information confirms the price and names the model as the Tungsten E. The Tungsten E may be a Palm OS 5 mid range replacement for the m515 and m130 handhelds, both models are over a year old and run OS 4.

The Tungsten E may take the form factor of the Tungsten W and C, which hint at the possibility the model has a built in thumb keyboard. The information posted shows the E uses the same stylus as the C and W. At a $199 price level it is unlikely to have any built in wireless functionality.

update - 8/14/03 9:43 AM
PIC has received additional possible specs from an anonymous source. The source claims the Tungsten E will have a TI 144MHz OMAP processor, 32MB of RAM, Palm OS 5.2, and a miniUSB port for synching. It will not come with a cradle, and like the original Zire, it will use the miniUSB port for syncing.

Zire 21
The third possible model is labeled (P80730US) with a price of $99. The new information also confirms the price and names it as the Zire 21. If accurate, the price and namesake indicate an possible replacement or update to the original Zire handheld. The Zire was introduced in October of 2002 at $99. The device has been one of the fastest selling handhelds in Palm's history.

Previous sources have indicated a Oct 1st release date. That would coincide with Palm's typical Spring/Fall release schedule. The Zire and Tungsten T were both introduced last October.

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Waiting for that C2

atrizzah @ 8/13/2003 3:01:37 PM #
Looking good. Hopefully this means it won't be long until they make my Tungsten C2, or maybe Tungsten TC with Bluetooth, 320x480 screen, keyboard on a slider, builtin mic, and stereo headphone jack. I'll take the 64MB too while I'm at it. I'd be willing to pay $500-$600 for a model like that.

For real though, these new models look great, but I'm waiting till Palm meets *all* of my demands

Peace Out
Alan

cheap thumbboard model...YEAH!!!

dd61999 @ 8/13/2003 3:11:38 PM #
Thats great a thumboard model for only $199!!! hopefully it has a high res screen. after using the thumbboard I could never go back to graffiti

RE: cheap thumbboard model...YEAH!!!
bleedingedge @ 8/15/2003 6:31:27 PM #
Thumboards are the worst, most nonsensical additions to the Palm device. Oh wait, maybe the cameras are.

RE: cheap thumbboard model...YEAH!!!
dd61999 @ 8/17/2003 10:32:38 PM #
ok tell me how much you like graffitti when you write and send as many emails as I do in one day. Graffiti is completely inefficient in the wireless communication world.

Hopefully thinner than W or C

JonAcheson @ 8/13/2003 3:12:10 PM #
If so, it could be really nice.

I was seriously tempted to pick up a Treo 90 now that they've hit fire sale prices (I'm still using my old Palm III). But if an OS 5 device that's thin and has a thumboard is coming along in just 7 weeks, I'b be better off waiting.

I assume it would have a stereo headphone jack?

Jon Acheson


"All opinions posted are my own, and not those of my employers, who are appalled."

Picture of Tungsten E?

Massman82 @ 8/13/2003 3:17:09 PM #
The picture of the hi-res+ handheld in the article says TE. I am sure that is not right...what could it mean though?

-------------
Roman
Clie NX60 - Massman82@PDArcade.com
RE: Picture of Tungsten E?
Bumbleluck @ 8/13/2003 4:00:49 PM #
That is the serial number that PSG assigned to whoever was loaned the unit.

Hope that helps clear things up a bit.

ChriS

T3

markgm @ 8/13/2003 4:00:37 PM #
After having a hi-res+ clie for so long, I didn't think I would use anything else, but the T3 seems like it might be something I consider if only for it's size. I would like a camera like my NX80 has, but you can't beat how small it appears to be.

RE: T3
a3 @ 8/13/2003 4:06:20 PM #
I can not agree more with you! I thought that any non clamshell design with hires+ would be the replacement of my T615 but now that they've added the slider for an ultra compact form factor, 64Mb, voice rec and bluetooth I have to admit that they've beaten my dreams...
______________________________________________________
Palm is starting to rule again!
RE: T3
Hazniet @ 8/13/2003 4:35:48 PM #
I've been waiting for Palm to make a VG unit. The slider is so-so, but the larger buttons make up for the width for now. Hopefully the unit will be upgradable to os 6 when it comes out in 2004. With this price and functionality it will soon be my next pda.

________________________________________
If you feel like you're under control, you're just not going fast enough.

TT3: Gimmee gimmee gimmee

mikecane @ 8/13/2003 4:24:07 PM #
At $399 -- gimmeegimmeegimmee -- NOW!!

Unless, of course, Sony announces a "T770" next week. In which case...

RE: TT3: Gimmee gimmee gimmee
Foo Fighter @ 8/13/2003 5:37:14 PM #
I'll take both. But please someone come out with SOMETHING soon, or I shall go mad. Quite mad!

-------------------------------
My blog: www.pocketfactory.com
RE: TT3: Gimmee gimmee gimmee
Foo Fighter @ 8/13/2003 5:38:02 PM #
I am so dag blurn frippin blippen sick and tired of all these square screens!!!!

-------------------------------
My blog: www.pocketfactory.com

T3 with WiFi?

feranick @ 8/13/2003 4:35:18 PM #
What is the probability that the T3 will have WiFi? With that price and the increased memory, 480x320, Bluetooth, the WiFi seems a bit unlikely... Any comments?
Thanks
Nick
RE: T3 with WiFi?
wailly @ 8/13/2003 4:42:51 PM #
Not much of a chance. Honestly I'd prefer Palm would equip it with built-in wi-fi instead of built-in bt though. I'd definitely replace my e740 with it right away.
RE: T3 with WiFi?
AkiraXXX @ 8/13/2003 4:47:15 PM #
If it came with built-in WiFi it would be a
slam dunk for me. Alas, it looks like it does not. :(
I'd get the Tungsten C since I really need the WiFi,
but I HATE the thumboard and lack of VG area.
Plus, who the hell can authenticate the WiFi to any
sort of secure server anyway? No software around for
it that I know of.

I will say that they are finally getting closer to
my dream PDA at least. I hope this fulfills someone
else's dream.

I may need to scrape up the cash for the new Sony.

AkiraXXX

RE: T3 with WiFi?
vesther @ 8/13/2003 7:50:15 PM #
I would definitely buy T3 if T3 came with Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth, but because it has Bluetooth instead Wi-Fi, I'll just wait until next year for a newer version of the Tungsten C. I now prefer Mini-Qwerty Keyboards over Graffiti, and Wi-Fi over Bluetooth. Bluetooth has too many issues as I should speak.

Hopefully, the Tungsten C2 will be a huge leap over the Tungsten C, with a sturdier case finish, a stereo head jack, and Kimona Movie and full AeroPlayer/RealPlayer/MP3 Support, though there's been a lot of legal debate over MP3s.

From this point on, I'm going with the Tungsten C Series Handhelds. Sure there's the Tungsten W, but unless the Tungsten W can measure up with the Tungsten T and Zire 71 for the least, I'm going to have to steer clear of the Tungsten W.

My Primary Handheld: Palm Tungsten C "Air Swallow"
My Secondary Handheld: Palm Tungsten T "Sea Chugger"

RE: T3 with WiFi?
LiveFaith @ 8/13/2003 11:04:52 PM #
PSG has been steppin' up lately with some nice "come-backs", so WiFi is not impossible. I don't expect it, but they sure could rock the biz world with one that handles both wireless modes.

One version of the new 200+ OMAP chip is advertised to handle both radios with proper shielding? If I remember correctly. Check their website.

This is a sweet device w/ a real screen and predesigned landscape mode. This could change some things in the Palm OS world.

Pat Horne; www.churchoflivingfaith.com

RE: T3 with WiFi?
sr @ 8/13/2003 11:44:48 PM #
I doubt WiFi would be there, since they will most likely have BT, and it's unlikely to see BT+WiFi at that price point. That said, BT is the only wireless I care about so I can't wait! I've got a WiFi network at home, but really no use for a PDA on it...

RE: T3 with WiFi?
mikeyts @ 8/14/2003 5:45:58 PM #
I have a couple of apps for WiFi--I have a connected MPEG player (Audiotron) in my entertainment center which is best controlled from its web server. I also often want to look things up on the web while watching TV or while talking on the phone. My Palm is usually a lot closer than the PC in my office.

RE: T3 with WiFi?
Doo @ 8/15/2003 12:09:03 AM #
I would be happy with out WI FI built in. Make is smaller and the bt works with my cell phone. much better.

Could T|E be newer version of Treo 90?!

gfunkmagic @ 8/13/2003 4:35:27 PM #
According to the article:

"The Tungsten E may take the form factor of the Tungsten W and C, which hint at the possibility the model has a built in thumb keyboard. The information posted shows the E uses the same stylus as the C and W. At a $199 price level it is unlikely to have any built in wireless functionality."

If its a non-wireless OS 5.x device, then it would most certianly fill the same market niche as the Treo 90. I realize PSG and Handspring haven't merged yet, but it would make sense if that was the segment they were targetting!? Any thoughts?

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

RE: Could T|E be newer version of Treo 90?!
Hazniet @ 8/13/2003 4:42:54 PM #
I don't think we'll see a palm-handspring venture until the merger is complete. Besides Palm has probably been working on this unit well before the acquisition of handspring. I think T|E is a thin pda like m515 with a keyboard and os 5.

________________________________________
If you feel like you're under control, you're just not going fast enough.
RE: Could T|E be newer version of Treo 90?!
gfunkmagic @ 8/13/2003 4:46:38 PM #
Quote:

"I think T|E is a thin pda like m515 with a keyboard and os 5."

Well that's exactly what I mean. If that's what it is, then it would basically be filling the same niche the Treo 90 was occupying before. Except, this will be an updated OS 5.x model with hopefully a higher rez screen and "Tungsten" branding. Of course, PSG probably began development of this device before announcement of the merger, but the Treo 90 was discontiued by Handspring quite some time ago so they new there was an un-occupied niche out there to fill. The only apprhension I have is if the T|E is as big as the T|C and T|W. The Treo 90 was a very small device and I hope if the T|E is similar, it will also be an tiny...

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

RE: Could T|E be newer version of Treo 90?!
Foo Fighter @ 8/13/2003 5:41:40 PM #
No, the T|E will be an existing product. Either a T|T variant, or something from the T|C-W category, which is what I expected.

-------------------------------
My blog: www.pocketfactory.com
RE: Could T|E be newer version of Treo 90?!
gfunkmagic @ 8/13/2003 6:01:05 PM #
Yeah, I realize that Foo! What I'm saying is that if it is a non-wirless pda with a thumbboard similar in shape/form factor as the T|C/T|W, then it will essentially be very similar to what the Treo 90 was! The only difference is that the T90 was a very small compact device compared to the T|C/T|W...

IMO, it makes sense for PSG to release a lower end model with a thumbboard. So far, you can only get thumbboards on higher end models. If PSG releases a $199 model with integrated thumbboard, 320x320 screen, OS 5.x etc, it will definitely fill a large niche out there. I think alot of new pda buyers would be interested in such a device at that price! It definitely seems like a smart strategic move on the part of PSG IMO if true...

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

RE: Could T|E be newer version of Treo 90?!
heavyduty @ 8/14/2003 5:18:03 AM #
I just hope, REALLY hope, that we won't see another mono output in a Palm device... ever!

What about...

zampheer @ 8/13/2003 5:14:45 PM #
Where is the Tungsten C2 or the TEZ or the CWETZXCCCAHHHHHHHHHH! I can't take it anymore of this acronym *@#$ :P
RE: What about...
feranick @ 8/13/2003 6:19:27 PM #
I guess Palm started, with Zire71, Tungsten T, T2....

RE: What about...
HandyMan @ 8/13/2003 6:50:07 PM #
You know, at first I thought they started the whole Tungsten/Zire thing to get rid of the model numbers (IIIxe, m515, etc...) but now it looks like all these new models have added more numbers to teh name. The names just gets longer.

What's next? "Palm Tungsten Vled Handspring X"? And then there'll be a "Palm Tungsten Vled Handspring X21" and "Palm Tungsten Vled Handspring X32". Tehn they'll need another name "Palm Tungsten Vled Handspring X-Ray P4"?

When will it stop?


RE: What about...
ptc @ 8/13/2003 7:03:27 PM #
Maybe Tungsten E is for Education. The price would be right for that market...
RE: What about...
IanJD @ 8/14/2003 4:42:29 AM #
> You know, at first I thought they started
> the whole Tungsten/Zire thing to get rid
> of the model numbers (IIIxe, m515, etc...)

No, they started those names to differentiate consumer-orientated from business-orientated models. Plus, they'll need strongly-identifiable names like "Tungsten" and "Zire" if they have to change the company name with the spin-off, and you won't see "Palm" on the models on the shop shelf. The Palm logo already occupies a vanishingly small fraction of the area of the "Tungsten" name on the current models.

RE: What about...
a3 @ 8/15/2003 7:35:26 AM #
>You know, at first I thought they started the whole >tungsten/Zire thing to get rid of the model numbers
>IIIxe, m515, etc...) but now it looks like all >these new models have added more numbers to teh >name. The names just gets longer.

Well, the real deal is that it is very difficult to keep up bringing new models every 4 months and not having trouble with names. Sony also has this problem with names, not to mention the HP/Compaq/iPaq #### stuff...
______________________________________________________
Palm's starting to rule again!

E and Wireless?

Edward Green @ 8/13/2003 7:18:23 PM #
I thought Palm was committed to wireless in all it's Tungsten Models. If the E has BlueTooth then it will be a winner in the European business market when the main business phone has Bluetooth and WIFI hot spots are thin on the ground.

Edward Green
--
http://www.khite.co.uk
RE: E and Wireless?
SJWeise @ 8/14/2003 3:29:14 PM #
I think it might be safer to say the Tungstens are the business end of the assortment. As they M5xx series is discontinued (many have said it was to be already) Palm would need an entry level device for business users, who may not need wireless but want the speed, color and sound of the Tungsten line. The bad part is The TW uses the same guts as the M515, so one never knows what the TE will posess...

I'll take the Tungsten C Series--Thank you

vesther @ 8/13/2003 7:10:02 PM #
Having cherished the awesome Wi-Fi Capabilities of the C Series (and now I have a Wi-Fi Access Point at my home), I feel that I'm starting to like the Tungsten C Series much better than the Tungsten T Series, though the sound handicap is present at the current C Release. Hopefully, on future Tungsten C Releases, there will be MP3 Support, a Stereo Jack, and Sturdier, more reliable Metal Casing rather than the rather lame Plastic Casing. All the features that made me turn to the Tungsten C Handheld should also be intact--but there should be a faster ARM Processor and even Doube the Memory. I'm going t keep my Tungsten T Handheld despite typing this message on a Tungsten C Handheld, and itKs possible that soon my dreams can come true as the next Tungsten C Release will have what I've aforementioned. Otherwise, I'm going to use my Tungsten C as my primary Handheld from this point on.

Primary Handheld: Palm Tungsten C "Air Swallow"
Secondary Handheld: Palm Tungsten T "Sea Chugger"

Established Palm Tungsten Series Handheld Possessor since 2003

Are Palm Devs stupid?

Wizard of OS @ 8/14/2003 6:25:47 AM #
We don't want a T3 with slider!

A Zire 71 with VG and the same shape would be perfect, but faster CPU and BT

2 Models w/ and w/o Cam AND better cam!!

RE: Are Palm Devs stupid?
Adalipu @ 8/14/2003 7:04:53 AM #
Well, I _do_ want a T3 with slider, HiRes+ and BT. And soon! Because elsewise, I'll change to the Garmin side of the Pond.

--
www.palmemu.com

RE: Are Palm Devs stupid?
helf @ 8/14/2003 2:49:41 PM #
whine whine,gripe gripe ;)

I like the look of the T3. with teh slider its SMALL and lets face it. how often would you need that extra space ? Not real often, maybe when reading ebooks,or browsing hte web.. but thats about it,cept for a few games.. so opening the slider wouldnt be a problem. And WHY do you all want cams!? I mean ,c'mon. If you want to take pics buy a decent digicam..

RE: Are Palm Devs stupid?
Lucky Bob @ 8/14/2003 3:17:02 PM #
"If you want to take pics buy a decent digicam.."

I don't want to carry a digital camera around with me all the time, so a PDA (which I do carry around with me) with a built-in camera may come in handy sometimes.

(Why do some people say you can kill two birds with one stone when it's hard enough killing one bird with two stones?)

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