Say Hello To the Palm TX and Z22

[Ed Hardy]

Palm, Inc. has released its lineup of new handhelds for this fall. This includes a new high-end model, the Palm TX, and an entry-level model, the Z22.

Palm TX -- Affordable WiFi

The Palm TX is an updated version of the Tungsten T5. Like its predecessor, it has a 320-by-480-pixel screen and the same general form factor.

The newer model, though, has WiFi (802.11b) and Bluetooth. Plus, unlike most previous Palm models, both of these can be used simultaneously.

It is also debuting at a significantly lower price than any WiFi-enabled Palm ever has before.

Even though the TX is replacing the T5, some people might not consider this device to be an upgrade, as it has a slower processor -- 312 MHz vs. 416 MHz -- and less NVFS memory -- 128 MB vs. 256 MB.

Also, the new model lacks the "drive mode" capabilities of its predecessor. This allowed the T5's internal storage to act as a USB Flash drive on any computer.

About 100 MB of the TX's internal storage is available to users.

Of course, this handheld runs a version of Palm OS Garnet, not Cobalt. In this case, it is Garnet 5.4.

Like every high-end Palm, it has an SD/MMC slot for additional storage.

But, as expected, the TX does not have a camera, a voice recorder, or vibrating alarms.

This handheld is 4.7 inches tall, 3.1 inches wide, and 0.6 inches thick. It weighs 5.25 oz.

The price for the Palm TX is $300, which makes it less expensive than the T5.

As Palm points out, this model is priced to compete with the HP iPAQ rx1950, which lacks Bluetooth and has less memory, and the Dell Axim X51, which has less storage capacity but includes a CompactFlash slot.

To learn more about the the Tungsten TX, or to make an online purchase, visit the Palm web site.

Palm Z22

The other model being introduced today is the Palm Z22. This device wasn't created to compete with other handhelds, but is intended to lure away the people who spend more than a billion dollars a year on paper planners.

This is an entry-level organizer, and the first ever Palm or Pocket PC with a color screen to debut at just $100. Previous color models have been significantly more expensive.

To reach this low cost, this is a very bare-bones handheld. It's screen resolution is just 160-by-160-pixels, for example.

It runs Palm OS Garnet 5.4 on a 200 MHz processor. This model has 32 MB of RAM, with about 20 MB of this available to the user as storage.

Unlike all earlier entry-level Palm handhelds, this is non-volatile, meaning it won't lose its contents if the battery is depleted.

This device doesn't have a memory card slot, so its internal storage is all that is available.

This handheld lacks a headphone jack, vibrating alarms, a camera, WiFi or Bluetooth, or a voice recorder.

The Palm Z22 is available now from Palm's web site.

Related Links

• Brighthand's Palm TX Forum
• Brighthand's Palm Z22 Forum
• Say Goodbye to Two of Palm's Sub-Brands

[imported_TMann]

Well, the specs for the TX are no great surprise, as they've been floating around the Palm web for a while now. However, I must say that the $300 price is the big key here. Remember that the Tungsten T was initially price at $499, while the Tungsten T2, T3, and T5 were first priced at $399. At that $300 price point, I think that Palm is going to sell a bunch of these.

As for the Z22, it's obviously not a device that the typical Brighthander will be interested in, but for someone wanting to buy an "electronic organizer" it's definitely an item that will capture people's interest.

Good going, Palm.

TMann

[ahecht]

Between Palm releasing a dual-wireless flagship model for under $300, the first color PDA under $100, and Apple's announcement later today (video iPod?) it's like Gadget Christmas!

[jefhaugh]

My T3 is dying & I don't like the T5. I like the TX but the lack of a silent alarm may be a deal-killer. Has anybody tried one of these? Can I at least turn the alarm off easily when I need to be silent?

[sojourner753]

It seems like the TX, for a flagship, has take 1 step forward and 2 steps back.

Its good to finally have simultaneous wireless. But why reduced memory and slower processor? Okay, the memory I can see since the memory card slot is there. But the processor? That effects everything. Then no USB mounting.

I just perused the Palm website. Very nice and clear. I wish some of the Windows Mobile websites looked like that.

[imported_johnnymapson]

Seems like the reduced processor speed would be to get better battery life with the added wifi. The reduced memory I have no idea! I wish that the T|C2 or something of the sort with the built in keyboard would make a come back as my T|C is starting to show it's age. It would be hard to go back to the palm missing the keyboard.

[tthiel]

Buggy, patched, ancient OS, cheap plasticky case. Terrible web browser, no cradle. Yawn. A Dell Pocket PC with a good coupon price is a much better deal. This would have been nice two years ago.

[PlasticMan]

this is a pda to chill dell's heart. same price, more memory, better screen, better office apps. and you can find it in a store not buy it off the web.

best palm since the t3.

and the best hp can do is the rx1950?

[Siliconaddictio]

Originally posted by PlasticMan
this is a pda to chill dell's heart. same price, more memory, better screen, better office apps. and you can find it in a store not buy it off the web.

best palm since the t3.

and the best hp can do is the rx1950?

And yet its running an OS that is about on par, in the PDA world, with Windows 3.11.

Nothing really to gloat about here. You have average hardware and a sub-par OS at a really good price. Joy.

[PlasticMan]

when ppc users talk bad about a new palm what I hear is their fear. keep talking because i know what you really mean.

"this palm has more memory and a way better screen than we have. let's try to make make fun of the case tho its the same as all our cases. yeah that will work."

and a miscro$oft employee said said that they some day hope to make windows mobile as good as windows 3.11.