New palm device releases?

[lwolk]

I recently broke my T|E (it fell out of my pocket and the screen was destroyed).

Now I wonder if I should get a new one (I actually still survives without the T|E, but it is frustrating), or wait for new releases to come out on the market?

When are new devices planned to arrive? I cannot seem to find any information about that. Before the release of T|E and T|T3 there were pictures circulating on the internet.

Thanks, Leonard

[dcorsi]

New Palms appear to be ready for release this month, April 2004. The most likely scenario is that a new Zire 71 replacement will launch along with a new low end Zire color handheld with only a 160x160 screen. While these are very likely based on numerous slips and some photos on the net there is still question if a new Tungsten E is in the offering.

There have been rumors (but no real pictures, only photoshop jobs) of a E2 with a 320x480 screen + bluetooth + Intel processor in the same E form factor but other than PalmGear a month ago lisiting accesories for the "E2" for a few hours before taking it down there has been no solid evidence it is coming. If it does I don't see how it could be only $199 like the E considering the bluetooth AND 320x480 screen.

My guess? For sure a new Zire high end and low end handheld will launch this month. I give a 25% chance a new Tungsten E2 will launch but if it does I think it is likely to be more than $199. All these handhelds will run Palm OS Garnet which used to be called OS 5.0 ...

If a Tungsten E2 with the same thickness of the E launches with a 320x480 screen under $250, or even better $200... for sure I am upgrading from my E.

[dcorsi]

Here are some rumor links... again I think the E2 is possible but unlikely...

http://www.brighthand.com/article/pa...pril?site=Palm

http://www.brighthand.com/article/Ru...ming?site=Palm

http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=6591

http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=6413

[lwolk]

and when are PalmOS6 devices expected?

It seems that I broke my palm at the worst possible time.

[dcorsi]

Palm OS 6 units are not due till late summer, or more likely the common fall release cycle which is in the October/November timeframe. The first OS 6 units will likely be considered "high-end" units like the placement of today's Tungsten T3 and will have matching price tags. I doubt we will see OS 6 in a mid-price handheld like the E series for at least one year from now.

My suggestion to you is to wait till the end of April which will reveal the new units from Palm and either bring A) a unit you love and want to buy or B) discounts to current units like the Tungsten E. If you were looking to buy a Palm OS 6 unit that is a worthless cause at this point because IMHO OS 6 was overhyped, promoted to early, and doesn't even deliver the new GUI they promised for the last 3 years. Buy a solid OS 5 unit at the right price and leave yourself the option of buying OS 6 when it arrives at a decent price and with a 6 month history of working well behind it... ie. next year.

[lwolk]

Then I'll skip waiting for PalmOS6, but I still want a device with BT, and that was why I hoped for a T|E update with BT included.

Thanks for the help, I now have some thoughts on how the near future will look like in terms of PDA releases. I guess my optimal device would be a T|E with BT.

[dcorsi]

I would for sure wait to see the upcoming April releases... you may just get what you want. After they announce the new units you can be confident that no new Palm releases are coming to early/mid fall IMHO unless it is a speciality unit such as an update of the Treo 600 or a new Tungsten C type unit. Just wait a few weeks... maybe the rumors of a E2 with bluetooth/320x480 are true (caveat: at a decent price Palm!!!).

[Hook]

Originally posted by lwolk
Then I'll skip waiting for PalmOS6, but I still want a device with BT, and that was why I hoped for a T|E update with BT included.

Thanks for the help, I now have some thoughts on how the near future will look like in terms of PDA releases. I guess my optimal device would be a T|E with BT.

If BT is so important to you, wait and see what the April releases bring, but if the new models don't appeal to you, a T|2 is not much more expensive than an E and has a reliability/performance track record that is unmatched by any other Palm of the current Palm models.

Just a thought.