Editorial Review
When the Palm VII was first released, it garnered a lot of geek chic, thanks to it being the first handheld to include an integrated wireless modem. With more and more wireless handheld devices and peripherals entering the market (such as the RIM Blackberry and the OmniSky Minstrel modem for the Palm V), is Palm's wireless entry still a viable alternative? Definitely (but with a caveat or two).
The Palm VIIx handheld has had its memory bumped up to 8 MB (from only 2 MB in the original Palm VII), and it includes all the practical features we've come to expect from Palm--the easy-to-learn (and use) Palm OS, a sharp screen with contrast-variable backlighting, and infrared beaming of information.
But it's the wireless connectivity--and the ease and quickness of installation and connection--that really makes the Palm VIIx shine. You'll first need to add the Palm VIIx's two AAA batteries, which are also used to charge the modem's internal, rechargeable ni-cad battery. It takes about 70 minutes to fully charge the device. But that'll give you time to play around with the other Palm apps or practice your Graffiti writing skills.
Once charged, we simply flipped up the radio transceiver antenna (which also turns on the screen) and connected to the Palm.net network in seconds. Then we set up our account and chose a monthly service plan--which reminded us that wireless ease doesn't come cheap. These plans range from $9.99 for 50 KB of information downloaded (and $0.20 per additional KB) to $44.99 for unlimited usage. The Palm.net site estimates that 50 KB equals about 150 downloaded Palm screens of information--which isn't that much if you're doing a bit of online shopping or checking of sports scores.
The other important factor to remember is that you won't be able to view the entire Internet. The Palm VII connects only to certain sites that offer Palm Query Applications (or PQAs), which send Web Clippings instead of HTML. These Web Clippings are specially configured minipages that minimize both display requirements (to fit on the Palm VII's screen) and bandwidth usage. Thus, while we weren't able to view the day's English Premier League scores on Soccernet, we could read headlines at ABC News, get driving directions with MapQuest, and check airline flight status using Travelocity. (The Palm VII comes with 22 Web Clippings, but you can download more from www.palm.net/apps--from Merriam-Webster's online dictionary to a Starbucks locator.)
E-mail was a snap using the included iMessenger app and the Palm.net e-mail address that we set up. This account won't hook up with an existing POP account, but there are several good third-party apps on the market that you can install to grab e-mail from your regular accounts.
Ultimately, the Palm VIIx--and persistent wireless connectivity--isn't for everyone because of its online limitations to proprietary Web Clippings. But with a lot still in its favor--the robust Palm OS organizer environment, hassle-free activation, quick connection to the wireless network, easy e-mailing, and good nationwide coverage (featuring about 260 major metropolitan areas)--the Palm VIIx handheld is still king of the wireless jungle. --Agen Schmitz
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