.KEYWORD newdevice
.FLYINGHEAD PRODUCT ANALYSIS
.TITLE Why the Palm m500 series is ideal for the enterprise
.FEATURE
.SUMMARY On March 19, 2001, Palm, Inc. unveiled the next generation of its top-selling Palm V design, the new Palm m500 and Palm m505. In this article, Steve Niles takes an in-depth look at the various features and benefits offered by the new Palm m500 series that demonstrate Palm clearly had the enterprise in mind when designing them.
.AUTHOR Steve Niles
On March 6, 2001, Palm, Inc. released the new Palm m105, an extension of the popular low-end model, the Palm m100. The Palm m105, pictured in Figure A, improves on its predecessor by moving up from 2MB of memory to 8MB.
.FIGPAIR A The Palm m105 adds new features to Palm’s low-end model.
The Palm m105 has other enhancements as well, including connectivity software in the box, allowing customers to use a compatible mobile phone to access the Internet and check email. The Palm m105 also allows you to choose from 14 new, colorful faceplates (available separately). This allows the fashion conscious to give their devices a spark of individual flair, as you can see in Figure B.
.FIGPAIR B Show off your personal style.
As exciting as this new device was, we industry watchers were waiting to see what the rumors were telling us was coming right around the corner. Sure enough, on Monday, March 19, 2001, Palm, Inc. unveiled the next generation of its top-selling Palm V design, the new Palm m500 and Palm m505, pictured in Figure C.
.FIGPAIR C The Palm m500 series takes the Palm V to the next level.
With these devices, the company succeeded in the difficult task of combining a slim, sleek form factor with expansion slot capability.
In conducting its market research, Palm polled consumers, asking them what they pictured when they thought of the quintessential Palm device. Overwhelmingly, the answer was the Palm V. It was clear this particular form factor had, through marketing and consumer acceptance, worked its way into the public consciousness as being the definitive look for what a handheld device from Palm, Inc. should be.
The challenge, then, was to maintain this executive-class form factor, if you will, while adding the type of expansion capability and screen appearance necessary for Palm to hold on to its position as market leader. All evidence suggests they’ve done it.
Both devices in the m500 series retain the slim, curved design of the Palm V. However, they have the addition of a postage stamp-sized SD (Secure Digital) and MultiMediaCard expansion slot in the top back panel, as seen in Figure D.
.FIGPAIR D The m500 series features an SD and MultiMediaCard expansion slot.
The Palm m505 also features a 16-bit color screen, leading Palm to claim this as the lightest, expandable color-screen handheld ever designed.
In analyzing the various features and benefits of these two new devices, it is evident Palm clearly had the enterprise in mind when designing them. Let’s take a look.
.H1 SD and MultiMediaCard expansion slot
Having the added flexibility of the SD and MultiMediaCard expansion slot will be a great boon to the enterprise market. Numerous content cards will soon be available, such as the PalmPak Dictionary/Thesaurus Card, which is ideal if you do a lot of writing on your Palm device, whether you’re writing email or company documents.
.CALLOUT You can pop in your company’s proprietary SD card to access your corporate data without taking up valuable space on your device.
The 16MB Expansion Card also brings a lot of advantages, as you can just pop it into the expansion slot and extend the memory of your handheld. You can use it for storing software, ebooks, pictures, video files, documents, or whatever else you can think of.
Things will get really interesting, though, when companies begin developing proprietary software and placing it on SD cards. You can use your personal digital assistant to store all of your personal data, and when you need to, you can pop in your company’s proprietary SD card to access your corporate data without taking up valuable space on your device. This may even turn into a security feature for companies, as they can require sensitive information to be stored on an SD card that you’d then check at the door before leaving the office at night.
.H1 Colorful applications
As I just mentioned, the Palm m505 has a clear, bright color screen. I’ve been using a Palm IIIc for some time now and have become a color screen addict. While I’ve considered upgrading to a Palm V for its pleasing form factor, I didn’t want to give up my color screen. With the Palm m505, I won’t have to make that tradeoff.
A color screen can be valuable to an enterprise user for a number of reasons. It’s easier to see, and business travelers will find it ideal for viewing maps and images. PowerPoint-like presentations will come alive, and you can employ creative use of color in some text-based applications.
.H1 Universal connector
The Palm m500 and Palm m505 are the first devices to feature Palm’s new Universal Connector for hardware add-on modules, Internet connectivity software, and HotSync connections. Now, you might be saying to yourself, wait a minute, how universal can this connector be? A week earlier Palm released the Palm m105 with an incompatible connection, and a few days after that Handspring released a new product with yet another connector.
Well, Palm promises that the Universal Connector featured on the m500 series will become the new standard across all future releases from Palm, Inc. This comes as great news to us at PalmPower’s Enterprise Edition. In fact, in his editorial in the February 2001 issue of PalmPower Magazine at http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue200102/ppeditorial0201001.html, Editor-in-Chief David Gewirtz called for an improved (and standardized) HotSync interface. Perhaps he was unconsciously channeling Palm’s development team.
The Universal Connector bodes well for the future of enterprise installation, as one day all devices throughout the office (assuming everyone buys from Palm) will have a standard HotSync connection.
.H1 Wireless connectivity
Wireless connectivity is key for any handheld device to be truly useful in the enterprise market. Palm shows they understand this, as they’ve included Palm Mobile Connectivity software with Web clipping technology and the MyPalm mobile portal application in the box with these devices.
The Palm Mobile Connectivity software includes Palm MultiMail, which provides access to personal Internet mail (POP3, IMAP4), such as Earthlink and AT&T WorldNet. You can find more information on MultiMail elsewhere in this issue of PalmPower’s Enterprise Edition. You can also read Claire Pieterek’s review of MultiMail Pro 3 in the July 1999 issue of PalmPower at http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue199907/multimail001.html.
The Palm Mobile Connectivity software also supports SMS (Short Message Service), which lets you send and receive messages and data with a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) data-enabled mobile phone.
Besides email and short-messaging, establishing a wireless connection with your Palm device can allow you to access the Internet to receive stock quotes, weather information, and industry specific resources such as ePocrates (a healthcare database at http://www.epocrates.com) and Westlaw Wireless (an online business and legal research tool at http://www.westlaw.com). I reviewed ePocrates in the March 2001 issue of PalmPower’s Enterprise Edition at http://www.palmpowerenterprise.com/issues/issue200103/spotlight0301001.html, and I reviewed Westlaw Wireless in the February 2001 issue at http://www.palmpowerenterprise.com/issues/issue200102/westlaw001.html.
Of course, to get wireless access, you’re going to need to connect your new m500 series device to a modem. Novatel Wireless, Inc. and Socket Communications, Inc. have you covered.
.H1 Modem connections
Novatel Wireless, Inc. (at http://www.novatelwireless.com) announced the development of handheld wireless modems for the Palm m500 series on the very day the devices were unveiled. The Minstrel m500 handheld modem connects to the Palm m500 series handhelds via a "snap-n-go latch." Besides connecting you to the Internet, and email, the Minstrel m500 can also be used to connect you to a corporate LAN (Local Area Network). I’d like to show you what it looks like, but unfortunately Novatel doesn’t have any pictures available at the moment. However, it will probably look quite similar to the Minstrel V for Palm V devices pictured in Figure E.
.FIGPAIR E The Minstrel m500 will probably resemble the Minstrel V.
If you’d rather use your mobile phone for Internet access, Socket Communications, Inc. (at http://www.socketcom.com) announced the Digital Phone Connection, a snap-on attachment that can connect your Palm m500 series handheld to your mobile phone. The module plugs into the Universal Connector of a Palm m500 or m505 handheld and attaches via a cable to a data-enabled mobile phone. You’ll have to wait for it, however. It’s not expected to be available until the second quarter of 2001.
.H1 Bar code scanning
Another useful handheld add-on employed in supermarkets, hospitals, factories, and warehouses is the bar code scanner. Socket Communications, Inc. has also announced the In-Hand Scan Card for the new Palm handhelds. It’s a plug-in card that integrates a miniature power-efficient laser scanner engine from Symbol Technologies (at http://www.symbol.com) into your Palm m500 or Palm m505 to add bar code scanning capability. The miniature scan engine is built onto an SD card, allowing it to be plugged right into the SD slot on one of the new Palm devices.
.H1 Document reader
I don’t think an issue of PalmPower’s Enterprise Edition has gone by where we didn’t mention DataViz, Inc.’s Documents To Go Professional Edition software (at http://www.dataviz.com). It’s one of the truly universal enterprise applications, as it allows you to view and edit Word, Excel, and other files right on your Palm device. Wouldn’t you find that useful in any line of work?
Palm obviously recognized the benefits enterprise users have found in Documents To Go Professional Edition, because the software is now being bundled with the Palm m500 series handhelds. If you buy the device, the software’s yours, meaning you’ll be able to access all your important files, such as sales forecasts, expense reports, and contracts, wherever you go.
.H1 Other bundled software
Besides Documents To Go, the m500 series devices are bundled with some other useful enterprise-related pieces of software. First, there’s the Infinity Softworks powerOne Personal calculator (at http://www.infinitysw.com/Products/powerOne_Personal.html), which can be used to perform advanced math and business functions. It’s pictured in Figure F.
.FIG F The powerOne Personal calculator can perform advanced math and business functions.
The devices are also bundled with Chapura PocketMirror 3.02 (at http://www.chapura.com). You can use PocketMirror to synchronize your device with Microsoft Outlook Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Notes. You can find more information on how it works in Bob Draper’s series running in PalmPower Magazine. His article, "A step-by-step guide to configuring PocketMirror and Microsoft Outlook," appeared in the January 2001 issue at http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue200101/pocketmirror001.html.
Other bundled software includes the following:
.BEGIN_LIST
.BULLET Palm Reader for reading ebooks on your Palm handheld;
.END_LIST
.BEGIN_LIST
.BULLET MGI PhotoSuite Mobile Edition for viewing and sharing images and video clips;
.END_LIST
.BEGIN_LIST
.BULLET AvantGo for wireless and offline access from a handheld to content and applications on the Web;
.END_LIST
.BEGIN_LIST
.BULLET AOL for Palm OS to allow AOL members to send and receive AOL email and instant messages.
.END_LIST
.H1 Silent alerts
I make use of the alarm function in the Date Book of my Palm IIIc all the time. As handy as it can be, though, on more than one occasion the alarm has gone off in the middle of a meeting or a seminar, much to my embarrassment. This need no longer be the case, as both of the m500 series devices can be programmed for silent alerts. You can choose between a vibrate mode or a blinking LED for notification of important events and messages.
.H1 Security
If you use your Palm device on the job, security can be a big issue, particularly if you keep sensitive company information stored on your device. The m500 series has improved security features, including new password protection, user-configured automatic lockout, improved data masking, and password "hinting."
.H1 Accessories and peripherals
There are a number of accessories and peripherals that are already available for use with the m500 series of handhelds. Choosing a case is important to protect your Palm device as it gets banged around in your briefcase or jacket pocket. Four leather cases are available at the moment for the m500 series, ranging in price from $24.95 to $34.95. There’s even a zippered model, pictured in Figure G, that includes slots to hold all your SD cards or MultiMediaCards.
.FIG G The Palm m500 Leather Zippered Case has room for your SD cards.
There’s also a Deluxe Leather Carrying Case priced at $39.95 that can carry both a Palm m500 series handheld and the Palm Portable Keyboard. It’s pictured in Figure H.
.FIG H The Deluxe Leather Carrying Case can hold both your m500 series handheld and the Palm Portable Keyboard.
Speaking of the Palm Portable Keyboard, this is a must have item for many enterprise users. This engineering marvel is a full-sized keyboard that folds up to just about the size of the Palm unit itself. There’s already a version of the keyboard that’s compatible with the m500 series, as shown in Figure I.
.FIG I A Palm m500 series-compatible Palm Portable Keyboard is available.
The cool thing is, since this means it’s compatible with the Universal Connector, it will work with all future Palm devices. When the time comes to upgrade your device, you won’t have to buy a new keyboard to continue writing documents, taking notes, and managing email while on the move.
For business travelers, a number of travel accessories are available as well, including a charging kit and serial and USB HotSync cables.
.H1 PalmPak Travel Cards
On the subject of travel, Palm, Inc. has chosen CitySync (at http://www.citysync.com), Lonely Planet’s digital city guide series, as the featured travel guide for its PalmPak Travel Cards. The PalmPak Travel Cards will fit into the new SD expansion slot, meaning only a minimal amount of the handheld’s memory will be required to operate the guide. As you travel throughout the world on business, you can access the eighteen CitySync city guides covering Europe, the United States, and Asia-Pacific for reviews of must-see attractions, hotels, restaurants, and events, as well as transportation options, safety tips, background information, and quick tours. It’s pictured in Figure J.
.FIG J CitySync provides great travel information.
.BEGIN_KEEP
.H1 Conclusion
Reaching out to the enterprise market is extremely important to Palm, and the features and peripherals they’ve designed for the Palm m500 and Palm m505 are a clear indication of that. Either one of these devices would make a fine addition to any business environment.
It’s also evident Palm is responding to the wishes of the consumer, by finding innovative methods of combining an appealing form factor with a color screen and expansion capability. The creation of a Universal Connector is also strong proof that they’re paying close attention to what we want to see. With innovations like these, Palm is sure to remain king of the mountain in the handheld industry.
.BEGIN_SIDEBAR
.H1 Product availability and resources
For more information on the Palm m105, visit http://www.palm.com/products/palmm105/.
For more information on the Palm m500, visit http://www.palm.com/products/palmm500/.
For more information on the Palm m505, visit http://www.palm.com/products/palmm505/.
For the editorial, " A more perfect HotSync interface" by Editor-in-Chief David Gewirtz in the February 2001 issue of PalmPower Magazine, visit http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue200102/ppeditorial0201001.html.
For more information on Earthlink, visit http://www.earthlink.com.
For more information on AT&T WorldNet, visit http://www.att.net.
For Claire Pieterek’s review of MultiMail Pro 3 in the July 1999 issue of PalmPower, visit http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue199907/multimail001.html.
For more information on ePocrates, visit http://www.epocrates.com.
For more information on Westlaw Wireless, visit http://www.westlaw.com.
For the article, " ePocrates qRx helps doctors save lives," in the March 2001 issue of PalmPower’s Enterprise Edition, visit http://www.palmpowerenterprise.com/issues/issue200103/spotlight0301001.html.
For the article, " Do legal research on the go with Westlaw Wireless" in the February 2001 issue of PalmPower’s Enterprise Edition, visit http://www.palmpowerenterprise.com/issues/issue200102/westlaw001.html.
For more information on Novatel Wireless, Inc., visit http://www.novatelwireless.com.
For more information on Socket Communications, Inc., visit http://www.socketcom.com.
For more information on Symbol Technologies, visit http://www.symbol.com.
For more information on DataViz, Inc.’s Documents To Go Professional Edition software, visit http://www.dataviz.com.
For more information on Infinity Softworks’ powerOne Personal calculator, visit http://www.infinitysw.com/Products/powerOne_Personal.html.
For more information on Chapura PocketMirror 3.02, visit http://www.chapura.com.
For Bob Draper’s "A step-by-step guide to configuring PocketMirror and Microsoft Outlook," in the January 2001 issue of PalmPower Magazine, visit http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue200101/pocketmirror001.html.
For more information on MGI PhotoSuite Mobile Edition, visit http://www.mgisoft.com/photo/photosuite/photosuite4/palm/index.asp.
For more information on AvantGo, visit http://www.avantgo.com.
For more information on AOL, visit http://www.aol.com.
For more information on The Palm m500 Leather Zippered Case, visit https://store.palm.com/Catalog/productdetails.asp?productnr=P10810U.
For more information on The Deluxe Leather Carrying Case, visit https://store.palm.com/Catalog/productdetails.asp?productnr=P10814U.
For more information on Palm m500 series-compatible Palm Portable Keyboard, visit https://store.palm.com/Catalog/productdetails.asp?productnr=3C10439U.
For more information on CitySync, visit http://www.citysync.com.
For more information about Palm computers, visit http://www.palm.com.
.H1 Bulk reprints
Bulk reprints of this article (in quantities of 100 or more) are available for a fee from Reprint Services, a ZATZ business partner. Contact them at reprints@zatz.com or by calling 1-800-217-7874.
.END_SIDEBAR
.BIO
.DISCUSS http://powerboards.zatz.com/cgi-bin/webx?50@@.ee6f271
.END_KEEP
