PalmOne VIIx Wireless Handheld
[Archived in $100 - $200, Handheld PCs und PDAs, PalmOne, Products]
Manufacturer: PalmOne
Price at amazon.com: $148.88This item is not stocked or has been discontinued.
- 8 MB RAM, 4 times the memory of the standard Palm VII handheld
- Stores thousands of addresses, appointments, to-do items, and memos
- Provides instant access to the Internet, e-mail, and messaging
- Wireless connectivity requires Palm.Net service, featuring several monthly subscription options
- What's in the box: Palm VIIx, Stylus pen, AC adapter, PC serial port, Hotsync docking cradle, Protective leather cover, Palm Desktop software
Product Description:
With 8 MB of memory, the new Palm VIIx handheld has four times the memory of the Palm VII, which means you have the capacity to store four times the number of addresses, appointments, to-do items, memos, and iMessenger messages. You can customize the Palm VIIx with your choice of hundreds of Web clipping applications and thousands of third-party add-on applications. You have instant access to a variety of Web-based information such as weather and traffic reports, news items, flight information,... read more
Description from Manufacturer: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 SchmitzAverage Customer Rating: 
Comment: Take a serious look at this one Rating:
I have tried various Handsprings and Palms before, but the VIIx has just about the right combo of features, and the Amazon.com price is much less than what I paid.
The wireless service is pricey, but if all you're going to do is check email, don't go for the unlimited service right away. The installation of the Palm CD is great for Windows 2000 and 98; I had the link to MS Outlook 2000 in no time. Also I was easily able to download 2 novels from some e-book sites and a drug interaction/infectious disease guide from ePocrates.com. In fact, because of clipping, 8MB is really all you need for normal use.
On the wish list for improvements on this model, I would put a color screen at the top of the list. Also the wireless antenna can easily be broken; the design could be better. Add cell phone capability and this would be the perfect PDA.
Comment: nice unit, but wireless is expensive and slow Rating:
If you can afford the...wireless, and realize that this is not going to replace your desktop for web surfing, the Palm VIIx is a good way to stay connected. And it fits in your pocket!
Like the other Palms, the VIIx does what it claims, and never complains.
There are two catches, though.
1) wireless applications are a very limited version of the net. There's no built-in web browser that lets you go to any old web page. So unless you install 3rd party programs, you're limited to the 40 bundled destinations (Amazon, AskJeeves, CBS Marketwatch, Fidelity, ...). Surprisingly, there was no built-in wireless phone book.
2) the wireless connection is slow and expensive. The bandwidth is under 9600 baud, and there's a 2-4 second delay between clicking and getting a response.
If you're an information junkie (stock quotes, news, email, eBay--is this you?) you will easily blow through the limited wireless plans...
On the plus side:
1) I was always able to connect to the wireless net (in buildings, in a car, in a park where cell coverage is spotty)
2) The device always did what I expected.
3 stars. I'd give it 5 if the wireless service was cheaper and faster.
--Pat
Comment: Good, but a bit dated... Rating:
I had one of these before replacing it with a Handspring Treo. If all you need is a PDA, and don't care too much about it being a mobile phone or not, this is a good unit. The screen is relatively easy to read, with a simple back-light option. Although its not color, the battery life is pretty good. Keep in mind that these units don't come with rechargeable batteries, so you will be using a lot of regular batteries here. I have seen some people hack the cradles for these to include a recharging facility, but its not stock standard.
The good thing is the memory. 8mb is a good amount of RAM for average PDA stuff, although I must say that 16mb is certainly better. But the fact that you can pick these units up for a song these days, and there is a healthy used market for them as others like me trade them in on up-market PDAs, there is no reason why for infrequent use, this isn't going to do the job.
I'd pass on the Palm.NET option though. Although it is pretty decent to have it, its very expensive to keep and slow, slow, slow. Depending on the plan you get, you could be paying $... per month for high data volumes and with the availability of GPRS/GSM Internet through carriers like T-Mobile, Sprint, etc. it doesn't take long to justify spending more money on a current model Handspring Treo, etc.
Posted at November 11, 2003 07:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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