Tech Watch: Handheld Advances Deliver Attractive Options

TECH WATCH

Pocket power
Handheld Advances Deliver Attractive Options

A new breed of powerful PDAs makes it easier than ever to communicate from the field.

BY MIKE ANTONIAK

Whether you’re looking to step up to a more robust PDA or are open to another approach to portable computing, new mobile technology options bear a look. Some of the latest PDAs add the power and memory that’s been lacking in earlier generations, making them even more practical as a primary tool in the field. And the first in a new class of compact computers delivers full Windows XP operability in a portable unit.

PDAs

From palmOne, maker of the Zire, Tungsten, and Treo handhelds running the Palm OS, comes the newest edition to its line—the Tungsten T5. Its most distinguishing feature may be a significant increase in built-in memory over previous palmOne units. The unit comes with 256MB memory, allowing users to store many more records, files, or applications than on previous Palm devices without the need for external memory cards.

Other features of this $399 unit include a 416MHz processor, high-resolution color screen, built-in support for Bluetooth wireless technology, a Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard expansion slot, and a USB port. To encourage use of the T5 as a backup or portable storage device, the unit ships with a new file transfer application for simplified transfer of files from a primary PC to the PDA. Also included is the Documents To Go Office Suite by DataViz, which lets users create and edit Word and Excel files or view PowerPoint documents.
On the Pocket PC side, Dell Inc. just revamped its PDA lineup with three new Axim models, all designated Axim X50. Prices range from $299 to $499. Like all Pocket PC devices, they run the WindowsMobile operating system, a special version of Windows for handhelds, and each has CompactFlash and Secure Digital expansion card slots.

The entry-level Axim X50 model features a 416MHz processor, 3.5-inch screen, 64MB SDRAM and 64MB flash memory, and support for Bluetooth wireless. The step-up model, priced at $399, is equipped with a 520MHz processor, 64MB SDRAM, 128MB flash memory, and supports both 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless networking and Bluetooth wireless. The top-of-the-line Axim X50v includes a 624MHz processor, 3.7-inch screen, 64MB SDRAM, 128MB flash memory, a graphics acceleration chip (which provides enhanced visual quality), and a bundle of games software.

Compact Computers

Have you been waiting for a way to combine the convenience of a handheld without giving up the performance and applications of Windows XP? OQO has unveiled a mobile computer called the OQO model 01, which runs full versions of Windows XP Home or XP Professional operating systems and applications, yet measures just 4.9-by-3.4-by-0.9 inches and weighs 14 ounces.

Included in the unit are a 1GHz processor, 256MB DRAM, a 5-inch LCD color screen, and a thumb keyboard and number pad with mouse buttons and a tracking control device. Support for both Wi-Fi networking and Bluetooth wireless are built in. The computer itself has ports for connecting FireWire or USB devices, and the package includes a docking cable which adds ports for connecting to additional USB and FireWire peripherals, an Ethernet network, or a VGA monitor.

As the first generation in a new class of computers, the OQO is an expensive handheld solution: $1,899 when bundled with Windows XP Home edition; $1,999 with XP Professional. At that price, it may offer more promise of things to come than a practical value.

USB Flash Drives

In lieu of these new devices, you might want to consider the latest in portable data storage for ferrying your vital records between PC and PDA. Ultra compact and accessible through any USB port, USB flash drives are roughly the size of a lipstick tube, connect directly to a USB port, and can store as much as 2GB of data. Some of these flash drives are so small they can attach to your key chain. Options include:

· Lexar’s line of JumpDrives, with its basic 64MB JumpDrive retailing for around $34.95.

· Kingston Technology’s DataTraveler line, starting with the 64MB DataTraveler for $25.

· The SanDisk Cruzer line, including the SanDisk 128MB Cruzer Micro for $39.99.

For more insight on these devices, visit the USB Flash Drive Alliance Web site.

Previously by Antoniak:
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Do you have technology you’d like to learn more about or a new user twist that you’d like to share with your peers? Let me know about it by e-mailing antoniak@dtccom.net, and I’ll do my best to give it the coverage it deserves.