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(More customer reviews)This is an early look at the i705, which I have only used for a short time so far (I have been fortunate to receive a loaner, but haven't purchased one yet). If you need a primer on why a basic Palm is useful, check out reviews of some low-end models (I own and reviewed the Vx). The i705's form factor is good - certainly less bulky than its predecessor VII and just a tad thicker than the sleek V model or m500. It feels fine in my hands. The built in wireless antenna is not obtrusive in the least and frankly, adds some style to what has been a fairly mundane look for most Palm devices. You still subscribe to the Palm.net service on which the ill-fated Palm VII operated. But it runs on the same network (Mobitex) as RIM's Blackberry, so reliability/consistency of access should be as high as that device. So far, access has been fairly quick and readily accessible. You can set the wireless capability to either an "always on" setting or one in which it will only receive/download emails during a desired time period (though you can set a new email alert to run 24/7). It also natively supports AOL Instant Messenger, which is nice - I've IM'd a few times and it works, though it's not as quick as your desktop. Battery life is good, even with the device set to its "always on" mode - others who have had the device longer indicate that it's still good for a week with pretty heavy usage and longer if you turn it off overnight. The expansion slot is long overdue. Many enhanced applications are conveniently preloaded - my personal favorites include AvantGo and DataViz, though the Palm Reader should be increasingly valuable over time. I'm wondering if the 8 meg memory will be enough over time, given the multiple data-heavy applications this device is designed to address. However, I've only filled about 1 meg in my Vx with about 18 months worth of usage. So, 8 megs, plus extra strorage capacity through the expansion slot, would seem to be sufficient. I've tried the keyboard - takes some getting used to, but should be faster than graffiti for instant messaging/email. Pricing of the service is very attractive. It's priced per kilobyte. I'd blow off the low-end plan ($$$.../mo. for 100kb). That's only going to get you maybe 40 text emails. Go with the $$$.../mo unlimited kb plan, prepaid for a year, once you're sure you'll keep it.
The one nagging issue for me with all Palm devices is the rigid interaction with the stylus. It has always been awkward to draw the stylus out of its holster (you have to use your thumbnail) and if you don't click it in all the way when you're done, it's still loose enough that it will fall out. Of course, it has never been comfortable to use either. The Handspring Visor's stylus glides in and out effortlessly and the slightly fatter head makes control of it much easier. Too bad Palm is still making otherwise functional devices with this deficiency.
So, the good news is that with this device, Palm has finally gotten over the hump of just being a scheduler/organizer. I think this device may finally allow Palm to become more standardized in corporations and it will definitely be attractive to high-end consumers. Unfortunately, the power applications for this device are yet to come. You cannot download email attachments yet (that will come in the May/June time frame). It will also not be voice-enabled (GPRS) until the Fall, so the Handspring Treo, despite its bulkiness, is about the best combined solution right now. And Palm seems non-committal on when it will offer a color version, which I think is a near-necessity if you're going to surf the Web or read Excel, PowerPoint and Acrobat attachments. In the end, it's a great improvement over what Palm offers today. But I think it would make sense to wait until some of the features mentioned above become available.
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PalmOne i705 Wireless HandheldGet a complete communication, organization, and productivity package with the Palm i705 handheld. Send and automatically receive your business and personal e-mail with end-to-end security via the wireless connection (Palm.Net service required). Easily view, edit, and create Word- and Excel-compatible files, and view and share PowerPoint files. And keep your busy life in check with Palm's classic, intuitive organization applications.
The Palm i705 handheld features a built-in antenna--that doesn't need to be raised--with always-on network support within coverage area. Choose how you will be instantly notified of incoming e-mail messages--even if the handheld is turned off--with Palm's customized instant notification. View Web sites using the MyPalm portal and send and receive instant messages with AOL's Instant Messenger.
Get more options than ever with Palm's built-in dual expansion. Back up your data and add additional memory and applications with the Palm expansion card slot, which supports the postage stamp-size MultiMediaCard (MMC) and Secure Digital (SD) expansion cards. Add hardware peripheral, such as a keyboard, GPS device, or cradle, with the Palm universal connector located at the base of the handheld.
Synchronize your Palm i705 data with your PC via a fast USB connection. The Palm i705 is compatible with Windows PCs running Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP and Apple Macintoshes running OS 8.6 to 9.x. It is also compatible with Windows PCs running Windows 95 and NT 4.0, but you will need the optional serial HotSync cradle to connect to the PC. Use the included Palm Desktop software or Microsoft Outlook with the included Chapura connection software.
The Palm i705 features 8 MB RAM and 4 MB ROM, a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery (charged via the included USB HotSync cradle), a fast Motorola Dragonball VZ 33 processor, and Palm OS v4.1. It has a 160 x 160 transreflective monochrome LCD with backlight and an infrared (IR) port for beaming data to other Palm OS handheld users. Preloaded applications include Address Book, Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, Note Pad, MultiMail Deluxe, AvantGo, Palm Reader, MGI PhotoSuite, and DataViz Documents to Go.
Wireless e-mail and Internet access requires a Palm.Net wireless service account, sold separately. Service not available in all areas. See details on coverage areas and pricing.
What's in the box
Palm i705 handheld
USB HotSync cradle with built-in battery charger
Getting started manual
CD-ROM with Palm Desktop software and bonus software
Complete documentation
Protective flip cover
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