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Next-gen Palm set for debut

By Richard Shim, ZDNet US, 28 January, 2002 09:56

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PDA, Mobile, Palm, Wireless, handheld computer, i705

NEWS
Palm will unveil on Monday its second-generation wireless handheld, according to sources familiar with the product. The Santa Clara, California-based company has been trying to build up the hype around the upcoming i705 over the last two weeks by sending emails to handheld owners and to others who have expressed interest. In the emails, Palm has hinted at the device's capabilities and expected due date. The most recent email was sent Thursday with the subject line: "Mum's the word -- the new Palm handheld is wireless." Company representatives declined to comment. According to the sources, the i705's key feature will be always-on, secure wireless email access through its Palm.net service. The service will also be able to notify subscribers when there is a new message in their in-box. The i705 will cost $449 (about £314) and will also come with a Secure Digital expansion card slot, 8MB of memory and a monochrome screen with a resolution of 160 pixels by 160 pixels. The i705 depends on US-based wireless networks, and isn't available in Europe as yet. However, a European version, possibly called the i700, is expected to arrive later this year, according to ZDNet UK sources. With the new device, Palm is aiming to improve two areas in its product portfolio: wireless capabilities and the corporate market. IDC analyst Kevin Burden, who was under embargo for the device and would not discuss its details, would say that email access would be a significant win for Palm. But, he added, wireless access to other applications, such as customer relationship management data, would be even more important to businesses and would truly set a manufacturer apart from its competitors. Details about the device originally leaked out in August, but then the company delayed the device's arrival after saying that it would be available by the end of last year. Other handheld makers, such as Handspring with its upcoming Treo handheld/cell phone combo devices, also believe that wireless communications will play a significant role in the future of handhelds and are in the process of coming out with their own models. The i705 weighs 5.9 ounces and measures 0.61 inches by 4.65 inches by 3.06 inches, according to sources. The device will come with a built-in fixed antenna and radio chip, as well as a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. The i705 will not come with a built-in keyboard, but Palm will release two keyboards for the device. One will be a miniature keyboard that fits to the bottom of the device while the other is larger and is reminiscent of a desktop PC keyboard. There will be three subscription plans to its Palm.net wireless service. For $19.99 a month, subscribers can access up to 100KB of data per month. Subscribers can also sign up for the unlimited plan on a month-to-month basis, for $39.99 per month, or for a whole year, for $34.99 per month. Palm's first-generation wireless devices, the VII and VIIx, were designed for Web access, rather than for always-on e-mail like the i705. The VII and VIIx also did not come with a Secure Digital expansion slot.
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