Palm launches TX handheld with Wi-Fi

Palm today finally launched the Palm TX handheld. This PDA is priced at $299 and features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity along with 128MB memory and a large 320 x 480 pixels color display. With the Palm TX users can check e-mail, browse the web and download media and documents anywhere they have Wi-Fi access.

With the versatility of two integrated wireless technologies -- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth -- Palm TX handheld customers can enjoy the convenience of information they want readily at hand, whether relaxing at a cafe with compatible Wi-Fi service or using their compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phone with data service to connect to the Internet. New mobile applications optimized for use over Wi-Fi -- such as Avvenu and MobiTV -- give Palm TX users additional versatility. With Avvenu for Palm Products, users can view, download and share their media and documents they left on their desktops at home or at work. MobiTV (sold separately) allows users to view a wide range of television programs, including news, sports and entertainment, on their Palm TX handhelds.

Additionally, Bluetooth offers the freedom of connecting without cables to a range of compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a desktop for wireless synchronization, a Bluetooth phone to check email or search the web(5), or a Bluetooth GPS system for navigation.

With DataViz Documents To Go, Palm TX handheld users can view, edit and create Word and Excel compatible files, and view and edit PowerPoint files(6) -- rehearse a presentation or check an Excel spreadsheet for sales numbers before a business meeting. The 128MB (approximately 100MB user available) of non-volatile flash memory protects users' documents and information, even if the device is not charged and the power runs down.

For mobile professionals, the Palm TX handheld provides all the conveniences of managing email on the road. With Wi-Fi access or Bluetooth technology, users can do all of the following:

Check corporate or campus email as well as personal accounts;

Download, read and edit a Word or Excel report on the fly;

Send a photo wirelessly;

Synchronize email on the device with desktop email;

Synchronize Outlook contacts, calendar, tasks and memos; and

Work with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, using VersaMail software, to synchronize email and calendar.

The handheld's large 320x480 screen provides a stunning color display for documents, web pages and media such as photos and video. Users can view a movie in landscape mode, and then easily switch to portrait to view Word documents or a schedule.

With a 312MHz processor, the power of the Palm TX handheld means mobile professionals can enjoy songs, photos and video clips to go. The handheld comes bundled with Pocket Tunes for playing music files or Podcasts. Users can create and edit play lists, shuffle songs and navigate by album, artist or genre.

The expansion card slot for MultiMediaCard, SD and SDIO formats lets users insert a card from a digital camera and view photos on the large, color display; they even can add transitions between photos and present them as a slideshow. The Palm TX handheld's compatibility with SD Cards up to 2GB lets road warriors carry a few favorite home videos and be entertained on long trips.