PalmOne VIIx Wireless Handheld

Average customer rating:

Too bad they gave up on it!

Good, but a bit dated...

Awesome technology!

OLDER MODEL... BUT STILL A GREAT MACHINE

Better check before buying!

PalmOne VIIx Wireless Handheld

Manufacturer: PalmOne
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

Targus PA870U Universal Wireless Keyboard

Product Features:

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

ASIN: B00004WHIL

Product Description

The new Palm VIIx handheld lets you access the best of the Internet, communicate via e-mail, and stay on top of your information - wirelessly and easily. With 8MB of memory, you can customize the Palm VIIx handheld with your choice of hundreds of web clipping applications and thousands of third-party add-on applications. The Palm.Net wireless communication service in more than 260 U.S. metro areas allows you to trade stocks; get quotes, news items, or sport scores; look up addresses, flight information, or weather forecasts; and send and receive e-mail virtually any-where. Activation is easy and instant, and you can choose from a variety of monthly service plans. With more web clipping applications and more memory, the Palm VIIx handheld gives you the best of the Internet, where and when you want it.

Amazon.com Review

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 Schmitz

Amazon.com 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, showtimes, and restaurant reviews. The Palm VIIx also lets you communicate via e-mail and stay on top of your information wirelessly and easily.

It comes with integrated hardware, software, and wireless communication service so you can activate it right out of the box. The included HotSync cradle allows you to quickly back up and exchange information between your handheld and your PC. The display's enhanced technology makes it easier to see at all angles, in dim light, and in bright sunlight. The Palm VIIx also includes a carrying case to protect your handheld from scuffs and scratches.

What's in the box

Palm VIIx
Stylus pen
AC adapter
PC serial port
Hotsync docking cradle
Protective leather cover
Palm Desktop software

*Note: The Palm VIIx WIRELESS FEATURE CAN NO LONGER BE USED if you don't already have a palm.net account.

Customer Reviews:

Too bad they gave up on it!.......2005-12-16

This was such an excellent handheld and the wireless was so easy to use. It's a shame they gave up on it, and thought that the wireless web abilities in my cell phone was a replacement. This is anything but the truth. The Palm VII could get email, news, weather, taxi cabs, book hotels, lookup information in an online dictionary or encyclopedia, and do so much more. The advantage was that these things could be done within seconds while driving down the highway, in the forest or wherever you were at. I used this thing very heavily when I was on a vacation in Florida and did so much that would take forever to accomplish with a GPS, cell phone or device with a web browser. The Palm VII lacked a browser because they are slow and take forever to get information over a device like this.

So sad they had to discontinue Palm.net and so sad that the majority of people out there are so ignorant. This device never caught on with the public. But it will be forever remembered.

Good, but a bit dated..........2003-08-14

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.

Awesome technology!.......2002-11-25

I just ordered the Palm VIIx after going to Saturday brunch with a girl that brought her's along in order to check current movies listings and show times. She checked her email and weather reports (being that it was another rainy day in Seattle) and other stuff... I was utterly amazed at all that she could do from the breakfast table. As she was leaving to go to the bathroom (which lasted about 7 minutes) she said "go ahead and browse while I'm gone"... Seven minutes was all I needed to realize that I can no longer live without one of these babies... I went and purchased a Palm IIIxe from a local store and later realized that I did not have the same machine as her Palm VIIx. I really like the Palm IIIxe but since it does not have wireless internet, I decided to order one on Amazon.com at a much better price than local stores. I gave the Palm IIIxe to her daughter today and she was very grateful since she's never had her own PDA and her mother is always using her own. WORDS OF WISDOM - You can't be too critical of PDA's. I don't expect for it to do what a 1GHz Dell laptop or my dual Pentium III Xeon server will do... I only need the PDA while I'm out of the house or office and want to be able to check my email and surf the net until I can get home to my high performance machines.

OLDER MODEL... BUT STILL A GREAT MACHINE.......2002-11-25

First and foremost, ignore any bad reviews you may see here about this item. I've had my Palm VIIx for a year and a half and it's been terrific. Every once in a great while I'll hit a glitch with the thing, but they've always been extremely easy to resolve. All in all, I've found this item to be a tremendous time saver and it has become an integral tool.

This is also a good buy (with it's low price) for those of you who are thinking of purchasing the Palm Zire Handheld but want more features than it offers. The Palm VIIx is currently (as of 11/24/2002) priced about $10 cheaper than the Zire. It's only priced lower because it's a model from two years ago and Palm is pushing their newer versions.

Better check before buying!.......2002-10-25

You need to go to Palm's website and look for the "Coverage Map". I ordered this Palm VIIx and then checked it out on the website to find out that Palm.Net was not availible to me. What [garbage]. I'm glad I didn't get it. I bought the Palm IIIc which is color and phat as anything. Palm.Net is WAY to expensive too. Don't get stuck with this handheld and not be able to use the feature that makes it the bulkiest thing on one hand. You might be sorry.

Average customer rating:

shoddy
WHAT'S A LAPTOP?
Inferior
Excellent piece of engineering, so so service, though
Excellent piece of engineering, so so service, though

PalmOne i705 Wireless Handheld

Manufacturer: PalmOne
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

Product Features:

Integrated wireless connectivity in a slim package
Send and receive corporate and personal e-mail and get access to the Web without an external modem
Stay in touch with AOL Instant Messenger
8 MB memory stores thousands of contacts, appointments, to-do items, and notes
Built-in Secure Digital expansion card slot

ASIN: B00005V63T

Product Description

Stay on top of your world with the Palm i705 handheld, combining secure wireless e-mail and Internet connectivity with all the classic information management features you expect from Palm. Send and automatically receive your business and personal e-mail with end-to-end security on your Palm i705 handheld (Palm.Net service required). Choose how you will be instantly notified of incoming messages, even if the handheld is turned off, with Palm's customized instant notification. Easily create, edit and view Word and Excel compatible documents as well as view and share PowerPoint presentations (Windows only) right on your handheld!Get more options than ever with Palm's built-in dual expansion. Back-up and add additional memory and applications with the Palm Expansion Card Slot. The Palm Expansion Card Slot supports MultiMediaCard and SD expansion cards - postage-stamp sized cards that allow you to access important information without sacrificing memory. Add a hardware peripheral, such as a keyboard, GPS device, or cradle with the Palm Universal Connector located at the base of your handheld. The Palm i705 handheld is the wireless connectivity solution for the mobile world.

Amazon.com Product Description

Get 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

Customer Reviews:

shoddy.......2003-05-01

I suppose this might be a cool device if it actually functioned properly. Almost from the second I unwrapped it there were problems - it freezes every other day. I don't know how much data I've lost cumulatively. I don't even want a replacement, I want a different model. I'll even take a "lesser" model. If Palm support fails me (which I hear is likely) I'm going back to handspring.

WHAT'S A LAPTOP?.......2003-02-18

As a New York Criminal and Divorce attorney, I swear the 1-705 is
guilty of being the best friend you can have out there in the field. The ability to read Excel & Word docs is a godsend, and between the power to remote access the internet, and the freebie downloads available for a palm, who needs a laptop? This beauty and a cell phone, and you've got all the equipment you need to be a successful road warrior. You are hereby summoned to appear with your i-705 and run your business on the run.

Inferior.......2003-02-10

I received the i705 for Christmas. I have had nothing but trouble with the product. The Infrared radio didn't work. I tried for several weeks! The absolute worst part , however, was Palm's customer service. If you think they are out there to help you, you are wrong. They agreed (after several phone calls), to replace the unit. This was a new unit that they finally agreed to replace. After reading the fine print, I realized they were going to send me a reconditioned unit, and by now, there are better products on the market. Curiously enough, the unit still hasn't arrived. Additionally, you need to sign up for their service, which is pricey. If I have to have a reconditoned unit, I may as well have the top of the line reconditioned PDA. The price on this unit has come down considerably, I guess there is a reason. Oh, and the customer service department may be suffering from post Christmas stress, as they were a bit touchy, to say the least.

Excellent piece of engineering, so so service, though.......2003-01-25

This is a great PDA! Elegant design, fast, practical, the best among all models before Tungsten. The best value for your money, as well. I used to have a Palm VIIx, another great PDA, but I decided to switch to this model mostly because of the, supposedly better, wireless capabilities (internet access, even Google!), AOL instant messenger, e-mail, etc., the amazing Documents To Go program, and also for the fabulous expansion card with the Merriam-Webster dictionary! I have only two (major) complaints: the wireless service is TOO expensive and the MultiMail 1.2 e-mail program takes longer than with the Palm VIIx, let alone it gobbles very quickly your monthly allotment of 100K. In less than a month, just using e-mail, it has already used up 163K! And to think that with my Palm VIIx, I barely used 40K each month... If the wireless service were less expensive and more efficient (there is a number of error messages each time) this Palm would be, hands down, the best of all. I will continue to enjoy my Palm i705 minus the wireless capabilities. I don't want to talk about the old fashioned, low-resolution screen, practically the same that came with the original Palm Pilot. The Casio Clié, if not for the lack of wireless functions, beats easily this model. And this is said by a seasoned Palm fan.

Excellent piece of engineering, so so service, though.......2003-01-21

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