Integrated memory but no upgrades
Both models also overcome the occasional need to reseat the memory board found in earlier models. Instead of a separate memory board, the memory is integrated into the main board. Because of this, there really isn't any way to upgrade an earlier Palm device to either the Palm IIIx or Palm V without replacing the entire unit. Palm's thought is that Palm device fans will go out and buy the new model of their choice, and pass their time-tested companion along to another family member. At this time, Palm doesn't have an upgrade path or program for owners of earlier models. I do think Palm Computing should reconsider this policy, perhaps in the form of a rebate-with-return, similar to that offered when the Palm III was introduced last year.

Based on Kenny West of PalmPilotGear's experience with swapping his Palm III's screen with a display from a Palm IIIx, the option to have one's Palm III screen replaced with a Palm IIIx screen for the customary $100 fee might be nice. However, the official line from Palm is that the improved clarity is not simply a function of the display alone. A quick look at the DragonBall EZ literature suggests that part of the improvement may be due to the new CPU, but I can't say for sure.

Both models run Palm OS 3.1, which is an incremental upgrade for the new processor. This version is not needed for older Palm devices. As for flash upgradability of current Palm III boards, there is still no word from Palm as to when they will provide the facility. The capability is there, but official Palm software for the task isn't yet.

The Palm V hardware: Size does matter
The Palm V, shown in Figure A, brings a completely new dimension to the Palm device family.

FIGURE A

The Palm V is one sexy little machine. Click picture for a larger image.

Its anodized aluminum housing contains the sleekest, lightest, and thinnest PDA I have ever seen, yet it still packs the power and flexibility that has made Palm a leader in the PDA market. Figure B shows how the Palm V, the Palm III, and the PalmPilot compare in terms of thickness. The Palm V's design is truly striking, and will impress everyone from aesthetes to geeks. It's nice to look at, and nice to hold. Current Palm device owners without the need for additional memory will have a difficult time walking away from a store without buying one.

FIGURE B

Less is more, as this comparison shows. Click picture for a larger image.

The Palm V provides 2MB RAM and 2MB flash. Although it uses an AMD flash chip, FlashBuilder III won't work on the Palm V. TRG will be introducing a new version, FlashPro, in March. The new version should work with all Palm devices that contain AMD flash memory. This would still exclude the Synapse pager card, which uses an Intel flash chip.

The Palm V is completely self-contained. It offers rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are topped off when the unit is placed in its cradle. A full charge takes only three hours, and Palm states that users should be able to go for a month between charges. Those on the go should probably consider purchasing the Travel Kit, which includes a Palm V HotSync cable, AC recharger, and adapters for international plugs. The included cradle, shown in Figure C, and AC transformer are pretty hefty, relative to the size of the Palm V.