When the cover is closed, a small hole in the cover provides access to the device's top scroll button. Pressing this button when the device is turned off activates the new Clock application. The time and date appear momentarily and can be viewed through a little window built right into the flip cover. You can see how it works in Figure B.

FIGURE B

View the date and time through the flip cover's unique window. Click picture for a larger image.

If you hold the scroll button down, it not only makes the time appear but also activates the backlight. The new Clock application is brilliant. I absolutely fell in love with this cool combination of hardware and software, especially since I hate to wear a watch.

We imagine we'll see other creative uses for the window-and-button combination as determined programmers come up with cool software hacks that take advantage of the new features. If you do something wild and funky with the window-and-button combo, let me know at steve_niles@palmpower.com.

Note Pad
Another big change is found in the four application buttons. The Date Book, Address Book, and To Do buttons are the same, but the fourth button, typically assigned to the Memo Pad application, now activates a new application called Note Pad.

Note Pad is an extremely handy application that works much like a Post-It Note. Pressing the Note Pad button or tapping the Note Pad icon on the application launcher screen opens a virtual sticky pad on which you can jot down a quick note by writing directly on the screen with your stylus. Your handwriting appears as a graphical display in the Note Pad application, but contrary to pre-release rumors, it does not convert your handwriting to text. Previously, similar applications have been available for download, but this is the first time it's been a built-in feature. Figure C gives you an example of what it looks like.

FIGURE C

Jot down a quick note in your own handwriting with Note Pad.

Your note is automatically given a date and time stamp. You can further add a title, if you wish. Note Pad also allows you to set an alarm. At the ordained time, the alarm will sound, and the associated note will pop onto the screen, even if your device is turned off.

Don't despair; the Memo Pad application still exists. If you miss the old fashioned functionality, you can re-map the fourth application button to open Memo Pad instead. Both Note Pad and Memo Pad HotSync to the Palm desktop, so none of your old memos will be lost if you upgrade.

I'm a big fan of the new Note Pad application as well as the fact that it's accessible at the touch of a button. I haven't yet mastered Graffiti, so it was great to be able to whip out my device, hit the Note Pad button, and write down whatever I wanted in my own handwriting. My only complaint is the writing field is somewhat limited.

Customizable faceplates
There's one final radical change to the typical Palm device form factor. You now have the option to change the color of your Palm organizer according to your whims, as an array of interchangeable faceplates is available. If you've been using one of the incredibly popular Nokia cellular phones with their interchangeable faceplates, you'll already be familiar with the idea. My boss, David, substituted the original black faceplate that came on his phone with one that looks like the burled wooden dashboard of a sportscar.