Specifications
Understanding that there is a large segment of the readership more interested in the technical details of a new handheld than the mere cosmetic changes, I'll run down the new specifications for the Palm i705. The handheld utilizes a Motorola Dragonball VZ 33 Processor and runs version 4.1 of the Palm OS. It has 8MB of RAM and 4MB of ROM. The dimensions of the Palm i705 measure 3.06 in. x 4.65 in x .61 in., and it weighs 5.9 ounces. It's powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, which should typically provide one week of power with normal use. Of course, you can recharge it by plunking the unit down on the HotSync cradle. The screen display uses a transreflective monochrome LCD with backlight and has a 160 x 160 pixel monochrome display.

Out of the box, the Palm i705 includes a USB cradle and your favorite applications such as Address Book, Date Book, Clock, To Do List, Memo Pad, Note Pad, Mail, and Calculator. It's got some other goodies as well, including MultiMail Deluxe, AvantGo, Palm Reader, MGI PhotoSuite, DataViz Documents To Go, and MyPalm Portal. The handheld ships with Chapura Software (at http://www.chapura.com) that will allow you to synchronize the Palm i705 with Microsoft Outlook.

Accessories
A full range of accessories (sold separately) is available for the Palm i705. Of course, there's the wide array of SD cards, including the PalmPak Travel Card: Rand McNally Road Atlas, PalmPak Language Translator Card, PalmPak Travel Cards, and the PalmPak eBook Series featuring the topics Personal Finance, Mystery, and Sci-Fi.

Palm Mini Keyboard
Of all the accessories, though, the Palm Mini Keyboard is the most unique to the Palm i705. The slim, ergonomic keyboard slides over the base of your Palm i705, covering right up to the top edge of the silkscreen area, as shown in Figure C.

FIGURE C


The Palm Mini Keyboard lets your thumbs do the typing. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The keyboard uses the standard QWERTY layout. It's designed so that you can hold the device by the keyboard and type with your thumbs. If you're frequently frustrated by Grafitti and don't have the time or space to unfold the Palm Portable Keyboard, this could be a great addition to your handheld. It even has recessed application buttons at the bottom, so you don't miss out on them.

Palm i705 Slim Leather Case
There are also a number of cases available as well. The Palm i705 Slim Leather Case is made from premium leather and is designed to complement the clean, sleek design of the Palm i705 handheld, as you can see in Figure D.

FIGURE D


The Palm i705 Slim Leather Case complements the design of the handheld. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The case has plenty of storage with three slots for business and credit cards. It also has an inside pocket for cash or notes, storage for expansion cards, and a sturdy loop closure to keep it all together.

Palm i705 Leather Belt Clip Case
The Palm i705 Leather Belt Clip Case is a one-piece carrying case made from premium black leather. It's designed to protect your Palm i705 handheld on the go. It features a slot for cash or credit cards and space to store expansion cards. There's an opening at the bottom that lets you synchronize your handheld without removing it from the case. The case is pictured in Figure E.