E is for entry-level
Responding to the market challenge of the low-cost Palm lookalikes, such as the Fuga Diary, Casio PV100, and vTech Helios, the Palm IIIe lists for $229. Although the Palm IIIe is currently available online only through Palm's web site, I suspect prices charged by other Internet retailers will dive below the magic $199 threshold, just in time for the back-to-school marketing frenzy. As you can see in Figure A, the Palm IIIe is looks pretty darn similar to the venerable Palm III.

FIGURE A

The Palm IIIe looks almost identical to the Palm III. But outward appearances can be deceiving.

This low price point could help Palm keep its commanding share of the handheld computer market. It could also hinder Palm by deterring sales of the more expensive but expandable Palm IIIx.

E is for ease-of-use
Unlike its competitors, the Palm IIIe provides the same easy to use applications, PalmOS 3.1 operating system, and nearly automatic HotSync process that has become the favorite of handheld computer users.

The Palm IIIe also uses the improved screen technology as found in the Palm IIIx. Anyone who has shied away from the older models will appreciate the improved clarity of the new screen. In my experience, I've found the Palm IIIx and Palm V screens more readable in all levels of light, and have not had to use backlighting much. For those of you trading up from previous models, don't forget about the .8 shortcut, which allows you to toggle the two backlighting modes. (And remember not to overwrite your Graffiti_Shortcuts and System_MIDI_Sounds databases when HotSynching your old Palm device's information to your new Palm IIIx!)

More information on PalmOS 3.1 and the improved screen technology can be found in my review, "The Palm IIIx and Palm V", in the March 1999 issue of PalmPower, available at http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue199903/newpalm001.html.

E is for EZ
Like the Palm IIIx and Palm V, the IIIe uses the DragonBall EZ chip, providing faster processing than Pilots, PalmPilots, and the original Palm III. See Brian Smith's article, "How Palm was able to make the Palm V so small", in the April 1999 issue of PalmPower, available at http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue199904/dragonball001.html, for further details.

The DragonBall EZ-based design also negates the need to reseat the memory board found in older models when strange errors happen. Similar to the Palm IIIx and Palm V, the memory board is integrated into the main board. I consider this design a big benefit for all users, not just those I see as the target market for the IIIe. The people I see as the primary audience for the Palm IIIe are those who just aren't sure they really need a Palm device, and those who don't intend to load and use a lot of third-party programs.