Palm Tungsten T PDA

WHAT'S HOT: In a bid for power users, Palm fitted its newest PDA with a fast ARM processor and a new, beefed-up operating system--Palm OS 5, which boasts more multimedia muscle and better compatibility with the WiFi and Bluetooth wireless protocols, in addition to increased security (128-bit encryption) for Internet applications. (But the new OS may not work with older applications, so you may have to upgrade them.) Whereas Palm's previous high-end units offered at most 160-by-160-pixel resolution, the Tungsten T offers 320-by-320-pixel resolution, which puts it within the range of "power" PDAs, such as the Sony Clie PEG-NX70V. In our subjective tests for image quality, the unit rendered text and graphics that looked sharp and crisp, even against a bright backlight.

The Tungsten T has a solidly constructed case that's cast in a shiny blue-metallic finish that feels as durable as its name implies. Another feature we like: a unique bottom section that slides downward to expose the Graffiti area. Closing it makes the PDA about an inch shorter, saving pocket space. When you extend the section down, the PDA automatically powers up--a thoughtful touch. The sections snap shut securely, so it's unlikely that you'll unintentionally turn the power on.

The good looks, power, and functionality don't translate into a bulky unit, either. The Tungsten T was the second lightest of those we tested for the power category, weighing in at a featherweight 5.6 ounces.

Other high points include the sensitive, four-way navigation dial, which houses a fairly large fifth button. That button lets you highlight a function without using the stylus.

The software bundle is largely geared for mobile pros; it includes CopyTalk (a unique fee-based service that lets you phone in contacts and appointments that can later be synced), and the excellent DataViz Documents to Go Professional Edition for viewing Word and Excel documents. For fun, Palm throws in trial versions of Scrabble and Monopoly.

WHAT'S NOT: Unfortunately, the Tungsten T's power and fetching design will set you back nearly $500, pricey compared to many PDAs.

WHAT ELSE: The Tungsten T can record voice memos--a common feature for high-end PDAs. In our tests, the feature worked well, and the sound quality of the playback was more than adequate. For expansion, the unit can accept a Secure Digital card.

Documentation isn't as extensive as with other units, such as the Toshiba Pocket PC E335. For instance, it doesn't come with a printed manual; it's burned on a CD-ROM that's similar to the one that ships with the HP IPaq Pocket PC H5450. It's well organized, and you'll want to print it out for future reference. A glossy fold-out sheet with instructions walks you through operations like entering an appointment or using the Graffiti handwriting area.

UPSHOT: Perfect for the well-heeled on-the-go pro, the Tungsten T has the wherewithal to handle typical PDA functions with power and ease. Before you decide, though, make sure the apps you frequently use are compatible with Palm OS 5.

SUMMARY

Palm Tungsten T Palm OS 5, 16MB of internal memory, 2-by-2-inch active screen area, 320-by-320-pixel resolution, Secure Digital expansion slot, lithium polymer battery, 5.6 ounces. One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 16 hours daily. $499 www.palm.com