The Palm Vx packs a hearty 8MB of memory into its sleek case. The additional storage is essential for getting the most out of the enormous library of Palm software available.

The Palm Vx still bears some of the minor design flaws of its predecessor, but it is the top choice for those who want the smallest, most stylish PDA with PIM features only.

The Palm V's slim metallic case made it a favourite of executives, but the Palm Vx demonstrates that beauty is more than skin deep by upping the memory to 8MB while preserving the same popular design. (Unfortunately, that also means the Palm Vx retains some of the older model's minor design flaws.)

The Palm Vx is housed in a sheath of brushed metal with some distinct advantages over the rest of the Palm line. It is easily the slimmest PDA produced by Palm, and its slight appearance compares favourably with other PDAs in general -- surpassed only by the semi-PDA Rex produced by Rolodex. The Vx also sports the brightest monochrome LCD display of all the Palm PDAs.

The Palm Vx comes with a lithium-ion battery that recharges whenever you leave the unit in its cradle for a short spell. Under solid usage, the battery lasted an entire day and fully recharged in around an hour. However, the downside to built-in batteries is that if they peter out on the road, you can't simply pop in the fresh alkalines available at any corner store. You need to find a power adapter.

The big difference here is the memory. The Palm Vx comes standard with a full 8MB. That means more apps (Palm claims there are more than 5,000 currently available on the platform), more records, and more documents. Nothing is more frustrating than having to delete apps or data because you've reached your limit. For many people, having access to the diverse applications and the immense library -- which ranges from novels to references -- is an irresistible temptation.

The Palm Vx ships with AvantGo's software for offline browsing of Web-based info. The Palm Vx also includes the standard full array of organiser software that ships with all Palm PDAs. With a date book, to-do list, address book, and notepad, the Palm Vx seamlessly synchronises all your personal data with the desktop PIM (personal information manager) that ships with the hardware. Although not nearly as robust as third-party solutions, the Palm Desktop software is a capable tool for most simple organisational tasks.

If your money and information are already invested in another PIM, such as Outlook, you have the option of synchronising your data through a piece of software that Palm calls a "conduit." This utility lets the Palm hardware talk with third-party software. Unfortunately, this is a mixed blessing. Basic updating is possible, but the Palm pales in comparison to the Outlook synchronisation possible with Pocket PC-based handhelds from Casio, Compaq, and Hewlett-Packard.

On the other hand, like all Palm OS-based PDAs, the Palm Vx is more intuitive to use than the best Pocket PC-based handheld. Actual processor power is less of an issue with the more efficient Palm OS and software (full-fledged apps can weigh in at less than 10K on the Palm platform). Everyday tasks are instantaneous, games are responsive, and rarely will you find yourself waiting for the Palm Vx to process a request, except on the most demanding tasks.

The only real drawback of the Palm Vx is that, like the Palm V, it uses a cradle that can't be shared with the rest of the Palm line. However, the Palm Vx is a highly capable, compact companion for any image-conscious road warrior willing to pay a premium.

Palm Vx
Company:Palm Australia
Ph: 1300 360 558
Price:AU$869
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