I Am Sold on WiFi and Palm

Having purchased the Tungsten T less than six months ago, I did not expect Palm to come out with a new product so soon that would grab my attention and also my pocketbook. The new Tungsten C did just that.

This machine takes the Palm to the closest thing to a real pocket-sized computer yet. With a built in keyboard, ultra-sharp color clarity and a powerful 400 MHz processor, this machine can almost do it all.

The big addition is the ability to connect to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a wireless Internet connection that you can secure from a growing number of locations found in hotels, airports and almost every Starbucks Coffee House in the United States.

I was absolutely amazed at the connection speed to the web. Standing in line waiting for my coffee, I was able to log in and download 140 email messages before I was served. Its download speed matches any DSL connection in your home or office.

With the added keyboard and color clarity, viewing the web and email is now readable on a Palm. The smaller screen needs getting used to, but is certainly workable. With Wi-Fi I am able to download my tour pictures and send them by email for quick viewing by my clients before they get back to their office.

The Tungsten C is loaded with full “create and edit features” for Excel, Word and PowerPoint. With Wi-Fi these files are also easily sent out of your Palm through your email as an attachment.

There are a number of Wi-Fi providers including T-mobile, Way Port, and smaller niche providers such as Surfandsip. There are several similar service plans including pre-paid minute plans, annual subscription plans or monthly plans. Prices range from $50.00 for 300 minutes to $39.95 for basic monthly plans. Annual memberships usually are offered at $29.95 per month.

It is harder for me to find new technology that excites me anymore. The combined Tungsten C and Wi-Fi definitely has done so for me.