Palm today introduced what it calls its third product line, to be comprised of mobile companion products that aim to close the gap between smartphones and notebooks. A range of manufacturers have tried closing this gap by launching advanced communicators, while Palm is now obviously planning to transform its smartphones into full-fledged communicators by the use of advanced accessories.
Given the difficulties other manufacturers have faced in this tricky market, Palm could possibly face the same issues. On the other hand, by having a tiny and cheap smartphone accompanied by a selection of advanced business and multimedia related mobile companion solutions - hardware as well as software wise - to choose from, it could also be what takes it all to the next level. We have to admit it seems quite far-fetched, but so was the Palm Pilot.
To start with, Palm today introduced a business oriented mobile companion in the Foleo, sporting a 10-inch screen and a full size keyboard, though the screen is not touch sensitive. For navigation, the device uses only a trackpoint or a scrollwheel, not a touchpad. Key features also include instant on/off capabilities and Wi-Fi for internet access.
The device uses a new Linux-based operating system, and is supported at launch by Dataviz' excellent Documents To Go software, as well as the Opera Web browser. The device will synchronize with Palm Treo devices initially, but Palm claims that synchronization for Symbian, Windows Mobile and even Mac OS-based smartphones should not be difficult to manage.
At 2.5 pounds, the device is almost as heavy as an ultra-compact laptop, and its size means it won't fit into any pockets, except maybe on your trenchcoat. The Foleo's screen resolution, at 1024 by 600 pixels, seems impressive compared to current smartphones, but when you remember that this device has a whopping 10-inch screen, it seems less so.
Palm didn't say much about multimedia capabilities beyond the Web browser, but with SD card and compact flash expansion available, we would be surprised if there wasn't some sort of media player. Palm's founder Jeff Hawkins seemed pleased that the device can browse Homestarrrunner, but apparently the processor is not powerful enough to play YouTube videos, which is a real disappointment.
The battery offers five hours of use, which Hawkins claimed included plenty of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth activity. Hawkins claimed the device's charging schedule would be more like a cellphone, where you charge overnight and use it all day, but we are skeptical at best that the Foleo can live up to these claims.
The Palm Foleo will be available for approximately $500 after a $100 rebate this summer.
Nevertheless, stay tuned for our full impressions of the Palm Foleo as soon as we've spent some quality time with it.
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