Palm’s Tungsten T2: An improved PDA

Palm recently updated its original Tungsten T line with a new model boasting an improved transflective display with a crisp 16-bit, 320 x 320 resolution and double built-in memory (32MB up from 16MB) plus the latest Palm OS software version 5.2.1.

The Tungsten T2 falls under the upper mid-range of Palm’s latest offerings, right in between the camera-integrated Palm Zire 71 and the wireless-friendly flagship models Tungsten C and Tungsten W.

The Palm Tungsten T2 integrates all the features of new generation Palm PDAs such as the ability to flawlessly play MP3s as well as video and animation files. This is possible due to the new Palm OS and the Tungsten line’s Texas Instruments’ OMAP 1510 (144 MHz ARM) processor.

Owners of the original Tungsten T will probably not want to upgrade to the T2, except for additional memory (which can be increased through the use of a Secure Digital or MultiMedia Cards via the expansion port) and the bright new screen. The only cosmetic difference between the two models, aside from some badge and logo changes, is that the T2’s color is a lighter hue of silver.

Otherwise, the original Tungsten T is still a solid and modern PDA that offers great Bluetooth connectivity and a host of productivity and entertainment solutions out of the box. According to the Palm website, the list price of Tungsten T is $349, and Tungsten T2, $399.

Feature-packed executive tool

What the Tungsten T2 offers new PDA buyers or owners of early generation Palm PDAs trading up is a surprisingly light and compact handheld with a solid list of features.

The Tungsten T2’s trademark five-way navigator ensures quick access to files and acts like a joystick. The T series’ trademark sliding lower cover quickly reveals the Graffiti input and writing area, where users write with their styli or PDA pens. If access to this area is not needed, the cover retracts, making the Tungsten T one of the smallest Palm handhelds at four inches in height.

The T2 is an ideal PDA for professionals and business people who do not require the Tungsten C’s Wi-Fi capabilities and built-in thumb board or the Tungsten W’s built-in cellular phone. The Tungsten T has a built-in voice recorder and audio out-port and speaker so it can double as a tapeless dictation machine (useful for doctors as well as people who attend a lot of meetings). The Tungsten T2 should be the Palm PDA of choice for experienced Palm users and industry and professional users.

While Palm-powered PDAs (from Palm, Handspring and Sony) continue to evolve into highly connected and feature-packed devices, it cannot be denied that rival devices from the PocketPC end of the spectrum are coming in strong.

Certainly, Palm users are a loyal lot and they will argue that an immense collection of software tiles, device simplicity and usefulness (as well as size) should trump their overpowered and PocketPC competition.

Platforms aside, the handheld wars will probably be fought in the price-for-performance area. PocketPC makers like Dell, Viewsonic and Asus are entering the fray with low-priced models that go head to head with Palm’s mid-range models but with even higher specs. Which means that Palm, along with its newly acquired subsidiary Handspring, should strive to cram more value and features into its handhelds if it wishes to continue leading this growing and ever competitive market.