PalmOne VIIx Wireless Handheld

The Palm VIIx handheld has had its memory bumped up to 8 MB (from only 2 MB in the original Palm VII), and it includes all the practical features we've come to expect from Palm--the easy-to-learn (and use) Palm OS, a sharp screen with contrast-variable backlighting, and infrared beaming of information.

But it's the wireless connectivity--and the ease and quickness of installation and connection--that really makes the Palm VIIx shine. You'll first need to add the Palm VIIx's two AAA batteries, which are also used to charge the modem's internal, rechargeable ni-cad battery. It takes about 70 minutes to fully charge the device. But that'll give you time to play around with the other Palm apps or practice your Graffiti writing skills.

Once charged, we simply flipped up the radio transceiver antenna (which also turns on the screen) and connected to the Palm.net network in seconds. Then we set up our account and chose a monthly service plan--which reminded us that wireless ease doesn't come cheap. These plans range from $9.99 for 50 KB of information downloaded (and $0.20 per additional KB) to $44.99 for unlimited usage. The Palm.net site estimates that 50 KB equals about 150 downloaded Palm screens of information--which isn't that much if you're doing a bit of online shopping or checking of sports scores.

The other important factor to remember is that you won't be able to view the entire Internet. The Palm VII connects only to certain sites that offer Palm Query Applications (or PQAs), which send Web Clippings instead of HTML. These Web Clippings are specially configured minipages that minimize both display requirements (to fit on the Palm VII's screen) and bandwidth usage. Thus, while we weren't able to view the day's English Premier League scores on Soccernet, we could read headlines at ABC News, get driving directions with MapQuest, and check airline flight status using Travelocity. (The Palm VII comes with 22 Web Clippings, but you can download more from www.palm.net/apps--from Merriam-Webster's online dictionary to a Starbucks locator.)

E-mail was a snap using the included iMessenger app and the Palm.net e-mail address that we set up. This account won't hook up with an existing POP account, but there are several good third-party apps on the market that you can install to grab e-mail from your regular accounts.

Ultimately, the Palm VIIx--and persistent wireless connectivity--isn't for everyone because of its online limitations to proprietary Web Clippings. But with a lot still in its favor--the robust Palm OS organizer environment, hassle-free activation, quick connection to the wireless network, easy e-mailing, and good nationwide coverage (featuring about 260 major metropolitan areas)--the Palm VIIx handheld is still king of the wireless jungle. --Agen Schmitz

Amazon.com Product Description
With 8 MB of memory, the new Palm VIIx handheld has four times the memory of the Palm VII, which means you have the capacity to store four times the number of addresses, appointments, to-do items, memos, and iMessenger messages. You can customize the Palm VIIx with your choice of hundreds of Web clipping applications and thousands of third-party add-on applications. You have instant access to a variety of Web-based information such as weather and traffic reports, news items, flight information, showtimes, and restaurant reviews. The Palm VIIx also lets you communicate via e-mail and stay on top of your information wirelessly and easily.

It comes with integrated hardware, software, and wireless communication service so you can activate it right out of the box. The included HotSync cradle allows you to quickly back up and exchange information between your handheld and your PC. The display's enhanced technology makes it easier to see at all angles, in dim light, and in bright sunlight. The Palm VIIx also includes a carrying case to protect your handheld from scuffs and scratches.

What's in the box

• Palm VIIx
• Stylus pen
• AC adapter
• PC serial port
• Hotsync docking cradle
• Protective leather cover
• Palm Desktop software

*Note: The Palm VIIx WIRELESS FEATURE CAN NO LONGER BE USED if you don't already have a palm.net account.

The VIIx comes pre-loaded with 40 or so wireless content apps. There are currently about 400 apps for the VII. You can get them for free at [Palm]. They range from bookstores like Amazon to acccessing your email on the go, to messaging, to online dictionairies. I would recommend to visit [Palm] to see the variety available and also if your area is covered by the mobile network.

I have a Fidelity trading account so I can use the VIIx to trade or view my portfolio. One of the most popular apps is the Starbucks locator. I wonder if there is a correlation between owning a VII and cafeine consumption. Another great app is MapQuest, and ThinAirMail lets you access any POP3 email account. Both are included standard.

The wireless response time is great. This is because of the way that Palm designed there applications as PQA's. PQA stands for Palm Query Application. They make wireless transmission efficient by ensuring that only pertinent data is sent. The way we view web pages, the whole page is loaded every time we view it, this includes a lot of layout and other data that we're not really interested in. PQA's predefine the layout and transmit only actual data. Eg. the price of a book you request from Amazon. The result is fast and efficient response. There are also several apps which let you browse the web in the traditional way, though I don't know why you'd want to. I don't think that the size of PDA screens makes web-browsing very useful or convenient. But, for those who insist...the Palm can definitely do it.

So far I have had no problems with signal quality. Whether on the street on in buildings. I'm in NY, but as mentioned before, don't buy this puppy until you have checked coverage in your area.

The VII series is a bit larger than the III. To me size is very important, I also own a Vx. But I will make an exception for the the VII, because wireless is just so ... cool and convenient. I could also have picked the Omnisky wireless service. Then I'd have to attach a modem to my Vx and the package together would be more bulky than the VII series so I prefer the convenience of having an all-in-one VIIx.

The device is turned on by flipping the antenna. Easy enough. Installation is a breeze. Takes all of 5 minutes and you are going. I recommend the 'all-you-can-eat' subscription. It costs $45/mth but well worth it, but you can also go for one of the more moderate subscriptions. They start a $10/mth.

Wireless is great. Definitely the way of the future. I love being able to pop up my email on the go, check for a movie with moviefone or just read a book, play a game, or read magazines with AvantGo. After all, let's not forget that other than wireless, Palm makes a great PDA with many other applications.


Simply Wireless   August 14, 2000
97 out of 98 found this review helpful

I received the Palm VIIx a few days ago and I love it. I had a Palm Vx but wanted wireless access to the Internet. The Palm VII's 2 MB just wasn't enough, and Omnisky (for the Palm V) doesn't provide coverage in my area. When I heard about the Palm VIIx, I knew it was time to go wireless. The Palm VIIx has an improved screen and faster processor than the Palm VII. It comes with a leather, slip-on case and the latest Palm OS. The black exterior looks much better than the Palm VII. However, as compared to the PalmVx, the Palm VIIx feels a bit bulky (as would any handheld). I'm also getting used to the scroll button, which is not as sensitive. One of the applications is called "activate" and it takes you through the process of signing up for wireless access. You have to provide name, address and credit card information. After choosing a wireless plan (I choose unlimited for $45/month), you send the information and are ready to go. The web clipping apps or PQAs take just a few seconds to download. There are several good ones for news (ABC, Washington Post), sports (ESPN) and finance (E-trade). But PQAs are still limited and don't allow full Internet browsing. I highly recommend DPWeb, a third party application that allows Internet browsing and ThinAir, which allows you to access up to three POP, IMAP or web-based e-mail accounts. With those applications, and the extra memory,the Palm VIIx is a winner.


How to best use a VII: One Year's Experience   December 16, 2000
J. G. Heiser (Sunninghill, Berks)
135 out of 139 found this review helpful

Palm VII

I don't mean to be critical of my fellow reviewers, but some of the negative reviews of the Palm VII totally miss the point of the thing. I carried one for over a year and found it incredibly useful. Now that I've moved outside of the service area, I miss it a lot. In spite of having the original VII with only 2 Megs of RAM, I never ran out of memory. I also never exceeded the lowest monthly service level, finding it adequate for my needs. Here's what I did and how I used it, which should be enough information for you to make a decision for yourself:

This is truly the traveler's friend: I have no office and I get in a lot of planes. You'll make that dreaded trip to the airline service desk with a lot more confidence if you are armed with the schedule of every single airline and current flight status. The VII knows what flights are schedule between any two points at any time, and provides current flight status. When 'suggesting' to the desk staff that they strongly consider booking you on another airline, your case will be stronger with flight number and departure info.

You can usually find the departure gate information (not to mention delay status) sitting in the shuttle from the parking area (at DFW, you need to know the gate number to tell the taxi which building to stop at). And of course, if you want, you can even make plane reservations online.

If driving over 10 miles, I query for traffic conditions. Embarrassed to ask directions? With the VII, you can enter location and destination and get detailed directions. Handy when stuck in the boonies without a phone. And when was the last time you saw a phone book at a pay phone? The VII can access Yellow and White pages. Weather forecasts, any time, any place.

Ordering a book from Amazon is sort of a parlor trick, but it's also a useful way to research books in print. Can't remember which movies featured Minnie Driver ? There are a 2 movie databases. Faced with a life without wireless, I've had to buy a new PDA with a lot more RAM to carry a German/English dictionary. I actually bought two, but they aren't anywhere near as useful as the online translators, which not only support full sentences, but they translate between multiple languages. English dictionary, thesaurus, and encyclopedia are available also, which again is a big help to somebody without an office.

The Palm VII does all this with the use of 'web clipping' applets that work with special applications on the information provider's web site. There are now hundreds of these things that can be downloaded.

On the downside, this thing is a AAA pig. Get yourself a couple sets of Nimh batteries, and a small charger. More than once, I found myself paying a premium price for new batteries at a hotel gift shop. I also recommend the serial cable if you can't get infrared to work with your laptop--carrying a cradle is a drag.

This is not a platform for heavy-duty web surfing, nor is it a convenient place to send and receive mail, but I really miss not being able to use it any more for all these questions that need to be answered RIGHT NOW. But if you do get stuck without a book, you can download an e-book too.


What the Palm VII should have been   October 11, 2000
P. Dunn (Denver, CO USA)
74 out of 74 found this review helpful

The 8 Mb of memory the VIIx has is what it needed in the first place. Now you can load all of those games and non-wireless apps you had to pass on with the VII. The integration is a little tighter in Palm OS 3.5, but a lot of people won't be happy with this until (1) the screen improves from four shades of gray (yes, I am envious of the IIIc) and (2) the modem speed improves.

The Qualcomm PD100 tried to overcome the speed (and coverage issue) but left you holding a Palm to your ear with a screen just too small to read).

And in the meantime, the Palm VII provides an integrated wireless email and fax platform (both with lookup from your address book) which a novice can get out of the box and running in ten minutes or less (try that with a PC).

TIPS: go to palmgear.com and download DPWeb browser (or other browser) and go with the unlimited plan if you can afford it. Then you will be able to access nearly any web site, not just those with web clipping applications.


A Product You Can't Live Without!!!   April 13, 2001
L. M. Lyman (Baltimore, MD)
32 out of 32 found this review helpful

I am a first-time Palm owner and have found this product indispensable!

In the past, I tried several different paper-based organizers. While useful for a short while, they eventually ended up in what my husband calls the "Personal Organizer Boneyard". Either they were too bulky, or didn't have enough space to write longer notes, or were limited in terms of their ability to be upgraded. Upon entering graduate school, I knew I would need something that would last. Furthermore, with my travel schedule, I needed a device that would allow me to maintain contact via email.

I initially was reticent about spending such a high amount for an organizer, especially given my history of rapid disposal. What I have learned, however, is that the Palm is so much more. I use it daily, which is more than I can ever say for any of the paper-based organizers I owned. I believe this has been a function of the ease in upgrading the unit, which I have been able to do using various free and shareware downloads and the HotSync/Desktop software.

Aside from how well it has worked for me to personally organize, the wireless internet feature of the VIIx has been a godsend. I have never had a problem connecting, even when visiting family in northern New England. While some may be concerned that the availability of "web-clipping" apps rather than a full-browser is limiting, I find that the ability to locate small pieces of information, such as my email, traffic information and the nearest Starbucks, is more than sufficient. The only downside to the wireless feature is the PalmNet service. Unfortunately, PalmNet is the only game in town. As such, the lack of competition will continue to drive their service and pricing behavior until additional firms providing the same service enter the market.

Although newer Palm models (the m500 and m505, I believe) offer the ability to go wireless, neither has a built-in modem like the VIIx. From my estimation, one would need to additionally purchase a modem card, which does not make these newer, lower-up-front priced models such a bargain.

If you are trying to decide between going for the Palm V or Vx, or one of the newer models, and the VIIx, go for it and spend the extra money. It will be worth it!