Rumor: m525 Will Have Built-in Bluetooth

According to a source who has asked to remain anonymous, the Palm m525 will have built-in Bluetooth capabilities when it is released in March of next year. Palm is a strong supporter of the Bluetooth wireless protocol and has said before that it intends to release models with built-in Bluetooth during 2002.

The m525 won't be the first piece of Bluetooth hardware from Palm as they are still on track for a U.S. release the Bluetooth SD card during December of this year. It is scheduled for release in Europe during February of 2002.

The m525 is going to have an improved screen over the one in the m505 but, according to this source, Palm currently isn't planning to increase its screen resolution. In fact, they are planning to not have any hi-res models until the release of OS 5.0. However, Palm is keeping its options open and may consider increasing the m525's resolution if it sees signs that this feature is an absolute necessity.

A Palm representative told a California-based Palm User Group meeting recently that the replacement for the m505 would have more sidelights and a sliding brightness adjustment, though he didn't refer to it as the m525. Neither did he give a release date.

Thanks to Chi-Steve for the sidelights tip. -Ed

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High-res screen is an absolute necessity

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 10:06:43 AM #
Dear Palm:

Yes, a high-res screen is an absolute necessity if you want to retain me as a customer. A soft grafitti area with landscapable screen is probably also necessary.

Good luck!

RE: High-res screen is an absolute necessity
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 10:53:54 AM #
I will never buy a low res handheld again, but right now I think 320x320 is the best way to go for color handhelds. The lighting larger QVGA screen would be hard to power, especially using a battery that would fit in an m50x. Another problem with it is that color could make the screen stretching compatibility mode pretty slow. I'm not sure if color would make it significantly slower or not, but it sure seems like it would.

RE: High-res screen is an absolute necessity
Datekist @ 9/18/2001 11:20:04 AM #
I just went to the Palm website and sent an email to their support center outlining my fervent desire that the successor to the m505 have increased resolution.

If it is truly up in the air and feedback could tip the scales in favor of high res, I think that everyone w/an interest in a high res m505 should send Palm a message DEMANDING that feature.

If enough people speak up, it may have an influence.

RE: High-res screen is an absolute necessity
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/20/2001 2:31:01 AM #
I'm very happy about the new color model m505, but 2 things have to be improved: In the first place the quality of the display (the lighting) and secondly the screen reolution.
Especially in the areas of doc readers, navigation tools and graphical chart modules a higher resolution is essential.

I'm looking forward to exchange my m505 to a new PALM model with a higher res soon! But it has to be a model from PALM corporation.


March next year?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 10:34:05 AM #
could we make it November or october this year? I mean if it is just m505 + bluetooth + OS 4.5.

virtual graffiti area is also a must!

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 11:08:01 AM #
virtual graffiti area is also a must!

RE: virtual graffiti area is also a must!
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 11:13:44 AM #
Virtual Grafitti is NOT a must. It is low on my list. High Resolution, 320x320 IS a must.

RE: virtual graffiti area is also a must!
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 11:49:14 AM #
A larger screen that supports hi-res portrait and landscape modes (whatever the resolution) is a must. Virtual graffiti is probably the best way to do it, but I'm open to other ideas. Sony's dumb 320x320 pixel doubling hack on a smaller screen is not even in the ballpark. If you want a 320x320 screen, you can already buy it.

RE: virtual graffiti area is also a must!
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 11:56:12 AM #
Yeh, virtual graffiti would be good. A bigger screen would be better.

RE: virtual graffiti area is also a must!
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 1:32:47 PM #
the sony 320x320 is totally useless. it's 320x320 pixel doubled to 160x160. WTF good is that. in contrast, the handeras 240x320 totally rocks. the virtual graffiti is great. the CF slot rocks. I am so tired of hearing how great the sony is.

RE: virtual graffiti area is also a must!
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 1:42:24 PM #
the handeras 240x320 is totally useless. it's not even color, and lots of apps have to run in a SMALLER SIZE 160x160 space anyway. WTF good is that. in contrast, the sonys 320x320 totally rocks. High resolution color photos and graphics, true type fonts (WordSmith), graphics co-processor for high performance (handera is slow as a dog...just ask Red Mercury!) I am so tired of hearing how great the handera is.

RE: virtual graffiti area is also a must!
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 2:55:07 PM #
And I'm so tired of hearing how great the Sony is... because it isn't.

RE: virtual graffiti area is also a must!
sub_tex @ 9/18/2001 3:19:22 PM #
"he handeras 240x320 is totally useless. it's not even color, and lots of apps have to run in a SMALLER SIZE 160x160 space anyway. WTF good is that. in contrast, the sonys 320x320 totally rocks. High resolution color photos and graphics, true type fonts (WordSmith), graphics co-processor for high performance (handera is slow as a dog...just ask Red Mercury!) I am so tired of hearing how great the handera is."

yeah sure, the handera's 240x320 is useless to YOU. Your gripe seems to be the lack of color. You're complaining about speed which is totally seperate from screen size.

You complain about how older apps have to run in the smaller box. well too bad. Guess what happened to DOS apps when windows apps took over? if we make a significant jump to a new OS and are STILL using a square screen, palm is insane.

There is no justification of why a smaller screen showing you less is better.

Sure the high res sony screen is nicer than a low res 160x160. but that's not a shape problem. that's a res problem. take a look at any PPC to see that smooth fonts and a bigger screen do look great.

I think with OS 5 the screen should DEFINITELY be 240x320 and color.

when it's standard, the new versions of apps will support it and have the ability to import older data to be formatted to the new standard. well, any GOOD app that cares about it's user base will.

Look at how every new release of software (office, quicken, photohop, etc) opens up old file types and then re-saves them as the new format.

it's called progress.

If you REALLY wanna run the DOS version of heretic in windows, you can. just don't get upset because the graphics aren't as nice as quake 3.



RE: virtual graffiti area is also a must!
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 4:28:20 PM #
>the handeras 240x320 is totally useless. it's not even color, and lots
>of apps have to run in a SMALLER SIZE 160x160 space anyway.
>WTF good is that. in contrast, the sonys 320x320 totally rocks.
>High resolution color photos and graphics, true type fonts
>(WordSmith), [ ... ] handera is slow as a dog

There are very few (old) apps that run in a 160x160 space on the 330, not "lots". WordSmith works quite nice on the 330, and it's the fastest Palm OS device available. Sony's screen is way too tiny for photos and does not support a useful aspect ratio. Let me know when the Sony's built-in Palm apps take advantage of the hi-res screen. I can't believe anyone would waste $400-$500 on such a puny screen no matter what the resolution is.


Why can't they wait 'til ARM processors come out?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 11:31:35 AM #
Personally I won't be upgrading because I know that both Chip companies have released the ARM processor. I would wait until they release both of these models with High Res screens,OS 5.0, built in bluetooth and may be even payment gateway so that I can use MS or SD to watch movies on the screen, surf the web with cellphone with 3g, and make it a true multimedia workstation. I know I would buy one then, even if it cost 500-700.

RE: Why can't they wait 'til ARM processors come out?
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 12:38:12 PM #
1. What is the difference between the ARM processor and the Dragon ball CPU, or are they totally unrelated?

2. Will a change is processor mean a change in compatability, or will they still be backward compatible with all of the old Palm OS progs



RE: Why can't they wait 'til ARM processors come out?
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 1:31:37 PM #
compare to ARM, current dragonball inside PALM is a lawnmower engine to a jaguar's V8.

Current app won't be compatible but PALM promised to have emulation layer for compatibility.

RE: Why can't they wait 'til ARM processors come out?
sparky1 @ 9/18/2001 8:16:43 PM #
They can't wait, Palm needs to deliver OS5, Arm processors, Hi res 240x320 screen now, but unfortunatelly they can't deliver.

Palm is losing market share daily and by the time they come out with these improvements it'll be very late in the game. I don't think Palm was arrogant by not coming out with these improvements, I just think it an example of poor leadership and a lack of a sence of urgency that caught them sitting back losing their advantage of being #1 in the market when they should have be working the tail off. Microsoft sure has been working, this is their 4th version and from what I've reading on the palm sites it's pretty good.

I have been a palm user for 3+ years and am very happy but I can't believe how Palm is blowing it. If you have ever worked on a deadline you know that everyone at palm working overtime but they playing catch up. Microsoft has the monentum and it'll be some time before that slows.Even buying Be os is a problem for palm because they have to spent time incorporating it into the company, time that should be spent working on software.

Now we are going to, between now and Christmas be listen, seeing, reading about all numerous PPC 2002 product launches ( new compaq, toshiba w/ SD & CF, HP PPC, NEC, etc, etc, etc ) and when a first time pda buyer goes shopping they are going to look at ppc's. They are going to see a machine with bright screens, beautiful UI, and these machines that are really fast.

Too bad.


Not enough features... will not be buying

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 11:47:17 AM #
What is the deal with Palm? These idiots have become arrogant and refuse to listen to their customers. Well, they aren't going to be in business for long with that attitude.

Instead of innovating or at least keeping up with their licensees like Sony and TRG, these idiots are only adding incremental features like the idiots at Handjob... I mean Handspring.

A M505 with more backlighting and a blueballs... I mean bluetooth is not a compelling purchase or upgrade. I'm going to stick with my Palm Vx for now, but I'm not very confident that OS5 will be compelling either. Next year, I will most likely be upgrading to a PocketPC.

TANX.

RE: Not enough features... will not be buying
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 12:18:15 PM #
Do what ever feels good but quit whining!

RE: Not enough features... will not be buying
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 12:35:21 PM #
What's wrong with you?
This poster is raising legitimate issues.

Let me ask you: Does your ***** hurt?



RE: Not enough features... will not be buying
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 12:36:18 PM #
> Do what ever feels good but quit whining!

You must work for Palm? Do you have worthless stock options? I bet it hurts--and loving every moment of it.

It's obvious that Palm employees are on these websites as they have sent cease-and-desist emails to many.



RE: Not enough features... will not be buying
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 12:38:59 PM #
Nope I work for a .org with no stock options. No ties to Palm.

Litgitimate issues? That is stretching it.

Maybe it is just the way it was presented sounds too much like my 5 year old.



RE: Not enough features... will not be buying
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 7:14:02 PM #
I like the m505.--just how it is.

You're an idiot
I.M. Anonymous @ 10/12/2001 10:40:10 PM #
Drop the verbal ****s(oops, I mean slips)...brings to mind images of you chopping away at your keyboard, pasty white skin illuminating the room...pathetic.

Y'all are so missing the point it's not funny

drw @ 9/18/2001 7:23:02 PM #
The article is about Bluetooth. The question everyone should be asking is when will major wireless phone carriers (Verizon Wireless, SprintPCS) be introducing handsets with Bluetooth capability.

Having a handheld with bluetooth connectivity to a cdma phone for internet access is an important step. Then with a bluetooth headset, the phone would rarely come out of the holster.

(Full disclosure: I own 100 shares of palm, cost basis: $3.58)

David in Pflugerville, TX

RE: Y'all are so missing the point it's not funny
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 7:31:38 PM #
Nokia and Ericsson both have Bluetooth handsets available. However, these phones need a GSM network, and the carriers you mention are CDMA.

I've seen a demo of this and it's too cool to be able to connect to the internet on your Visor when the phone is tucked away in your jacket pocket!

No! it is about M525 and it has far less than I expected
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 11:03:54 PM #
C'mon Sony, impress us!!!

Sony better come to the rescue!!!!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 10:46:20 PM #
Palm is innovating too slow....Usually we would want something and the products will come out with more features (like ABS in cars). Now people know about it and the actual stuff won't be available until maybe end of 2002 the earliest. What's so difficult above making an ARM palm os device? Sony has got to come out with it faster or PPC will gain its market share.

I truly love palm and I don't want my handheld to be a device with pocket word/excel/flight simulator/gamepack......

m525

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/18/2001 11:21:50 PM #
Who cares about bluetooth. How about 16mb of memory instead of the paltry 8 the m505 has now

RE: m525
Ed @ 9/19/2001 12:24:09 AM #
I think the m525 will come with 16 MB of RAM but the trouble with getting your info from leaks is I can only tell you what they know. I haven't heard from anyone reliable that the m525 will have 16 MB so I can't say one way or the other. If the source for this info hears how much RAM it will have and passes that on to me, I'll let you know.

---
News Editor
RE: m525
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 5:22:04 AM #
I care, I won't buy a PDA until it has bluetooth.

Bluetooth will open up new memory options, think "terapin
mine" for example. Bluetooth will allow me to use me
dial out from my cellphone using the PDA contact lists.
I would certainly like to be able to read my mail
on my PDA without using IR to my cellular.

RE: m525
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/20/2001 11:42:57 AM #
And I care, I won't buy a PDA until it has bluetooth either.

I got a iPaq and a Palm, but with Bluetooth my Handhelds would be real Killers.

We will have Bluetooth Integrated in our Handheld or other Mobile Devices thanks to companies like WidComm, Rapore and Extended Systems.

Extended Systems Marks 100th Bluetooth Design Win

Manufacturers Around the Globe Attracted to Windows and Embedded Software Kits

Companies that have licensed Extended Systems' Bluetooth software and the industries they represent include 3Com and Xircom for the PC industry; Motorola and Mitsubishi (TRIUM, France) for telecommunications; Red-M, NEC and 3Com, among others, for networking; Hewlett-Packard and NEC for imaging; Palm for PDAs; and Visteon for automotive products.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010919/190642_1.html

I want Bluetooth and i want it........next year!

:o)

bertone

Upgrade option?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 1:52:11 AM #
If Palm comes out with a replacment they better have a replacment plan for those of us who despite all the talk of a dim screen stil supported Palm and bought a 505. I like my 505 but would like to have the improved screen and built in blue tooth.

What do we really want?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 4:08:07 AM #
It's all very well us saying PocketPC has this and that, but I think a pertinent question is - what do we really want our Palms to do?
Do we want ARM processors because they will improve the functionality or is it just I WANT the latest thing and have processor envy with my 33MHz, compared to PocketPC 200MHz?
I too though have emailed Palm with suggestions for improvement; hi-res, jog dial, color, bluetooth or wifi, 16MB, power options (I hate rechargeable).
But where does the future lie - what do we want to be doing with our Palms in 5 years time? My suggestions, and most peoples, are just usability improvements.
WHERE DO WE WANT TO GO?
mike mcfarlane

RE: What do we really want?
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 12:11:38 PM #
This is an important question to answer...

1. The most important function of a palm is to organized a person's life. So, the most important function is to simplify organization. (Palm has been leading the market based on this merit alone for the last 5 years)

2. The second important function of a palm is to be a good source of info, via internet (AvantGo) and also by being a excellent reference tools. Particularly in the medical profession, my palm has replaced many thick books that I used to carry are gone. The extra memory I can store on the SM card has freed me from the small 8 MB of internal memory. Now I can store many books in my card to cary, read, and refer back to... awsome!

3. The third function of a palm is to entertain, and this is where the multimedia funciton of the palm comes in. I have palm pix that I can shoot pictures with. I use Splash photo to keep pictures of my family and friends, and some of you are lucky enough to have MP3 on your palm... I believe that this is the next step where the battle will be fought. All PDAs out there can do above #1 and #2, but Palm have faltered slightly here and they are paying for it with their stock prices. However, they can maintian their leadership.

In conclusion, this is what they need to have in their next generation of palms:

High end users---> ARM processor with 16 MB internal memory, high resolution color screen with virtual graffiti,and memory cards. In this category, you need some with Bluetooth capability, some with wireless, and some with neither. Priced around $400-500. You cannot have palms priced higher than $500. No PDAs have been successful when priced above that.

Mid range users---> ARM or Dragonball processors with 8 or 16 MB internal memeory, with high resolution color or b/w screen with virtual graffiti, memory cards. Priced around $250-350.

Low end users---> glorified organizers, probably OK with Dragonball processors with 8 MB internal memory with color or b/w low resolution screens. Memory extension can be optional. Priced around $100-150.

* Low resolution screens should be all phased out within the next 1-2 years.

** High and Mid range palms should have replaceable batteries that is rechargable. Although I prefer not to mess with batteris and just have internal rechargables like my m505.

What do you guys think?

Sam
manicorp@bellsouth.net

RE: What do we really want?
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/19/2001 12:11:57 PM #
Palm as debit card / wallet (Would like to see them working on this by making some deals at universities that have debit / id cards). For me this would be a killer ap.

Palm as portable storage (forget floppies and zips).

Palm as the best personal database in the world.

blue tooth for hotsync

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/27/2001 3:52:12 AM #
Do you think the bluetooth device can replace the hotsync device?

RE: blue tooth for hotsync
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/27/2001 5:48:58 AM #
Bluetooth can allow you to hotsync to a Bluetooth laptop or a network PC (if there is Bluetooth network infrastructure), so you don't have to be anywhere near your cradle to do a hotsync.

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