Palm V/Vx models and color models all have rechargable batteries,
rather than alkalines (AAA).
Battery life of color models is significantly less than grayscale
ones.
Model heights/widths are all about the same; the color models and
wireless models are slightly longer.
Models with expansion slots can usually support more memory. Apps
can often be run directly from CF and Springboards, but not from
memory sticks.
OS in Palm IIIe and all Handspring devices can NOT be upgraded.
(**) Palm VII devices cannot currently be upgraded (but technically,
it's possible). (***) Sony devices can only be upgraded by taking
them to a service center.
Palm used to provide OS upgrades for free, but starting with OS
3.5, it costs $15 to upgrade.
Handspring and Sony cradles are USB by default. Sony only
supports USB, so Windows 95/NT and Macintosh users are out of luck.
Built-in Apps
PalmOS 3.5 replaces MemoPad app with NotePad (same idea, but
allows freeform writing on screen).
The Palm IIIxe, Palm IIIc, Palm Vx, and Palm m100 all include
AvantGo (offline
web browser) with bundled applications.
The Palm IIIc also includes a CD with
PowerOne (an enhanced color calculator),
Album
To Go (for viewing color photos and images), and
DateBk3 instead of DateBook,
Parens instead of built-in calculator, and
City Time
world clock (new).
The HandEra 330 comes with the above apps (or similar), along with
QuickOffice.
Sony Clié comes with five billion add-ons, including
PictureGear Lite (digital image
management), MemoryStick Gate (memory management), and a handful of
games. AvantGo, gMedia (video player), and
TrueSync (sync software) are also included on a
CD.
Palm IIIe
old Palm entry-level model, soon to be discontinued
Palm IIIx/xe
IIIx is last model to have expandable internal slot for things like
pagers, more memory
both discontinued, superseded by m105
Palm IIIc
only Palm device to support color
Palm m100
Palm's new entry-level model
screen size is about 25% smaller, but resolution is the same
supports snap-on faceplates
cover has hole allowing for "clock-at-a-glance"
has better audio (not sure how it compares to TRG Pro)
first models to include OS 4.0 and Secure Digital (SD) expansion
slots
cover has hole allowing for "clock-at-a-glance" w/ Clock app
screen size may be smaller, a la m100 (?)
may have improved audio (?)
m505 has reflective side-lit screen
Palm VII
wireless access built-in
works via Palm.Net (proprietary gateway), costs $10-45/month
utilizes "web clipping" - does not retrieve actual HTML pages
Visor/Visor Deluxe
expandable via Springboard modules (proprietary)
Springboards still not very big in number
capabilities are greater than Compact Flash spec
cradle for standard Visor NOT included ($20-40 extra).
Deluxe model comes in different colors
Visor Platinum/Prism/Neo
both use faster processor for up to 50% improvement in speed vs.
all other models, including Palm's and Sony's.
Neo replaces Platinum; comes in different colors.
Visor Edge
competitor to Palm V*/m50x models
metal-encased, thinner design
also uses faster processor
has new, smaller expansion slot, but can also use standard
springboard via add-on backpack
TRG Pro
(*) has 2 MB Flash RAM in addition to 8 MB standard
has enhanced audio (better speaker)
CF cards drain battery life somewhat faster
HandEra
new name for TRG Pro
new model (330) is based on older TRG Pro models (w/ speaker and CF
slot)
new hardware/apps adds SD slot, jog dial, and voice recorder
increasing resolution to 240x320, partly by getting rid of silk
screen at bottom (making it virtual part of display), but not all
third-party programs may take advantage of this by default
has twice the battery life of a Palm III (by using twice as many
batteries or lithium-ion)
Sony Clié PEG-S300/PEG-S320
(*) has 2 MB Flash RAM (4 MB in S320) in addition to 8 MB standard
has "Jog Dial" navigator on side for thumb-scrolling
comes with an 8 MB memory stick and detachable AC travel adapter
screen is about 5% smaller (3" diameter)
Sony Clié PEG-N610C/PEG-N710C/PEG-N760C
(*) has 2 MB Flash RAM (4 MB in N610C) in addition to 8 MB standard
increases resolution to 320x320
N710C includes headphone jack, additional silkscreen buttons,
remote control for MP3 playback
N760C replaces N710C; upgrades OS and has 16-bit color