PalmPilot: The Ultimate Guide, Second Edition

Fourth Generation: Palm IIIx and Palm V

Two new models debuted in February 1999: the Palm IIIx and Palm V; their low-cost sibling, the IIIe, arrived a few months later. Aside from the physical characteristics described below, one of the most important internal changes was the introduction of a new processor — the Motorola Dragonball EZ (instead of the traditional Dragonball). While similar to its predecessor in many ways, this chip accepts less expensive memory modules, which means that these models’ list prices may slip downward even more rapidly than usual.

The accompanying new Palm OS, version 3.1, offers chip compatibility, but no new features. (You can’t install this new OS on any previous model, not that it would do you any good.)

Palm IIIx, Palm IIIe

The Palm IIIx and IIIe look and work almost exactly like their older brother, the Palm III. But they offer a few bonuses:

Much clearer screen

The new screen technology, made possible by a new, ultrathin 3M film placed behind the display, makes the background lighter gray-green and the images much crisper.

4MB memory

Enough for 40,000 names, notes, dates, and so on.

A more rugged design

For example, the memory module inside is no longer a separate card that can come loose. Instead, memory is fastened directly to the main circuit board.

An interior slot (Palm IIIx only)

Moving the memory module onto the main circuit board means that an available slot remains on the circuit board. You could conceivably filled the slot with still more memory—or ...