Editorial Review

Editorial Review

At only 4.7 by 3.2 inches square and 0.4 inches thick, the Palm Vxhandheld is truly pocket sized; however, this model sports a hefty 8 MB of RAM.The Palm Vx handheld also sports a sleek exterior that looks supercool--anintangible value to be sure, but one that's hard to argue with.

The Palm Vx handheld offers the same improvements to its screen that were madeto the Palm IIIx. These updates since the Palm III handheld include a farsharper screen and contrast-variable backlighting, which makes the Palm Vxhandheld much easier to use in low-light conditions. Rechargeable lithium-ionbatteries, which charge while the unit sits in its HotSync cradle, make batterylife a nonissue.

You can synchronize Palm handhelds with your computer so that you can carry allyour appointments, notes, contacts, and e-mail with you. The simple one-touchinterface makes sense to new and seasoned computer users alike. For owners thatprefer Microsoft Outlook to keep tabs on folks for business and pleasure, resteasy. With the simple installation procedure, and Outlook support out of thebox, you can transfer the data you have in Outlook, or start fresh with the PalmDesktop software. In addition, there are thousands of applications for the Palmoperating system available on the Internet that make your Palm handheld work aseverything from a universal remote to a digital book and restaurant guide.

We had no trouble setting up the device, synching with our PC-based Netscape e-mail,using the Graffiti character-recognition software, or working with theaddress book, date book, memo writer, to-do list, and all the other applicationsthat put the Palm OS on the map. All in all, this is a great upgrade to analready strong product. If this is your first Palm, it's a great way to start.

Pros:

• Palm OS interface is simple to use
• Easy to install and set up
• Uses rechargeable batteries
• Sleek, solid design can take some punishment

• Not expandable (has a closed case)
• Case cover opens too easily

Editorial Review

The Olympus D-360L digital camera offers truly outstanding performance for its price range. It's very similar to its bestselling predecessor, the Olympus D-340R, and, like all the Olympus cameras in this line, the D-360L produces high-quality photos with amazingly accurate color. This camera also works well in low-light situations and offers a wide array of compression, display, and printing options, making it a good choice for both beginners and advanced users.

With an interface much like a standard point-and-shoot camera, the Olympus D-360L combines ease of use with digital technology, 2x digital zoom, and TTL autofocus with macro mode; these elements give you the flexibility to shoot a wide variety of subjects. The 1.3-megapixel CCD sensor ensures accurate color, while features such as automatic exposure, white balance, and four-mode flash enable you to capture shots in a range of lighting situations.

The Olympus D-360L includes a 1.8-inch color TFT LCD monitor for picture composition and playback, onscreen menus, and on-the-spot lock/erase buttons so you don't lose pictures you want or waste memory. It also includes a 12-second self-timer, video-out capability, and optional direct printing straight from the camera. The camera automatically shuts off when not in use to preserve battery life.

The Olympus D-360L is easy to set up; all you have to do is put in the batteries and memory card. The included 8 MB memory card holds up to 60 pictures in the lowest resolution mode (640 x 480), and memory is expandable up to 16 MB. Taking pictures is a snap; you can easily adjust the exposure, change the flash mode, change the picture compression mode, and use the self-timer. We ended up referring to the manual to display and erase pictures, but once we learned the process, it was simple to display images in either thumbnail or single-picture mode. The LCD screen is clear and bright, and we preferred using it instead of the optical viewfinder. The D-360L does well in low light, focusing in dark situations and then providing well-lighted images via the flash (which has a red-eye reduction option). As long as you have something stable to set the camera on, the D-360L takes great night cityscapes or indoor nonflash photos.

The Olympus D-360L's strength lies partly in its high resolution--at 1,280 x 960, it's one of the highest-resolution digital cameras available for under $400. If you want the very highest picture quality, the D-360L can even record images as uncompressed TIFF files, eliminating any loss in quality suffered during compression. You can fit only two uncompressed images on an 8 MB memory card, but for certain high-end or professional applications, the uncompressed TIFF capability is a strong advantage.

The only drawback to the D-360L is its relatively short battery life. Four AAs have enough power for only about 60 low-resolution pictures--not nearly enough for a day on the town or a friend's birthday party. It doesn't come with rechargeable batteries, but you should consider buying a few sets and a charger.

Along with the Olympus D-360L, you receive a removable 8 MB SmartMedia card, capable of holding 122 standard quality shots, a Windows connectivity kit, a video output cable, four AA alkaline batteries, a user's guide, and a strap. You also get a CD-ROM with Camedia utility software for editing, manipulation, and panorama stitching. This camera is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh platforms and comes with a limited one-year warranty. --Cintra Pollack and Holly Blumenthal

Pros:

• Bright, clear LCD viewfinder
• High resolution
• Provides uncompressed TIFF recording capabilities
• Compact size
• Does well in low light

Cons:

• Limited battery life

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

If you're new to the world of handheld organizers, the Palm m100 may just be the right fit for you. Under the hood, the Palm m100 features much of the same great software and options we've come to expect from Palm, such as scheduling and contact applications and an infrared port to beam information to other Palm users. But Palm has added some new features to both the engine (which runs Palm OS 3.5) and the chassis.

The first thing you notice is the new sleek, curvy design, which helps make it fit more snugly and comfortably in your hand. At just 4.4 ounces, the m100 is far lighter than the Palm III series but features essentially the same dimensions (4.66 by 3.12 by 0.72 inches). You can personalize your m100 by snapping off the faceplate and replacing it with different-colored accessory faceplates. The Palm m100 also includes a removable, double-hinged flip cover, which, with the flick of the wrist, opens like an original Star Trek communicator (though an over-exuberant flick will send it flying off its hinges). You can also display the date and time through a little window when the cover is closed, by pressing the scroll button.

The screen is sharp and has contrast-variable backlighting, though at 2 by 2 inches, it's slightly smaller than other Palm devices. Pressing the buttons at the bottom of the m100 automatically open the Calendar, Address Book, and To Do List applications. The fourth button maps to the new Note Pad application, which allows you to write notes directly on the screen in your own handwriting (though the original Memo Pad application remains on the system).

The 2 MB of RAM may seem puny in comparison to other Palm models (such as the 8 MB Palm IIIxe), and it is not expandable. However, you can still store an amount of data that would normally clog a paper organizer (up to 6,000 addresses and 1,500 to-dos and memos, according to Palm).

A great plus for users on the go is the new HotSync serial cable (instead of a bulky cradle), which is used to communicate with your PC and synchronize your Palm m100 data with data stored in the included Palm Desktop software application. Note that while the Palm m100 ships with software for both PC and Macintosh systems, Mac users will have to order a free serial adapter from Palm (shipping charges are not included).

While the Palm m100 isn't for everyone, it is a fun and functional replacement for your paper-based organizer and a great introduction to the Palm family.--Agen Schmitz

Pros:

• Fits comfortably in hand
• 1-touch access to time and date
• New Note Pad application
• Synchronization using serial HotSync cable rather than cradle

Cons:

• Smaller screen
• Memory not upgradable

Editorial Review

Isbn: 0345379187
Sales Rank: 84518
Subjects:  1. Cosmology    2. Earth Sciences - General    3. Miscellanea    4. Philosophy & Social Aspects    5. Popular works    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Science / Cosmology   

Editorial Review

Save yourself the humiliation of having to stop and ask directions on your next lengthy road trip: invest in Garmin's eMap. The eMap GPS receiver will give you fairly accurate mapping information, directions, and even help you manage and track your journeys.

For those unfamiliar with the term, GPS (global positioning system) involves 24 satellites that circle the planet. At any given time, the eMap makes contact with at least three of them to determine everything from speed to location. So, as long as you're motoring around the great outdoors, you'll be in the know.

It features a detailed 120 x 160 pixel display, backlighting for nighttime navigating, and easily navigable controls. With the eMap's simple cursor control, you should be up and running with almost no effort. Considering this unit only weighs 6.7 ounces, it could easily be the best roadside companion on long drives--or local trips if you're that directionally challenged.

If you're going to do some serious pioneering, you're also in for a good deal of choices. You can catalog 500 waypoints, 2,000 log points, and 10 saved tracks. But there is a downside to all this power in the palm of your hand: Garmin supplies you with only basic mappings of major roadways and intersections. If you're looking for city-street maps or more detailed coverage, get the checkbooks ready. Garmin sells optional MapSource CD-ROMs that will provide enormous amounts of map data, showing streets, alleys, and even restaurants. A series of different Map CD-ROMs are available and cost, on average, about $170. When all is said and done, with hidden costs, you can expect to spend upwards of $350 to get everything you'd need out of the eMap. --Dave Thomas

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Large, crisp display
• Room for extra memory cartridges
• Map data fed by satellite good for North America and parts of Europe

Cons:

• Detailed maps are expensive
• Batteries last only about 10 to 12 hours

Editorial Review