Features:
- 2 MB RAM
- LCD display with backlit illumination
- Electronic password security feature
- Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Palm Desktop and Lotus EasySync 3.0 software
Description:
Fully compatible with the Palm OS platform, the IBM WorkPad c3 stores 6,000 addresses, five years' worth of appointments, 1,500 to-dos and memos, and 200 e-mails. Plus, it sports a superslim black anodized-aluminum case and leather screen protector. In order to clear up any confusion regarding the IBM WorkPad c3, it's worth mentioning that this organizer is a Palm V, but with IBM packaging and a black finish. The WorkPad's black aluminum casing is an elegant alternative to the Palm V's silver exterior but still retains the attractive and popular Palm V shape. Like most Windows CE PDAs, the WorkPad c3 is smaller and lighter than the Palm III series organizers. The WorkPad has a sharp screen and with contrast-variable backlighting, which makes it easy to see in both low-light and bright-light conditions. The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries charge while the unit sits in its HotSync cradle. To set up the device, we followed the Getting Started card: we plugged in the AC adapter (which is permanently connected to the HotSync cradle), connected the cradle to the serial port on our PC, inserted the WorkPad into the cradle, and installed the CD-ROM software. Working with the WorkPad c3's built-in applications was easy and intuitive; we easily synched the WorkPad with our PC-based e-mail, used the Graffiti character-recognition software, and worked with the Address Book, Date Book, Memo Writer, To-Do List, and all the other applications that have made the Palm OS so popular. The WorkPad c3 comes with 2 MB of nonexpandable memory, a tradeoff to its slim design. While testing the WorkPad, the only drawback we noticed is that the removable leather screen protector tends to press against one of the front-mounted buttons. In order to distinguish the WorkPad from a Palm V, IBM improved the IrDA port. This allows you to synchronize the WorkPad directly with a compatible PC using the infrared transmitter instead of the HotSync cradle. However, mention of this intriguing innovation is buried in a text file on the software CD-ROM and there is no mention of it in the printed manuals. IBM also includes Lotus EasySync 3.0 on CD-ROM. All in all, the WorkPad c3 is a great and fun-to-use PDA, which is not surprising since it follows the design of the Palm V--the most popular PDA yet. Pros:
- Handsome black design
- Sharp, backlit screen
- Built-in lithium-ion battery pack
Cons:
- Memory not upgradable
- Leather screen cover rests against buttons
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