Critics Don't Get It

I've read some of the early criticism of the about-to-be-released LifeDrive, and it mostly focuses on PalmOne's press release, which hypes the segment-changing multimedia features of the device. The critics point out (quite correctly) that if the market is for multimedia, there are other devices (the iPod, and some of the new video players) which do multimedia better. They go wrong, though, in concluding that this fact means the LifeDrive is doomed to failure. The reality, I believe, is that while PalmOne may be pushing the iPod-like features, the actual potential buyers of the LifeDrive will focus on a different issue: this may be the single most generally useful business device PalmOne has *ever* released, one which (even at the expected $499 price) provides unbelievable value.

Until now, in my view anyway, the "most useful device" title has been held by the almost two-year-old Tungsten C or arguably the Treo 650. I'd still argue for the T|C, which (while lacking the Treo 650's telephone connectivity and sound options) exceeds the all-in-one in display size, ease of multiple inputs, RAM, RAM usage, processor speed, and speed and low cost (free, in the increasing number of places where Wi-Fi is available) of true Internet access. The few areas where the T|C has been lacking have been sound (mono and low volume), internal storage (51 MB of usable space, while helpful, is still not enough for true power users, and only one SD slot means you can choose either storage or an SD-based peripheral, but not both), screen size (the 320x320 is limited for some purposes, such as Web browsing), and Bluetooth (for wireless access to cellphones and other peripherals). Enter the LifeDrive, which in one masterful stroke addresses *all* of these issues, while retaining the internal Wi-Fi which made the T|C unique among PalmOS handhelds. The built-in storage leap is especially powerful, with the reported inclusion of a 4 GB (!) hard drive, a first for a major industry player in either the PalmOS or PocketPC world. Beyond the ability to store multiple films or hundreds of songs (stereo!), 4 GB, coupled with the LifeDrive's variety of software and half-VGA display, allows a user to keep and refer to whole technical manuals, libraries of reference materials, video training materials, medical records or images--whole categories of actual productivity data which, until now, could only be carried around and accessed via a laptop-sized device. Because it's internal storage, it means that the SD slot is still available for external peripherals such as RFID or bar code readers (watch the new applications), databases, GPS receivers, etc. Add the stability and simplicity of PalmOS, the thousands of compatible applications, the bundled cross-compatibility with MS Office apps, the ease of integration with corporate e-mail systems, and the millions of other PalmOS users with whom to share data and usability tips, and you begin to understand why so many within the PalmOS superuser community have been jumping at every rumor about this new device. I, for one, have not been interested in any of the PalmOS handhelds which have been released since the Tungsten C came out, since (for my needs) they were less rather than more capable, but I'm counting my pennies and PalmPaysBack points to see how I can manage to trade up this time.

Forget about (or at least focus less on) the iPod-killer hype--that's PalmOne's way of getting the attention of the popular media. It's not news to Palm power users--we've been storing multiple types of info. on our handhelds (through third-party software or other tricks) for years. Instead, look at the incredible list of features the LifeDrive brings to the table for the price and keep in mind the familiarity and comfort IT pros already have with supporting PalmOS handhelds, and you'll have a sense of why I believe this new handheld will cement PalmOne's leadership in PDAs at the same time that the Treo650 continues its domination of the smartphone market.

Thanks for remembering the data-heavy, rather than messaging-heavy, professionals, PalmOne!
- Professor Jonathan (Long Island, NY)