Tungsten T5

The biggest selling point of the Tungsten T5 is its 256MB of memory--almost four times as much space as its predecessor (the Tungsten T3). Sure, you can always add storage using the T5's SD slot, but you might need that for something else, such as an optional SD Wi-Fi card.

Interestingly, a large part of the T5's memory is non-volatile: even if it loses its charge, you won't lose any of your data. And 160MB of it is held in an internal flash drive. Plug the handheld in to any computer with plug-and-play support for a USB thumb drive, and you can access your stored files.

The T5 forsakes the collapsible chassis that distinguished previous Tungstens, but it retains its predecessor's handsome 320 x 480 display. As a result, the T5 is a bit taller than the T3--though not dramatically so.

Powered by Intel's 416MHz Bulverde XScale CPU, the T5 is a snappy performer, but our pre-production unit's battery life was adequate for only a day or so of intensive use, even without going online (we wish that Palm would add a removable rechargeable battery).

This is the first Tungsten that doesn't ship with a cradle. Instead, you get a USB cable with a HotSync button. It also supports Bluetooth for file transfer.