Palm Tungsten T5

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Palm Tungsten T5

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Richard Poelling
Kurtis
PalmOne
Jan. 31, 2005

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User Interface

The T5 uses the same user interface as most other Palm-powered devices. Along the bottom is the graffiti writing area. A directional button is located on the bottom of the device for use with navigation. Flanking the central button are two smaller buttons on each side. Although they have default functionality, this can be changed within the OS at any time to fit the user's preference. From left to right, these buttons are: Home, Scheduling, Contacts, and Files. Pressing these buttons multiple times will cycle you through different views of that particular function.

Located on the bottom of the T5 you will notice the "universal adapter" fitting that allows the T5 to sync. This fitting is also what is needed to properly interface with a cradle, which is NOT included. It may or may not be apparent from the picture, but it is possible to plug the power supply directly into the T5. The plug is small and it is a hassle, but it is possible. Along the top of the T5 you will find the recessed power button, similar to the T3, which is still hard to press. This can be good for the fact that you probably won't accidentally power it on, but when you actually want to turn it on, it will annoy you. Located on top you will also find the headphone jack and the memory card slot. When a memory card is not present, a piece of plastic fits in its place to keep dust and dirt from contaminating the slot.

On the right edge you will find the stylus which is removed by pushing it up and out of its hiding place. I thought it worked well, but then again I am also right handed. A left handed person might find it awkward to reach around to the other side to get the stylus, but then again I might just be imagining that. On the left is a small groove in which the included screen protector fits. This slot is also used for third party holders to, you guessed it, hold it. On the back you will find the external speaker and the reset button. Thats about it for the exterior of the T5. As for pushing the reset button, the top part of the stylus can be unscrewed to reveal what I would refer to as the reset-button-pusher.

That's the hardwired stuff, now for the software navigation. The T5 uses a very similar user interface to that of the T3. This is primarily due to the fact that they both sport the newer, larger screen size. To fit the larger screen, the graffiti writing area was digitized. The byproduct of this fact is that it can be hidden to utilize the full 320 X 480 screen size. Unfortunately, like the T3, some of the programs included with the T5 still do not have the ability to utilize this feature. This is more of a complaint with the underlying OS than the actual device itself. I could understand the lack of support for the T3 since it was such a new innovation in screen sizes, but for the T5 to also carry over this flaw, I find that very disappointing. It kind of defeats the whole purpose of having a larger screen when the extra area is being taken up by the digitized writing area. Come on guys, get with the program here! If I wanted a small screen I would just buy a Zire and save my money.

Along with the T5's large screen size comes a new way to work with it. The T5, like the T3, has the ability to rotate the display into landscape format. For the day to day operation of the T5, I did not use this function that much. Where it really comes in handy is when you are viewing word docs or even spreadsheets. Having the additional width is very helpful when working with these programs. Since it is just a stylus tap away, changing orientations is a snap.

Unlike the T3, the T5 does not come with a voice recorder. If this functionality is important for you, then you may want to consider the T3 or use a separate voice device. For a PDA that is supposed to be the "high" end model, the T5 appears to be losing features rather than gaining them.

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Page 3 of 6

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions & Getting Started
Page 3: User Interface
Page 4: Testing
Page 5: Quality Check & Software
Page 6: Conclusion

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3 User Comments

1 - Posted by EmoMakesMeCry on January 31, 2005 - 11:54 am

the T5 seems pretty sweet but i prefer pocket pc's over anything running the palm os. like the ipaq rx series, the old hp 1900 series, dell axim x50, x30, and of course the fujitsu loox.

2 - Posted by Rich on January 31, 2005 - 12:58 pm

The T5 is nice, but by the time you add the WiFi card and a cradle, you could buy one of the new Axim x50's which I think have a better screen anyway. I am currently using an old HP Jornado and I like it alot. It is using an old version of pocket PC but runs nicely.

3 - Posted by Guest on April 11, 2005 - 8:44 am

Helpful, thorough, guided me to a (not) buying (for now) decision.

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