Handera

HandEra
Company type	Private
Industry	Consumer electronics, Software
Predecessor	Technology Resource Group (TRG)
Headquarters	Des Moines, United States
Products	Palm OS handheld devices (TRGpro, Handera 330, Handera 330c)

HandEra (previously known as TRG) operated as a manufacturer, software creator, and service provider specializing in Palm OS handheld devices. The company’s main office was located in Des Moines, Iowa.

TRGpro

Originally called Technology Resource Group (TRG), the firm introduced its debut handheld device, the TRGpro, which retailed at US$329. Competing directly with Palm, Inc.'s Palm III series, the TRGpro ran Palm OS 3.3 and featured enhancements such as an integrated loudspeaker, a faster CPU, and a Compact Flash slot for memory expansion and peripherals like modems and barcode readers. Its power source consisted of AAA batteries.

Handera 330

Launched in April 2001 with a price tag of US$349, the Handera 330 showcased multiple advanced capabilities that were rare among other Palm OS models.

Dynamic Silk-Screen Area

The Handera 330 was pioneering as the first Palm OS device to offer a dynamic silk-screen area that supported virtual graffiti input. Unlike traditional devices that reserved a fixed section for input, this model featured a fully touch-responsive LCD with QVGA 240x320 resolution, allowing the text input region to be minimized or replaced by an on-screen keyboard to maximize display usability. Developers could leverage a complimentary SDK to create applications optimized for full-screen operation and screen rotation. Applications lacking specific support ran either at reduced size or scaled at 1.5x zoom.

Other notable hardware included a jog wheel, built-in microphone, internal speaker amplifier, combined MMC/SD slot, and a Type II Compact Flash slot compatible with accessories such as Wi-Fi cards. The device offered dual power options: four AAA batteries or an optional lithium-ion battery pack that extended usage to 4–6 weeks, surpassing the typical endurance of two-AAA Palm OS units.

Software

Shipped with Palm OS version 3.5, beta releases of Palm OS 4.1 appeared online circa 2005; however, official upgrades to Palm OS 4.1 never came to fruition due to contractual disagreements with PalmSource.

Included software comprised QuickOffice (compatible with Word and Excel files), CardPro, Backup utilities, and Chapura Pocket Mirror for syncing with Microsoft Outlook. The integrated backup tool enabled saving and restoring RAM data onto memory cards and supported multiple backup sets on one card.

Reception

The Handera 330 earned widespread acclaim for its substantial innovations—especially its larger display that delivered increased size, enhanced text sharpness, and superior clarity. Nevertheless, the dynamic silk-screen area's capabilities were hindered by limited developer engagement and sluggish responsiveness. Compared to Sony’s CLIE devices featuring a higher-resolution 320x320 screen that allowed flawless 2x scaling for backward compatibility, the Handera’s unique 1.5x scaling introduced certain difficulties.

Additional expansion slots and extra battery capacity contributed to greater thickness and weight compared to sleeker alternatives like the Palm m505 and Handspring Visor Edge, both of which balanced expandability with streamlined design. The device was characterized as prioritizing "practical innovations" over visual appeal but was criticized for being "bulky and hefty." Its plastic casing finished with painted chrome silver was perceived as inexpensive in appearance and less resistant to wear.

Despite these shortcomings, the Handera 330 was considered "a robust enterprise PDA" due to its comprehensive feature set and bundled applications. While compatibility with accessories was ensured through the standard Palm III connector, reliance on slower serial synchronization—unlike USB support found in devices such as the Handspring Visor—represented a significant limitation.

Handera 330c

The Handera 330c, HandEra's third handheld device, was an upgraded model of the 330, boasting a full 16-bit color display and running Palm OS 4.1. Despite prototypes being developed, it never reached the market due to a licensing disagreement with PalmSource concerning Palm OS 4.1 fees.

Services

Although HandEra no longer produces handheld devices, it remains active by providing various services such as Palm OS Development, OMAP Technology integration, Hardware and Software Engineering, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing, Mechanical Design, and tailored project solutions.

TRGpro

Processor: Motorola DragonBall-EZ MC68EZ328 operating at 16 MHz
Memory Capacity: 8MB
Screen: 160x160 FSTN LCD with 16 shades of gray
Audio: Built-in amplifier and speaker
Connectivity: RS232 serial interface
Expansion Options: Compact Flash slot
Wireless Capability: Infrared communication
Power Source: Two AAA batteries
Dimensions & Weight: 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches (121 x 82 x 20 mm), weighing 6 oz (170 g)
Exterior Color: Black
Enclosure Material: Plastic

HandEra 330

Processor: Motorola DragonBall-VZ at 33 MHz
Memory Capacity: 8MB
Display: 240 x 320 QVGA screen supporting 16 levels of gray
Audio Features: Internal amplifier, speaker, and microphone
External Ports: RS232 serial connection
Expansion Slots: Compact Flash and SD/MMC support
Wireless Communication: Infrared
Battery Options: Four AAA batteries or optional lithium-ion pack
Size & Weight: Measures 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches (121 x 81 x 17 mm), weight between 5.4 and 5.9 oz
Color Scheme: Silver
Housing Material: Plastic
Included Software: Quickoffice

HandEra 330c

Processor: Motorola DragonBall-VZ running at 33 MHz
Memory: 8MB RAM plus 4MB flash memory shared with the operating system
Display Specifications: 240 x 320 QVGA with full 16-bit color on a 3.8-inch diagonal screen
Sound System: Integrated amplifier, speaker, and microphone
Ports: RS232 serial port and USB port (shared via cradle connector)
Expansion Interfaces: Compact Flash and SD/MMC compatibility
Wireless Features: Infrared connectivity
Power Supply: Built-in lithium-ion battery
Color Options: Silver and blue combination
Case Construction: Plastic

External links

References