Palm III
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Personal digital assistants |
| Parent | 3Com |
The Palm III is a personal digital assistant developed by the Palm Computing branch of 3Com. Launched in 1998 as the follow-up to the PalmPilot, it marked the first Palm model to incorporate infrared file sharing capabilities and a Flash ROM-enabled operating system. At its introduction, the device was available for US$400.
Design and features
Compared to its predecessor, the Palm III showcased a sturdier and more refined casing, featuring enhancements such as a detachable hard cover to shield the screen, removal of the memory compartment door, a recessed knob for contrast adjustment, an infrared communication port, and an improved battery compartment latch.
Operating on Palm OS version 3.0, it brought an upgraded app launcher, additional font options, bug corrections, and various other improvements. The unit contained 2 MB of EDO SDRAM dedicated to user applications and data, along with 2 MB of Flash ROM housing the operating system and pre-installed software.
Its LCD display remained consistent with earlier versions, offering a 4-level grayscale output complemented by an electroluminescent backlight that could be activated by pressing and holding the power button for three seconds, enhancing visibility in dim environments.
Uniquely, the Palm III’s OS ROM and RAM were situated on a distinct memory card separate from the mainboard, enabling third-party memory expansion or functional upgrades through add-on cards.
In 2000, Kodak launched the PalmPix digital camera accessory, allowing users to capture and view images directly on Palm handheld devices.
Reception
Facing competition mainly from Microsoft Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs, the Palm III upheld Palm’s dominant market position with robust sales following its predecessor’s achievements. It was eventually replaced by the Palm V.