Palm Tungsten
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | October 2002 |
| Founder | Palm, Inc. |
| Products | Personal digital assistants (PDAs) |
The Tungsten lineup represented Palm, Inc.'s series of business-oriented Palm OS-powered PDA devices.
Details
Launched in October 2002, the Tungsten series was designed to appeal to the "prosumer" segment, with pricing ranging from $199 to $300 to rival offerings from Sony Clie and Windows Mobile PDAs. The initial release, the Tungsten T, marked Palm's first PDA identified by a letter and running Palm OS 5.
Shared characteristics among Tungsten models include:
- A 65,536-color LCD touchscreen boasting a minimum resolution of 320 x 320 pixels
- Construction featuring metal or metal-finish housing
- An optional flip cover to safeguard the screen
- An SD slot compatible with SDIO for expanded memory and accessory use
- Absence of an integrated camera
Built-in Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all units except the Tungsten C, W, and E. The Tungsten C and TX models come with embedded Wi-Fi, whereas the T3, T5, and E2 models can incorporate Wi-Fi through an optional Palm Wi-Fi SDIO card.
Apart from the Tungsten W, all devices operate on Palm OS 5 "Garnet" running on an ARM processor and are powered by sealed-in lithium-ion batteries; however, some users have replaced these with third-party higher-capacity options. The T3 shipped with a 900 mAh battery, with aftermarket lithium-polymer replacements available up to 1150 mAh. Each Tungsten PDA is equipped with a five-way navigation pad alongside four dedicated application buttons.
Connectivity options differ per model: the Tungsten T series and C/W utilize the Palm Universal Connector, the Tungsten E employs a mini-USB port, while the T5, E2, and TX connect via the Athena Connector (also known as Palm Multi-Connector).
All Tungsten devices come preloaded with Dataviz's Documents To Go office suite and various versions of Kinoma Player, except for the Tungsten W.
Tungsten E
The Tungsten E was Palm’s most budget-friendly offering within the Tungsten family and proved to be among its best-selling units. It featured 32 megabytes of RAM, powered by a Texas Instruments OMAP 126 MHz processor, a transflective TFT display, and ran on Palm OS version 5.2.1. The device’s dimensions were , and it weighed .
Included were a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, an external speaker on the back, and a mini USB connector that was incompatible with most docking accessories. Upon release, its retail price stood at US$199.
Debuting in October 2003 as a successor to the aging Palm m515, the Tungsten E omitted features such as vibrating alarms and indicator lights found in the Palm m500 series. It incorporated updated PIM applications and an enhanced "agenda view" derived from the Tungsten T3, setting a precedent for subsequent models like the Tungsten T5 and TX.
Following PalmOne’s corporate restructuring, the Tungsten E was succeeded by the Tungsten E2 in April 2005.
Tungsten E2
Introduced on April 13, 2005, the Tungsten E2 replaced its predecessor with improved specifications: 32 MB memory (29.7 MB user-accessible), a 200 MHz Intel XScale CPU, a 320x320 transflective TFT color screen, running Palm OS Garnet v5.4.7. Its size measured , and it weighed . Key features included a 3.5 mm headphone jack, extended battery life, Bluetooth support, and a single rear speaker.
Similar to the Tungsten T5 and Treo 650, it utilized non-volatile flash memory via Non-Volatile File System, ensuring data retention without power. The device supported standard SD cards along with an optional Palm Wi-Fi Card (sold separately), connecting through an Athena Connector port compatible with select newer accessories.
Initially priced at US$249 at launch, its cost dropped to US$199 by October 2005.
The built-in Find function was limited to returning eight results per search query; additionally, an early calculator bug caused percentage calculations to be halved—both issues were corrected in units manufactured after April 2006.
Wi-Fi capability required an additional SDIO card from PalmOne (produced by SyChip), which only supported basic WEP encryption without WPA or WPA2 security protocols.
Due to software constraints, SD card support was capped at 1 GB; larger SD or SDHC cards necessitated third-party driver modifications. The prior Tungsten E reportedly handled SD cards up to 2 GB in size.
Tungsten T
Introduced in November 2002 as the M550, the Tungsten T marked Palm's initial device operating on Palm OS 5. Developed by Palm’s Arlington Heights, Illinois team, it came equipped with:
- 16 megabytes of memory
- 144 MHz ARM processor from Texas Instruments OMAP
- integrated microphone accompanied by a dedicated voice memo button
- vibration alert functionality
- standard 3.5 mm headphone socket
- front-facing audio speaker
- notification LED
- Palm OS version 5.0
With dimensions of tall (slider extended), wide, and thick, and weighing , its unique sliding bottom section concealed the touch-sensitive Graffiti input panel, allowing for a more streamlined form factor. Launched at a price point of US$499, it was aimed at professionals requiring sophisticated mobile computing tools.
The Tungsten T introduced several Palm firsts:
- display resolution of 320 × 320 pixels
- integrated Bluetooth connectivity
- front-facing speaker system
- retractable stylus design
- reset hole accessible via stylus tip
Powered by an ARM CPU and running Palm OS 5, it supported high-quality real-time video playback and MP3 audio, enhancing multimedia functionality for business users.
The slider mechanism was designed to emphasize data viewing by concealing the input area when not in use, thus reducing device height. However, this design led to two notable issues: digitizer calibration drift after approximately one year requiring recalibration (which was addressed through a software patch), and a ribbon cable that could loosen over time, necessitating internal repairs.
This model was the final Palm PDA to utilize Graffiti Version 1 handwriting recognition before legal constraints prompted a switch to Graffiti Version 2 in subsequent releases.
The Tungsten T was eventually succeeded by the Tungsten T2.
Tungsten T2
Released in July 2003 with a launch price of US$399, the Tungsten T2 represented a modest update over its predecessor while maintaining an identical form factor and featuring a slightly lighter casing color. Enhancements included doubling memory to 32 megabytes, an improved backlit TFT LCD display with unchanged size and resolution, Palm OS 5.2.1, and adoption of Graffiti2 handwriting recognition. Due to its strong resemblance to the Tungsten T, PalmOne limited the T2’s availability in certain regions such as mainland China and Brazil.
Discontinuation occurred in April 2004 with the arrival of the Tungsten T3.
Tungsten T3
The Tungsten T3, launched in October 2003 as the third installment in the T-Class series, featured 64 MB of memory (52 MB available to users), a faster 400 MHz Intel PXA261 processor, and introduced a larger 3.7-inch transflective TFT LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 320×480 pixels running Palm OS version 5.2.1. This was also the last device developed by Palm’s Arlington Heights engineering group.
This model debuted Active Input Technology incorporating Virtual Graffiti 2, alongside a virtual keyboard while preserving the signature slider design of the Tungsten line. Initially priced at $399, its cost was later reduced to $349 following the launch of the Tungsten T5.
Retaining features from earlier versions, the T3 included front-facing audio output, microphone, vibrating alert system, status indicator light, and an enhanced PIM Suite offering categorized scheduling, improved task prioritization by urgency and category, plus enriched Contacts support including images.
A newly added status bar provided instant access to time display, system information, home screen navigation, search functions, menus, alerts, Bluetooth status, full-screen writing mode, and screen orientation control.
With RealPlayer for Palm OS installed and a standard 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack present, the T3 doubled as a portable music player when paired with a Secure Digital (SD) memory card.
Its navigation pad featured a larger five-way directional control with a non-circular shape and four application buttons arranged around it—departing from Palm's traditional layout which was later reverted in models like the Tungsten T5 and Palm TX.
An LED indicator offered green/red signals; however, green was predominantly used for notifications.
Connectivity options included the proprietary Palm Universal Connector along with an included USB cradle for charging and syncing with Windows and Mac OS X platforms; Unix compatibility was achievable through pilot-link software.
Initial challenges involved SD card electronic damage and limited battery endurance due to its relatively small 900 mA·h battery combined with a larger screen and faster CPU. These SD card issues were resolved via firmware updates applied both by end users and during production.
Following the debut of the Tungsten T5 in early 2005, production of the T3 ceased. Later Palm handhelds discontinued features such as vibrating alarms, slider mechanisms for compactness, and use of the Palm Universal Connector.
Tungsten T5
Introduced in October 2004 and now discontinued, the Tungsten T5 merged design features from both the Tungsten E and T3 models. It stood out as the sole Tungsten device powered by a 416 MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processor and came equipped with a 320×480 16-bit color TFT display that incorporated a virtual input area. Departing from earlier sliding Tungsten T-series designs, it maintained the taller profile of the Tungsten E without adopting a slider mechanism.
As the first Palm PDA to offer a 320×480 resolution screen without a sliding component, the T5 delivered 256 MB of memory—substantially surpassing the Tungsten T3’s 64 MB capacity. Of this, 161.2 MB functioned as a Flash Drive accessible through Drive Mode, 63.8 MB was allocated for application storage, and 31 MB was reserved for the operating system, which led to some confusion among users regarding available memory.
Although designed as the successor to the T3, the T5 omitted several features such as a charge indicator LED, vibrating alarm, an included HotSync cradle, and an integrated microphone. The speaker was repositioned to face the rear, and it replaced the Palm Universal Connector with the newer Multi-Connector. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity was limited to speeds of 128 kbit/s.
Early users encountered issues related to inefficient memory use, compatibility problems with third-party applications, and driver instability due to the introduction of the Non-Volatile File System. Nonetheless, NVFS helped prevent data loss during battery depletion. To resolve these challenges, HP issued a Tungsten T5 1.1 Update.
The power button exhibited reliability problems over time, often necessitating alternative methods such as third-party software or inserting an SD card to activate the device.
In certain regions like Australia, the T5 was discontinued prematurely because the Palm TX offered integrated WiFi—unlike the T5, which required an optional Wi-Fi card occupying its only SD slot—making it more competitive in markets where wireless connectivity was essential.
Tungsten W
Launched in February 2003 and originally developed under the code names i710/X420, the Tungsten W was unique within the Tungsten lineup as its only smartphone model. Unlike other Tungsten devices that ran Palm OS 5 on ARM processors, this model operated on Palm OS 4 powered by a Motorola DragonBall processor typical of earlier Palm OS hardware.
Instead of relying on silkscreen Graffiti input, it featured a compact hard plastic keyboard designed for thumb typing, resembling that of the Treo 600. This keyboard style reemerged later in the Tungsten C but without external antennas.
Prioritizing PDA functionality over telephony—as seen in predecessors like the Palm i705 and Palm VII—the W supported faster GPRS data rather than slower Mobitex networks. It did not include a built-in microphone; instead, users relied on an earbud/microphone loopset provided for voice calls. A flip cover accessory offered phone-like usability but obscured screen visibility when closed. In the United States, it was exclusively available through AT&T Wireless with carrier locking applied; Canadian versions were sold unlocked.
The device contained 16 MB of memory and ran on a 33 MHz Motorola DragonBall CPU. It featured vibrating alarms, an indicator LED, and operated Palm OS 4.1.1 (with an upgrade path to 4.1.2) tailored for its 320×320 pixel display. Its dimensions measured approximately 4.8×3.1×0.7 inches with a weight of 6.4 ounces. The Tungsten W included a standard 2.5 mm headset jack along with a rear-facing speaker. At launch, its retail price was US$419 before any carrier subsidies.
Following Palm’s acquisition of Handspring and creation of palmOne, the Tungsten W was succeeded by the Treo 600.
Tungsten C
Introduced in April 2003, the Tungsten C marked palmOne's inaugural handheld device equipped with integrated 802.11b Wi-Fi, enabling wireless internet connectivity without the need for external peripherals. Although it did not support the WPA encryption protocol, it provided built-in PPTP VPN functionality to facilitate secure network connections.
The device came with PalmSource's Web Browser 2.0 pre-installed, and users had the option to upgrade to Novarra Web Pro 3.0 for enhanced browsing capabilities.
Its main technical features comprised a 400 MHz Intel PXA255 CPU, 64 MB of memory (divided into 51 MB dedicated to applications and a 12 MB heap), an integrated thumb keyboard, a five-way navigation controller, and a Secure Digital/SDIO/MultiMediaCard expansion slot. Additional hardware included vibrating alerts, a status LED, and a 2.5 mm audio jack compatible with voice recording and monaural sound output using a proprietary earbud headset (available separately).
For stereo sound output, third-party adapters were available that converted the mono audio signal to a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The Tungsten C was later succeeded by devices such as the LifeDrive Mobile Manager, Palm TX, and the Treo lineup.
Comparison
| Comparison of Tungsten devices | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | T | W | C | T2 | E | T3 | T5 | E2 | TX |
| Release date | November 2002 | February 2003 | April 2003 | July 2003 | October 2003 | October 2004 | April 13, 2005 | October 2005 | |
| Original retail price | US$499 | US$419 | US$499 | US$399 | US$199 | US$399 | US$399 | US$249 | US$299 |
| Weight | 5.6 oz (160 g) | 6.4 oz (180 g) | 6.31 oz (179 g) | 5.6 oz (160 g) | 4.62 oz (131 g) | 5.4 oz (150 g) | 5.1 oz (140 g) | 4.7 oz (130 g) | 5.2 oz (150 g) |
| Storage size: total/Non-volatile | 16 MB/No | 16 MB/No | 64 MB/No | 32 MB/No | 64 MB/No | 256 MB/Yes | 32 MB/Yes | 128 MB/Yes | |
| Dynamic heap size | 823 kB | 12.6 MB |
11.5 MB |
4.2 MB |
6.3 MB | ||||
| Display | Transflective TFT (active matrix) |
Reflective TFT (active matrix) |
Transflective TFT screen | ||||||
| Resolution | 320*320 | 320*480 | 320*320 | 320*480 | |||||
| Processor | Texas Instruments OMAP1510 | Motorola Dragonball | Intel XScale PXA255 |
Intel XScale PXA261 |
|||||
| Processor frequency | 144 MHz | 33 MHz | 400 MHz | 144 MHz | 126 MHz | 400 MHz | 416 MHz | 200 MHz | 312 MHz |
| Palm OS version | 5.0 | 4.1.1 (4.1.2 available) | 5.2.1 | 5.4.5 (upgradable to 5.4.8) | 5.4.7 | 5.4.9 | |||
| Audio output | 3.5 mm Headphone Jack, Speaker (Front) |
Jack for proprietary Headset/Mic | 2.5 mm Headphone Jack for proprietary Headset | 3.5 mm Headphone Jack, Speaker (Front) |
3.5 mm Headphone Jack, Speaker (Back) |
3.5 mm Headphone Jack, Speaker (Front) |
3.5 mm Headphone Jack, Speaker (Back) | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth, Infrared (Infrared Data Association) |
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Infrared (Infrared Data Association) | 802.11b WiFi, Infrared (Infrared Data Association) |
Bluetooth, Infrared (Infrared Data Association) |
Infrared (Infrared Data Association) | Bluetooth, Infrared (Infrared Data Association) |
802.11b WiFi, Bluetooth, Infrared (Infrared Data Association) | ||
| PC Connection | Palm Universal Connector | Mini-USB Port | Palm Universal Connector | Athena Connector | |||||
| Additional features | Keyboard, Cellular | Keyboard |
WiFi via SDIO card, |
WiFi via SDIO card |
|||||
See also
- Palm, Inc.
- Palm Pilot
- Palm TX, the initial business-focused Palm device without the Tungsten branding
- Zire Series, Palm’s lineup designed for general consumers
- Treo Series, Palm’s range of smartphones
- LifeDrive, Palm’s series of Professional-Class Mobile Managers
- m500 Series
- Palm Handheld Modifications aimed at improving battery performance
Rivals and contemporaries
External links
- Palm Announces Palm Tungsten T, the Most Compact and Powerful Palm Branded Handheld, Press Release by Palm, October 28, 2002
- Palm Launches New Integrated Wireless Handheld, Palm Press Release (Tungsten W), October 28, 2002
- Palm Releases Tungsten T2 Handheld Featuring Sharpest Screen, Increased Memory and Software, Press Release, July 23, 2003
- MobileTechReview, model database and review platform
- PalmInfoCenter, established site for Palm reviews: T T2 T3 T5
- 1src, extensive Palm OS user community hub
- Palm Support Pages: E E2 T T2 T3 T5 W C
- infoSync World Review
- Comprehensive list of all Palm OS versions on PalmOne devices
- Demonstration of user-friendly interface (video)