The
Tungsten T3
Technical Summary
Processor: 400 MHz
Intel X-Scale
Memory: 64 Mb
Screen: 16-bit colour, backlit, 480 x 320 resolution.
Operating System: PalmOS 5·2
Form Factor
When stored, the Tungsten T3 is slightly smaller than
the m500 form factor, but
approximately twice as thick. However,
the T3 has a secret weapon - the case expands to show off the silkscreen. Furthermore, this silkscreen is a software
facility: tap an icon and it vanishes, giving you more on-screen real estate.
The
device has a green LED / power button combination at the top left of the
case. On the left hand edge you’ll find
a headset socket, microphone and button.
Under the screen, you’ll find the four traditional hardware buttons arranged
around a D-pad, which I’ll detail later.
At the very bottom of the device, one finds the Palm’s Universal Serial
Connector. Finally, at the top of the
device you’ll find the SD / MMC slot, complete with a dust cover, and the
infrared port.
Screen
The
T3’s screen is, quite simply, superb, even some years after the device was
launched. It is sharp, bright and crisp,
and it is also big. The backlight may be
varied and can be set to “runway landing light” brightness if needed; for
review purposes I did push the brightness up but for my purposes, I am
perfectly happy to have the backlight set at the lowest level.
Unfortunately,
as standard there is no scope to turn off the backlight although there are
third party alternatives available.
Sound and Notifications
The
T3 is MP3 playback capable and it comes with a reasonably powerful speaker and
a headphone socket.
Storage
The
Tungsten T3 proudly says “64 Mb RAM” on the box, but around 14 Mb of this is
reserved for the system - the user only has access to just over 50 Mb. Nevertheless, this is still very respectable
- the Tungsten T3 has comparable storage to a 128 Mb PocketPC device.
OBD-II Scanner
The
T3 uses the Palm Universal Connector and is therefore fully compatible with my
existing OBD-II Scanner hardware.
Communications
The
T3 has an integrated Bluetooth
radio, which one can use to communicate with other PDAs (including the Tungsten W), mobile ‘phones, or
computers for Hotsync purposes. The
device also has an on-screen telltale indicator so that the user can see if the
Bluetooth radio is switched on, a useful improvement over the earlier Tungsten
T and Tungsten T2.
This is the T3’s Achilles heel -
the payback for Bluetooth
connectivity, the superb screen, spacious main memory and quick processor is
that the Tungsten T3 chews its way through the 900 mAh rechargeable battery in
around four hours of uptime (as a benchmark figure).
However,
it is possible to extend the battery longevity.
Power consumption is very variable - with the screen brightness set to
the minimum, the Bluetooth radio disabled and the processor used for low load
applications (in other words, not playing games nor listening to MP3s),
it’s possible to extend the battery life quite considerably. By the same token, keeping the screen at
maximum brightness, playing MP3s and surfing the web via a Bluetooth connection
to a cell ‘phone will dramatically reduce battery life. If you use it, you will probably need to
charge it on at least a daily basis. For
many users, this will not be a change in habit but unfortunately I’m in the
habit of using my device for seven or so hours a day. I will report back after I’ve spent some time
with the device’s backlight switched off (thanks to some third party
software).
Expansion
The Tungsten T3 has a SD I/O
slot, allowing the device access to memory and Wireless cards.
Summary
The
Tungsten T3 is a superb piece of kit with only one significant weakness –
battery longevity. Yes, it doesn’t have
integrated WiFi or the GSM / GPRS
radio, but I do not believe these to be significant weaknesses (until
another device is released with these features of course!).
Nevertheless
and despite my concerns with the battery
performance issue, I upgraded my T2 for the
T3. Yes I do struggle with the T3’s
uptime on a day to day basis: I have to ensure I bring a means of topping up
the battery with me.