A phone-plus-PDA combo with a high-resolution display intended for business users. This is not a true smartphone: it is a wireless data device first and a mobile second. Phone capability requires the use of a headset, although there are plans for an OEM cover accessory that will let users put the unit up to their head like a conventional handset.
The Tungsten W's 33-MHz Dragonball processor and slightly older OS version (Palm OS 4.1.1) sacrifice high performance for longer battery life and efficiency. Palm OS 4 supports Web clipping applications, which allow users to browse websites using very little bandwidth, while its successor does not. The Tungsten's Palm OS 4.1.1 is enhanced to work with the unit's striking 320 x 320 pixel, 16 bit 65,000 color display. Some games may lag noticeably, but for almost any other situation the pairing of OS and display works well. Battery life is exceptionally good.
Business users might not be bothered by having to use an earbud to transmit voice, and may forgive the lack of speakerphone and voice dial. Equally, they may or may not be bothered by the Tungsten W's hit-and-miss support for email protocols: POP is supported, so public email services like Hotmail and Yahoo are simple to reach, but to access email accounts protected by a corporate firewall, users will have to sign up for special redirection services from their provider, which will cost them extra.
Putting all this together, you have an incomplete package for the business user, and those who are considering the Palm Tungsten W will have to pay close attention to comparing their needs to the unit's strengths and weaknesses.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Palm Tungsten W user manual here.
Palm backs up the Tungsten W with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Tungsten W has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Palm support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Palm's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Palm Tungsten W Manual (PDF)
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