PalmOne device boasts 4GB hard drive capacity

Handheld maker PalmOne has introduced the LifeDrive, which it said is the first of a new category it describes as mobile manager devices. The unit has a 4GB hard disk that stores much more data than a traditional handheld, and meets users' demands for advanced devices for mobile computing, the firm said.

The LifeDrive, available in limited numbers now and in volume from June, is about the same size as PalmOne's Tungsten T5, but twice as thick. It is based on a 416MHz Intel XScale processor with 32MB memory, has a high-resolution 320x480 screen, and features both Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless capability.

But the success of the new device will hinge on its synchronisation capabilities, according to PalmOne marketing manager for Northern Europe, Colin Holloway.

"Users hate having to back up their PDA and choose which files to take with them. With LifeDrive, you just dump everything, your entire My Documents folder, onto the device and take it with you," Holloway said.

The device is aimed at business users, but lets them carry video and music files for relaxation in addition to work-related Office documents and emails, he added.

The LifeDrive runs Palm OS 5.4 Garnet and features PalmOne's VersaMail email client, plus Documents To Go from DataViz, which enables users to view and edit Microsoft Office documents. It also comes with a Camera Companion to offload pictures from a digital camera to the LifeDrive's hard disk.

Because of its hard disk, the LifeDrive's built-in battery will last about two days per charge, Holloway said, which is less than PalmOne's handhelds but still respect- able. The LifeDrive costs £280 + VAT.