Palm™ and Palm OS®

Palm™ and Palm OS®
Objectives
• To examine the world of Palm Computing.
• To explore the hardware design of Palm devices.
• To discuss application and software types available
for handheld devices.
• To provide users with resources for downloading and
installing applications for Palm devices.
• To introduce development tools used in designing
Palm applications.
• To discuss Palm’s history and leadership in the
handheld devices market.
• To understand the Palm operating system.
{***QUOTES***]
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11.1 Introduction
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) help people organize their personal and business lives,
and communicate conveniently and effectively. PDAs are finding their place in the market
and continue to expand their capabilities to include such services as the wireless Web.
Chapter 10, Wireless Communications Technologies, considered PDAs and explored some
of the options available to consumers and businesses today. Service providers and hardware
vendors were also discussed, including Palm Incorporated, the market leader in
development and promotion of PDAs.
In this chapter, we examine Palm PDA devices, which include any device manufactured
by Palm as well as other producers licensed to use Palm’s technology such as Handspring,
Sony and IBM. We present Palm Inc., the history of the company and its mission in
the handheld devices market. This chapter examines the hardware associated with Palm
handheld devices, including control buttons (the buttons that control input, output and display
features of a device) and wireless connectivity equipment. We introduce the Palm
OS®, its functions, security controls, management protocols and limitations. We discuss
specific handheld and wireless applications available for Palm and how to use these devices
for wireless Internet service. We conclude with a look to the future of Palm, the PDA
market and the future of the wireless Internet.
Outline
11.1 Introduction
11.2 History
11.3 Hardware
11.3.1 DragonBall Processor
11.3.2 Control Buttons and Body Design
11.4 Palm Operating System (Palm OS)
11.4.1 Modes of Operation
11.4.2 Memory
11.4.3 Running Applications
11.4.4 Security
11.4.5 Graffiti®
11.5 Applications
11.5.1 Types of Applications and Software
11.5.2 Hot Sync®
11.5.3 Development Tools
11.6 Future of Palm
11.7 Internet and World Wide Web Resources
Summary • Terminology • Self-Review Exercises • Answers to Self-Review Exercises • Exercises •
Works Cited
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e-Fact 11.1
A recent article in Computer World stated that Palm holds over 71% of the current market
share for handheld devices and accessories. [***M.Hall, “Microsoft’s Stinger Adds to
Wireless Buzz,” Computer World 14 August 2000: 6.***] 11.1
11.2 History
The early 1990s presented opportunities for many companies in the computing industry.
The technology and development for PCs along with the rapid growth of the Internet allowed
businesses and consumers to expand into new areas. In 1992, Palm Computing was
founded as an independent company to produce handheld devices. There was a demand for
computerized, portable organizer—any devices that could store contact names and memos
in digital, handheld form. Palm’s mission was to create a handheld device, which acted as
an extension of the desktop computer and allowed users to enter small but important bits of
information while away from their desks. Palm’s goal was not to replace the PC but to leverage
its capabilities and extend the work environment. Wireless communication applications
for computing devices were impractical in the early 1990s due to insufficient
technology, poor wireless communications infrastructure and no market demand. Palm
Computing had a vision for the future but needed an entry point into the market. Its biggest
challenge was lack of funding. In 1995, U.S. Robotics Corporation, which specialized in
modem development, acquired Palm and provided it with funding to launch its first product
line, the Pilot 1000 and the Pilot 5000. [***R. Scherwin, “Sneak Peek: Palm Computing
Pilot 1000,” <www.zdnet.com/pccomp/sneekpeeks/960130/
palm.htm>***] These products included organizational features such as an address
book, to-do lists and a memo pad. Palm devices allowed users to synchronize information
stored on the Palm with the information stored on their PCs. Synchronization is the ability
to have the same user information maintained on two separate devices (e.g., a PDA and
PC). These features were unique offerings at the time but today are standard requirements
for PDAs.
In June 1997, U.S. Robotics was purchased by 3Com Corporation, a pioneering network
and computing company. 3Com provided additional funds to Palm, allowing Palm to
continue developing its handheld devices. [***A. Tiosejo, “Three’s Company” ASAP
Forbes 27 November 2000: 212.***]
Palm’s explosive success led to 3Com’s decision to spin off Palm Computing as a separate
company—Palm’s stock value rapidly exceeded 3Com’s
[***<finance.yahoo.com>***]. Palm went public in March 2000. Independent
operation has allowed Palm to accelerate its time to market and expedite the development
process without regulations and guidelines of a controlling parent company. Over a year
since went public, Palm and its products have become leaders in manufacturing handheld
devices, capturing over 75% of the market [***<www.palm.com/about/pr>***].
Palm devices are used in 35 countries worldwide and more than 130,000 independent
licensees are developing applications and products for the Palm operating system. To date
there are over 7,000 software developers (both companies and individuals) and 100 add-on
devices available for Palm machines. [***<www.palmos.com>***] No other PDA
manufacturer has such a widespread development network [***<www.palmos.com/
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economy>***]. Palm’s operating system, hardware, software and applications are discussed
in the following sections.
e-Fact 11.2
International Data Corporation estimates that the market for handheld devices will grow
from $4.8 billion in 1998 to $19.4 billion by 2004 [***”Never Underestimate the Power
of the Palm,” <www.bizjournals.com/boston> 19 January 2001: 19.***]. 11.2
11.3 Hardware
Many manufacturers incorporate Palm’s technology. In this section we examine the standard
features of a Palm device, provide an explanation of each component and compare
Palm manufactured devices those manufactured by other companies, as well as to PCs and
desktop computers.
11.3.1 Controls and Body Design
Hardware design influences customer satisfaction and use of the product. Customers want
devices that are portable and easy to use. Consumers demand simplicity and functionality.
PDAs, regardless of their operating systems, have similar features. Figure 11.1 illustrates
the Palm interface and the specific input/output of the Palm VIIx. Control buttons
allow users to input data and view output, play games, write notes and perform a variety of
other functions. The features of the Palm Pilot VIIx are explained and outlined in Figure
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11.2. Each control button or hardware device on the Palm platform can be found in each
device manufactured by Sony, IBM, TRG and Handspring.
Fig. 11.1 Palm VIIx hardware interface and control buttons.
Control name Function
Stylus slot Storage space for writing instrument.
Graffiti® platform ABCs (left) Handwriting area for letters of the alphabet.
Graffiti® platform 123s (right) Handwriting area for numbers.
Home page link Returns users to main page for applications,
systems options, games or other categories.
Fig. 11.2 Table outlining the Palm VIIx control buttons and their specific functions.
Operating
screen
Link to
Home page
Infrared
(IR) port
Graffiti
platform
ABCs (left)
Link to digital
number pad
Link to Options
menu
Link to digital
keyboard
Power button/
Backlight
Stylus
storage slot
Graffiti
platform
123s (Right)
Wireless
antenna
Calculator
Find
Memo pad
Calendar Address/Phone
book
Up/Down scroll To-do list
bar
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11.3.2 DragonBall™ Processor
The Palm OS enabled devices all use a form of the Motorola DragonBall™ processor. A
processor, or central processing unit (CPU), acts at the brain or controls of a device before
the operating system takes control. This family of microprocessors is used in 11 million
products worldwide including PDAs. [***<e-www.motorola.com/
news_center/pressureless>***]. The DragonBall supports a liquid crystal display
(LCD), real-time clock (RTC), universal receiver and transmitter capabilities as well
as the infrared standard (IrDA) for beaming information between users. Infrared technology
is discussed in Chapter 10, Wireless Communication Technologies. The differences
between the DragonBall processors are processing speed, types of technologies the system
can support as well as the degree to which the system can support these technologies. Three
forms of the DragonBall are used in conjunction with Palm operating systems. These include
the 16MHz in the TGR Pro™ PDA, the 16.7MHz processor in the Sony Clie™, devices
such as the Palm™ IIIxe, V and VIIx and the Handspring family’s Visor™ and Visor
Option menu Provides users with options for applications
such as delete, beam, info, category and
preferences.
Calculator Performs functions and mathematical calculations.
Find Allows users to search for existing files and
applications.
Power button/Backlight Controls modes of operation and power usage.
Calendar Directs user to calendar function.
Address/Phone book Gives users access to names, addresses and
numbers stored in their personal directory.
To-do list Provides user with a task manager.
Memo pad Area for users to write personal or business
reminders which can be stored for later use.
Operating screen Area where all applications and options are
shown for the viewer.
IR port Allows users to beam information from one
device to another with infrared technology.
Serial/cradle port Connection area that links a PDA to a PC.
abc Link to digital keyboard.
123 Link to number pad.
Wireless antenna Enables wireless Internet access and communications.
Up/Down scroll bar Moves screen content up and down.
Control name Function
Fig. 11.2 Table outlining the Palm VIIx control buttons and their specific functions.
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Deluxe™ . The 33MHzDB is used in the Visor Prism™, Visor Platinum™ and Handspring’s
Visor Edge™. The technical aspects of the Dragonball processor are discussed at
www.motorola.com and searching for DragonBall processors.