RumorMill™: First Glimpse of Two Upcoming palmOne Models

A Chinese web site has what is supposedly the first details on an upcoming pair of handhelds from palmOne.

Zire 31

According to a thread on TomPda.com, palmOne's next entry-level model will be the Zire 31. Like its predecessor the Zire and Zire 21, this model will include a 160-by-160 pixel screen. However, the Zire 31's display will supposedly be color.

Pictures on TomPda.com shows a device this is similar to the other low-cost Zire models, with only two application buttons and an up/down rocker switch. Unlike those devices, though, the upcoming one will have an SD slot. It won't, however, include a Universal Connector.

Reportedly, the Zire 31 will use a 200 Mhz Intel CPU, but it is not known yet what version of the Palm OS this will run. Based on the processor, though, it has to be at least Palm OS 5. It will supposedly have 16 MB of RAM.

Tungsten E2

TomPda.com also has some leaked information about an upcoming mid-range model, the Tungsten E2. However, the details are less complete than on the Zire 31.

According this rumor, the Tungsten E2 appears quite similar to palmOne's current model, the Tungsten T3. Supposedly, the upcoming handheld will have a 320-by-480 pixel color screen. It is also expected to have Bluetooth short-range networking. It is thought this model will use an Intel processor, though the processor speed is not yet known.

As is so often the case with rumored information like this, details are sketchy. The prices for either one aren't yet known, nor are the release dates. However, palmOne has long had a habit of refreshing its line of handhelds in the spring and fall.

Missing from this rumor is any details on a high-end model. It is virtually certain that palmOne will release a handheld running the new Palm OS 6 this spring, though no details of this model have yet leaked out.

Thanks to Palm Infocenter for the tip.

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