Beta of Palm Desktop for Vista Now Available

Palm has posted on its web site a public beta of an upcoming version of the Palm Desktop that supports Windows Vista.

This version of Palm's software for synchronizing its Palm OS-based devices with a desktop or laptop is the first to earn Microsoft's "Works with Windows Vista" designation, but it has done so by removing some features that were in previous versions.

Specifically, it does not include Quick Install, software that allows users to easily move files and applications onto the handheld or smartphone. The Palm Desktop still allows users to install Palm OS applications and databases ( .prc and .pdb files).

It also doesn't include a conduit for synchronizing email with VersaMail.

What's New

This beta includes Palm Desktop 6.2 and HotSync Manager 7, both of which are compatible with Windows Vista. In fact, at this point they will only run on Vista, and Palm doesn't recommend them for computers running Windows XP or 2000.

It also has a conduit for the latest version of Microsoft Outlook, allowing users to synchronize their handheld or smartphone with Outlook 2007's Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Notes.

Downloading and Installing

Palm Desktop 6.2 Beta for Windows can be downloaded now from Palm's web site.

As mentioned earlier, this beta is only for computers running Windows Vista. It should only be used with Treo 755p , 700p, 680, 650; the Palm TX, Z22; and the Tungsten E2.

If the an earlier version of the Palm Desktop has already been installed, it should be removed before installing this beta.

Palm has also issued this warning: "Please note that the use of the software is at your sole risk, and it is provided "AS IS" and without warranty of any kind."

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Thanks to Josser for the tip.