IBM WorkPad c3

The IBM WorkPad c3 bears a striking resemblance to the Palm Vx. That’s not surprising, because it’s the same machine from the same production line, the only difference being the black casing.
IBM has priced it lower – only $40 or so, but definitely cheaper — and added a couple of software extras. So the c3 looks even better than Palm’s name-branded device.
Extras are included: Lotus EasySync for direct data backup into Lotus Notes; IBM Mobile Connect for linking the unit into mobile networks using remote access; IBM Mobile Net for accessing the network once you are connected; and DB2 Everywhere to enable queries into remote DB2 systems to be performed and synchronised.
All these applications are aimed at the enterprise market, and would be of little or no interest to most people. However, for businesses looking to incorporate mobile management into their existing network, the c3 is hard to beat.
The box contains the unit, a universal charger, a surprisingly comprehensive manual and a synchronisation cradle that is not travel friendly. All the hardware inside the alloy casing is exactly the same as the Palm Vx, with 8M of RAM and the latest Palm OS 3.5, plus special instructions for synchronising direct to IBM WorkPad notebooks through the infra-red port. This backs up the standard serial port connection to the synchronisation cradle. The USB option is not used as standard, which is
surprising given IBM’s drive towards thin client, USB-kitted desktops.
Each sync session tops up the internal lithium ion battery automatically, but the batteries have enough go to keep working for about four weeks after a full charge, which is much better than Pocket PC or Windows CE units can manage. Of course, there are squillions of downloadable programs on the Net to help fill up that capacious 8M of RAM.
All round, the c3 is as good as the Palm Vx in every respect, but with extra value and a lower price, k If IBM offers bulk corporate discounts, this unit could start to look very attractive.