Cool Mac Gear

Dana is touted as a true alternative to the laptop, combining the affordability of a handheld with the ergonomic benefits of a notebook computer.

The Dana runs on the Palm OS, the world-standard handheld operating system, giving users access to more than 10,000 Palm applications.

Dana pushes Palm OS further by including a full-size keyboard and a screen that’s 3.5 times wider than the typical handheld screen. You can type or enter data using the keyboard or by writing with the Dana stylus directly onto the screen. All Palm applications are compatible with Dana, and many are ready to take advantage of the wide screen.

Dana in brief:
• Runs over 10,000 Palm OS applications — with many ready to take advantage of the wide screen
• Up to 30 hours uninterrupted work with a single battery charge
• HotSync to your PC — just like a PDA
• No waiting — instant on
• Weighs less than 2 lbs. — lightweight and travel tough

With Dana, you can: print directly to a USB or IrDA-enabled printer; add MultiMediaCard or SD (Secure Digital) cards; and easily exchange files with many popular PC applications like Microsoft Word and Excel.

The combination of a full-size keyboard, the wide screen and Palm OS provides much of the functionality of a laptop.

Dana features in detail:

8 Runs Over 10,000 Applications
Palm OS-powered, Dana will run over 10,000 existing applications.

• Portable
Made of sturdy polycarbonate ABS, Dana is lightweight and durable. It’s easy to transport in a briefcase, backpack, or under your arm.

• Expandable
Two Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard compatible slots let you add memory, add devices, backup your data and more.

• Connectable
Easily synchronize data with a home, classroom or dorm room PC. Ability to share data and software with another Dana or Palm-powered device.

• Affordable
About one third the cost of a laptop.

• Display
LCD with backlight. 3.5 times wider than the typical handheld.

• Expandability
2 expansion slots for cards in Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard formats

• Onscreen Entry
Onscreen entry uses Graffiti in the WritePad area and can be configured for right- and left-handed users.

Size
1.9” H x 12.4 “ W x 9.3” D
4.8 cm H x 31.4 cm W x 23.5 cm D

(By comparison, the 12.1” display dual USB iBook measures:
11.2” x 9.1” x 1.35”)

Weight
2.0 lbs., 0.91 kg

Applications
• Standard Palm applications optimized for Dana’s wide screen: Address Book, Date Book, To Do List, and Memo Pad
• AlphaWord, a full-featured word processor with spell-checker and thesaurus, compatible with Microsoft Word file format
• PrintBoy from Bachmann Software provides direct printing from AlphaWord to IR or USB printers
• Palm Reader (for eBooks)
• Productivity Pack includes QuickOffice from Cutting Edge Software, providing integration with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Trial versions of popular Palm software (wide-screen enabled) are included on CD-ROM
Desktop Import/Export
• Import CSV, Tab delimited, TXT, vCard and vCal
• Synchronize appointments, to-do list, memos, and word processing documents

Operating System
Palm OS Software v4.1

Power Options
• Rechargeable battery pack
• AC adapter
• 3 AA batteries (not included)

Storage Capacity
8MB of memory. Stores thousands of addresses, years of appointments, hundreds of to-do items, memos, and documents, and more than 50 applications (based on average application size of 50K)

Coming in December 2002 is the AlphaSmart Portfolio -- a professional-quality carrying case for your Dana. Made of high-quality simulated leather, it combines computer and AC adapter storage. Rigid sides protect its contents.

The Dana sells for $399.00. It’s real competiton is used laptops. You can buy a used PowerBook 5300 for a hundred or two bucks, or a PowerBook 1400/3400/2400c or even a low end WallStreet for the same price as the Dana or less, and get a ton more power and versatility.

On the other hand, while it is about the same footprint as the 12.1” iBook, the Dana weighs only 2/5ths as much.

You can check it out at:
http://www.flydana.com/

Charles W. Moore

Cool Mac Gear