Fossil unveils wristwatch PDA
Fossil Wrist PDA
The product: Fossil has unwrapped a PDA called the Wrist PDA that embeds a Palm-powered organizer into a somewhat bulky timepiece. Although it's roughly the size of watches that employ Microsoft's SPOT (Smart Personal Objects Technology) technology, the Fossil Wrist PDA doesn't provide access to wireless data as SPOT watches do. Instead, Fossil aims to capture new PDA users with basic organizer functions. The interface employs the familiar Palm OS and enables wearers to access calendars, contacts, memos, and third-party Palm apps. As with SPOT devices, fashion geeks can pick from a variety of watch faces to customize the device to complement their personal style.

A small stylus is tucked into the watch band near the clasp. If reaching for the stylus is too much effort, the touch screen can be navigated via a three-way rocker switch and a Back button. Palm says the Wrist PDA will last roughly three days between battery charges. You charge the watch and sync data with your PC via a USB port.

Tech specs include:

• Palm OS 4.1 operating system
• 8MB of RAM and 4MB of flash memory
• A 1-square-inch, 160x160 resolution, 16-bit display
• 66MHz DragonBall Super VZ processor

The price: The Wrist PDA will be marketed under two brands. Fossil, a slightly more stylish brand priced at $249, will be available at Fossil retail stores and online. A second version marketed as Abacus will cost $199 and will be sold direct and via marketing partner Tiger Direct.

The prospects: The Wrist PDA may prove popular among those who value personal data more than personal fashion--the watches are bulky and lack the polish you'd expect from a wristwatch priced from $150 to $200. And the 1-inch screen will make reading data a squint-fest. On the upside, the Fossil watches do not require the monthly data subscription fees that SPOT watches do, and third-party developers are likely to crank out some cool apps.

By Rik Fairlie, editor, Computer Shopper