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PARIS, Dec 18, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) and Orange France Business Services have announced the Palm(R) Treo(TM) 680 smartphone, running on the Palm OS(R) platform. The Treo 680 smartphone is ideal for the professional consumer who wants a more advanced phone experience on a single device, including access to email, web browsing, messaging and a range of features that are easy to use.(1)

"Orange Business Services France is pleased to introduce the new generation of Palm OS Treo smartphone in its portfolio," said Jean-Marie Culpin, vice president, Orange France Business Services. "The Treo 680 messaging solution is targeted toward any business that wants to empower its employees with a mobile connection to their Outlook email, calendar and contacts. We believe the Treo 680 smartphone, combined with the Orange Business Mail offering, is a compelling device to serve our customer needs and expand our current business customer base."

The Palm Treo 680 smartphone is easy to use because of the multiple innovations it encompasses, including the following:

-- Improved phone application, which allows users to dial and navigate the phone features more quickly;

-- Ability to ignore calls and send a quick text message, such as "In a meeting" or "Can't talk right now";

-- A full QWERTY keyboard with improved buttons, making it even easier to type emails or SMS text messages; and

-- A messaging application that displays text-messaging conversations as "threaded chats," meaning users can see their entire conversations with a particular person.

"Palm remains focused on introducing Treo smartphones that will be user-friendly and affordable for both business and consumers," said Roy Bedlow, vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Palm, Inc. "The Treo 680 announced today with Orange is a good proof point."

More information about the Treo 680 smartphone is available at www.palm.com/Treo680.

About Palm, Inc.

Palm, Inc., a leader in mobile computing, strives to put the power of computing in people's hands so they can access and share their most important information. The company's products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm(R) Treo(TM) smartphones, Palm handheld computers, and Palm LifeDrive(TM) mobile managers, as well as software, services and accessories.

Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm Retail Stores and Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).

More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.

(1) Within wireless service coverage area only. Availability and coverage depends upon carrier and the geographic scope of international roaming agreements. Email, messaging and web access requires data services from a mobile service provider at an additional cost. Email account not included. EDGE service not available in all areas.

Manufacturer: Vaja Cases http://www.outdoorproducts.com
Model: 4220OP
Price: $65.00
Rating: 9 (out of 10)

There aren't many notebook backpacks that attract my attention these days. Most have the same bland combination of features. A few pockets for gear, perhaps an area to hold folders, and of course, the padded pocket for your notebook. Boring...

The PowerPack from Outdoor Products opened my eyes to a newer genre of notebook backpacks. This backpack is truly designed for the traveler who wants to take every gadget with them.


First, lets start with the straps. The padded shoulder straps feel very comfortable when carrying as much as 25 pounds of gear. There is a sternum strap to secure the backpack to the body, and support the weight of the gear more evenly. The back has a cooling mesh padding that pulls heat away from the wearer. There are two side water bottle holders that can hold up to 1 liter bottles with ease.


The internal pockets are unbelievable. The notebook pocket is nicely padded to protect the most expensive component that will go into this backpack. There are zippered vents that help keep the computer ventilated and cool, and has an important secondary function that I will describe later. There is a securing strap to hold the notebook in place. There are multiple pouches for USB cables, Cat5, and Phone cord. There is a pouch for an extra battery (a nice plus), and two extra pouches for miscellaneous cables or gear.


There are pouches in the front of the main pocket that are designed for a CD and/or MP3 player. Yes, there are different pockets for them! There is a pouch for a headset, a port for the headset to go to the player so you can listen while you carry. Personally, I've never really liked this feature much, but for some, it is useful. There is a detachable CD/DVD holder made of nylon, but is very nice, and holds 12 discs easily.


Now, the meat and potatoes of this backpack... there is a side pouch specifically designed to hold the power adapter for the notebook. Not just that, but to power and charge the notebook while in the backpack! There is a side slit in the pouch that connects to the laptop pouch (Remember the zippered vents? Dual purpose!). Plug your cable into the notebook when you put the notebook in the backpack. Then, when you are sitting near a power outlet at an airport, in a hotel, or wherever you are, plug the A/C adapter into the outlet, and your notebook is charging while in your backpack.

Overall, this backpack is an excellent buy, with a lifetime warranty. This backpack is available at several online locations, and a few retail locations, including REI (http://www.rei.com).

Manufacturer: Vaja Cases http://www.vajacases.com
Model: PA51
Price: $74.90 and up
Rating: 10 (out of 10)

This case is the latest in the lineup offered for PalmOS handheld users. Vaja has created another case to its well-known high standards, providing the mobile computer user with a case that is 1) Functional, with all buttons accessible, 2) Beautiful, and 3) Protective.

The leather used is top-notch quality, and the stitching is, well, perfect. The stitches are very close together, and without any gaps whatsoever. The case runs right around the screen, and the lid closes over the screen, providing a protective barrier when the case is closed. There are cutouts for the buttons on the left, and when the case is opened, access to the SD slot and IR port, as well as the power slide and stylus are freely accessible. The inside of the case, where the LifeDrive slips in, has a very smooth nylon lining. The case snaps closed with a magnetic snap that does not cause any problems with the machine at all. There is also a belt clip attachment that is very secure. I am not one to use these, but I did try it with the belt clip, and I had no problems with it falling off at all. There are spaces in the flap that hold SD cards, although it was a little difficult getting cards out of the spaces once in there.

These cases are custom made, in a variety of colors and with different options, including a matching cell phone case. Orders can be placed through Vaja, or online through the PalmOne Store.

Note: When I got this case, I honestly thought to myself... whoa. This case is a wonderful accessory for the PalmOne Lifedrive, and will be a permanent addition to my LifeDrive.