A beta version of the Palm Desktop with support for Windows Vista was released last summer, but now Palm has posted on its web site the full version of this application. As with the beta, Palm left out some of the features that had been in earlier versions in order to get Vista compatibility.

Specifically, Palm Desktop 6.2 does not include Quick Install, software that allowed 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.

New HotSync Manager, Too

In addition to Palm Desktop 6.2, this release includes HotSync Manager 7.0 is a standalone application, and no longer requires Palm Desktop to be installed on the computer.

All user management functionality has been moved into HotSync Manager 7.0 Migration Tools: the installer checks for the latest settings and reports any known incompatibilities with third-party software.

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 for Windows can be downloaded now from Palm's web site. It is, of course, free.

Using this application, the Palm Centro can be synchronized with Vista and Windows XP, while the Treo 755p , 700p, 680; the Palm TX, Z22; and the Tungsten E2 work only with Vista. Those wanting to use this second group of devices with Windows XP will need to keep using the earlier version of the Palm Desktop.