PalmOne has released its first firmware update for the recently released Tungsten T5 PDA.

The 15MB download fixes a number of issues that affect the handheld's "performance and reliability", the company said. Specifically, it addresses "a problem in the Calendar that can cause a crash when the default view is changed from Agenda to Month View... an issue in Contacts when using the Menu drop down list for new entries [and] adjusts the Palm OS soft keyboard to prevent system instability in certain situations".

The glitches had been seen in a number of early T5s - essentially those manufactured before 16 October 2004, at which point, presumably, PalmOne updated the firmware at the manufacturing site.

If you own a T5, create a new Memo document, enter the Graffiti shortcut symbol, a full stop, then '9'. If the date that immediately appears is earlier that 10/16/2004 2:45pm, then you need the update, which you can download here.

The update requires at least 16.7MB of free space on your T5, which should be fully charged and backed-up - the update will erase all your data and any applications you've installed yourself.

Meanwhile, O2 will release an update for its XDA II device on 1 November, taking the unit's firmware from version 1.60.50 to 1.72.171. The upshot is improved battery life, and better GS> and Bluetooth connectivity. The update is also said to incorporate Windows Mobile 2003 Service Pack 2 - which is not the same thing as Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, we hasten to add. ®

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