I'm considering upgrading to a Treo or something similar next time I'm eligible (won't be for a while). Any advice on Palm-OS handhelds?
2 years, 6 months ago.
15 comments so far
I would wait for the iPhone if you use a Mac, im not impressed by the Palm OS, having had one for a while, if anything get a smartphone using Windows Mobile, it depends on your needs?
I will add that the last time I thought Palm was dead and I was ready to jump ship to Windows PDA, they came out with the Tungsten line. I'm REALLY hopin that history repeats itself cuz I'm getting bored with my TX, as nice as it is.
Dunno really. Seems like even used ones are pricey. I'm bored with it, but have yet to see it's equal really. Small, big screen, wifi, bluetooth, lots of apps, mp3 player, divx player...it does everything. i wish it had a better browser tho.
You might already know this, or it might've been mentioned to you, but one big thing to consider between Palm OS and Windows Mobile is whether or not you care about multitasking. I don't mean being able to listen to mp3s while you do other things; Palm does that. I mean something like running a browser and maybe a notepad-type application, where you're cutting and pasting information between the browser and the notepad. Or maybe copying info from an e-mail to your list of contacts. I really liked Palm OS for a long time, but the browsing experience, and the lack of real multitasking got old.
Bear in mind, though, that now that I've used WinMo devices for a couple years, I've grown tired of them now, too, and have kind of vowed not to buy another WinMo device. Now I'm interested in Nokia smartphones because of the supposed great browser that S60 devices have. Also, I don't have experience with Symbian devices, so it's something new. :)
If you're still wanting a Palm device, Treos are supposed to be a great balance between "real" phone functionality and smartphone features. Unless you're going to have a good data plan, you might find the Treos lacking because I don't think any of them have built-in WiFi. Treos have threaded texting, that presents your text messages similarly to IM conversations, which is kind of cool. There is that line of cheaper Treos with the different colors, if that's your thing. I guess it would help if you would tell us more about what you want to do with the phone.
IMO, WinMo devices are PDA devices first, with the phone functionality tacked on. And I don't know anything about how well Blackberrys work. I've been tempted to get one, but I have heard a few accounts that the browser is not the best. I'm not in need of push e-mail, so Blackberry devices probably aren't well-suited for me. I like to be able to do mobile browsing while I'm out, so I can do price comparisons, look up nearby businesses, movie times, check Gmail, and some RSS feeds if I'm bored.
I have had a Treo 650 for several years now. After looking at the iPhone demo in Jobs' keynote address in January, I notice a lot of things abt the Treo that aren't done well. Now I don't like my Treo anymore. I want an iPhone.
Question: Since iPhone runs on OS X, can only Mac users sync with it?
Agreed with comptr, the Palm seems very dead (I'm an active Palm user since 1996 - including six Palm-based phones). Assuming expectations are realistic and they deliver on even much of the hype, the iPhone looks good. Short of that, S60 phones from Nokia also look very good. I'm not a fan of Windows Mobile (yes, I've owned two of those too), too much interface for a small device.
@steveclifforduk: Well, I do use a Mac. However, I don't want to spend $500 on a semi-smart phone. Also, editing documents on the go (possibly even as an alternative to using my laptop for note taking) is VERY important for me. Basically, I'm with Merlin Mann: I want an iPhone without the phone... and more apps. I have considered a Newton, though, but it's lack of OS X native (or even, for futureproofing, Intel natice) sync options. Using iCal (or SchoolHouse) and Address Book is very important to me.
I looked at the newer Nokia Symbian phones (mainly the N series) and I like them, but they're all pretty expensive ($400 and up). Also, I'm not even sure what programs I can run on Symbian. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a Nokia N95, but they're so expensive. I do love the built-in WiFi, though, since I hate paying the outrageous EGPRS/UMTS data rates.
@y gregkeene: I agree, Palm OS is dead, but unless you're going to shell out $500 for an iPhone or a Symbian phone, give up native syncing with the Newton, or pay extra for (the questionably stable) Windows Mobile syncing software (Missing Sync), you're kind of up a creek.
@jezlyn: I used to own a Jornada 525 back in the day, and I liked it... until it died in less than a year. That kind of upset me, but I did like the environment. However, I don't feel comfortable running a WinMo system with a Mac, because there's that risk of finding the one critical program that uses an EXE installer. Well, that and I've heard horrible stories about their stability.
I'm willing to sacrifice the phone functionality, and use a different OS, provided that I can get native OS X sync software (without having to buy extra software) and word processing. WiFi would be nice, but my worry is the ability to access WPA Enterprise networks (my university, for some reason, decided to encrypt the entire wireless network using that protocol, and has, because of that, locked out practically every WiFi appliance that wasn't a full laptop). I'd love a hardware keyboard too. And pretty much, the only device that seems to fit that bill is the Palm Treo series. Priced at $299 with a two year contract, I might have to take whatever they have, once I'm eligible for an upgrade (which should be a while)
@Kitchigai: You likely got all these similar responses because we didn't know that you had pricing constraints and because it sounds like you don't plan to do this for a while. This market is very dynamic and the answer you get in 3 months will be different than today. Frankly, little meets all your criteria today. Even the Treo doesn't sync all that well and completely without Missing Sync, but all that is moot. If you were buying today, you're right, the Treo is probably a decent enough choice. If you are buying in 3 months, I'd re-evaluate everything again then and so on. One other consideration, especially if you have a SIM-based carrier (T-Mobile or AT&T) is to get a clean, used or even refurb phone, maybe a Treo 650. But even for Verizon or Sprint it would be worth it. Be sure to get it from a reputable seller and for your network or guaranteed unlocked. The benefit of that is that you can probably spend less money, not extend your contract, and make other choices later. Good luck, it'll be interesting to find out what you decided.
@gregkeene: Yeah, I've done some research on this, so I expected a lot of similar responses, but I thought someone might have some odd little thing to add. I am using AT&T, which uses GSM, so I've considered an unlocked phone before. While you're right that an unlocked phone won't extend my contract (well, a locked phone from someone other than my provider would do the same thing), they generally tend to be quite expensive, even more expensive than unsubsidized phones.
I'm willing to drop the phone and invest in something like a TX, but I wouldn't do that unless I knew the TX's WiFi could speak WPA Enterprise (can anyone confirm/deny that?), otherwise I'd find a T3-5 or an E2 and just use that, or a Tungsten C (only for the keyboard).
But you're right, I'm not planning on buying anything for a while, especially without a job. I'm just hoping that sometime between now and when I invest in something like this that Palm will:
A) Finally switch to Linux
B) Be spurred on to add WiFi to their smartphones (like on the iPhone)
C) Improve their OS X support, even slightly (true, that support exists, but all the software seems pretty clunky)
15 comments so far
I would wait for the iPhone if you use a Mac, im not impressed by the Palm OS, having had one for a while, if anything get a smartphone using Windows Mobile, it depends on your needs?
2 years, 6 months ago by steveclifforduk
the palm os is dead if you use tmobile or cingular get a nokia handset that has symbin os.
2 years, 6 months ago by comptr
Yes, Nokia has come a long way and has an impressive software base, my wife has the nokia N95, VERY nice handset.
2 years, 6 months ago by steveclifforduk
If you're using a lot of data, I'd recommend a BlackBerry because they compress the data so that your monthly plan can be much smaller (2mb vs 8 mb).
2 years, 5 months ago by dianamac
I will add that the last time I thought Palm was dead and I was ready to jump ship to Windows PDA, they came out with the Tungsten line. I'm REALLY hopin that history repeats itself cuz I'm getting bored with my TX, as nice as it is.
2 years, 5 months ago by glas
Is there any resale value in the TX?
2 years, 5 months ago by ChristianBurns
Dunno really. Seems like even used ones are pricey. I'm bored with it, but have yet to see it's equal really. Small, big screen, wifi, bluetooth, lots of apps, mp3 player, divx player...it does everything. i wish it had a better browser tho.
2 years, 5 months ago by glas
You might already know this, or it might've been mentioned to you, but one big thing to consider between Palm OS and Windows Mobile is whether or not you care about multitasking. I don't mean being able to listen to mp3s while you do other things; Palm does that. I mean something like running a browser and maybe a notepad-type application, where you're cutting and pasting information between the browser and the notepad. Or maybe copying info from an e-mail to your list of contacts. I really liked Palm OS for a long time, but the browsing experience, and the lack of real multitasking got old.
Bear in mind, though, that now that I've used WinMo devices for a couple years, I've grown tired of them now, too, and have kind of vowed not to buy another WinMo device. Now I'm interested in Nokia smartphones because of the supposed great browser that S60 devices have. Also, I don't have experience with Symbian devices, so it's something new. :)
If you're still wanting a Palm device, Treos are supposed to be a great balance between "real" phone functionality and smartphone features. Unless you're going to have a good data plan, you might find the Treos lacking because I don't think any of them have built-in WiFi. Treos have threaded texting, that presents your text messages similarly to IM conversations, which is kind of cool. There is that line of cheaper Treos with the different colors, if that's your thing. I guess it would help if you would tell us more about what you want to do with the phone.
IMO, WinMo devices are PDA devices first, with the phone functionality tacked on. And I don't know anything about how well Blackberrys work. I've been tempted to get one, but I have heard a few accounts that the browser is not the best. I'm not in need of push e-mail, so Blackberry devices probably aren't well-suited for me. I like to be able to do mobile browsing while I'm out, so I can do price comparisons, look up nearby businesses, movie times, check Gmail, and some RSS feeds if I'm bored.
2 years, 5 months ago by jezlyn
Geeze, I didn't realize how long my comment was. ^_^;;;;
2 years, 5 months ago by jezlyn
I have had a Treo 650 for several years now. After looking at the iPhone demo in Jobs' keynote address in January, I notice a lot of things abt the Treo that aren't done well. Now I don't like my Treo anymore. I want an iPhone.
Question: Since iPhone runs on OS X, can only Mac users sync with it?
2 years, 5 months ago by cbee
cbee: No, they've said it'll sync with Windows --- like the iPod. But, like the iPod, it will probably be a bit better experience on the Mac.
2 years, 5 months ago by gregkeene
Agreed with comptr, the Palm seems very dead (I'm an active Palm user since 1996 - including six Palm-based phones). Assuming expectations are realistic and they deliver on even much of the hype, the iPhone looks good. Short of that, S60 phones from Nokia also look very good. I'm not a fan of Windows Mobile (yes, I've owned two of those too), too much interface for a small device.
2 years, 5 months ago by gregkeene
@steveclifforduk: Well, I do use a Mac. However, I don't want to spend $500 on a semi-smart phone. Also, editing documents on the go (possibly even as an alternative to using my laptop for note taking) is VERY important for me. Basically, I'm with Merlin Mann: I want an iPhone without the phone... and more apps. I have considered a Newton, though, but it's lack of OS X native (or even, for futureproofing, Intel natice) sync options. Using iCal (or SchoolHouse) and Address Book is very important to me.
I looked at the newer Nokia Symbian phones (mainly the N series) and I like them, but they're all pretty expensive ($400 and up). Also, I'm not even sure what programs I can run on Symbian. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a Nokia N95, but they're so expensive. I do love the built-in WiFi, though, since I hate paying the outrageous EGPRS/UMTS data rates.
@y gregkeene: I agree, Palm OS is dead, but unless you're going to shell out $500 for an iPhone or a Symbian phone, give up native syncing with the Newton, or pay extra for (the questionably stable) Windows Mobile syncing software (Missing Sync), you're kind of up a creek.
@jezlyn: I used to own a Jornada 525 back in the day, and I liked it... until it died in less than a year. That kind of upset me, but I did like the environment. However, I don't feel comfortable running a WinMo system with a Mac, because there's that risk of finding the one critical program that uses an EXE installer. Well, that and I've heard horrible stories about their stability.
I'm willing to sacrifice the phone functionality, and use a different OS, provided that I can get native OS X sync software (without having to buy extra software) and word processing. WiFi would be nice, but my worry is the ability to access WPA Enterprise networks (my university, for some reason, decided to encrypt the entire wireless network using that protocol, and has, because of that, locked out practically every WiFi appliance that wasn't a full laptop). I'd love a hardware keyboard too. And pretty much, the only device that seems to fit that bill is the Palm Treo series. Priced at $299 with a two year contract, I might have to take whatever they have, once I'm eligible for an upgrade (which should be a while)
2 years, 5 months ago by Kichigai
@Kitchigai: You likely got all these similar responses because we didn't know that you had pricing constraints and because it sounds like you don't plan to do this for a while. This market is very dynamic and the answer you get in 3 months will be different than today. Frankly, little meets all your criteria today. Even the Treo doesn't sync all that well and completely without Missing Sync, but all that is moot. If you were buying today, you're right, the Treo is probably a decent enough choice. If you are buying in 3 months, I'd re-evaluate everything again then and so on. One other consideration, especially if you have a SIM-based carrier (T-Mobile or AT&T) is to get a clean, used or even refurb phone, maybe a Treo 650. But even for Verizon or Sprint it would be worth it. Be sure to get it from a reputable seller and for your network or guaranteed unlocked. The benefit of that is that you can probably spend less money, not extend your contract, and make other choices later. Good luck, it'll be interesting to find out what you decided.
2 years, 5 months ago by gregkeene
@gregkeene: Yeah, I've done some research on this, so I expected a lot of similar responses, but I thought someone might have some odd little thing to add. I am using AT&T, which uses GSM, so I've considered an unlocked phone before. While you're right that an unlocked phone won't extend my contract (well, a locked phone from someone other than my provider would do the same thing), they generally tend to be quite expensive, even more expensive than unsubsidized phones.
I'm willing to drop the phone and invest in something like a TX, but I wouldn't do that unless I knew the TX's WiFi could speak WPA Enterprise (can anyone confirm/deny that?), otherwise I'd find a T3-5 or an E2 and just use that, or a Tungsten C (only for the keyboard).
But you're right, I'm not planning on buying anything for a while, especially without a job. I'm just hoping that sometime between now and when I invest in something like this that Palm will: A) Finally switch to Linux B) Be spurred on to add WiFi to their smartphones (like on the iPhone) C) Improve their OS X support, even slightly (true, that support exists, but all the software seems pretty clunky)
2 years, 5 months ago by Kichigai