[muglo] Re: palm pilot

The Newton is certainly an interesting platform, but it isn't 
pocket-sized (if I recall, it weighs about 1 pound). The palm weighs 
under 5 oz. I really appreciate the Newton and respect those who use 
it, but I cannot honestly recommend it to most of my clients. And for 
those clients who want more computer and are willing to deal with a 
more complicated software, I usually can best recommend the Zaurus - a 
Linux-based PDA with greater expansion options and more software 
(virtually all *nix applications can be used with a recompile). A few 
other comments:

On Friday, May 30, 2003, at 08:21 PM, Alex wrote:

> Palm??? you cant even write on a palm... well, you can, but it won't
> know what you said.

The Palm has text input through Graffiti, a somewhat modified technique 
for writing. Most people have no problem learning it in a matter of 
minutes. So whether you could say that "you can't even write on a 
palm.. you cant even write on a palm... well, you can, but it won't 
know what you said." is somewhat debatable.

> And data backup? Yeah, I guess you can lose all your data on a palm

This is why you Hotsync daily, although the risk is rather low of 
loosing data. Especially if you don't install tons of extensions.

>
> What about a Newton? It actually recognizes 98% of what you write,
> and there's no risk of data loss, as it is flash ram based.

Of note, the Zaurus also uses flash memory for everything and many 
Palms (including the m515 - a very nice model) accept Flash memory as 
secure digital/mmc cards. The Zaurus has support for handwriting but 
honestly, Graffiti is quite good for most people.

>
> Contrary to what Apple would like, the newton OS/hardware is still an
> extremely useful and strong product. People have written OSX software
> for data transfer (and iCal/Address Book syncing), and apple's
> original SW works in classic with ethernet (appletalk).
>

Yes, the Newton is but syncing data isn't exactly like install Palm 
Desktop and press the button on the Palm. Not high ease of use at all.

> If I found a palm on the street, I'd just walk right by it.
> trash, imo
>

Well, if you can handle the size and added software stuff, go for it. 
And send me that Palm you find. I'll reimburse you for your time and 
shipping... :)

Galen P. Zink
Computer Consultant
Mac Specialist - Clark County, WA
(360) 687-9680 - main
(360) 601-2198 - cell


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