[muglo] Re: palm pilot

Rich:

On Saturday, May 31, 2003, at 07:04 AM, Rich wrote:

> Galen:
>
>> 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.
>
> Most people?  A study done by Handspring showed them the keyboard (a 
> la RIM)
> was much preferred.  Preferred enough they stole the design and RIM 
> took
> them to court, only to result in an out of court settlement, and a 
> contract
> to use the technology.  Graffiti is terrible technology.

Well, that depends. Personally, I find that I can use Graffiti more 
easily than a keyboard in terms of speed when the keyboard occupies 
roughly the same space, as it would on PDA. There are others who 
disagree. But Graffiti isn't a "terrible" technology. If I really am 
going to take notes a lot, I just bring a full-size fold-up keyboard or 
a my iBook.

>
>>> 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.
>
> Hotsync has been an issue since they brought it out.  IR and Bluetooth
> should rectify this.  One of the reasons I think Apple has Rendezvous.

Yes, there have been Hotsync issues, but the latest version running 
under OS X seems to work quite reliably under most configurations.

>
>> 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.
>
> For any good throughput, portable roll-up type keyboards are preferred.
> Nothing beats a keyboard.

If you are note taking or something really intensive like that, I agree.

>
>> 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.
>
> Again, Hotsync has been terrible since day 1.  I gave up on the Palm
> Desktop, my Palm Professional and OS 9 a long time ago.  I got myself 
> a RIM
> 957.

It works awfully well under Mac OS X at the moment with any semi-modern 
Palm OS devices...

>
>> 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... :)
>
> I believe Apple will come out with a PDA some time in the future.  They
> apparently have their minds on tablets beforehand, so maybe something
> inbetween will surface.
>

I agree - Apple is probably going to. And it will be like so many other 
things - there are lots of products in the field, but for the average 
user, the Apple product just shines and is the best option. (Note that 
there still will be a strong demand for other devices, and there will 
be good arguments for other devices, but the Apple product will find a 
niche.) They've done this many times with iMovie, iTunes, iPhoto, 
Safari, etc. I look forward to being able to recommend Apple PDAs to my 
clients - probably over Palm OS devices.

>
> --- Rich Fortnum / Viaduct Productions / Toronto (EST)
> --- LDCMS Web-based Content Management System
> --- Affordable, Quick, Powerful, Logical!
> --- http://www.viaduct-productions.com

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


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