Palm TX Handheld with Hard Case
by PALM
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Palm TX Handheld with Hard Case
Customer Review: Palm TX as replacement for old Handspring Visor
Summary: 4 Stars
Purchased this for my wife, as a replacement for an old Handspring Visor, after reading both positive and negative reviews here and with the realization that Palm may not be around much longer. Have thought about the Treo before but decided against it for various reasons. Too bad Palm isn't doing so well with their smart-phone sales and it is a pity they seem to have largely abandoned development of their organizers. It's somewhat understandable, though, in light of digital device convergence.
She now much prefers the bright color screen over the old unlit, black and white LCD of the Visor. We set it up for 802.11 wireless in our home network but doubt that will get much use due to the limited browsing capabilities. It has more applications that she will probably care to learn.
After the initial syncing with her work desktop, the TX failed to sync again due to the (third party?) Documents-to-Go conduit (or application) hanging, apparently in an infinite loop. Canceling the sync didn't work requiring us to terminate the application under Windows. After trying a couple of different things, and searching on Google, we were finally able to make synchronization work by disabling Documents-to-Go. This seems like a known problem and is ashame for out-of-the-box behavior. We were also dismayed with the USB cable as the portion which fits into the TX does not have any release buttons and must, apparently, be removed with enough force and in such a way as to cause concern and fear of bent pins. So far, though, the USB cable and pins have survived so maybe the concern is for naught. Still, release buttons would have been nice. Finally, the case that comes in this package seems poorly engineered - with a closing clasp/method that looks prone to being difficult to work and wearing out.
Here's the breakdown:
Pro:
- Bright, colorful screen
- Easy to use Palm OS and applications
- Many applications
- (Relatively) new technology and hardware
- Rechargeable battery
- 802.11
Con:
- Battery is not user replaceable
- Case clasp is difficult to work and will likely to wear out quickly
- USB cable has no release buttons making removal difficult
- Software (specifically, Documents-to-Go) is buggy out of the box, causing hang
- 802.11b instead of 802.11g
- Limited browser and screen dimensions for browsing
- Most unfortunately, I fear Palm probably won't be around much longer
Customer Review: My impression after 2 years of daily use
Summary: 5 Stars
The Palm T|X is my third Palm. My last Palm was a Tungsten E2. The reason for the switch was that E2 lacked the power and capacity to run my medical software Micromedex and Epocrates together. I also wanted the WiFi access.
PALM DESKTOP
I have never been able to make the Palm Desktop sync with the T|X on my Vista system. The driver wouldn't install properly. Fortunately for me, I also have a computer which runs Windows XP, and the Palm driver installs there. Once downloaded and installed, syncing is easy. Just press a button everything is automatic.
WiFi
I used to think the internet capability was very poor. Turns out, it was the connection. Once I get to a location with high speed access, surfing the internet is a dream.
GRAFITI
The writing area, which was dedicated in the E2, is virtual in the T|X. This means it can disappear when displaying photos or pages, giving a much larger viewing area.
However, I find the T|X does not do as good a job at recognizing my handwriting as the E2. Whereas before I could simply use the tip of my fingernail to write, I now need the stylus for more precision and it still makes more errors than E2.
OPERATION
I bought this unit in 2008. It is still going strong. Battery life is excellent. I use it every day and only have to charge it maybe once a week. Charging is done via a cord. It would be much nicer to have a dock, but a cord works just fine.
I've programmed some of the buttons on the bottom of the unit to automatically open my favorite programs so when I press them, not only does my T|X turn on, the software is loaded and ready to go. This is the chief reason I do not want to replace my Palm with a smart phone.
I've loaded my Micromedex and Epocrates onto the T|X and they both work fine -- none of the sluggishness of my previous E2. My entire schedule is on it and an expansive phonebook, my children's photos. I don't know what I'd do without it.
PROS:
+ virtual Graffiti area means larger viewing area
+ more power and capacity to run demanding software
+ long battery life
+ WiFi internet capability
+ programmable quick start buttons
+ comes with a protective hard case
CONS:
- can't get it to sync with my Vista computer
- Graffiti does not work as well on the T|X as the E2
- no cradle
Customer Review: A Medical Student Must-Have!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I highly recommend this PDA unit to anyone, especially those thinking about, training as, or even working as a physician. As a 2nd year medical student, I was aware that going into clinical rotations I would benefit from having a PDA. As a result, I conducted some very extensive research into what brand, type, etc. PDA I should purchase. I wanted one that would be quick and easy to use, as well as have a plethora of medical software available. After weeks of research, the Palm TX stood out head and shoulders above all the other PDA systems. As a bonus, the majority of medical schools require or give the Palm TX to their incoming students. You can get pretty much any medical text for the palm, a number of extremely valuable references, and access the hospital systems via the WiFi. Their are also wonderful patient trackers - which, believe me, make life a whole lot easier on the wards! - and their are also a number of free medical programs offered for the palm (ePocrates, Diagnosaurus, etc.).
I can also watch video lectures, review class powerpoint slides, make or review notes typed in Word or Excel format, view PDF versions of textbooks, flip through electronic flash cards or do subject specific questions. All of this while waiting for the bus or to see a professor! Not to mention the personal organization tools that come with the TX. As a future physician, time is precious and always short. Give yourself more time by keeping your schedule and the ability to study with you at all times. Their is nothing more impressive to a professor or attending than someone who can answer all their questions because they reviewed the material right before rounds, the surgical room, etc.
Customer Review: An excellent successor to my Palm M125
Summary: 5 Stars
After 4 1/2 years of use, my Palm M125 was getting a bit long in the tooth and slightly unreliable. Since I largely used it for reading e-books (thanks, Mobipocket!) I wasn't that interested in replacing it with a Treo/Crackberry/iPhone.
Instead, the Palm T/X impressed me with it's very large and clear screen, PalmOS compatibility, memory and speed - as well as it's use of SD Cards.
Upgrading was as simple as installing the upgrade Hotsync software and sync'ing up the T/X. Everything I had on the M125 came straight across.
The screen is perfect for reading while indoors or at night, although a bit dark out in the sunlight - I haven't found a contrast control if there is one.
With it's speed and larger interface, I've also started using the TX as the PDA it was designed to be, actually using the calendar software and other functions. This ability to do other things, as well as it's ability to import books directly from my computer, were what decided me to go with it over the Kindle - since it appeared I'd have to pay Amazon for the privilege of reading books I'd already bought.
The included Wi-Fi has worked perfectly and has been very useful in testing against wireless routers, as well as the odd spot of e-mail checking away from home. Be advised that Wi-Fi will use up the battery power at an accelerated rate. I recommend getting at least one additional charger (home/work) and although I haven't gotten one myself, consider getting a car charger as well.
While the hard case was actually working out better than I had expected, I did buy a Rhinoskin case for my TX, and I'm very happy with it as well.
Customer Review: WiFi and and enough tweaks to keep me happy.
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm a long-time Palm user with limited money to spend tech-toys, so I have to make my investments count. Most recently, I had a Palm Zire 72 that I have absolutely worn out. Awesome machine that I needed to replace.
I purchased the Palm TX after much thought and review. I find it as easy as my Zire was with some neat enhancements and great tools -- and some odd hitches.
First off: WiFi. Easy to connect, easy to use, smooth and fast. Blazer is a dream and the combination make it my favorite way to browse Bloglines.
The switchable views, landscape to portrait and back, smooth and nice. Combined with my Palm Keyboard, I have a useful writing platform for just about any situation.
I know the Palm OS is old, but this did have some nice improvements over my three-year-old Zire:
I like that I can click and hold the "Home" Button to instantly switch between applications, without having to go through the "Applications" menu.
What I don't like: Versa Mail. I cannot get it to work to save my life, and Palm has been little help. I've given up for the moment and use Blazer and Gmail for my emailing needs.
I don't like that Blazer does not support uploads, which is an issue for me.
I also don't like that two security upgrades were not installed on the system when I unboxed. I have yet to install the second -- which cost $5, by the way -- because it requires a full reset and I will have to reset my preferences and third party applications by hand. Both security upgrades should have been part of the ROM from the very beginning.
All in all, however, quite pleased with this.