Big Questions about T3 and Palm OS

P

PokemonPerson

New member
Hello guys, I recently purchased a T3, but I may return it(haven't opened it yet), however I do have a few questions about it.

Can I use headset on the T3, in order to listen and use
a microphone at the same time? This is to take down
memos(both voice to text w/ special software) Will it support it?


Is Palm OS backwards compatible? Can I use
software made for 3.5 on 5.2.1? such as a game,
clock, utility app?( I have seen many on
freeware sites for palm OS)

I may have misunderstood, but the Palm OS that
was originally preinstalled in the unit cannot be replaced
by a newer version?(ie, T3 w/ 5.2.1 to T3 w/ 6.0)

Finally,
Are there any palm OS 5.2.1 emulators? So I can
run the freeware programs on that first, and if
it doesn't crash or runs good enough I can port
it over to the real thing. (which emulator is best)

thanks in advanced... sorry if these questions are "rookie" ones.
 
Regular stereo headset works. Microphone cannot be removed from side of PDA, so cannot use speaker/mic headsets.

Most OS3.5 SW will run, but some SW is nasty and will not run. If you have MUST HAVE SW titles, post and somebody might be able to answer. As a general rule OS3/4 hacks DO NOT WORK, but SOME will completely or partially work with a "hack master for OS5", tealmaster (shareware).

The OS CAN be replaced with a newer version, as the T3 device has flash. The problem is PalmOne appears to be unwilling to provide an upgrade to the OS. :(

Yes there are OS5 emulators, but not sure if they'll do what you want as far as testing. Others may have more info. To get one you'll need to register as a developer at PalmOne (and/or PalmSource?) - registration is free (I think).
 
Generally speaking, the OS updates tend to be specific to features on new or different PDA's. Example, the OS5 update for the Treo supports Treo features and would not be necessary for the T3. We still may not see Cobalt until 2006 so an upgrade to it is relatively moot.

For the most part, the PIM applications are not updated much. Besides, PIM replacements like Agendus and DateBk5 are very powerful.

Regarding older applications, I wouldn't base my purchase (or decision to keep) on compatibility with old freeware. The good software has largely been rewritten for OS5 and looks much better on the hi-res screen. Some may disagree with me on this point but if you are new to the PDA world, it won't be an issue.
 
Thank you for the replies. It has been very informing. However, I am not basing my purchase by this tidbit alone. I really like the T3, I really do, but I would like to use it for years to come, (2-4 years) and if the battery is not replaceable, when it goes out, the pda goes out.

I am reminded of the time when my father purchased a cordless drill sometime in the early 80's(maybe it was even the very late 70's). He purchased a top of the line cordless drill with an irreplaceable niCad battery, he loved that thing(it was quite expensive back then). Anyways, two years of strenuous use killed the battery life, and it became useless. Again, when the battery is gone, the machine is gone. Then somewhere in the latter 80's, he purchased a 9.6V makita cordless drill that used replaceable batteries, still to this very day, he has it, and it still gets the job done. In fact, they still make replacement batteries for it. The battery cycle is a crucial feature for me to consider, if I am going to spend $300+(which I already did) I want it to be a prospective device, not a temporary disposable one. I couldn't see how it would become truly obsolete either, an organizer can still serve as an organizer tommorow or 3-4 years from now(For a PC I would argue different)... So I will reluctantly(hate to see such a cool gadget go back) return my T3(unopened from its box). :(

thanks again, ps don't take any offense to what I said about the T3, its a great machine, its just not what I'm looking for.
 
But you posted three threads on here:

("recommend the T3?," "Big Questions about T3 and Palm OS," and "Just about to buy T3.."

asking several questions about the T3, OS, software, battery life and emulators, which were answered. You bought one.

AND THEN DIDN'T EVEN OPEN IT?

If you're concerned about longevity, I wouldn't think a PPC will last 4 years and be "mint," either. They're coming out with new models weekly, it seems. They'll also have an "OS6 warrior" in their stable, too.

However, the T3 has the greatest possible range of software compliance of any models out there -- it takes some older software (which I use a lot), some OS4 hacks, AND the new OS5 stuff. It's lightning quick and has a bright screen (which you need while the unit is "on").

It therefore turned out to be quite a hybrid of speed and "newness" COMBINED with compatibility with a great deal of older software. It also has landscape and as egarc pointed out a battery is $39.95.

If you've read the PPC forums they've got problems too.

I just can't believe you bought one, after many questions, and then didn't even open it before returning. If you're going to go as far as an EMULATOR and switching out ROMs, at least you've got somewhat of a possibility of that "tweaking" with a Palm; I don't see anyone flash-ROM'ing a PPC or using a product like JSprat to reduce clutter. The OS switching is a moot point, since 1)that's what new models are for and 2) I for one certainly DON'T WANT a newer OS "just 'cause." I want one that WORKS, and 5.2.1 WORKS. That's why I made the leap from OS4.0 last December but WON'T make the leap to OS6.

I'm afraid you're trying to be "careful," which is commendable, but really have no idea how to assimilate the information you've got and have been given because you didn't EVEN TURN IT ON. PDA's are'nt electric drills or blenders or cars . . . they small electronic address books with whatever "extras" being up to you.

Because something has a longer battery life doesn't mean you can look at an excel sheet as easily, or drag photo images, or use Agendus while IT IS ON. It is during "on-time" that you notice the . . . uh . . . differences.

Good luck with whatever you purchase. I'm just "itchy" at the prospect that we've "kinda been trolled." Usually when you buy something for testing, AFTER GIVING US ALMOST A DAILY COUNTDOWN TO PURCHASE (few of us slept), you at least turn it on.
 
Yes, I wanted to open it, I was dying to, who wouldn't be?? But the sales manager told me that they wouldn't accept it if it was opened(unless something was wrong with it). And, yes, its back at the store now, I felt like something inside of me died when I gave it back, but I don't think I'm in regret. I did not know of the battery replacement with instructions. Yet still, I can wait for the next bargain. As for now, I will still be using my trusty watch, pen, and paper plan book, along with other things that could/can/and one day will be replaced by a PDA.
 
PS, I appologize Palmtealover for keeping you on an anxious wait, but I respect you and other forum members here for being so passionate about posts. Kudos to everyone here!
 
Back
Top