Should I buy a Palm TX?

J

JWebb

New member
Hello everbody! Newbie here but I have been a Palm user since 1998 when I purchased a Palm IIIxe.
I am currently employed as an outside salesman so I am away from the office most of the time and need a Palm that will give me the following:
1. Wireless Internet and Email.
2. Connection to a GPS with mapping software.
3. Be able to run a database application that I currently run on my Palm IIIc.

Will a TX fit my needs or should I go with a different model? Where is a good place to buy Palm's? My last one was purchased from the Palm store and it was not a good experience.

My IIIc has been a great device with over six years of good service. I will miss it when I move on but the TX seems to look like a IIIxe in size and buttons so maybe I will survive :)
 
There are some limitations with the TX because it's wireless is "B" protocol and as such doesn't come out of the box with certain encryption requirements. See this for more information regarding question #1.

#2 - Yes there are several GPS compatible devices also at the Palm web site that you can review.

#3 - Well assuming that your database has been updated from working with version 3.5 of the Palm OS to be compatible with OS5 then I'd say yes - but if you were to specify the database program then I could better provide an answer as to it's compatiblity.

As to the overall question of should you buy a TX - it's really the only option if you don't want a Treo.
 
Maybe, maybe not. I had such a horrible experience with WiFi in my first week-and-a-half with my TX (which turned out to be broken) that I haven't actually set up my hosed wireless network at home again yet, though I've had it back from the repair service for days.

I also had a very nasty tech support experience. They send you an email telling you not to enclose any accessories when you send it in for repair, with a list at the bottom of what not to include.

Of course no one's sane enough to read this list in detail - and the result was that they glommed onto the stylus I'd sent, assuming that it was an integral part of the device.

A journalist has since told me that his TX is the buggiest Palm he's yet had. So ask around more about other wireless devices before you think about buying.
 
I have had my tx for about 3 weeks now and after initial sync glitches, all is well. The wifi has exceeded expectations. It has replaced my laptop for all travel both domestic and international. Email, online reservations and basic web access are a snap. Plus if you do it right it is all FREE no matter where you are (as long as there is a wifi signal and there always is in any major city). Some of them want you to pay, but if you play the game right you can borrow someone else's signal for nothing. Honolulu airport want $4 per hour, but if you sit next to Continental Airlines lounge you can snag their signal for free. So far I have been lucky. Also, the signal is much faster than dialup and just a little slower than broadband. Fee based hot zones are a rip off. It is only a matter of time before strong wifi signals are everywhere. If ever I need something printed I will pay to go to an internet cafe or hotel business center, but for basic emails and other basic and not so basic info, my laptop is in my pocket.
 
Positive experiences 'thirded'?, with WI-FI access and the TX. I just got my home network set up today, and couldn't be happier. I also use it to surf the web in class.
 
I bought my TX only on last Saturday. It works well at home with wi-fi. Today I bring it back to my office. Happily my TX could support the encryption requirement of my office and I can log on w/o problem.

As mentioned in my previous message. For the time being, I do not know which software could let me send stable MSN Instant Messenger. At first my QuickIM trail version ran well for the last two days but it crashes when I use it in my office.

Grateful if anyone who has used IM for MSN in Palm TX could give me some suggestions.
 
You know, the Enterprise Security Update that Mooseman was referring to re wireless "B" protocol, should have been part of the basic tx software package. For $6 bucks Palm wants you to download the update to a card, do a hard reset, copy down all security numbers for any 3rd party apps and hope that when you hotsync it all comes back the right way. Come on Palm, either raise the price of the unit 6 bucks or be a sport and install it at your source. In fact, give it to us for nothing, but then again we have to do the hard reset hassle. Besides, I guess I am lucky. I don't think I need to update, if there is a signal I'm in, but I will never pay for one unless I am desperate and I mean really desperate. Surfs up.
 
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