TX vs. T5

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Dogg Gone (DG)

New member
Thinking about the T5 Palm w/ 256 meg memory over the new TX with less memory

Any comments or suggestions regarding differences, processor advantages, version of Palm software.
 
Definitely a tough choice here ... should you go the more memory and better processor offered by the T5 or the added versatility of Wifi offered by the T|X?? Essentially, the two devices are exactly the same except for those areas ... they both look exactly the same (except for colour), have the same layout of buttons, ports etc. and even have the same version of Palm OS - Garnet.

So I guess what you have to really ask yourself, is what am I going to do with this snazzy little device! Will you be using the WiFi at all?? Just remember, that in-built wi-fi will always be faster than the SD card add-on ... and if memory is your main concern, I've read that the T|X can support up to a 2GB card (just do a search on this forum). Processor wise ... hmmm, yeah, it is a shame that the T|X is substantially slower than the T5, but with that comes added battery life! Again, ask yourself what you will be doing on this thing ...

As I recommended to migoblu, the best thing is to take an SD Card (full of programs/files that you think you will typically be using on your new Palm) to your local electronics retailer, and test it out on the handheld.

Another thing to be concerned about is that the T5 (from what I've read), has encountered more problems than the T|X (read opinions from CNET.com). Also, with the extra memory on the T5, apparently, it is not considered to be one by the device, but is split into two ... one part for program, another for general storage ... although both you can write to. The T5 has the added functionality of 'drive mode', which allows it to be treated as an external hard drive when plugged into the USB port of a computer - but you can do this with the T|X through third party software anways ...

Good luck!!

Drewster
 
After 5 years with my trusty Handspring VDx, I just upgraded to a E2, but now I'm considering trading it in for the T|X instead. I don't see a graffiti entry pad on the T|X -- does it come up on the screen itself once it's turned on? Anyone have any feedback about the pros and cons of how that works?
 
Yes it works similarly to the T5 and T3. You'll see an arrow in the lower right hand corner. The DIA (Dynamic Input Area) will hide and unhide based upon that arrow.

Depending upon the program - it will do so automatically but can usually be "called" for graffiti input as needed. This gives you the ability of a true 640 X 480 screen and landscape views.
 
Ah thanks. That screen size is tempting, especially since I've been meaning to get an application to view my Excel files. And Circuit City's got the T|X on sale for 269.99 now!
 
Just to add to what MooseMan has said, an important thing to note is that some programs will force you to display the graffiti area because they aren't designed to take advantage of the bigger screens that come standard with the T|X, T5, T3, LifeDrive etc. However, this is mainly with the older palm programs, and isn't too much of a concern given that most developers are constantly updating their programs ... I just wanted to let you know, seeing that you're moving from a Palm OS 3-based device, and also so that you don't get 'disappointed' that not all programs can take advantage of the bigger screen - (it is a beautiful screen though! :D )

The dynamic input area that MooseMan mentioned works exactly the same as the traditional input area on the Handspring VDx, but having to turn it on and off is a bit hard to get used to initially ... give it a couple weeks! I guess I was just used to it always being there on my Palm IIIx!

Oh, and you do know that the T|X has graffiti2 on it right? (Some characters require 'two-strokes') - don't worry, you can either get used to it, or get TealScript!

All the best!
Andrew
 
No worries leojbramble. You're more than welcome! Yeah, why they changed Graffiti has got me stumped. I reckon if you're going to make an improvement, why don't they focus on either making a drastic improvement to hardware design or improvements in software to bolster performance on the Palm. Adjusting Graffiti seems pointless ... they've already sold millions of Palms with Graffiti1 so I can't imagine many people have an issue with it. It's just a waste of resources!! No offence to anyone here who helped develop it ... :(

I just can't see how forcing a user to write two strokes as opposed to one will be quicker!

 
G2 was liscensed from CIC's Jot. Palm was being sued by Xerox for patent infringement for G1. Xerox had laid claim to a less than similar "language" and when Xerox was having so much financial issues in the late 99 - 2001 era - they sued Palm.

Palm rather than pay the huge sum that Xerox was looking for changed and liscensed G2 from CIC.

The reason they didn't go back after the suit got settled - well by then you had PalmOne and Palmsource. Palmsource owned the rights to G1 and PalmOne owned the rights to G2.....the rest is history since Palmsource is now owned by Access so who knows if they will ever go back.

That's your history lesson for today! ;) :D
 
The lawsuit was stupid on Xerox's part. They displayed the "language" that they created back in the late 80's and as far as I was concerned it didn't ever come close to looking like Graffiti. And the big X never had used it. They just patented it.

Now I don't know how you can patent something that's not used and the hardware spec was never "spec'd". They didn't stipulate that it was touch screen or nothing.

I can say this much - it kept me from ever buying a Xerox printer or any such nonsense.......
 
So let me get this straight, Xerox claimed to have "invented" Graffiti and then Palm adopted it??? What would Xerox have used it for? Some weird code that only their photocopiers could read?? :(
 
Xerox claimed to have invented a "language" that was actually never used on anything that they are any one else put out. The language had only 2 characters that were similar to G1.....Unistroke it was called. Here is one story that has several links. I recalled back when the suit was originally filed seeing a copy of the "language" and just felt it wouldn't hold up in court.

Eventually, it didn't but the damage was done and the two companies were split as I mentioned before. G1 was loved by all users and that's why technically, Palm won't say anything when someone posts a "hack" to put G1 onto a device....the suit was eventually thrown out.
 
well Ive done it - Ive gone and gotten the TX, and I'm posting from it at this very moment. What a cool little thing this is. As I mentioned earlier, I've beencompletely ignorant about wi-fi up to this point, so I'm completely amazed about this whole thing. Outstanding!
 
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