Dead Palm...Almost!
It's a constant challenge to keep the full array of computers and electronics up and running. Those who think that testing hardware is all fun haven't ever tried it. Today I tried to turn on my Palm T/X and the thing was deader than a doornail. I pressed the button several times, and even hot the hard reset, but absolutely nothing happened.
I started to think that even if I decided to replace the unit, unless I want another one exactly the same, Palm hasn't come out with anything new. Sure, they keep promising Linux, but have yet to deliver the goods.
I then wandered over to HP, the other major handheld player left. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have come out with a new low end unit, the iPaq rx4240 Mobile Media Companion. It works with Office files, and can play back music and display photos. It also has WiFi, and can load SD cards. It goes for $300 which is not cheap, but probably about right for now.
Also, I quickly considered a smartphone. However, my cell phone contract isn't due to be renewed for another 18 months or so making this not a realistic option. I also found this article showing some non-Apple phones running a very iPhone looking skin. I hope in the next round of phones we find some manufacturers moving in this direction and not letting Apple monopolize this type of technology. If Apple were smart they should license their OS, but they have a long history of not doing this to their detriment.
Anyway, I plugged in the Palm, and waited a while. The AC power flowed in, but the unit still seemed dead. I even pressed in the reset button to no avail. After about ten minutes, I tried again, and the screen lit. What had happened? Everything worked ok, but the battery had completely drained.
Then I figured it out. I had left the Bluetooth ON the last time I shut down the T/X. For whatever reason, at least on my unit, the Bluetooth still sucks in the battery power and drains itself. Totally ridiculous, but easy enough to fix. The Bluetooth is now completely off, and the battery charged. Excellent! My handheld is back to normal again.
--Jonas
PS: The Amazon reviews for the HP were better than I expected, click the link below to see what I'm talking about. While I still like my T/X, if I was replacing it today, I'd be leaning towards the HP.
I started to think that even if I decided to replace the unit, unless I want another one exactly the same, Palm hasn't come out with anything new. Sure, they keep promising Linux, but have yet to deliver the goods.
I then wandered over to HP, the other major handheld player left. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have come out with a new low end unit, the iPaq rx4240 Mobile Media Companion. It works with Office files, and can play back music and display photos. It also has WiFi, and can load SD cards. It goes for $300 which is not cheap, but probably about right for now.
Also, I quickly considered a smartphone. However, my cell phone contract isn't due to be renewed for another 18 months or so making this not a realistic option. I also found this article showing some non-Apple phones running a very iPhone looking skin. I hope in the next round of phones we find some manufacturers moving in this direction and not letting Apple monopolize this type of technology. If Apple were smart they should license their OS, but they have a long history of not doing this to their detriment.
Anyway, I plugged in the Palm, and waited a while. The AC power flowed in, but the unit still seemed dead. I even pressed in the reset button to no avail. After about ten minutes, I tried again, and the screen lit. What had happened? Everything worked ok, but the battery had completely drained.
Then I figured it out. I had left the Bluetooth ON the last time I shut down the T/X. For whatever reason, at least on my unit, the Bluetooth still sucks in the battery power and drains itself. Totally ridiculous, but easy enough to fix. The Bluetooth is now completely off, and the battery charged. Excellent! My handheld is back to normal again.
--Jonas
PS: The Amazon reviews for the HP were better than I expected, click the link below to see what I'm talking about. While I still like my T/X, if I was replacing it today, I'd be leaning towards the HP.
Labels: battery charging, Bluetooth, handheld, Palm
posted by digitaldoc at 9:24 PM
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