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"Let the Games Begin!" on by robin-birkel
Pros: 4 GB hardrive, 416 MHz processor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Hi-Res widescreen
Cons: Could be slightly heavier than current devices and probably doesn't have replaceable battery
Summary: Finally palmOne is stepping up to the plate, and has become a formidable adversary to the Pocket PCs. The Dell Axim x50v and HP iPaq hx4700 left palmOne trailing in the dust. If palmOne would add a replaceable battery, and keep the size and weight close to the T5, this will be a power house that they need to win back those who went to the "dark side" (Pocket PCs), especially after Sony jumped ship leaving palmOne the primary seller of the Palm OS. I'm sure Microsoft is scrambling to outdo them with a 6 GB device. This healthy competition is a win-win situation for us consumers!
Updated
This will be one of the fastest handhelds, with the largest memory, which will come in handy with the higher screen resolution. Finally, widescreen movies can be viewed on a Palm OS device. The addition of Wi-Fi will be fantastic. I just hope they can increase the battery life to compensate for the power hungry wireless connections. -
"Ever Learning, but not able to come to the truth." on by philaphilly
Pros: Excel files, Drive Mode for work, MP3, Loads DVD's
Cons: Wish it had external battery replacement.
Summary: I bought my in Nov, 06. Maybe I made it through the crash phase. Mine hasn't crashed and burned yet! I keep adding and adding stuff. I have created numerous excel files for work that I transport to my work computer. I have been burning MP3's and DVD's which is pretty cool. I'm looking to add GPS.
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"versatile, multi-use, perfect for my needs." on by jwgeorgen
Pros: Non-volatile memory, safety position on on/off switch, bluetooth, wifi, bundled software, ample storage, landscape and portrait views
Cons: occasional soft resets, problems avoided by using shareware application, "OnGuard"
Summary: I have used several Palm devices since the IIIe and the LifeDrive is by far the most versatile and reliable. I use my LifeDrive primarily for business purposes and initiate all of my paperwork on my handheld. Using Mark/Space's Missing Sync, I am able to keep my calendars and contacts synchronized with my Mac desktop and MacBook via either the USB cable or Bluetooth. When I attend a seminar or workshop, I can easily enter notes using my wireless keyboard and never have to be concerned about running out of space or power. Then when I sync my LifeDrive with my computer, I can open the doc in Word and review.
After loosing information countless times on my Zire 71 when the power button was accidentally depressed when in transport, the non-volatile memory and safety position on the power switch guarantee that will not happen again. I find the customizable buttons to be quite helpful by putting my frequently-used applications in easily accessible locations.
Then, of course, there is my non-professional use. Although I have an iPod, I find that I use the LifeDrive frequently to listen to MP3s and to run occasional photo slideshows. I can do some rudimentary web browsing and can collect my mail whenever I have access to the internet. The TFT screen is sharp and the ability to view in both landscape and portrait formats makes my LifeDrive even more personally adaptable.
As far as I'm concerned, the LifeDrive is the perfect handheld for my professional AND recreational purposes. -
"Very bad experience" on by brutus201
Pros: when it worked, it was pretty functional
Cons: I had to reset way too often and just died several times
Summary: I actually enjoyed using the Lifedrive when it was operating, altho I had to reset it way too often. However, in the space of a little more than a year, I had to send it to Palm for repairs 3 times! They finally just shipped me a new unit and, sure enough, it died after about 3 months.
With that kind of reliability, I'll never but another one. -
"A good idea spoiled by faulty hardware." on by brewerw
Pros: Lots of memory
Cons: My device has been replaced 4 times in 8 months for hard drive failure. The palm representative told me it was my fault the hard drive failed because I carry the handheld in my pocket.
Summary: I am a physician who depends on my handheld to keep track of the constantly changing minutiae of medical science: Medications, side effects, drug interactions, protocols for therapy, formulae for interpreting lab data, etc. I also keep track of administrative memoranda and changing rules for coverage and compliance with state and federal laws. I need a reliable device. This device locks up frequently and has had to be replaced 4 times. Palm now tells me that I should not carry it with me. I thought I purchased a handheld not a desktop computer. Furthermore the keyboard sold to go with the handheld has never worked and attempts to use it freeze the operating system and require a hard reset. I am disgusted with this inadequate product and am considering a switch to a different vendor. Unfortunately, I purchased a 3 year service agreement. I asked palm to exchange this device for a cheaper, more reliable handheld, but they refused. I guess they prefer to mail me a new one every two months.
Don't buy this piece of junk.
Palm LifeDrive user reviews
