Back in stock, now $89.99! IBM PALM PDA - Workpad C3 (rebadged PALM Vx)

[iamshady]

I was mad when I missed the $40 GameBoy Advanced at OverStock.com, but this definitely made up for it when I hit the order button Thanks guys!

 

[wjsulliv]

Somebody tell us more about this upgradability to Palm OS 4.0.

Even if I have to pay (within reason) where can I find out more?

 

[codeyf]

If memory serves me correctly, the reason it can't be upgraded to Palm OS 4.0, is due to it having 2mb of Flash ROM. All the 4.0 models have, well, 4mb for the OS. When I had a Vx, the newest OS I could get was 3.5.x

Can someone verify that for me/us? Although i'm about 75% sure on that.

 

[DieselMan]

No, these 8MB models sold here should be upgradable to Palm OS 4.1. My Palm Vx runs OS 4.1 as a matter of fact. It does seem slightly slower to me with the new OS, but this could just be psychological. You can buy the upgrade, made specifically for the Palm Vx on Palm's web site, not sure if there is a custom version for the C3 (in which case, either Palm or IBM would sell this update - it's a small program that updates the flash memory).

 

[KahunaHube]

Palm OS 4.1 Upgrade

Found it on the Palm website...

 

[wjsulliv]

Palm OS 4.1 Upgrade

Found it on the Palm website...

I was about to post that. Basically it says if your running a Vx with 3.1 or newer you can order the cd ($29.95) and upgrade to OS 4.1

Does anybody know any reason why this wouldn't work with an IBM version of the same device?

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: DieselMan
No, these 8MB models sold here should be upgradable to Palm OS 4.1. My Palm Vx runs OS 4.1 as a matter of fact. It does seem slightly slower to me with the new OS, but this could just be psychological. You can buy the upgrade, made specifically for the Palm Vx on Palm's web site, not sure if there is a custom version for the C3 (in which case, either Palm or IBM would sell this update - it's a small program that updates the flash memory).

Must have been shrunk down for the Vx/C3. They only have 2mb ROM (not talking about the memory). All the newer Palm-based devices that ran 4.x have 4mb ROM on them (again, not memory). I used to have a Vx and back then you couldn't upgrade to 4.x

 

[handydave]

"Does anybody know any reason why this wouldn't work with an IBM version of the same device"

wjsulliv, All the IBM Palms are nothing more than Palm machines with a Black IBM case. There is nothing else added to the hardware or OS.

 

[DieselMan]

codeyf, you are right about the FLASH ROM, it is only 2MB on the Palm Vx/C3. However, there are multiple versions of Palm OS4.1, the one that ships in Europe needs the 4MB flash ROM (on Palm M500/505/515) because it supports 4 languages (French, Spanish, German, and English I believe). The US version can be stripped down because it does not feature the extra languages. As well, the Asian versions of the Sony Clie N-series (N700-series) have more Flash ROM than the American models in order to hold all the Asian font information. If you play around with Jack Flash, you will see what I mean.

But there is a OS 4.1 upgrade of the Palm Vx now since I have it running. And unlike what Compaq did for the 16MB ROM Ipaq, Palm did not have to strip down the OS and force you to install some of the programs in RAM.

Guys, you are going to LOVE the size of this PDA. I would recommend the use of a Hard Case with it, so you don't have to worry about crushing it when you put it in your Jeans' pocket.

And if you have an external modem (with serial connection), you can just buy a null cable adapter and a Palm Vx serial cable (cheap on egay) to connect to the web. I actually use the Palm V Modem (33.6kbps) and the speed is pretty good. Very convenient on short business trips (2-3 days) when you don't have to carry your laptop around (and unlike Pocket PC, the battery will make it without any problem so you don't have to bring a charger with you).

 

[KahunaHube]

how much does the service cost for wireless internet access usiing the palm modem?

 

[DieselMan]

For the Palm Vx wireless modem, the service is thru Earthlink wireless now. It's $40 a month. I did hear that Verizon also offered service for 10 bucks less, on a regional access plan (Earthlink's rate is nationwide, no roaming).

 

[BlazingSaddles]

up. mine shipped today

 

[jbwhite99]

The IBM Workpads ship with the same hardware and software as the Palm V (they are made by Palm), but the IBM Workpad also comes with Lotus Notes syncing software.

IBM has also just made some big announcements with Palm on software in the last couple of days - you can now read mainframe data on your Palms (or something like that...)

 

[soltrain]

anyone have any experience with the GPS (magellan) for the Vx?

 

[DieselMan]

Yes, I have the Magellan GPS. It works pretty well, but I don't like the fact that you have to preload your regional maps, and then you have to know in what town/county you are in in order to manual indicate the software what the landscape/roads look like (it should be dynamic based on your GPS location, but the software is too dumb). Also, it is hard to use if you are the actual driver, because the screen is a bit small (and it's dangerous). But it does work very well. Batteries (2x AAA) last a good 10 hours, so it's good for a couple of trips To me, it's more of a toy than a tool, I'd rather have the GPS built into the dash board and integrated with my car's controls, but for the price, you can't beat this

 

[DieselMan]

I think there's probably only a few left so HURRY!

 

[BlazingSaddles]

anyone got any hot deals on accessories? namely, the fold out keyboard? thanks!

 

[TomDooley]

Ah, I so want to go with this great deal, but I'm holdign out hope that Palm itself will charge me much less to repair/replace my dinged up Palm V. Ah, well I guess we'll see.

Good heads up tho Diesel! Nice find!

 

[iamshady]

How long does it take Overstock to ship? I ordered on the 23rd....

 

[MuffD]

Iamshady, they usually ship the following week. I saw on their site that this item would ship by saturday.

 

[rimshaker]

I still maintain my preference for the handspring visor edge instead. It's almost down to $100, plus you get a faster 33MHz processor, faster usb connection, and all-metal design including the stylus. The only downside is that the visor edge doens't use flash memory.

 

[magenta321]

Did anyone get theirs yet? I am reading on other sites that they seem to either be OEM or refurbs. Supposedly, they don't come with instructions, they don't come with the original software (just software burned onto a CDR), they are missing the screen protectors, and some are in English while others are in German.

Anyone get theirs? I am nervous about what I'm getting into here! They have a high restock fee if you return a purchase. I don't want to be stuck paying it if I don't get everything I was promised with a NEW machine!

 

[Draknor]

Mine is scheduled to arrive today. I'll report back tonight after work when I get it.

 

[phantaszm]

I got mine, it's quite new but not brand new... in English... get all the software from the Palm site (I didn't bother using the software on the CDR).

 

[DieselMan]

So these aren't brand new? Those who ordered them ought to email Overstock's customer service to alert them that the stuff they are selling is not as described. They are supposed to put a refurbished sign on every reconditioned product, otherwise, products are to be assumed to be brand new!