How much would you pay for a Sony upgrade?

[n2ifp]

The last time Sony upgraded a Clie, it was from the N710 to a N760. You had send the Cliet to Sony for modification and there was a charge. I don't know how much that charge was. Let's say it's an upgrade from OS5.0 to OS5.2, how much do think it would be worth?

[RipDogger]

I would pay $0.00 and then demand a "gOtt d@mned" refund as Sony should be providing this for free like any reputable company would!

[eforce]

If the OS5.2 upgrade included more Internal RAM I might be willing to pay maybe upto $100. Beats buying an entirely new one

[MarieC]

FWIW, I would pay shipping & handling charges. If there are significant changes, maybe a fee of let's say, 10-20$ (like for a Palm app).

[muldermx]

i did the last upgrade from os 3 to os 5 N710c --> N760C
it cost 50$

i hated the bit with sending it to them.

And it was a hassle for them too.
It was probably due to the fact that they thought OS 3 machines could die without professional hands. But i know palm gave flash upgrades all the time.
Hope they will do it too...

[SprSaiyan8]

$0.00

[UI018397]

What's the point of upgrading if Sony continues to keep it's API proprietory?
Unless the upgrade opens up opportunities for developers to make full of the machine's upgrading is pointless!
Look how many OS5 apps are TT only!

[twisted]

Well wouldn't it be great as how fast Sony develops new clies that there was a complete trade in program through them. I would pay the incremental price different from the price of my nx to the newest one if that means I could get the greatest/best processor and software. If for just a os upgrade, I don't think I would even bother as other software has continued to improve on the device already ie: launchers, cf drivers, code diver, wondersilk

[Halesy]

$0.00 - you can even download Microsoft Service packs for free (or buy them if you like???).

[nlode]

I would not upgrade: I feel my NX is working great, and OS 5.2 introduces Graffiti 2, which according to some reviews is a little akward to use (2 strokes to write the letter i, for example); I am so used to Graffiti, I don´t want to relearn text-entry again.

[aaronrkelly]

I would not pay for such an upgrade...I cant believe how Sony treats its customers some time...and they get away with it. Charging money for a simpe OS update is rediculous plus the fact that with all the so called "ahead of its time" technology that they put in their PDAs they cant just send you an update to reflash the device....Sony is just a money hungry pit of a company.

I cant say that I would buy another Sony device considering some of the stories Ive heard about how they treat customers. Plus the lack of developer support is also sad, stop hurting your customer Sony.......

[muldermx]

The os3 os 4 update i payed for was a major release update and they told me they pay palm for it...

as for updates like the one from 5 to 5.x - i agree it should be free. i had a few gizmos that update the os - always free of charge and easy to do...

As for any soft updates sony does post on its site - they should be replacing the older versions on ROM - any patch should also be put there - otherwise - whats the rom for? Visors didnt have roms so they were cheaper .... but sony doesnt use the rom at all either .
apart of the os 3.5 ---> 4 i did off course...

[muldermx]

btw grafiti 2 is great i used it on the new wifi palm...

[nlode]

Originally posted by muldermx
btw grafiti 2 is great i used it on the new wifi palm...

I know it is a bit off-topic; muldermx, did you find Graffiti 2 easier?

I never tried it; from what I read in other threads it involved using more strokes. I just don´t want to relearn everything... especially after 6 years of Graffiti 1 experience.

[muldermx]

well i never liked the first graffiti - and i found the new one easier - it seemed to understand what i write better - like regular writing on PPC - but i tried it only for a minute...

[pigburger]

It depends what you are getting, if it's just 5.2, why bother. if it includes a RAM upgrade I would consider it.

[mjhamilton]

.. I remember the days watching my Palm III screen dance around as the new image wrote itself to flash rom.. at no cost!!

.. thing is that Sony are inovators and constantly rolling out new technology and products which are at the 'bleeding edge'.... this is why you pay the premium.. it doesn't just line the coffers of the fat controller at the top of the tree........

... you want the latest and best.... you gotta pay for the latest and the best!!

[littlesaint]

I would wait for a PalmOS 6 Clie. PalmOS 6 should be out middle of next year. Since I use Jot, JackFlash, and PowerRun, I don't see a real need to jump to PalmOS 5.2 - unless it's free of course!

LittleSaint

[rolando]

I seem to remember that even Palm charged for some OS upgrades on at least some models. The big difference is that Sony made you send it it. I'm not sure what their reasoning was. Perhaps there were some N710s who's hardware had issues and had to be retrofitted.

Most likely, since the number of people who would want to do it was relatively small, they thought they would have to deal with fewer support calls when someone screwed up their own upgrade.

I know that there were "unauthorized" 3.x to 4.x OS upgrades for the N710 that you could download and perform yourself.

Rolando

[hherbzilla]

$0.00

unless RAM was included

[YTTAN]

If it's includes a 32 or 64mb RAM upgrade I would consider it.

Even CF driver is charging at US$27, do you all really think that Sony will provide such upgrade for free?

I think Sony will try to lure us to get the new device with latest OS so that they can earn more $$$.

[gandalf319]

I'd pay no more than $40 bucks. If they were to think about how happy, satisfied, and loyal their customers would be, if the upgrades were free & user updateable. Just think of their patronage. It may increase...

[kdn102]

Speaking of CF...do you suppose Sony has a copy of the driver and is going to work it into 5.2 so you can't use it?

Originally posted by YTTAN
...Even CF driver is charging at US$27, do you all really think that Sony will provide such upgrade for free?...

[cbulock]

Originally posted by muldermx
The os3 os 4 update i payed for was a major release update and they told me they pay palm for it...

as for updates like the one from 5 to 5.x - i agree it should be free. i had a few gizmos that update the os - always free of charge and easy to do...


I would imagine that Sony would also have to pay PalmSource for an update to 5.2, since other than bug fixes, they are added Graffiti 2 and that is being licensed from Jot. So, if Palmsources gotta pay Jot, then Sonys gonna have to pay up too.

[cbulock]

Originally posted by kdn102
Speaking of CF...do you suppose Sony has a copy of the driver and is going to work it into 5.2 so you can't use it?



I don't think Sony is really going to be that concerned about it.

[muldermx]

maybe sony will buy the whole cf operation - its probably just a few smart fellows and ad that to the sony OS in a better manner.

I heard sony is thinking of buying palmsource

[n2ifp]

I thought Sony already owned 20%?

I remember upgrading a HP HPC once. It updated the WinCE OS and doubled the RAM, you slid one board out and pop the new one in. It cost about $150.00 USD I believe. With the Sony, I don't think it would be so easy :(.

[Unregistered]

Just because a company has invested in another company does not preclude it from paying licensing fees. I doubt Apple gives all its "stuff" to M$ just because they invested in the company a few years back.

[Unregistered]

6 %

http://www.tapit.interpug.com/archive/2002_10_01_tapit_archive.html

[n2ifp]

Okay, I couldn't remember exactly nor did I say that Sony was excluded from paying any fees. Only that they had part ownership. I knew it was 20 something, so now I remember is was $20 million.

Thanks :)!

[edgrim]

I would pay 20.00 to 50.00 for 5.2 OS. I like it, after playing with a Zire 71, it's nice improvement.

[TheSpies]

I'd pay 30-40 bucks. I want all the bugfixes that were done in 5.2

[dmale7]

I'd pay upto 50 bucks.

[pigburger]

Would people be willing to pay for just a software upgrade? I personally wouldn't because I don't see a reason to pay just for the OS tweak but if it included an upgrade to 32/27 megs usable, I would strongly consider it.

[qgent]

Lets see. $600 for a hand held and they expect me to pay more for a simple upgrade? heck I remember the good old days of modern war.. and they all came with free flash updates....I don't think they will see another penny from me let alone sending in my baby to them....

[IB Michael]

Not to put too fine a point on it... wouldn't a reasonable person think twice before underwriting a mega corporations beta testing? When I think of how little info the developers get to work with, so we, as users can benifit.... It's a tad aggravating to me to think it wouldn't be free! I say "screw 'em". Sounds to me like a large percentage of the posters here have got their systems up to speed as they are. Large capacity CF cards and Memory Sticks, coupled with programs like PoweRun.... I'm a happy camper....I'll wait it out.

[kdn102]

It would have to be something pretty spectacular for me to send my unit off for a week while it's upgraded.

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by IB Michael
Not to put too fine a point on it... wouldn't a reasonable person think twice before underwriting a mega corporations beta testing? When I think of how little info the developers get to work with, so we, as users can benifit.... It's a tad aggravating to me to think it wouldn't be free! I say "screw 'em". Sounds to me like a large percentage of the posters here have got their systems up to speed as they are. Large capacity CF cards and Memory Sticks, coupled with programs like PoweRun.... I'm a happy camper....I'll wait it out.

Have you aquired JackFlash? It is really nifty to move stuff into flash ROM.

[IB Michael]

Hum....Jack Flash you say! I'll look into it. I got'a stop listening to you; I'll go broke buying all this neat software. Thanks L.

[CopyCat]

Originally posted by kdn102
Speaking of CF...do you suppose Sony has a copy of the driver and is going to work it into 5.2 so you can't use it?



People need to realize already that PDAs are a very small portion of Sony's Memory Stick dept. I doubt they care much.

[lal2707]

I agree with other comments here in that you should get upgrades free if you have bought the licence. Microsoft do offer free updates.

If it was a major release (e.g. OS 5 to OS6) then I would not mind paying a small upgrade fee

Cheers

[keesercc]

I would pay... NOTHING NADA SQUAT ZILCH ZERO. thats how much I would EXPECT to have to pay for a upgrade.

[benixau]

now refresh that idea for a, tight a$$, money stealing, lying, mega-corp with half-decent products like sony and then give us your estimate.

[keesercc]

Originally posted by keesercc
I would pay... NOTHING NADA SQUAT ZILCH ZERO. thats how much I would EXPECT to have to pay for a upgrade.

 

the above.  this IS my adjusted e$timate

[keesercc]

I already spent big $$$ on the nx, I SHOULD NOT have to pay more for an upgrade to the OS. when I owned a palm III, and a VII the os updates were FREE.

[Lexx]

For OS 5.2.x buy it self, I would expect to pay nothing. However, if it includes additional and upgraded software **embeded in the ROM**, I.E., ( New Cliefiles, NetFront, Picsel, ClieMail, etc), as well as giving back some more RAM where possible, then I should be expected to pay $30-$50, depending on the extent of the included list above. Now, if they asked me to send in my unit for the above upgrade as well as some hardware upgrades, I.E., better camera, faster CPU, more internal RAM, then I should expect to pay $100-$200 for this. And finally a really good trade up program would be awesome, but I don't think Sony would even consider that. What would the do with all the traded in units? Re-badge the serial number and re-sell them as refurbished???

[mrbjg4]

$100

[muldermx]

ONE MILLION DOLLARS

;)

[ggreenwald]

While I don’t agree with what seems to be the overwhelming view that an upgrade should be free, any upgrade would be of little use if Sony continues to keep it's API proprietary?. I’d like nothing more than to purchase an Nx-60 and upgrade to 5.2 so I could use the aeroplayer audio player to enjoy my extensive collection of music on a 1 gig MS.

Unless the upgrade opens up opportunities to utilize all the available software, then it has little value. With it, I’d pay anywhere from $25 to $50.

[Yvette]

00.00

[acraniotes]

The only upgrade I would even consider paying for is from OS5 -> OS6. And even then, I probably wouldn't, because by the time they have OS6 playing "nice" with the all hardware and software, it will be time for me to consider upgrading my NX80 anyway. As it stands, OS5 works just fine for me, and thanks to JackFlash, I've got all the memory I need.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: "I'm tired of being a paying beta-tester."

-Adam

-Adam

[kp*]

I would pay for OS6, although I expect it will require new hardware to take full advantage (enough of this not-built-in wireless already). I've always been a little annoyed that Sony didn't put OS5.2 on the NX73/80. It seemed like it had been out for a while already, and I've always suspected they held back to make the UX look better. I think that update should be free. The biggest feature is more memory which would require a hardware upgrade as well, unless there was a way to turn the extra 16MB on the NX80 into regular RAM with only a software update. But with JackFlash I really don't think more RAM is even necessary. OS5.2 has the regular Palm sound API right? If so, that would be worth it to take advantage of all the apps we currently can't use.

[yr3698]

first off, if os 6 is a totally new os requiring new hardware, then screw os5.2. I would juz buy a new pda and keep that for a while long as it has this next gen os. on the other hand, wat significant upgrades are there in the 5.2, not many

[jehhrie]

Upgrades.....if they come out from Sony....maybe it would make sense to upgrade. But for the time being NX's overall performance still suits my needs....By the time the upgrade is out and my NX couldn't catch up.....I'll definitely upgrade or buy the newer version of Sony



jehhrie

[kp*]

Originally posted by yr3698
first off, if os 6 is a totally new os requiring new hardware, then screw os5.2.
If you're referring to my comment, I should clarify that OS6 is supposed to run on OS5 machines, I just meant that since it's rumored to add a lot more integrated wireless features, the newer models coming out will probably offer more in terms of hardware instead of the awkward swapping of Wi-Fi and BT cards we have now.

[orol]

I'd pay $20-$30 for upgrade to palm os 5.2 just because of the sound api ..

[Defiant79]

Originally posted by muldermx
i did the last upgrade from os 3 to os 5 N710c --> N760C
it cost 50$

Am I the only one who noticed this? If I had known this, then was my upgrade a lot cheaper then buying the NX

:p


Serious now: I'm happy with the OS and for what I've read about 5.2, an upgrade isn't worth more than $/€0,00 for just bugfixes.
For OS6 I would say around $/€50,00 or prolly a bit more. I'm being realistic, b/c this is basically a new OS (from what I understand).

[CliePet]

>> i did the last upgrade from os 3 to os 5 N710c --> N760C
> Am I the only one who noticed this? If I had known this, then was my upgrade a lot cheaper then buying the NX

Just a clarification, the N760C is a Palm OS 4.1 device. Not the same an an NX.

Upgrading from OS 3.3 to 4.1 is still a historically significant event. Probably the only time it will happen.

The software to upgrade your 710 is freely traded on the web. I'm not even talking about 'WareZ' sites. There is a Yahoo group dedicated to this purpose that's been around for two years now.
(easy to find, but I won't post a link here)

Commentary: More than just a grey area of piracy. IMHO: If Sony was planning on making money in the future selling upgrades, they would have cracked down on this a long time ago. This leads me to the conclusion that OS upgrades for old models will never happen again.

[Defiant79]

I think you missed the :p. muldermx prolly made a typo. Hence my response and :p

:cool:

btw: my former Clié was a N770C and I am very happy with the NX now, as I was with the 770.

[kpu]

$30-50 would be reasonable in my opinion

[jcontre]

Hola

I aggree to the 30-50€ range, if it fixes the sound/wifi compatibility
problems... (API standarization)

For OS6 even could go to 75€ in my opinion....

Regards

[dante21]

not a dime. If they brought out OS 6 then I would just get a device with OS6.