About the launcher :D

[Ezikial Anta]

A few more questions.

About the launcher, now i see all these pictures with the 4 icons and the one in the center, and i dont know what that is. Can anyone explain? Also if i am playing a game thats like Tony Hawk, (I am figuring this is one of the only games i will buy) Is it like the palm OS? Can i just shut the system off and resume in the same spot or is it like a gameboy more or less? Also will a program like ZLauncher work? (I have a registered copy) and when you turn it on and it starts up, what is it like? a Clie? Is Battery life good? Does the Joystick stick out too much in your pocket? Does it feel flimsy like it will break? Does the stylus fall out easily? Is the unit sturdy? (I just want to be informed before i spend quite a bit) I also will be coming from an NX60, is it hard to get used to? Tapwave seems to have enhanced this thing incredibly, so i cant wait! Also, you said the processor is faster, is it noticably faster? Are all OS5 things compadible? What if when picking my device (when downloading a program) there is no Tapwave option, do i use like the UX50 option? I really think i love this device and if the WiFi comes out for it it will be my perfect device! I cant wait to go to CompUSA on June 29 to get my new Rush CD and my new Zodiac! (at least i think thats the day i am going) :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[dgtiii]

Wow. Lots of questions, but I will do my best. The built-in default launcher is like spokes on a wheel approach. The 4 icons you see are categories, and the middle icon is a navigation one (back, up one level, etc.). I was not impressed by that launcher (not very intuitive, not very customizable, won't let you customize apps on card, etc.) It has a different look, but it is a very vanilla launcher. I too am a long time ZLauncher user, and am happy to report that it now works fine with the Zodiac (took Li a few builds to get everything working, but as usual, he did a great job). I now use ZLauncher on my Zod as the default launcher, and yes, it starts up in ZLauncher, just like on your Clie. ZLauncher on the Z works just like it did on the Clie, with some enhancements for the Z's unique capabilities. ZLauncher supports both SD card slots, and you can move apps and data to either card, and launch them from there. The ZLauncher File manager also allows you to organize files on both cards. ZLauncher supports the use of the joystick to move thru categories and launch applications, which is very handy. ZLauncher Quick Launch also works well on the Zod. ZLauncher also supports switching between landscape and portrait views, and any theme which works on the Tungsten T3 works well on the Zodiac.

I'm not a big gamer, but I think all games either support opening up where you left off, or have save states that let you pick up where you left off. No game that I know of makes you start over if you exit.

The joystick does not stick out from the device much at all, and does not feel flimsy. It is a pretty solid design in that respect. Some users have had the infamous joystick pulling to the right problem, but I never have (I pre-ordered the Zod when it first went on sale and have had it since they first started shipping last November). The 1.1 rom update seems to have, for the most part, fixed the problem. You can keep the Z in your pocket. The stylus setup is a little strange compared to other PDAs/Clies, with the stylus held onto the back of the device by rubber prongs. I have not had any problems at all with the stylus falling out (although I use the Brando Zodiac case, which helps). The stylus is large, and feels well-balanced in your hand.

I did not think, also coming from an NX60, that the Zodiac was hard to get used to at all. I have to say I never used the keyboard on the NX60, so the loss of it did not affect me in the least. The Zodiac does everything I always wished my NX60 could: built-in landscape viewing (easily switchable to portrait), FULLY supported double card slots, Bluetooth wireless, good gaming controls, and a sleek ergonomic design. If you are experienced at using your Clie (really, if you are experienced using the Palm OS), then using the Z will be no problem; the Zodiac is first and foremost a Palm PDA.

The Zodiac has a huge 1500 maH battery, which I believe is the largest in any Palm on the market to date. Battery life is therefore outstanding, IMO. Of course, screen brightness is a factor, but I normally get 6-8 hours on a charge using PDA functions, listening to mp3s, watching movies, and even light gaming (I love Kalemsoft's NES and TurboGrafx emulators!). I can get 10-12 hours of mp3 playing with the screen off (I highly recommend Pocket Tunes, it beats the default Zodiac Music Player hands down, IMO).

The processor, though rated at the same clock speed as the NX60 (200 MHz), is noticeably way faster in side by side comparisons (the Z uses a Motorala iMx chip, the NX60 an Intel Xscale). The Z uses native ARM processor calls, much like OS 6 is reported to, and this speeds things up greatly. I let my son use my NX60 now, and was showing him some things a few weeks ago, and I really noticed how slow the NX60 felt to me. You will notice a difference; all your apps will launch faster, and work faster, on the Z.

As far as software compatability goes, it is pretty good now. When the Z first came out last November (with a new version of Palm OS 5 (5.2)), software compatability was a bit of a problem, but now it is fine. Developers just needed to be given the time to update their apps for the Zodiac. Generally, any Palm OS 5 game or app will work on the Zodiac, and many are now Zodiac-enhanced. If, for some odd reason, you are installing Palm software that doesn't list the Zod as a device (and I can't think of any), choosing the Palm Tungsten T3 should work the best. Any app that supports the t3's fullscreen landscape seems to work on the Zodiac. Though, like I said, most developers now include Zodiac compatability in their programs.

If you have any more questions, let me know.

Del

[Ezikial Anta]

Wow thanks, this is Great! The way you make it sound i cannot wait to get mine!

[dgtiii]

I am a long time Palm PDA user, and I honestly think the Zodiac blows away any I've ever owned or use. It is at the top of the Palm heap right now, and is the legimate successor to the Clie 'multimedia' PDAs. Look at the Z's specs, then look at the price - it is a no-brainer. I wish Tapwave would rethink their advertising campaign to pilot the Zodiac to power Palm PDA users, because the Zod is a solid power PDA at a great price.

Del

[Ezikial Anta]

Yes for everything that the Zod has, i am suprised that Tapwave is even making money on these! The price is outstanding!

[NeilShapiro]

Can't wait until the 24th when I can pick one up at CompUSA!