back to palm os, need advice

[rscaramelo]

I'm a former Palm OS user. I always wanted a Clie. I found a pretty good deal on a TJ-27 so I bought it without knowing anything about it. I haven't opened the box yet.

Here's what I need to know. Does anyone anticipate any problems with Clie's since Sony is leaving the US? Will I still be able to get any Palm updates? Is this model crap? I was looking at T/E, the Z71 and the Z72, am I better off just spending the extra cash? Should l look at a PPC?

BTW, I'm not a power user. Reminders, phone numbers, To Do lists, shopping lists, etc. A camera is not needed but would be fun.

thanks,

rscaramelo

[sdsdsd]

Sony is legally committed to honoring hardware warranties on products they were selling when they decided to leave. Since it's unlikely (or impossible) that the OS on the -27 will be updated, that's not an issue. Since you're looking at fairly simple apps, it's not likely that there will be problems with those, either. But be aware that, if some upcoming version of software (or some brand-new kind of software) does not work on the -27, the odds of Sony fixing it are exceedingly-slim-to-none and no one else may want to take the time, either. If you got a screamin' deal on the -27, figure it will last you two or three years and then you can re-evaluate. Who knows? By then we all may be using Symbian phones ...

[Ion Control]

Be sure you buy the 27 from a "licensed dealer". A purchase from eBay, etc will void the warranty (Sony (and many others) consider the eBay seller to be the original purchaser and the warranty is non-transferrable). The Cliés are great. I have a 25 sitting on my shelf (upgraded to a TH-55) and I'm having a tough time selling it. I'm convinced it'll last several more years with no hitch. I think the Cliés are solid and you'll be well-served. Also, many Clié accessories are on clearance since Sony is leaving the USA PDA market. I'd say you're safe. Be sure to browse the -27 forum to make sure there are no major issues. For instance, if you bought a -35 w/o reading through those forums, you'd never know about the backlight failure problem on that model...

But to answer your original question: Palm OS 5 is GREAT but there's a 110% liklihood that Sony will not release any new updates/upgrades...