If you had to replace your TH55...

[dorr1]

Recently I noticed my camera acting goofy. When it didn't cause a soft reset, it would only take "green" pictures. I figured it must be a conflict with something I installed. I tried everything, including a hard reset. From an empty TH, it still would not work right. :( So I guess it's hosed. Fortunately, I did buy the 2 year extended warranty at CompUSA, but it's unlikely they'll have one in stock to replace it with. The warranty says it will provide a one time repalcement with a product of equal or similar features, specs and functionality.
I'm not too terribly excited about anything else out there from PalmOne, and of course we all know Sony is no longer an option. Maybe PPC is inevitable! :eek:
I've never dealt with a CompUSA warranty, so they might just say tough luck. I also have a gig worth of memory sticks, and no SD or CF cards. I'm wringing my hands over this. I still think the TH55 is the BEST PDA on the market! I could really use some input from all you folks.
If any of you were in my shoes, what would you do?

[jjesusfreak01]

I dropped my TH-55 the other day, halfway down the staircase, but it turned out perfectly. They are tough pdas, but the cameras are iffy, because they are not really high quality cameras. With no replacement TH-55, and no real palm alternative, I would try to get them to give me a nice PPC, or you could try the T5, if you're willing to wait for the fixes to the os. When I got my first PDA, I was really between the Sony TG-50 and the slim form factor hp PPC from the 2002-03 line. Some of them are very sleek.

[dorr1]

I've been searching the CompUSA website for an alternative and found some tidbits...
By price alone, the choices are:
T5, Zodiac 2, iPaq h4155, and TH55.
Unfortunately, the iPaq and the TH are not in stock, so that would narrow it down to the T5 and the Z2, (by price). The warranty says features, specs, and funcs. ; nothing about price. So the next step would be comparing them. What compares to the TH55, and who makes that call?
My take on criticals would be something like this:
Features:
Camera, voice recorder, MP3 player, WiFi, full screen, and PIM apps (duh).
Specs:
Battery life, form factor, ???
Funcs:
???
I suppose Bluetooth might replace WiFi, but that doesn't turn my crank. So if comes down to the T5 or the Z2, I don't know which I would prefer. And now with Sony out of the picture and PalmOne losing touch, maybe it's time to switch to the darkside! Resistance is futile...

[JulianL]

If my beloved TH55 died then I'm afraid that I would look very seriously at a PPC replacement. Luckily I'm not in the position to have had to look at this at all seriously so all I can say is that I would be looking for a PPC with a TH55-like form factor and decent battery life. Some of the Asus machines look interesting.

- Julian

[PCMaven]

Recently I noticed my camera acting goofy. When it didn't cause a soft reset, it would only take "green" pictures. I figured it must be a conflict with something I installed. I tried everything, including a hard reset. From an empty TH, it still would not work right. :( So I guess it's hosed. Fortunately, I did buy the 2 year extended warranty at CompUSA, but it's unlikely they'll have one in stock to replace it with. The warranty says it will provide a one time repalcement with a product of equal or similar features, specs and functionality.
I'm not too terribly excited about anything else out there from PalmOne, and of course we all know Sony is no longer an option. Maybe PPC is inevitable! :eek:
I've never dealt with a CompUSA warranty, so they might just say tough luck. I also have a gig worth of memory sticks, and no SD or CF cards. I'm wringing my hands over this. I still think the TH55 is the BEST PDA on the market! I could really use some input from all you folks.
If any of you were in my shoes, what would you do?Why don't you just contact Sony Repair and get the camera fixed? Turnaround time isn't that bad. I did that for a camera problem I had and was very impressed with their service.

[1010011010]

I'm not too terribly excited about anything else out there from PalmOne, and of course we all know Sony is no longer an option. Maybe PPC is inevitable! :eek:
There's more than PalmOS and PPC, but it'll take a little more time for those systems to be a serious competition, IMO.

-> SL-C3000 (http://www.dynamism.com/sl-c3000/index.shtml)
-> U70 (http://www.dynamism.com/u70/)
-> OQO (http://www.oqo.com/) :D

[dorr1]

I tried. Sony repair couldn't find a TH55, or PEG-TH55, or th55, or clie, or Clie, or CLIE, or ...
No way to find my registration either. Pain in the butt if you ask me! Not too impressed.

[1010011010]

The same problem's on the Sony Clie-update/patch website: I couldn't find anything for a "TH55" or a "TH-55" etc, but a search for plain "TH" wielded some results. :mad:

[Impreza]

I was told by CompUSA that they only replace the TH-55 with refurbished ones. If that's the case then they may not have any new ones on sale but they may have a stock of refurb ones for thier TAP plans.

I've been wondering too about life after TH-55: The Toshiba e800 or the HP if i did switch to PPC. As for Palm OS it would be the Treo phone or a used Clie off ebay.

[Cyker]

If I broke mine I'd cry a lot, then formulate a brilliantly cunning and devious plan to steal DanT's spare!:D

(j/k Dan ;))

[dorr1]

Well, I just returned from CompUSA where they had me fill out a web form. Three different employees tried three different searches and found exactly zero Th-55's in their system. Nevertheless, they are supposed to review my claim, and if it fits within their plan, they will send me a refurb. I will then have to return mine to them in the provided box, or my credit card will be charged $175.
A refurb is not as exciting as something new and different, but I don't see anything on the market as a worthy replacement. Besides, my camera doesn't work, the forward and back keys have no paint left, the stickers are yucky, and the screen has very noticeable wear. If for some reason they don't have any refurbs, it will be interesting to see how they deal with it.

[blck1jack]

Did you call the number on the inside of the top of the box? I had the exact same problem and they sent me a fedex box and I got it back pretty quick.

[*YellowRose*]

Recently I noticed my camera acting goofy. When it didn't cause a soft reset, it would only take "green" pictures. I figured it must be a conflict with something I installed. I tried everything, including a hard reset. From an empty TH, it still would not work right. :( So I guess it's hosed. Fortunately, I did buy the 2 year extended warranty at CompUSA, but it's unlikely they'll have one in stock to replace it with. The warranty says it will provide a one time repalcement with a product of equal or similar features, specs and functionality.
I'm not too terribly excited about anything else out there from PalmOne, and of course we all know Sony is no longer an option. Maybe PPC is inevitable! :eek:
I've never dealt with a CompUSA warranty, so they might just say tough luck. I also have a gig worth of memory sticks, and no SD or CF cards. I'm wringing my hands over this. I still think the TH55 is the BEST PDA on the market! I could really use some input from all you folks.
If any of you were in my shoes, what would you do?Actually, I've recently heard CompUSA is one of the few places that still have them in stock. I'd go take a look-see . . .

[dorr1]

They had zero in stock in any CompUSA's.

[Clie Patra]

I still think the TH55 is the BEST PDA on the market! I could really use some input from all you folks. If any of you were in my shoes, what would you do?
Maybe you could order a brand new one here: http://www.expansys.be/product.asp?code=TH55
They still have about 200 units avaliable (UK models, so WITH Bluetooth), but I don't know if they ship to the US.

[JesseL]

I would have it repaired or buy another Refurb without question. I am not swayed by PPC. I think its only a matter of time before Palm comes out with a comparable form factor and feature set similar to the TH55.

The last thing I want to do in this world is carry Microsoft in my pocket. But that's just me. Well.. maybe if I could also have Microsoft tattooed on my forehead.

JL

[jjesusfreak01]

They do ship to the US, but the base price is about the same as a new hp hx4705. Not a good deal at all. At that price, I would rather have an hx4705. Its a better pda, its only downside is the cost.

[jjesusfreak01]

I would have it repaired or buy another Refurb without question. I am not swayed by PPC. I think its only a matter of time before Palm comes out with a comparable form factor and feature set similar to the TH55.

The last thing I want to do in this world is carry Microsoft in my pocket. But that's just me. Well.. maybe if I could also have Microsoft tattooed on my forehead.

JL
Windows 666, right? It may not be a matter of time before palm comes up with a better pda. If they will settle to release bad, cash raking handhelds, they do not need to upgrade to get business.

[dorr1]

So I've followed through with my extended warranty and was sent an empty box! Attached to the box was a note telling me to go get a new PDA for the same amount I spent on the original. So, now I'm freakin out. The only PalmOS on the website within the range is a T3. IMO a far cry from the TH. If they had a Zodiac, I would be interested, but it's not on the website. A T5 would even be closer, but no WiFi or camera. I'm seriously considering an iPaq! Any input???

[jjesusfreak01]

So I've followed through with my extended warranty and was sent an empty box! Attached to the box was a note telling me to go get a new PDA for the same amount I spent on the original. So, now I'm freakin out. The only PalmOS on the website within the range is a T3. IMO a far cry from the TH. If they had a Zodiac, I would be interested, but it's not on the website. A T5 would even be closer, but no WiFi or camera. I'm seriously considering an iPaq! Any input???
An empty box? Thats as bad as the flu vaccine clinic that gave out chicken soup. I would go for the T5. Sadly, I must admit that it is the best Palm PDA out right now, unless Sony decides to pull a November surprise and release one in the US. The T5s only major downside is lack of integrated WiFi. Of course they planned for this with their 256mb of poorly implemented internal memory, so that the SD slot could be left empty. It seems the stores understand just as well as you that there are really no comparable pdas to the TH-55. I would go for the T5, most of its bugs will be soon fixed, and i'm sure someone will eventually come out with a third party WiFi card for it. All Sandisk really would have to do is re-write the drivers for their current cards. Good luck in your decision,

Brad

[ralchizar]

i have done the Comp-usa thing, and what it boils down to is they will give you a gift card for the amount your pda is worth if they do not have it in stock. "In stock" does not mean in all of their warehouses, it means just the one that your store sends it to. So i would expect a gift certificate in the mail, dorr1. I think you should get a sony camera, that way you can still use your mem sticks. Then get a th off ebay.

[dorr1]

We already have a Sony camera, so at least the sticks won't go in the toilet. The T5 without WiFi is the real deal breaker for me. This has become an important need. I have a lot of money invested in PalmOS software which is a big bummer for me and re-investing in PPC stuff troubles me. Lots of $$$ to get where I am today.
I'm gonna go wander the store for a bit and see what strikes me. I'm thinkin PPC is likely. Since Sony left the market, I think PalmOS is as good as dead. There's no evidence Palm has hope of reversing this trend. It feels inevitable.

[mdlsimpson]

I believe the Treo 650 is the direction that palmOne is heading with PDAs ... that is the direction that Jeff Hawkins the creator of the original Palm Pilot was heading with Handspring before palmOne bought them out.. this device is capable of being a personal communicator as well as information manager.... all wirelessly... rumor is out there that other Treo designs are in the works without the keyboard in a 320x480 screen resolution.... sounds interesting.... if only the 650 had wifi...

[Sideway]

Maybe a Treo 650, if I can get used to life without HiRes+ again...

[DanT]

If I broke mine I'd cry a lot, then formulate a brilliantly cunning and devious plan to steal DanT's spare!:D

(j/k Dan ;))

Just be on the look out of the mouse trap that might snap on your itchy finger and my mean guard-dog that is trained to snap on your private parts. ;)

[wellsjs]

I came real close to buying a spare . . . was click away, having queued it up on eBay (a "Buy Now" offering at $319). I'm beginning to feel glad I didn't, even though availability of them seems to be quickly drying up. See my comment here as to partially why I am feeling this way:

1src link (http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72279&page=1&pp=15)

I'll likely ride out my TH55 as long as it lasts, but will be ready to try the latest and greatest Ipaq or whatever when that time comes! ;)

[depret]

dorr said, "I'm thinkin PPC is likely . Since Sony left the market, I think PalmOS is as good as dead. There's no evidence Palm has hope of reversing this trend. It feels inevitable.

I would PM droC on his opinion on iPAQ rx3715 (see his review). If you can live with the lower res screen, this unit seems to have a lot of value per dollar.

[RunningWoman]

I don't know about you guys, but the thought of suddenly having to learn a new device once my TH-55/E is no longer viable makes me really nervous, especially when I depend on it so heavily every day--and even more when about half of those days are out of town each week.

I wouldn't be quite as crazy about this had I not left part of my brain on a sidewalk in a cycling accident about a year ago, but I count on my Clie to help me with all kinds of things--and I can't afford to lose that functionality. Even if it's now in silicon, instead of neurons and synapses!

That's why I bought a Pocket PC that appealed to me now, instead of waiting until I had to replace my Sony. Surprisingly, I've got to admit I love it--it's the Fujitsu Siemens LOOX 720 with the VGA screen. I've been looking for programs that are similar to those I use on my Clie and the results have surprised me. "DVD to Pocket PC" rips DVDs quickly and easily, and viewing them on the VGA screen is gorgeous! TextMaker and PlanMaker are amazing word processing and spreadsheet ports of MS Word and Excel that are even better than Documents to Go--and again, the VGA screen is great. You wouldn't believe the fonts you can use with VGA! Today I found a nutritional/exercise program that incorporates everything I've wished for in the Palm OS programs I've used for the past five years but no one implemented. Pocket Quicken exists for both Palm OS and PPC, so that one's easy. There are some great apps out there--but, of course, it's not all that simple. There's nothing like the sophistication of Agendus or DateBook5, and I really miss the elegance of utilities like BT Toggle. I haven't found a reader yet that I like. But the music player is phenomenal!

The exciting thing is that with the advent of the VGA screens and Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, there are five new Pocket PCs out there competing head to head. Guys are writing screen-handling software to shift between SE VGA and true VGA, and developers are writing apps to take advantage of these new devices. Just reading the PPC boards reminds me of the excitement surrounding the release of a new Clie. I love my TH-55/E, and he's still my primary PDA. But it's clear that unless something radical happens in the marketplace, the excitement and innovation is happening in the PPC world.

It's really great fun having a device that is so well done that it's a delight to explore, even after three weeks. There's still much to be discovered, and still much to learn. I am glad that I have the time to enjoy this little PPC, which is virtually identical in size to my Clie. I'd hate to think of trying to make that changeover in an emergency situation--the stress would kill me!

My two cents!

Kim

[TheRealZero]

I odn't have a TH-55, i have TJ-37. But if it came right down to it n mine crapped out, i think i would have to go for the Zodiac 2.

Does it have wifi? im much to lazy to check

[dorr1]

Well folks, I did it; I made the switch. After much research and sleepless nights (and a $400 gift card from CompUSA), I bought a HP iPAQ rx3715, and a 1gig SD card. It's the closest to the TH in many areas. So far the only real downside is the screen resolution, but very usable. Now to learn how to work it...

[depret]

dorr1,

Let's us know your new forum (and handle) if you decide to spend more time some where else. d-roC still posts frequently, so please do feel welcome. I would be interested in a rx3715 TH55 feature comparsion when you get some wind in your sails.

Just a suggestion.