[gregn]

I am not a current pda owner, but I am considering getting one. I noticed that Palm provides an in-box cradle or connection cable for PC serial ports, but that Mac users who wish to sync with their machines must buy a $40 adapter cable. I find this kind of ridiculous -- Why can't I just buy my palm with a USB cradle, instead of a serial one? Why is that because I have a USB machine I must pay $40 extra, as where someone with a serial port does not. I am thinking of getting a Visor instead. Any thoughts?

[seanyepez]

I, too, think this is an injustice. I think they're just trying to make extra profit - they're selling an adapter that should come with the package for extra cash.

Handspring is a good alternative, but I am waiting for a color Sony CLIÉ.

There is an issue of compatibility, though. I do hope they release some sort of Macintosh support. For all I care, they could make the unit work with Palm Desktop. I don't need the extra features. It's just a wonderful unit in itself.

So buy a Visor.

It's dissapointing that Palm dosen't ship a USB cradel yet, I agree. I like Handspring's Visor - it's nice and I'm very happy with the Mac support they toute.

Personally, I thought about buying a Palm or Handspring - but I think I'll wait until the technology gets a little more advanced than my Newton which is 7 years old.

I really like the Compaq iPaq (name non withstanding...). It has a beautiful color screen, has a nice for factor, and the WindowsCE software can be replaced with Linux! (PocketLinux to be exact). When they get the price down to $200, I'm there.

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Eliott Wolfe
Winnetka, Calif

[Scott_H]

I have the Visor and the wife the M100. The converter is a pain. Doesn't work for me unless it's plugged into the second USB port on the iMac. Major Pain.

[The Scalz]

I didn't mind buying the USB adaptor to get the unique styling of the m100. A minor trade off. And Hotsyncing works through the second USB port on the keyboard without a hitch. Not sure what Scott's problem can be.


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Richard Scalzo
Graphic Designer & Art Director
Mac user for 15 years

[PCTek]

Being a FireWire PowerBook user, I already had the Keyspan Twin Serial Adapter for my DeskJet. When I got my Palm Vx, I had also ordered the $5 PC Serial to Mac Serial adapter. With a little tweaking, my Palm Vx sync's via PC Serial to Mac Serial, then Mac Serial to USB.

[escher]

I use the Keyspan PDA Adapter to sync my Palm IIIxe to my iMac. At $35, it's a tiny little bit cheaper than Palm's offering and has the added benefit of being useable with some other devices.

Escher

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"The only laptop computer that's useful is the one you have with you."
Let's have a 3 lbs sub-PowerBook with AirPort and 5 hour battery life now!

You asked, "Why can't I just buy my palm with a USB cradle, instead of a serial one? "

You can - it's just called a Handspring Visor. I am very pleased with mine.

[TimmyDee51]

I agree that Palm has in a way shafted Mac users. In fact, they lost a sale over it. When I was first interested in buying a PDA, a Palm was my first choice. But then I saw that you had to buy the $40 adapter. What a crock! I was not about to pay $190 for a cheap PDA that was not much more than a fancy electronic Rolodex. Then I got into the Newton. WOW! Talk about the perfect PDA! If you carry your PDA in a backpack or briefcase (as I do), then size doesn't matter as much. And what the Newt gives up in size it more than makes up for in power. I have a 130 (for half the price of an m100 and it came with a glove) and am enamored with it. My MP2000 is on its way and I can't wait!

My answer to Palm: the NEWTON!