Dan Butler's
TNPC Newsletter

A Palm Opinion Poll

by Al Gordon

Ordinarily, TNPC is about our providing you with information. But in this case I'm looking for some input from you, our readers.

I colorfully documented in this space a short time ago about how my Palm V organizer blew up my PC. Since then, I have managed to wipe out a Palm IIIx, and I had a Handspring Visor go bad as well. Since the latter was a much-used review unit, I am not sure that much can be extrapolated from that. I suppose I am making progress of a sort here. The Palm IIIx killed itself rather than my PC. However, I am beginning to wonder whether I am Palm- compatible.

There has been one common thread: the demise of each unit has occurred when there was a static electric discharge when the organizer was being placed into its synchronization cradle. Now, before I get 1,000 "duh" emails; I know, I know. But the point is that you're supposed to be able to put a Palm organizer into its cradle without problem. And besides, the occasional static shock in my office has had absolutely no effect on any other electronic component--including the innards of my PC--other than the Palm.

So, am I just unlucky? Or have any of you also cooked a Palm? Let me know.