Wow. Watching Palm die is a sick sort of entertainment -- but I can't resist.
Amazon's reviews on Palm's most important PDA product, the Tungsten E2, are wicked. It looks like the E2 has a defect with the on-off switch, shortly after the 90 day warrantee ends the switch dies. Palm had similar problems with several earlier models -- I guess they just can't figure out the on/off switch.
The Treo 650 is popular, but I can't see how it can forestall doom. They've sold the PalmOS software to a Japanese company so there's no revenue stream there.
What a train wreck.
PS. Since there's no real replacement for the dying Palm PDA (PocketPC PDAs are also on death row) I may yet buy a Tungsten E2! (4/06: I did.) I'll wait for a great offer however. I'll also use TealLaunch to turn the device off and a function button to turn it on -- so I'll completely avoid the flaky on/off switch. It might last longer if I never use it.
I had the same problem. I was able to fix it by removing the battery and reconnecting it. It seems that it is not the on/off switch that is bad but some on board electronics/software that gets stuck in either the "on" or the "off" position bypassing the physical switch. Your solution, though unique, will not work in this case.
ReplyDeleteI sent a letter of complaint to Palm and is still waiting for a response. Meanwhile, I have updated my review on Amazon for this item to a (1 star).
I wonder if it's related to the keylock function. When that's engaged nothing works save the power switch. Now if the keylock routine were to ignore the power switch ....
ReplyDeleteI doubt Palm will read your letter, but thanks for posting the solution here!