Palm 130 doesn't show as many colors as advertised

[Xoc]

http://msn-cnet.com.com/2100-1040-954357.html

When it released the m130 in March, Palm had advertised that the device's screen could handle more than 64,000 colors, but it actually displays far fewer. By using blending techniques such as combining nearby pixels and turning pixels on and off, the gadget can display 58,000 "color combinations," said spokeswoman Marlene Somsak.

[EliteWeb]

oOOo i want a refund for my missing pixels :)

[Brett_Tabke]

http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,54647,00.html

Say! Since day one, I've never felt the display lived up to billing. Put the same picture side-by-side with a Sony, and it makes the Palm look real bad.

If I had to do over, I would get a Sony instead of the Palm.

from the palm kb:

...m130 handheld has a 160x160 resolution, passive matrix, transflective, color display with backlight. It is capable of displaying 16 bit color (over 65,000 colors).

[mivox]

Anyone know if the m505/515 has the same problem? That's the one I've been eyeballing, if I decide to replace my Visor Edge.

[rogerd]

The article in Brett's post points out that Palm's current share price is 71 cents, vs. $57 three years ago. Their current financial condition will probably prevent any serious make-good effort on the missing colors. (My best-case scenario: a state Attorney General who is experiencing a slow news week will go after Palm, who will end up issuing discount coupons - usable on future Palm CPU purchases - to M130 owners who request them.)

I'd assume that, for the moment, one would be buying into a low-support situation, Mivox. I think I described my son's experience somewhere else - he returned a defective unit to Palm, including the flip cover. They shipped him a new unit, without the cover. When he called, they told him he shouldn't have done that and there was absolutely nothing they could do. He had to buy a new cover, and was not pleased by that experience. Earlier, Palm also failed to acknowledge their numerous cradle problems until the number of public complaints became overwhelming.

Now, if IBM buys Palm... that would be a whole new ball game. And if Palm's share price keeps dropping, pretty soon IBM could pick them up for nothing at all...

[mivox]

I'd probably buy used or refurbished anyhow... I'm a cheapskate. ;) I just wanted to know if the 505 had the same display problem. Palm says it doesn't, but it doesn't sound like they're the most reliable source of info about the capabilities of their products. hehehe....

[rogerd]

Keep your eye out for Clie T615 bargains, Mivox. It looks like that unit is being replaced by the 665, which accounts for the recent drops (I got mine for $265) and might lead to lower blowout pricing soon (which will annoy me when I see it).

You might see some blowouts on the M130 soon, too, with stickers that say, "Color specs may vary from numbers shown on package". ;)

[Helpmebe1]

WOW! Is all I can say.. I am speechless! I picked up.. hmm the Palm Vx two years ago I would guess it is.. more like 2 and half years ago.. and that thing cranked! I had no problems with it whatsoever and came in so handy while I was working for one of the giant medical companies as a detail rep... I then got the M505 like a year and a half ago.. what a dissapointment.. the thing sucked! I then left the company and started my own.. and just didnt need the palm anymore.. I went to ebay it like 2 months ago and it wouldnt charge.. I called Palm and they said oh yeah.. thats common with the 505.. send it in to us we will send you a refurb for replacement.. boy i was pissed cause I think the palm had only been used like 2 days when i first got it.. Well needless to say.. I if ever need a handheld CPU WILL NOT BUY A PALM! I hear so many horrible stories about them as I did my research a few months ago... so to anyone who wants a M505 DONT DO IT.. maybe consider the 515 as I hear that is pretty reliable... but personally I dont think I would buy another Palm, unless I hear they start making quality stuff again and stop with the false advertising...

WOW .73 cents a share... I am in big time shock on that one.. havent followed their stock in a long time.. I would say they are on their last leg and about to go under or be bought by some sucker..

[Xoc]

It gets worse for Palm...

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against handheld maker Palm for "unfair competition and fraudulent, unfair, deceptive and false advertising" of its m130 organizer.

The lawsuit, which was filed in California's superior court in Santa Clara County on behalf of two m130 owners and "all others similarly situated," claims that Palm misled consumers into believing its m130 personal digital assistant could support more than 65,000 colors.

Wired news [wired.com]