CES: Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus, Dell 5-Inch Tablet Prototype

[unknownart]

@martin84, I agree. Apple has a way to beautifully integrate software and hardware unlike any other company.

@ChazUK Maybe the new tablet/slate craze can't be credited 100% to Apple, I think a large majority can. However when typing out my initial post, all of these new tablets had me thinking of the kindle with a color display and web capabilities. All speculation here but I see the new Apple slate/tablet being a fusion of the Kindle, and the iPod touch, but on a larger scale as per the 10" rumors.

And on to the topic of the Palm Pre, and webos, I believe it was truly the first mobile OS/Phone since the iPhone to really grab the avg consumers attention vs. us tech geeks. However, I believe that people dislike Sprint to the point that even the Pre couldn't bring people back to a slow moving mobile carrier. Had Verizon picked this up on the other hand first instead of Sprint, I imagine palm would have been able to move more devices. Will be interesting to see if enough people still care about Palm(not trying to imply anything) to really get interest generated in their pre / pixi handsets.

Hmmm y'know...
Apple came out with the Newton, which failed, but it gave rise to PDA's.

Apple came out with the iPod, and while it wasn't original, they way that they did it spanned countless imitators... mp3 players suddenly looked alike. It created a rise of other companies making product just for the iPod.

Apple's iPhone? Go to any Best Buy and look at the variety of touch screen phones. Apple kinda was the game-changer in mobile phones. Sure, the other's phones have different stuff, like keyboards sliding out, or better cameras, but just looking at a big display of smart phones and they all look alike.

And now, just the RUMOR of an Apple tablet or slate has spanned a whole slew of companies making product similar to what they expect the Apple Slate or Apple Tablet to be. Is Apple's product just going to be a larger iPhone? Well, now Dell has shown that they can do that. And they were FIRST! Well, not an actual product. They haven't announced any plans to actually MAKE the darn thing, just that they made it, and they called it a "slate." First. Wait. No... Dell hadn't called it a "slate." Reviewers have. In anticipation of Apple's iSlate I suppose. I guess to get used to the term.

Apple doesn't even have to make a product anymore. Just the rumor of a product seems good enough to create cottage industries. As long as it looks like it could have been made by Apple.

 

[martint84]

Engadget just had hands on with the Dell 5" tablet:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/dell-divulges-mini-3-details-tablet-mini-5-caught-running-an/

Doesn't seem like anything special, just a large screen running Android 1.6. Yet again, it's just another "tablet/slate" with nothing to offer other than a larger screen. You know SJ can't wait to show his baby to the world...

 

[unknownart]

... You do realise Dell PC's and mac's use the exact same components. If anything it's the Mac's that are a ripoff cosidering thay cost twice as much. ...

Really? Costs twice as much? Maybe that argument was true 20 years ago... however Macs have always been more expensive... oh, except if you wanted a sound card and maybe a good graphics card..and larger memory.... maybe some software to use on your PC... and except when the Mac Mini came out... But that was Apple's part to snag the under $600 crowd.

Notebooks? Macs and PC's have been about the same price - up until about 3 years ago when notebooks started selling at Walmart for under $500. Then under $400. And sometimes under $350.

Of course netbooks are definitely cheaper. And they do what they do rather well... read/write email and browse the web... and some simple computing. Kinda like an iPhone, but with a bigger screen.

That old argument of Macs costing twice as much as a PC has been around since 1986. It's the same argument that, "if you want to do spreadsheets and play games, you get a PC-if you want to create and do MORE, you get a Mac." The only argument I haven't heard in the past couplea years (at stores) is that "Macs are going away so you better buy a PC." I've heard THAT one since 1987. Every single year since 1987. Except for the last couple of years. Now All I hear is that "Macs cost twice as much."

 

[Eidorian]

But that was Apple's part to snag the under $600 crowd.

I'd take a look at what $500 can get you elsewhere.

 

[lilskaterpunk]

The Dell device dose look really good, but Dell... Im not a fan of them at all!

 

[TraceyS/FL]

You may want to spend some quality time with the Pixi first. The thing was painfully sluggish to me, and the keyboard was pointless unless you have fingernails (preferably pointy fingernails). The Pre speed made for a much more pleasant software experience (though the Pre keyboard is nothing to jump for joy about either).

Perhaps subsequent software updates have made the Pixi more bearable. I don't know.

I actually want a small "dumb" phone - but they don't make them small these days. I have no need for the Treo - except for Handyshopper. I text on it, and tried the Centro demo out and it would be fine for all i don't do on it right now. I've moved over to my Touch for everything - hence not needing the features of the Treo, heck, because my contract date is old enough, i don't have to have data on it right now, so i don't.

But if i can do the hotspot with the pixi so i can get online with my Touch... that solves it all! I was debating a mifi, but this gets my phone smaller, cuts a 3rd device out, and I could use it with my laptop when i needed it too.

now, i just have to (dream) hope that the pricing on that part of it is doable. I won't add data AND the $50 tethering charge....

AND, i'll see what the unsubsidized price is.... i don't want to go back under contract if the iPhone is coming. But honestly, a phone/mobile hotspot is more practical for me than an iPhone i think anyway. I'll be pondering it this month....

My 755 is new - it's still got a warranty and needs to be replaced, but Asurian won't talk to me when i call from it.... and have you ever been to my Verizon store? Ye gads.... last time i about walked to AT&T, which is saying A LOT for me! LOL!! (it was a warranty replacement for the 700 i had - 2 refurbs were crap, so they sent me something new - they were out of Centro's so i got the upgrade.... frankly, i'd rather have back the one that WORKED, the one that went into the toilet.....)

I'm just kinda excited about this - but i'm going to ASSume that my hopes will be dashed when i see pricing....

 

[broncoted]

plam... so far plus nothing, pretty boring upgrade.

need more info on the dell though looks pretty though

Not really boring, the pre actually now has flash 10.1 which is awesome for me as i browse a lot and watch tons of videos - i checked and no one mentioned the flash upgrade

why doesnt apple get flash? not even to be a d*ck, i really just dont know

 

[Digital Skunk]

Does it run Handyshopper in the classic thing?

The Pixi could replace this treo 755 i have - the stupid thing keeps quitting/shutting off every time i unlock it to read a TM. It's driving me NUTS. I'm out of Contract with Verizon at this point.... if it runs handyshopper and the wifi hotspot doesn't cost an arm and a leg (ie, shares a $30 or under dataplan), i'm thinking this is my new phone.

From what I hear the Classic app runs EVERYTHING that you'd need to run on the older Palm OS. I didn't have much apps back then, (all I did was DocsToGo and standard apps that were awesome programs.)

Depending on what you use the handyshopper app for, you may find some great alternatives on the app catalog or homebrew catalog. I have one called Shopping Cart by Mojo apps, and there are a few others.

I believe the Pre also has a better camera.

I was shocked at how light and tiny the Pixi is, btw. Neat little gizmo.

I've been saying all along, that phone users mature just like other device users.

Some owners will never use most of their phone's capabilities, even the iPhone. Others will be happy with the status quo. And still others will begin to want more functionality and features, and will migrate elsewhere.

Btw, nice to have you back, DS.

Thanks, it's great to be back! I had to leave to take a break from the overwhelming one-sidedness of the forums towards..... nevermind.

But you are absolutely right. There are reasons for everyone to get this phone or that one, but in the end it's going to be the buyer that chooses the feature set that's admirable. Now that I can say this: When I worked for Apple Retail, there were plenty of customers that bought the basic $99 iPhone simply because they just wanted an iPod and Phone combo that surfed the web and nothing more.

While users like me, would rather have a phone that is insured, replaceable if lost or stolen and under a contract that offers me everything I need for $70 (with tax).

Not really boring, the pre actually now has flash 10.1 which is awesome for me as i browse a lot and watch tons of videos - i checked and no one mentioned the flash upgrade

why doesnt apple get flash? not even to be a d*ck, i really just dont know

That is something I wonder as well. I thought that the MRs guys were unbiased, but I guess they don't want to post anything that puts the iPhone behind the curve 100%. Having flash in the Pre browser will definitely put it above the rest. I am sure Apple will get it in there soon so they won't be left behind by Palm of all companies, or they will doctor up an excuse to not put it in there and the zealots will bash how the Pre handles flash.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

From what I hear the Classic app runs EVERYTHING that you'd need to run on the older Palm OS. I didn't have much apps back then, (all I did was DocsToGo and standard apps that were awesome programs.)

Depending on what you use the handyshopper app for, you may find some great alternatives on the app catalog or homebrew catalog. I have one called Shopping Cart by Mojo apps, and there are a few others.

I'll have to go poking around on some forums and find out about HS.

Trust me, at this point, i've tried almost ALL of the shopping apps... and nothing is like the beloved HS. Splash Shopper hasn't stepped up to the plate - even though they acknowledge us HS cross-overs. Apparently, we are too much of a "power user" for their app. My Dad said he was going to write one - but i'm not sure how long i'll wait for that to happen! LOL!!

But you are absolutely right. There are reasons for everyone to get this phone or that one, but in the end it's going to be the buyer that chooses the feature set that's admirable.

Sums it all up!

 

[MacFly123]

With so many new foes banging on the gates, I believe sticking with this set yearly refresh schedule is a big mistake by Apple (if in fact they stick with it). Wireless contracts end every day - don't tempt people to consider competing platforms just because your new handsets only launch in June.

It's time to accelerate development and put the competition further behind you, not keep it locked on cruise control and give them a chance to catch up.

I totally agree with you, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see Apple transition to a 6 month refresh schedule soon! In fact, it might happen this year with a new iPhone, and then later in the year a Verizon iPhone or something!

But yes, they need to evolve the schedule or else they will be getting behind!

 

[Digital Skunk]

I totally agree with you, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see Apple transition to a 6 month refresh schedule soon! In fact, it might happen this year with a new iPhone, and then later in the year a Verizon iPhone or something!

But yes, they need to evolve the schedule or else they will be getting behind!

Evolve the schedule, ditch AT&T, develop more models that don't have shatter-prone glass, and offer better tech support other than that $199 flat rate repair fee.

I felt a little cheated when I went to Sprint today. That crap door on the side of the Pre was pulled out day 1 and now there's a HUGE hole in the side of my phone. I was told I'd have to go through Insurian or whatever and pay $100.

"F" it I thought, it's not that bad. At least it was only $100 for another Palm Pre ***AND*** I get to keep my old one.

 

[*LTD*]

You want to know what's interesting..... I don't see any other tech giant openly making fun of each other. Only Apple does this, and they've been doing it for a while. It's part of their strategy.

The targets DESERVE it. Like really, who cares about the feelings of some also-ran tech outfit that makes a buck by introducing more JUNK and then continues by playing follow-the-leader? Screw em, who cares. More power to the innovator, more power to Apple. If you don't measure up, you're fair game for laughs.

 

[LagunaSol]

Evolve the schedule, ditch AT&T, develop more models that don't have shatter-prone glass, and offer better tech support other than that $199 flat rate repair fee.

Yes, yes, yes and yes.

I wonder why Apple isn't using Corning's Gorilla Glass like other devices are starting to sport? Maybe we'll see something like this on the tablet (if in fact there is one). Imagine dropping your $$$ glass tablet on the floor and watching it shatter.

 

[*LTD*]

Yes, yes, yes and yes.

I wonder why Apple isn't using Corning's Gorilla Glass like other devices are starting to sport? Maybe we'll see something like this on the tablet (if in fact there is one). Imagine dropping your $$$ glass tablet on the floor and watching it shatter.

Could also be quite a safety hazard of sorts.

 

[ChazUK]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.5; en-us; Archos5 Build/CUPCAKE) AppleWebKit/528.5+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.2 Mobile Safari/525.20.1)

Yes, yes, yes and yes.

I wonder why Apple isn't using Corning's Gorilla Glass like other devices are starting to sport? Maybe we'll see something like this on the tablet (if in fact there is one). Imagine dropping your $$$ glass tablet on the floor and watching it shatter.

Could also be quite a safety hazard of sorts.

If it was a safety issue, would the others be using it?

 

[Digital Skunk]

The targets DESERVE it. Like really, who cares about the feelings of some also-ran tech outfit that makes a buck by introducing more JUNK and then continues by playing follow-the-leader? Screw em, who cares. More power to the innovator, more power to Apple. If you don't measure up, you're fair game for laughs.

I agree, but the issue that I see with the market and tech companies is that they are innovating, but their marketing sucks. Apple's not innovating that much anymore, but their marketing is top notch. They have the whole world thinking the iPhone was the first smartphone that did what it can do...

No, it's not, it did it the best at the time, but it was FAR from competing with even the Treo 650 on a feature by feature basis.

I think companies have to get their marketing in order to start waking up the mindless masses. A good example is .... Palm, and that creepy Pre commercial. The Pre having an innovating OS and developing method but an awful commercial.

Another example is Verizon.... their marketing team slapped AT&T in the face with that map that showed customers just what they were getting with AT&T service in some areas. Some die hard AT&T haters have been preaching that since iPhone day 1 and prior and just NOW people are starting to wise up and complain about their AT&T coverage.

Yes, yes, yes and yes.

I wonder why Apple isn't using Corning's Gorilla Glass like other devices are starting to sport? Maybe we'll see something like this on the tablet (if in fact there is one). Imagine dropping your $$$ glass tablet on the floor and watching it shatter.

True, or even a decent plastic coat, or a phone whose glass isn't glued on and hard to replace. It's not a huge flaw, but it is annoying and scary to think that I could potentially drop my phone right after the 30 days and have to fork out $199 to get it fixed.

And sure, I could just not drop my phone, but ask my wife... I am a clutz, pulled the charging door on my Pre out DAY 1 (see bottom)

If it was a safety issue, would the others be using it?

I think he was talking about the iPhones glass. On a 3.5" screen it's not a big deal, but on something larger it COULD possibly shatter and leave glass shards on the floor.

I doubt it would go that far, I am sure Apple will glue it on like they do the iPhone and iPod Touch.

 

[kdarling]

And sure, I could just not drop my phone, but ask my wife... I am a clutz, pulled the charging door on my Pre out DAY 1 (see bottom)

Should've been using a Touchstone charger. It's made for cable klutzes

Btw, you should check out the Palm Ares web based drag-and-drop app maker. Apps you create in the editor are compiled remotely and then side-loaded over USB to your phone. If you know any javascript programming at all, it's fun to create your own Pre apps to impress your wife, kids and others.

It's really too bad that Apple has gone downward from the Hypercard days of giving everyone programming ability.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Should've been using a Touchstone charger. It's made for cable klutzes

Btw, you should check out the Palm Ares web based drag-and-drop app maker. Apps you create in the editor are compiled remotely and then side-loaded over USB to your phone. If you know any javascript programming at all, it's fun to create your own Pre apps to impress your wife, kids and others.

It's really too bad that Apple has gone downward from the Hypercard days of giving everyone programming ability.

HA!!!

I bought one that very week. I am sure Palm pulled an Apple by making it easy to break that tiny little thing off. The Touchstone is a dream, would never want to charge my phone any other way.

I will check Ares out. There are some simple app ideas I've had in mind.

 

[DougB541]

I have a Palm Pre since the summer and its amazing how much Palm, a company of 1000 people have done since then.

To me, WebOS is ahead of Mobile OSX and Android with how I use it.

Adding the PDK is simply icing on the cake for any fence sitters.

Its great they aren't just trying to copy the iPhone but instead going for the market that the iPhone didn't grab (people like me).

 

[minik]

I have been an iPhone user since the 3G model, but suddenly the Palm Pre Plus caught my attention. Sadly, I'm less likely to switch to Verizon.

 

[kdarling]

I have been an iPhone user since the 3G model, but suddenly the Palm Pre Plus caught my attention. Sadly, I'm less likely to switch to Verizon.

Not to worry. AT&T is getting two WebOS phones soon, too. (Everyone assumes they'll be the Pre and Pixi.)

 

[twoodcc]

5" tablet? seems kinda small there.

 

[Zc456]

You guys are a bunch of complete fanboys! I won't point fingers. It just annoys me to death to see people judging Dell's prototype tablet, now known as the Mini 5, before its even released.

Further more we don't even know what Apple's tablet will look like, regardless of what the patents say! These are alternatives to Apple's rumored "slate." Heck, the freakin' Macintosh is a alternative to Windows by today's standards.

CES comes weather the manufacturers like it or not. They have no choice but to present something. Apple's Mobile event comes after it. The idea of tablet/slate isn't new, let alone touchscreen, it simply is another form of computing. This stuff has been around forever. We are only at the tip of the iceberg of what is not only a new form of mobile computing but computing itself.

I love Apple, as well as my iPod Touch, but I'm not afraid to admit that I wouldn't mind getting my hands on that Dell Mini 5. Oh, and I got small...

</end rant>