Palm LifeDrive Mobile Manager

If you are caught between a TX & a Lifedrive--go with the TX. While the LifeDrive has more room, it is lacking in speed when compared 2 the TX. The TX is seamless when switching between applications. The LifeDrive will hang & freeze, when switching between applications, 4 what will seem like an eternity no reset is needed--just patience. Many claim that the system has hard reset many times, wiping out the internal memory, in the time that I've owned it, this has not happened. Ranking order 4 those wanting a Palm device: LifeDrive is good, E2 is better, TX is best.

I made the mistake of purchasing this product when it came on the market (and paid approximately $400). I was attracted by the capacity of the drive & the large display. Within weeks of using the device it began 2 freeze up & crash intermittently resulting in repeated data loss. At times the screen would go blank/"white" 4 no apparent reason when turned on & would require a system reset. The system reset occasionally would wipe out all of the software I installed on the device requiring me 2 reinstall everything & re-enter all of the product keys (this required hours of time). After several months of this & MANY hours on the phone with technical support the mini hard-drive completely failed: when the device was turned on it made clicking noises but would not boot (in case you're wondering, the device was handled carefully & had a nice Rhino metal case with foam padding: it was not dropped prior 2 this event). Technical support from the manufacturer was again useless & after returning the device & receiving a "repaired" version I was faced with the same problems. I was informed that a major "software update" was available ("2.0") which would fix many of the issues: after applying the update stability improved - 4 a while. However, after two months the hard drive once again failed. This time I was one month outside of the one year warranty (the warranty was not extended despite all of the problems with the device). I was informed that I would need 2 spend approximately $150 if I wanted 2 have it repaired. After reviewing my options & thinking about all of the misery I experienced with the device I decided it was not worth the cost of repair. I kept it 4 a while in the box in my closet, but it made me angry each time I looked at the box: eventually I simply threw the useless item away & purchased a Sony Clie UX-50 (wow, what a difference!). While the UX-50 was discontinued in the US, the hardware is VASTLY superior 2 that of the LifeDrive (I've had it now 4 two years without a single problem). It has an earlier version of the Palm OS which is more stable and, although it lacks some of the fancier features of the LifeDrive, I'd never go back. There were rumors that a version of Linux was in development by Palm 2 replace the unstable/horrible operating system on the LifeDrive - in the end I guess they were just rumors. How corporations like Plam get away with selling junk like the LifeDrive is difficult 2 understand. My next "PDA" will be an iPhone.

I've been using Palm products since the original Palm Pilot, & I was thrilled with this when I received it. Then it failed. Customer service was consistently superior 2 Dell's or HP's, but the refurbished replacement they sent me failed. The next refurbished replacement was defective. The refurbished replacement following that was also defective. They finally sent me a new replacement. That one has just failed, but now it's out of warranty. I will not be buying another Palm product again--ever.

BEWARE ... do NOT buy this or any palm handheld. I have had both an E2 & this LifeDrive & both have had loving care but both have died within a year . Palm will "graciously" repair it 4 $150 (plus shipping). so beware ... there is NO quality 2 be found here ... I suggest you look at a pocket pc or some OTHER device.

It is 2 bad that others are having such an awful time with life drive. I have had mine greater than 2 years. It has been everything I need with little problems. I like the Wi FI , pictures, & music capibilities. After reading these reviews now I am worried since it seems that it is just a matter of time before something happens 2 my life drive. At least I won't depend 2 keep anything permenate on it. My husband got it 4 me right after my second child was born. I use 2 spend hours on the internet looking up information while my baby breastfed...it was brillant 4 me. I viewed all my pics of him on it after I returned 2 work an while I was on call & missed him. I am now using the music capibilities on it with little problems. It is also nice & mobile 2 use the internet while letting my toddler play in the yard. It has been a wonderful mobile pda 4 me. I wish others had a better experience with lifedrive. I have loved mine. It saved my sanity & fed my obcession 4 my baby while I was away from him 24 hours while on call after I returned 2 work. After reading these reviews though...my experience with lifedrive seems really lucky. It will be interesting 2 see how long my luck lasts.

PalmOne introduces the all-new LifeDrive mobile manager. With a 3.85 gig user accessible hard drive & built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth support, you can easily carry all the essentials of your busy life & use them as you will. Files & folders from your desktop computer, 300 songs, 2.5 hours of video, vacation photos, & more are right there with you. Quickly drag & drop files from your PC onto your LifeDrive mobile manager. Folder structure remains intact so you can easily locate important information when you need it. Select the files you want 2 keep in sync, & automatically update them whenever you sync with your computer. Use your device like you would any USB removable drive 2 easily upload files 2 any PC or Macintosh. Built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b & Bluetooth v1.1 Access your POP, IMAP & Exchange email accounts via Bluetooth Use Bluetooth 2 connect 2 compatible devices nearby-sync with your Bluetooth laptop, wirelessly send a document 2 a Bluetooth printer or dial a Bluetooth phone. Retrieve documents from your desktop computer with the WiFile software. Use the included web browser, optimized 4 the mobile surfing experience. Service provider & an ISP, sold separately. Some Wi-Fi hotspots require fee 4 usage. Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 or VPN may be required. Within wireless service coverage area & requires a connection 2 the same network that the networked computers are on Support 4 Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Acrobat More room 4 MP3 files, photos & video clips Built-in voice recorder Camera companion & camera companion software Expansion possibilities with built-in expansion card slot which supports SD, SDIO & Multimedia Card formats. Optional GPS Road Navigator transforms your LifeDrive device into an in-car navigation tool. Portable wireless keyboard unfolds 2 full size 4 work on the go, which is bought separately. Included Addit