Kohenkatz writes "As noted in PreCentral.net's forums, the 'webOS Reset Doctor' has been leaked. It includes the webOS root image. From the article: 'Code-inclined individuals on the PreCentral forums have already cracked open the ROM and are getting an unfettered glimpse at the Palm's new platform, which, for the layman, means it should open the doors for some crazy Pre hacking and possibly hint, by way of unfinished / unused code, at what's to come for the platform — and, if we're really lucky, maybe someone will be able to look at this and move us one step closer to an unlocked Pre that could jump onto Verizon's network. Amusingly, you also get to see all the comments left by the devs in the code, guaranteeing a few good chuckles from others who can relate.'"
People have already uncovered icons for MSN and AOL, as well as references to the Palm Eos, a rumored successor to the Centro line.
At the risk of being branded a heretic, if I wanted a crappy computer with a tiny screen and keyboard, I'd buy a Sinclair.
Why does every chunk of plastic in the world want to be my computer?
Because you can't put your computer in your shirt pocket and take it with you everywhere you go. It's not about trying to be your computer. It's about having a device like your computer with you at all times.
It's about having a device like your computer with you at all times.
I have a device like my computer with me at all times when I want to be near a computer.
It's my computer.
If people only realized how much crap they've been programmed to "need", there would be riots in the streets, complete with pitchforks and burning torches.
Nobody really cares if you buy an iPhone or anything else as long as it ensures that you'll pay them $50/month forever, for a "data plan".
Just for an example, most of the Northeast US has great water. A lot of it is some of the best water on the planet. We still buy it @ $1+/bottle and it's a huge industry based on nothing except marketing-created need.
Has anybody besides me noticed that the goal of almost every business is to get you to pay them every month for something you don't need and never new you wanted until they decided for you?
Call me when it has excellent voice and/or thought recognition and a non-intrusive wide-screen HUD with a good refresh rate.
In the meantime you'll... what? Lug around a big-assed laptop (big-assed netbook) that does way more than you need?
If a phone can provide ready access to text-based communication, basic reference materials, and simple knobs on a remote computer (along with making phone calls), it has replaced my need to lug a full computer around. If it can play some games and run some basic apps too, then it's just gravy. If it's only a mediocre phone, it's still miles ahead of a simple phone that does nothing but make calls flawlessly. For starters, only carrying one device is worth it alone. But also, the secondary features have surpassed the ability to make calls as the primary function. Phone calls are practically obsolete in many scenarios. I can go days without even using my phone as a phone, since it has provided me with more convenient forms of communication. (Show me how any of that is because of marketing.)
So let me ask you: Why does a device have to be the second coming of Jesus before you'll consider it? It takes more than saying "I'm not a Luddite" to actually not be a Luddite. It seems to me that you're resistant to the adoption of the non-phone features of these new devices as the primary function of the device. Don't think of them as general purpose computers. Hell, many of them aren't even marketed that way. Instead look at the way they can make your life easer... Starting by helping you ditch that man-purse that you carry your current computing device around in.
The benefits of a real smartphone with the convenience of a monopoly provider doesn't quite do it for me.
Doubt it. You can't kill stupidity - general crowd will always go for style over substance. The best Palm can hope for is getting the geek crowd that actually understands why Pre is better, but even they can frequently be swayed by the "ooooh - shiny".
The keyboard, to me, is a wash. Some like it, some like the iPhone's virtual keyboard. It's a matter of preferences.
As for the others, they're potential benefits. Open development model? Linux has that, but it didn't help it take the world by storm. Multi-tasking? Sure, I suppose it would be better in some theoretical sense, but you're making a judgement based on brochure bullet-points. That's why I asked for specific examples. Is it a better email platform? I don't know. Better casual gaming platform? I don't know. Better music player? I don't know. Better development platform? I don't know.
We don't know because it's brand new and we don't know much about it, and certainly don't know anything long-term. The iPhone is a known entity, with a decently long track record, and therefore we know the pros and cons. With the Pre you can assume a bunch of benefits from the bullet-points, but they're just guesses.
I say this as a satisfied Blackberry user, so I'm not fanboying the iPhone.
Multitasking is a big, big benefit, assuming you're an internet-over-phone user. (And really, that's the target market. Not iphone users, net-phone users.) Right now if I surf the net on my phone it takes 5-10 seconds after I hit a link for a simple page to render and up to 30 seconds for an image laden one. I'm twiddling my thumbs (literally) in the meantime. With the WebOs I can fire up three or four web instances to cycle between loaded content, open up a game or use another app and get the web page
That explains why there's nobody developing for the iPhone, I guess. Oh, wait.
"Oh wait" for what? The iphone is the best device of its kind on the market right now, so its doing well. Nobody denies that. The closed devlopment model still sucks.
What you're describing isn't multi-tasking.
Uh. I didn't describe anything. If you want an example of app that doesn't work on the iphone... how about oh something really complex... like an alarm clock. Sure I can use the alarm clock app that the iphone comes with. But
I guess you aren't familiar with the iPhone 3Gs yet. Compare that to the Pre in terms of speed. Also, consider real speed an not theoretical (i.e. CPU) speed. The iPhone 3Gs has more than just the CPU doing its processing. At work we have a Pre user. He's now wishing he had an iPhone 3G (not even the newest one) because the Pre is so much slower.
Please explain what you mean by "better memory handling" and try to compare iPhone 3Gs with the Pre, not last year's models.
Isn't the "standard easy to develop platform" Javascript and HTML5 running on Webkit. That's what iPhone 1.0 launched with in 2007! Objective C is for folks who want native speed. That option (native code) is not yet supported for Pre developers.
"Ability to develop for ANY OS"? How is that? If it's Javascript and HTML5 it will also run on the iPhone and Android. So what is special about Pre?
"No big-brother" and "No app kill-switch" are security vulnerabilities that can endanger more than the device itself. It's a shared network. Ever use a PC? Do you like how any there is not way to be sure as where your applications really come from? Let's see how well that works out.
"Ability to synch music to multiple sources" - You can do that with an iPhone if you really want to. The iPhone is a USB mass storage device. Tell us about how the Pre does it automagically.
What do you mean by "Universal search"?
The ability to buy music directly to the handset is part of iPhone 3.0.
LOL. You either do not get it or playing stupid. [...] Now I know you are just putting me on. "Native speed", ROTFLMAO [...] And people still fall for that load of crap.
The only thing I can say for certain, after watching slashdot's Pre/iPhone wars over the past week, is that the introduction of the Pre has not reduced the global number of cellphone-comparing supercillious pricks. In fact, it's created a whole new class of them, to join their Android and iPhone brethren.
Let's see, you think that the difference between June 6th and June 8th (or 19th if you count ship dates) is playing "catch up" You must know a lot about product development.
When you don't know an answer to a question your response seems to be different forms of "LOL". Are you nervous and insecure? Moving out of your Mom's basement and getting a job might help your self esteem.
Do you think JS/HTML/CSS means web pages? Well I didn't say that, but what is a web page if not an HTML document with or withou
This could actually be very good for developers versus the iPhone.
The plan is, from my understanding, that the WebOS SDK should allow devs to build capable but high-level apps in a Javascript-style environment (though I'm pretty sure these things are still compiled). Thus a lower barrier to entry than even the iPhone, at the expense of more intensive system-level access.
If Pre homebrew software doesn't require firmware modification like the iPhone does (does the Pre even need to be jailbroken?), that goes a long way toward legitimizing it to a mainstream audience, giving potential Pre developers two possible avenues for development.
If we're really lucky, maybe someone will be able to look at this and move us one step closer to an unlocked Pre that could jump onto Verizon's network.
I thought people would eventually learn this after all the discussion of "why can't I move my iPhone to Verizon?" In the US, Verizon and Sprint use CDMA. Each phone has to be developed for each specific network. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, the worldwide standard where phones can be "unlocked" and moved to other networks (as long as the phone support the frequencies used by those networks). So don't hold your breath waiting for a Verizon Pre.
As you just answered yourself.. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA. The Pre being on Sprint means that it jumping to Verizon is very possible and is in fact nothing like the iPhone.
Yeah, but with the US CDMA networks (and, incidentally KDDI in Japan, the Korean CDMA networks and the recently-decommissioned Australian CDMA network), the subscriber identifier is hardcoded into the handset, and the home network identifier is stored in the handset, but can usually be changed. With GSM/UMTS, the equivalents of both pieces of information (IMSI and home network) are stored in a removable SIM card (in Europe, it's mandatory for it to be replaceable, but I've heard that some devices on T-Mobile USA like automated weather stations have it soldered onto the board).
So to switch networks with a GSM/UMTS handset, you need to "unlock" the handset (tell it to accept a SIM card with a different home network to the one that it's "locked" to) and then swap in a new SIM, and it should all be good, provided the handset can tune the frequencies you need.
But with a CDMA handset, you need to "unlock" the phone (convincing it to allow you to change the home network identifier), and change the home network identifier. That's the easy part. You now need to get the subscriber identifier out of the handset and convince the new carrier to register it for you. They're usually very reluctant to do this - they want to sell you a locked-down handset with their customised firmware.
So while technically incorrect - you actually can switch networks with a CDMA handset - his point still stands - it's practically impossible due to the pigheaded attitude prevalent at the carriers.
Sprint absorbed Nextel, which isn't CDMA or GSM, but is iDen. They are phasing it out, but last year I got what turned out to be a Nextel phone from Sprint since CDMA doesn't interfere with radios as much.
iDen is similar to GSM in terms of interfering with radios.
Wrong... Verizon and Sprint are CDMA. All you have to do to put a Sprint phone on the Verizon network is for Verizon to activate it. What I don't get is why is everyone so hot for it to move to Verizon. Sprint is several hundred dollars a year cheaper for the same plan. I have had no problems with converage on Sprint and there network is actually pretty fast. As far as customer support I have not had any issues with them. I wonder how much of the Sprint hate is left over and how much of it is current. And don't
What I don't get is why is everyone so hot for it to move to Verizon.
Probably because the people who complain live in areas where Verizon is perceived to provide a more reliable signal than Sprint. Might it have something to do with the scores of network technicians portrayed in Verizon's television ads?
Unfortunately, this is not completely true. They wouldn't let me have a Sprint Touch Pro. I knew several people that did it while their *228 loophole was open. They told me that Sprint phones won't work on Verizon (we all know that's untrue). I had completely reprogrammed the phone with all of VZW's info. I went through all sorts or techs for a period of 2 weeks until I got so disgusted I left VZW and went to Sprint. I know that others have been more fortunate than me and have successfully activated o
There's nothing fundamental about CDMA preventing the switch to verizon.
In North America, a "CDMA" network is one that runs Qualcomm's cdmaOne (IS-95) protocol stack [wikipedia.org] or its successor [wikipedia.org], much as "TDMA" used to refer to D-AMPS [wikipedia.org] even though GSM used TDMA modulation.
I really doubt that they will launch any legal assault. Palm probably has a patent on syncing a PDA device with a PC or some such thing. Apple will at best just change the software so it doesn't work or will leave it. Other devices already sync with iTunes and Apple makes money when you buy music so why bother with a law suit?
I wonder if this will help Apple launch a legal assault regarding the Pre's ability to masquerade as an iPod?
Sega, Chamberlain, and Lexmark tried and failed to block Genesis-compatible game cartridges, LiftMaster-compatible garage door openers, and Lexmark-compatible toner cartridges in U.S. court, both before and after the DMCA. So I wonder what legal theory Apple might use for this.
Doesn't work the same way at all. iTunes produces an XML file detailing the contents of its library. The Blackberry (and, incidentally, Nokia) synchronisation software reads this file. You need to install a separate application from the handset vendor and use it to synchronise your music (iTunes is blissfully unaware of your Blackberry/Nokia). The Pre is a different kettle of fish - it masquerades as an iPod so iTunes will handle the synchronisation with no additional software.
What does the phone's rom have to do with this? I've unlocked sprint treos for verizon. You just have to reprogram the prl on the cdma chip. No firmware/OS modification involved. Has something drastically changed, or does the op just not understand?
Basically it doesn't mean much for the layman. The iPhone has been hacked over and over many times. Developers/hackers/uber-geeks alike now have another cool piece of software to rip apart and discover and then make cool mods & bolt-ons. It's just a lot of fun. If you are only into using the phone for its intended purpose then this will be of little value to you.
Cracking open the ROM is nifty and all (although it might cause issues for you later if you want to develop on the platform), but what I still want to know is where are the Palm Pre Linux kernel sources?.
I've looked all over the Palm sites and even Googled [google.com] for it [google.com], but I haven't come up with anything but speculation. I can't believe that they're using a prebuilt kernel from TI, so what gives?
Uh, what have you been reading then? Wikipedia seems to think it is [wikipedia.org] and so does everything else I've read about it. Can you give even one source which suggests it runs something else?
The real question is whether it runs X11 like the Nokia 770/N800/N810, allowing it to run unmodified desktop apps.
Have you read anything about it? The root image is linux. That's a fact. You can verify it yourself if you want to.
The [wikipedia.org] Pre is the first Palm device to use webOS, the Linux based platform that replaces Palm's previous Palm OS. Developed from scratch for use in mobile phones - whereas Palm OS was originally designed for PDAs - webOS is capable of supporting built-in first party applications, as well as third party applications.
webOS [wikipedia.org] is a completely new operating system based on Linux.
Is Verizon really that lovable? I know all the iPhone haters are quick to point to AT&T as the worst cell phone carrier, but is there really so much love out there for Verizon?
For every AT&T phone I've had that supported bluetooth I've never had any trouble moving ringtones and pictures on and off the phone directly from my computer. I had heard that Verizon pretty much always disables features like that in order to force you to use their fee based options. I've never understood how someone who dislikes AT&T could have any love for Verizon.
I totally understand people rooting for the underdog, but loving Verizon and hating Sprint I just don't understand. Every time a new smartphone comes out it seems there's a huge clamor to use it on some carrier other than the one who's got an exclusive deal for the new phone.
Are there really any wireless carriers out there that are super awesome great companies who just unfortunately only offer crap phones?
You cannot move ringtones so easily at all. You could use BitPim (which some Verizon workers even recommend), but thats almost a hassle. The only other way is to save the ringtone as a sound and as a ringtone, as sounds can be emailed and then resaved onto the new phone as a sound and/or ringtone.
Basically everyone's complaining cause verizon's current smartphone selection sucks....two touchscreens and an ancient blackberry. People that have verizon (and get the huge corpora
A lot of cell phone coverage issues are actually related to the cell phone. I found that a few Sprint phones i had were AWFUL, then would be sitting next to other people with spint whom had great reception.
I started researching signal strength on my next Sprint phone purchase, result the quality has been INCREDIBLE and I never get dropped calls.
Look to the phone as well as the cell phone tower for your troubles
I assume the root image indicates modifications to GPL source, like Webkit. Have they published the changes?
WebKit [webkit.org] is not GPLed. Their main page states that they are an open source project (their words) with portions available under BSD [webkit.org] and LGPL [webkit.org] licenses.
Palm doesn't have to release anything if they use BSD code in their software stack. If they use LGPL code then I believe that they have to release their changes and provide a method allowing the end user to replace the LGPLed library with a different library. I'm no lawyer, so I'd suggest that you look at the license [webkit.org] for the details.
also found in the root image (Score:5, Informative)
dev mode enabled using the konami code [engadget.com]
Re: (Score:2, Funny)
upupdowndownleftrightleftrightbastart
Hmmmmm..didn't work.
Will this make be an iPhone killer? (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2, Insightful)
Why does every chunk of plastic in the world want to be my computer?
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
At the risk of being branded a heretic, if I wanted a crappy computer with a tiny screen and keyboard, I'd buy a Sinclair.
Why does every chunk of plastic in the world want to be my computer?
Because you can't put your computer in your shirt pocket and take it with you everywhere you go. It's not about trying to be your computer. It's about having a device like your computer with you at all times.
Re:Will this make be an iPhone killer? (Score:4, Insightful)
I have a device like my computer with me at all times when I want to be near a computer.
It's my computer.
If people only realized how much crap they've been programmed to "need", there would be riots in the streets, complete with pitchforks and burning torches.
Nobody really cares if you buy an iPhone or anything else as long as it ensures that you'll pay them $50/month forever, for a "data plan".
Just for an example, most of the Northeast US has great water. A lot of it is some of the best water on the planet. We still buy it @ $1+/bottle and it's a huge industry based on nothing except marketing-created need.
Has anybody besides me noticed that the goal of almost every business is to get you to pay them every month for something you don't need and never new you wanted until they decided for you?
Parent
Re:Will this make be an iPhone killer? (Score:4, Insightful)
Call me when it has excellent voice and/or thought recognition and a non-intrusive wide-screen HUD with a good refresh rate.
In the meantime you'll... what? Lug around a big-assed laptop (big-assed netbook) that does way more than you need?
If a phone can provide ready access to text-based communication, basic reference materials, and simple knobs on a remote computer (along with making phone calls), it has replaced my need to lug a full computer around. If it can play some games and run some basic apps too, then it's just gravy. If it's only a mediocre phone, it's still miles ahead of a simple phone that does nothing but make calls flawlessly. For starters, only carrying one device is worth it alone. But also, the secondary features have surpassed the ability to make calls as the primary function. Phone calls are practically obsolete in many scenarios. I can go days without even using my phone as a phone, since it has provided me with more convenient forms of communication. (Show me how any of that is because of marketing.)
So let me ask you: Why does a device have to be the second coming of Jesus before you'll consider it? It takes more than saying "I'm not a Luddite" to actually not be a Luddite. It seems to me that you're resistant to the adoption of the non-phone features of these new devices as the primary function of the device. Don't think of them as general purpose computers. Hell, many of them aren't even marketed that way. Instead look at the way they can make your life easer... Starting by helping you ditch that man-purse that you carry your current computing device around in.
Parent
Re: (Score:2)
Will this make be an iPhone killer?
The benefits of a real smartphone with the convenience of a monopoly provider doesn't quite do it for me.
Doubt it. You can't kill stupidity - general crowd will always go for style over substance. The best Palm can hope for is getting the geek crowd that actually understands why Pre is better, but even they can frequently be swayed by the "ooooh - shiny".
-Em
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Why is the Pre better? Can you give specific examples?
Re:Will this make be an iPhone killer? (Score:4, Insightful)
Parent
Re:Will this make be an iPhone killer? (Score:5, Insightful)
The keyboard, to me, is a wash. Some like it, some like the iPhone's virtual keyboard. It's a matter of preferences.
As for the others, they're potential benefits. Open development model? Linux has that, but it didn't help it take the world by storm. Multi-tasking? Sure, I suppose it would be better in some theoretical sense, but you're making a judgement based on brochure bullet-points. That's why I asked for specific examples. Is it a better email platform? I don't know. Better casual gaming platform? I don't know. Better music player? I don't know. Better development platform? I don't know.
We don't know because it's brand new and we don't know much about it, and certainly don't know anything long-term. The iPhone is a known entity, with a decently long track record, and therefore we know the pros and cons. With the Pre you can assume a bunch of benefits from the bullet-points, but they're just guesses.
I say this as a satisfied Blackberry user, so I'm not fanboying the iPhone.
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Multitasking is a big, big benefit, assuming you're an internet-over-phone user. (And really, that's the target market. Not iphone users, net-phone users.) Right now if I surf the net on my phone it takes 5-10 seconds after I hit a link for a simple page to render and up to 30 seconds for an image laden one. I'm twiddling my thumbs (literally) in the meantime. With the WebOs I can fire up three or four web instances to cycle between loaded content, open up a game or use another app and get the web page
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
That explains why there's nobody developing for the iPhone, I guess. Oh, wait.
"Oh wait" for what? The iphone is the best device of its kind on the market right now, so its doing well. Nobody denies that. The closed devlopment model still sucks.
What you're describing isn't multi-tasking.
Uh. I didn't describe anything. If you want an example of app that doesn't work on the iphone... how about oh something really complex... like an alarm clock. Sure I can use the alarm clock app that the iphone comes with. But
Re:Will this make be an iPhone killer? (Score:4, Insightful)
I guess you aren't familiar with the iPhone 3Gs yet. Compare that to the Pre in terms of speed. Also, consider real speed an not theoretical (i.e. CPU) speed. The iPhone 3Gs has more than just the CPU doing its processing. At work we have a Pre user. He's now wishing he had an iPhone 3G (not even the newest one) because the Pre is so much slower.
Please explain what you mean by "better memory handling" and try to compare iPhone 3Gs with the Pre, not last year's models.
Isn't the "standard easy to develop platform" Javascript and HTML5 running on Webkit. That's what iPhone 1.0 launched with in 2007! Objective C is for folks who want native speed. That option (native code) is not yet supported for Pre developers.
"Ability to develop for ANY OS"? How is that? If it's Javascript and HTML5 it will also run on the iPhone and Android. So what is special about Pre?
"No big-brother" and "No app kill-switch" are security vulnerabilities that can endanger more than the device itself. It's a shared network. Ever use a PC? Do you like how any there is not way to be sure as where your applications really come from? Let's see how well that works out.
"Ability to synch music to multiple sources" - You can do that with an iPhone if you really want to. The iPhone is a USB mass storage device. Tell us about how the Pre does it automagically.
What do you mean by "Universal search"?
The ability to buy music directly to the handset is part of iPhone 3.0.
Keep going on, please.
Parent
Re:Will this make be an iPhone killer? (Score:4, Insightful)
LOL. You either do not get it or playing stupid. [...] Now I know you are just putting me on. "Native speed", ROTFLMAO [...] And people still fall for that load of crap.
The only thing I can say for certain, after watching slashdot's Pre/iPhone wars over the past week, is that the introduction of the Pre has not reduced the global number of cellphone-comparing supercillious pricks. In fact, it's created a whole new class of them, to join their Android and iPhone brethren.
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Let's see, you think that the difference between June 6th and June 8th (or 19th if you count ship dates) is playing "catch up" You must know a lot about product development.
When you don't know an answer to a question your response seems to be different forms of "LOL". Are you nervous and insecure? Moving out of your Mom's basement and getting a job might help your self esteem.
Do you think JS/HTML/CSS means web pages? Well I didn't say that, but what is a web page if not an HTML document with or withou
Good for developers (Score:4, Interesting)
This could actually be very good for developers versus the iPhone.
The plan is, from my understanding, that the WebOS SDK should allow devs to build capable but high-level apps in a Javascript-style environment (though I'm pretty sure these things are still compiled). Thus a lower barrier to entry than even the iPhone, at the expense of more intensive system-level access.
If Pre homebrew software doesn't require firmware modification like the iPhone does (does the Pre even need to be jailbroken?), that goes a long way toward legitimizing it to a mainstream audience, giving potential Pre developers two possible avenues for development.
Parent
It doesn't work that way (Score:3, Informative)
If we're really lucky, maybe someone will be able to look at this and move us one step closer to an unlocked Pre that could jump onto Verizon's network.
I thought people would eventually learn this after all the discussion of "why can't I move my iPhone to Verizon?" In the US, Verizon and Sprint use CDMA. Each phone has to be developed for each specific network. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, the worldwide standard where phones can be "unlocked" and moved to other networks (as long as the phone support the frequencies used by those networks). So don't hold your breath waiting for a Verizon Pre.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
As you just answered yourself.. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA. The Pre being on Sprint means that it jumping to Verizon is very possible and is in fact nothing like the iPhone.
Re:It doesn't work that way (Score:5, Informative)
Yeah, but with the US CDMA networks (and, incidentally KDDI in Japan, the Korean CDMA networks and the recently-decommissioned Australian CDMA network), the subscriber identifier is hardcoded into the handset, and the home network identifier is stored in the handset, but can usually be changed. With GSM/UMTS, the equivalents of both pieces of information (IMSI and home network) are stored in a removable SIM card (in Europe, it's mandatory for it to be replaceable, but I've heard that some devices on T-Mobile USA like automated weather stations have it soldered onto the board).
So to switch networks with a GSM/UMTS handset, you need to "unlock" the handset (tell it to accept a SIM card with a different home network to the one that it's "locked" to) and then swap in a new SIM, and it should all be good, provided the handset can tune the frequencies you need.
But with a CDMA handset, you need to "unlock" the phone (convincing it to allow you to change the home network identifier), and change the home network identifier. That's the easy part. You now need to get the subscriber identifier out of the handset and convince the new carrier to register it for you. They're usually very reluctant to do this - they want to sell you a locked-down handset with their customised firmware.
So while technically incorrect - you actually can switch networks with a CDMA handset - his point still stands - it's practically impossible due to the pigheaded attitude prevalent at the carriers.
Parent
Re: (Score:2)
Sprint absorbed Nextel, which isn't CDMA or GSM, but is iDen. They are phasing it out, but last year I got what turned out to be a Nextel phone from Sprint since CDMA doesn't interfere with radios as much.
iDen is similar to GSM in terms of interfering with radios.
Re: (Score:2, Informative)
While you're right about moving phones between carriers, it doesn't seem to matter in this case.
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Wrong... Verizon and Sprint are CDMA. All you have to do to put a Sprint phone on the Verizon network is for Verizon to activate it.
What I don't get is why is everyone so hot for it to move to Verizon.
Sprint is several hundred dollars a year cheaper for the same plan. I have had no problems with converage on Sprint and there network is actually pretty fast.
As far as customer support I have not had any issues with them.
I wonder how much of the Sprint hate is left over and how much of it is current. And don't
It's the network (Score:2)
What I don't get is why is everyone so hot for it to move to Verizon.
Probably because the people who complain live in areas where Verizon is perceived to provide a more reliable signal than Sprint. Might it have something to do with the scores of network technicians portrayed in Verizon's television ads?
Re:It doesn't work that way (Score:5, Informative)
Parent
Re: (Score:2, Informative)
Unfortunately, this is not completely true. They wouldn't let me have a Sprint Touch Pro. I knew several people that did it while their *228 loophole was open. They told me that Sprint phones won't work on Verizon (we all know that's untrue). I had completely reprogrammed the phone with all of VZW's info. I went through all sorts or techs for a period of 2 weeks until I got so disgusted I left VZW and went to Sprint. I know that others have been more fortunate than me and have successfully activated o
Re: (Score:2)
Uhh, and the Pre is sold by Sprint, thus nuking your point (from orbit).
CDMA means cdmaOne or CDMA2000 (Score:2)
There's nothing fundamental about CDMA preventing the switch to verizon.
In North America, a "CDMA" network is one that runs Qualcomm's cdmaOne (IS-95) protocol stack [wikipedia.org] or its successor [wikipedia.org], much as "TDMA" used to refer to D-AMPS [wikipedia.org] even though GSM used TDMA modulation.
Amunition for Apple? (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
I really doubt that they will launch any legal assault.
Palm probably has a patent on syncing a PDA device with a PC or some such thing. Apple will at best just change the software so it doesn't work or will leave it. Other devices already sync with iTunes and Apple makes money when you buy music so why bother with a law suit?
What legal theory? (Score:2)
I wonder if this will help Apple launch a legal assault regarding the Pre's ability to masquerade as an iPod?
Sega, Chamberlain, and Lexmark tried and failed to block Genesis-compatible game cartridges, LiftMaster-compatible garage door openers, and Lexmark-compatible toner cartridges in U.S. court, both before and after the DMCA. So I wonder what legal theory Apple might use for this.
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Doesn't work the same way at all. iTunes produces an XML file detailing the contents of its library. The Blackberry (and, incidentally, Nokia) synchronisation software reads this file. You need to install a separate application from the handset vendor and use it to synchronise your music (iTunes is blissfully unaware of your Blackberry/Nokia). The Pre is a different kettle of fish - it masquerades as an iPod so iTunes will handle the synchronisation with no additional software.
Unlocking it for verizon (Score:3, Informative)
Intiguing comment? (Score:2)
Really? How many people could relate to finding just one comment in an assembly language module?
MOV 1750 # RIP JSB
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
"for the layman"? (Score:3, Funny)
[...] which, for the layman, means [...]
A layman wouldn't know what anything on this website would mean, much less TFA.
Re: (Score:2)
Cool, but where are the kernel sources? (Score:4, Interesting)
Cracking open the ROM is nifty and all (although it might cause issues for you later if you want to develop on the platform), but what I still want to know is where are the Palm Pre Linux kernel sources?.
I've looked all over the Palm sites and even Googled [google.com] for it [google.com], but I haven't come up with anything but speculation. I can't believe that they're using a prebuilt kernel from TI, so what gives?
Re: (Score:2)
Uh, what have you been reading then? Wikipedia seems to think it is [wikipedia.org] and so does everything else I've read about it. Can you give even one source which suggests it runs something else?
The real question is whether it runs X11 like the Nokia 770/N800/N810, allowing it to run unmodified desktop apps.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Have you read anything about it? The root image is linux. That's a fact. You can verify it yourself if you want to.
The [wikipedia.org] Pre is the first Palm device to use webOS, the Linux based platform that replaces Palm's previous Palm OS. Developed from scratch for use in mobile phones - whereas Palm OS was originally designed for PDAs - webOS is capable of supporting built-in first party applications, as well as third party applications.
webOS [wikipedia.org] is a completely new operating system based on Linux.
Re:Cool, but where are the kernel sources? (Score:5, Interesting)
If it isn't Linux based, I'm wondering what stuff like this does in webOS.tar
So, yes, it's Linux based.
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Doesn't that mean they're obliged to release their source anyway
That's pretty much the assumption I was working on... :-)
(or will be, when the item ships)?
According to Wikipedia [wikipedia.org] it has already shipped: Available: June 6th, 2009 (Sprint Nextel).
That's why I've waited until now to ask for the kernel sources!
Please God no (Score:2)
People have already uncovered icons for MSN and AOL
Where's the DMCA crew when you need them?
But Why? (Score:4, Insightful)
jump onto Verizon's network
Is Verizon really that lovable? I know all the iPhone haters are quick to point to AT&T as the worst cell phone carrier, but is there really so much love out there for Verizon?
For every AT&T phone I've had that supported bluetooth I've never had any trouble moving ringtones and pictures on and off the phone directly from my computer. I had heard that Verizon pretty much always disables features like that in order to force you to use their fee based options. I've never understood how someone who dislikes AT&T could have any love for Verizon.
I totally understand people rooting for the underdog, but loving Verizon and hating Sprint I just don't understand. Every time a new smartphone comes out it seems there's a huge clamor to use it on some carrier other than the one who's got an exclusive deal for the new phone.
Are there really any wireless carriers out there that are super awesome great companies who just unfortunately only offer crap phones?
Re: (Score:2)
Verizon is hateable, not lovable.
You cannot move ringtones so easily at all. You could use BitPim (which some Verizon workers even recommend), but thats almost a hassle. The only other way is to save the ringtone as a sound and as a ringtone, as sounds can be emailed and then resaved onto the new phone as a sound and/or ringtone.
Basically everyone's complaining cause verizon's current smartphone selection sucks....two touchscreens and an ancient blackberry. People that have verizon (and get the huge corpora
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
A lot of cell phone coverage issues are actually related to the cell phone. I found that a few Sprint phones i had were AWFUL, then would be sitting next to other people with spint whom had great reception.
I started researching signal strength on my next Sprint phone purchase, result the quality has been INCREDIBLE and I never get dropped calls.
Look to the phone as well as the cell phone tower for your troubles
Re: (Score:3)
I assume the root image indicates modifications to GPL source, like Webkit.
Have they published the changes?
WebKit [webkit.org] is not GPLed. Their main page states that they are an open source project (their words) with portions available under BSD [webkit.org] and LGPL [webkit.org] licenses.
Palm doesn't have to release anything if they use BSD code in their software stack. If they use LGPL code then I believe that they have to release their changes and provide a method allowing the end user to replace the LGPLed library with a different library. I'm no lawyer, so I'd suggest that you look at the license [webkit.org] for the details.