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Handspring Hides Flash ROM in Handspring Treo
miradu writes: "TreoCentral has just posted an intriguing article about how the Handspring Treo has Flash ROM - something that Handspring claims it doesn't. They've worked with Brayder Technology to create applications to utilize this newly discovered feature. It brings up the question, Why do developers lie about features in a device - especially if they are features that are wanted? Does anyone know any other examples?" Strange -- hardware manufacturers don't often underestimate their products' capabilities, do they?
Not computer related, but Porsche's posted performance specs on their cars (e.g. top speed, 0-60 acceleration) are more often than not *extremely* conservative. The vehicles (most often the turbocharged cars) typically perform a bit better in real world conditions than they are supposed to according to the papers.
I think this is much less prevelant in the computer industry where typical performance specs are almost always under ideal conditions.
Just my 2 cents.
The developers of the hardware usually aren't the ones who are lying. I work for a fairly large company and I can safely tell you that the engineers (that's me) don't sit around and plot to hide features. The way it usally goes down is that some guy in marketing gets a hold of technical documentation that is being developed along with the product. Once he gets it, he gives us a call and starts asking if feature so and so should really be documented. One thing is for certain though, marketing seems to get the final say as to what gets published and what doesn't.
The corperate benifit of some of this stuff is fairly easy to see. For instance, say we make a chip called the Wizbang 3900. Now, this chip is going to be released in the 3901, 3903 and 3909 flavors each with different features. Since a run through the fab can cost upwards of $500k, it is much easier to just make one version, then just label them differently. The same thing is true with the development boards. A lot of times the board is only populated with the parts to allow that feature set. By populating more/different parts of the board, different features can be achived with out requiring a different board spin. All of this saves money and development costs, but does lead to some documentation holes.
So in short, blame it not marketing not the engineers. We're the good guys.
Yes but if Handspring does not release a ROM update having it doesn't really do you any good does it?
Joel
Gorkman
Well, maybe wrong is a little harsh. This is all opinion. I'd strongly say that the reason why though is that they don't want companies or people writing their own instructions on the ROM. After all, they strongly support PALM OS, and they wouldn't want to make it easier for people to migrate to other software.
This is a false economy. Not only would I be more than willing to pay $5 for flash, but the lack of it will probably cost Handspring my business in the future.
I own a Handspring Visor Deluxe now, and I'm quite happy with the machine and with Handspring's service. But I need to upgrade for two reasons: I'm starting to see apps I want that won't run under my current OS, and I read enough on the machine that I want a color version. Were Handsprings flashable, it would be a no-brainer.
But I'm not only stuck with an out-of-date OS, I waste a lot of space with built-in apps I've long since replaced with better versions. So it's likely a Palm for me next time, and all over $5.
Opinions on the Twiddler2 hand-held keyboard?
Do you seriously thing that an automaker would advertise their engine as having only 140 hp if with a small software change they could get 160 hp? I mean come on.
No, they spec the engines out based on a number of factors relating to emissions, fuel economy and reliability. So by tweaking you adjust the compromise. Automakers do refine engines over time to gain more power, but they try do so in ways that don't effect it negatively. By that I mean, decreasing reliability or not allowing the car to meet US regulations regarding emissions and fuel economy.