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    Comments on: axxPac reviewYou read about it here first, now read the complete review! The axxPac from AMS is a SmartMedia module for the Palm IIIx. The device is the first hardware add-on that utilizes the IIIx's open connector slot. The axxPac gives you access to SmartMedia memory cards ranging from 4 - 32MB's. Shipment is expected sometime in March. Read on and find out why the axxPac earned a Palm Infocenter.com Pick.
Detailed Comment View (50 Total Comments)
The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. PIC is not responsible for them in any way. login or register for free in order to post comments.  RE: Why I cannt to print whole review ?
I'm sorry I had to create the second part of the review as a "static page." I will put a note in my todo list to write a new print article function. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Ryan webmaster@palminfocenter.com 
 access database from the card
I would like to thank Robert for such an extensive review. I am also a "power" user in medical field. The database I use can be as large as 4.2 mb (Merck Manual). It would make "exchange" of database very very difficult as IIIx only have 4 + mb. If Merck Manual can only be access from Palm Ram, I can either only use Merck Manual without other programs or the other way around. I unerstand that there is no way to access program from smartmedia card yet, but what about database. Can I access database stored in smardmedia from the program which is running in Ram? On suggestion for AMS. In order to gain popularity for medical users, there has to be a way to access large size database from the card. RE: access database from the card
It's possible to expand the memory in the Palm IIIx by replacing the memory chip. This can be done by someone skilled in solder and circuit board, but I wouldn't advise the average user to do this. Instead, there are a few companies which will RE: access database from the card
TRG has the best method for upgrading the RAM in the Palm IIIx. They have two different boards to choose from and neither one voids your warranty like doing it yourself would. RE: access database from the cardSilent Reporter.... @ 4/28/2000 11:34:54 AM #
Hold on to your hat for about two months, then get a TRGpro. Full access coming soon (if you search around a little, you can confirm this) and they you'll be able to access the 340MB IBM Microdrive!
TRG ProI.M. Anonymous @ 3/22/2000 8:19:17 AM #
How does the axpac compare with the TRG Pro? The latter costs $329 with 8mb ram but no compact flash card and has some compactflash-compatible peripherals available. TRG is in beta on an extension allowing running programs from flash. RE: TRG ProHenry Kong @ 3/22/2000 8:40:10 AM #
This is at best a stop gap for Palm III owners
nothing like the elegant TRGpro with the well placed out-of-the-way CF and now with software in final beta test to run programs seamlessly I dont think I will ever get used read my reviews on trgpro and compact flash
Which of the Palms are compatible?
I thought the Axxpac could only be used for the IIIx, but one of the pictures in the review shows a SmartMedia card sticking out of a Palm III...What's the final word? RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?mikecane@wildmail.com @ 3/22/2000 9:48:07 AM #
Yes, will it work with a Palm III?! And what version of the PalmOS? I have a III that would gain a longer life if it could use this! mc RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?
Only the IIIx can use the axxPac because of the "open connector slot" the Palm III does have this slot, but there is a card in it that the OS sits on. The picture does look like it says Palm III, I'll have to ask Rob about that! RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?Robert Zach @ 3/22/2000 10:20:28 AM #
IIIx ONLY...based in part for some of the reasons that are in the review. I have many Palms (10) and Visors...and various stages of beta testing. I had a beta IIIx before the release, that's why it has a III logo on it not IIIx...but it IS a IIIx. ;-) Sorry for the confusion. RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?
No it wont because the slot has been removed from the IIIxe, only a IIIx has this free slot :( RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2000 12:40:57 PM #
Too bad the IIIxe can't use it. You think there could be a version for it someday ? RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?
If the slot is just a hole in the case? And the mother bord is the same. You can pay a IIIx case from www.gethightech.com . It's an idea. I hope it works. RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?
If the slot is just a hole in the case? And the mother bord is the same. You can pay a IIIx case from www.gethightech.com . It's an idea. I hope it works. RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?I.M. Anonymous @ 7/25/2001 8:01:23 PM #
IIIXe is compatable, but only if you purchase the appropriate kit (which includes the socket which you then have to solder in place yourself) The upgrade of the IIIXe is not an upgrade I would recommend for those inexperienced in soldering of extremly fine connections, and it takes a very fine tip on the iron (unless you have access to tips designed for SMD chips). I just upgraded my IIIXe last night, and am pleased with the result, though soldering while using a 10x loupe is not one of my favorite passtimes ;-). Michael. RE: Which of the Palms are compatible?I.M. Anonymous @ 11/18/2001 12:22:17 PM #
Does domebody know ow to upgrade palm VIIx?
at least up to 12Mb? any ideas are welcome Can you please write me at hellen0125@yahoo.com
Dimensions and FlashI.M. Anonymous @ 3/22/2000 11:51:30 AM #
You mentioned that there was a modified back cover included. Does this cover change the dimensions of the palm iiix at all or does it simply have a slot on the side now? I'm wondering if it will still fit into my Minstrel III cradle. Also, does the axxPac application install itself into RE: Dimensions and FlashRobert Zach @ 3/22/2000 10:03:32 PM #
Correct, it des not change the dimensions at all, it simply adds a slot. I did not try the application in flash. RE: Dimensions and FlashI.M. Anonymous @ 7/25/2001 8:07:05 PM #
The Axxpac application will run from flash.
Michael.
Does Smartmedia Protrude?
Does the Smartmedia card protrude from the IIIx case when fully inserted? All the pictures shown seem to indicate that the card cannot be fully inserted into the socket. RE: Does Smartmedia Protrude?I.M. Anonymous @ 3/22/2000 9:35:00 PM #
From an earlier review at http://www.gadgetmad.com" CLASS=NEWS TARGET=_NEW>http://www.gadgetmad.com the axxPac protrudes 4mm from the side of the casing. RE: Does Smartmedia Protrude?Robert Zach @ 3/26/2000 8:51:22 AM #
In all of the pictures showing the card in the slot, it IS fully inserted into the module. It does protrude about 4mm from the side on the IIIx, exactly as Gadgetmad indicated in his review. It don't find this intrusive at all, and simply remove the card for storage in a case.
What about the IIIcI.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2000 12:06:09 AM #
Can the Axxpac be used with the IIIc??? If not, is there a IIIc version in the works??? RE: What about the IIIcI.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2000 9:56:05 AM #
The IIIc does not have a slot for it. Is there no way to increase the memory in the IIIc?I.M. Anonymous @ 3/23/2000 5:29:43 PM #
Is there any way to increase the memory in the palm IIIc? I'm a medical student and some of the books for the palm are huge (ie 4.5 megs for one book). If the IIIc has no slot, is there any possibility for increasing its memory?
Memory on the IIIxWill Stillwell @ 3/23/2000 9:51:44 AM #
STNE Corporation can take your Palm IIIx to 8mb, and you can STILL use the Axxpac...
http://www.stnecorp.com" CLASS=NEWS>http://www.stnecorp.com
RE: More than memories?I.M. Anonymous @ 3/24/2000 9:47:01 AM #
No. SmartMedia is very limited to memory only.
Available options for the IIIx Exp. SlotBrooke Wheeler @ 3/23/2000 2:31:19 PM #
The review stated that the axxPac is the only device available for the expansion slot on the IIIx. This is incorrect: TRG makes a memory expansion card for the IIIx that adds 4 more megabytes of RAM. This has been available for some time now. I have one and it works great. (Anyone interested in a used 4mb memory card? RE: Available options for the IIIx Exp. SlotRobert Zach @ 3/25/2000 12:20:50 PM #
Thank you for pointing this out. You are absolutely correct. In fact, I own a TRG expansion board. It is an EXCELLENT piece of hardware as well. This however, and the TRGpro itself seem to me to be better options simply due to the "unlimited" expandability. RE: Available options for the IIIx Exp. SlotRon Elkins @ 4/11/2000 4:23:40 PM #
I am interested in a used TRG Expansion board, at a good price, of course.
Data AccessPower User @ 3/25/2000 6:32:29 AM #
I'm not sure you answered the last reader's question concerning accessing datafiles from the smart media card. I too own a IIIx, but find that 8meg leaves me wanting for space. Is it possible to access data files directly from the smart media card if the program files already exist on Palm RAM? Yes, maybe in the future, or no?
UPDATE!!! : RE: Data AccessRobert Zach @ 3/25/2000 12:23:15 PM #
Here's some more information I got from the manufacturer:
From: "Holger Grube" Rob, the current software development to split the axxPac sw in two parts (library + apps) will be finish in around two weeks. Then, we will have the mentioned library available to give any interested people the chance to develop sw using direct access to the smart media. After that, we will do a further development to allow direct execution of Palm apps from the smart media. We will inform you about any news. Regards,
RE: Where to order?I.M. Anonymous @ 4/9/2000 10:01:41 AM #
I live in Taiwan the same question I want to know RE: Where to order?I.M. Anonymous @ 4/11/2000 4:12:29 PM #
I'm confused. Why would someone living in Taiwan want to know about being able to order in canada?
on April 28, they release
this is new!!
so does the the newly released "latest drivers for the axxPac, v 2.08" allow access of programs or databases directly from the smartmedia card now???
I want to buy a AXXPAC unit
I wanted to buy a AXXPAC unit and I email to the dealors and ams themselves at axxpac@ams-fl.com but got no reply for a week. I think their supporting service is real bad. RE: I want to buy a AXXPAC unitC Henderson @ 6/23/2000 4:00:40 PM #
Good question. I have read several reviews on this product now. But, no one tells you how to order it. I have checked 12 Internet PDA suppliers to no avail. I enlarged a picture of the box (from a Gadgetsquad.com review) to find a URL. It is (www.axxpac.de). You have to click the British flag in their header to get an English language translation of their homepage. However, I found no American suppliers listed. Does anyone know of a supplier in the US? RE: I want to buy a AXXPAC unitTom Kelley @ 7/14/2000 7:46:15 PM #
I had the same problem. Months ago I emailed them and got no response until today. Following is their response sent today (7/14/00):
Hello, we are pleased to inform about the availibility of axxPAC in Resellers for Japan, Czech Republic, Germany and Malaysia are In the near future, we will also have resellers available We will inform about further software developments and Please check (http://www.ams-fl.com/axxpac/support.html" CLASS=NEWS TARGET=_NEW>http://www.ams-fl.com/axxpac/support.html Several axxPAC reviews are available at
This just maintains the high price of Palm RAM
Oh sure its the dancing bear at the circus. But wouldn't it be much better in the long run to develop the Palm OS to address more than 12MB and therefore allow folks to drop in whatever DIMM they want? From an engineering perspective it's not that hard since CE devices already more or less do this. OF course the challenge is to develop and OS that address up to, I don't know, 29 or 30 bits wwithout having to rely on a classical file system. The one thing you don't want on a Palm is a directory tree. No instead what should be pursued is a flat address space architecture a-la the SLS design of an IBM AS/400-OS/400.
work with os 3.5?
i want to know if i can use the axxpac with the os 3.5 or it work just with the 3.3?
Laucher III supports axxPAC!I.M. Anonymous @ 11/8/2001 12:56:16 PM #
I just wanted to say that that the Launcher III from http://www.benc.hr/ now supports axxPAC. You can now execute your applications from the smartmedia card. This just works great!
axxpac for III XEI.M. Anonymous @ 11/30/2001 9:45:55 PM #
Has anyone tried this with the III XE since they now sell the expansion slot (has to be soldered in)? Also, given the $79 price plus shipping, isn't it just better to get TRG, Handera 330 or even a new Palm M50X. It seems that all you get with the axxpac is memory (you can get a visor for $99 @ Compusa and the MEMPLUG CF adapter is only $50, and CF has modems and stuff) and nothing else
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I could view print version of first part but not of the second part ;(((