[From Chiu Family] I'm currently using a Palm TX for my mobile device, primarily as a repository of personal information (PIM apps, SplashID) and as a reference (multiple ebook readers--eReader, iSilo, Tomeraider 3, Mobipocket, Plucker, HanDBase, Dataviewer, PalmPDF, RoadLingua, BDicty--and a few medical titles from Skyscape and Unbound Medicine). Since I live overseas, it's a lot easier carrying this device around than lugging several printed books. Also, most people around here carry some sort of mobile device. That means that my TX doesn't stick out too much; in other words, I don't look too wealthy compared to all the other folks carrying fancy mobile phones.
If I pulled out my Mac laptop every time I needed to consult for information, it would look pretty out of place here. So, why don't I carry a smartphone? Well, I don't feel the need to surf the internet while I'm walking around. Also, using a cheap model cell phone is safer here where peoples' cell phones are stolen all the time--one of our friends had hers snatched while she was making a call!
I also use my TX as a language reference--with the PlecoDict dictionaries for Chinese. (A lack of good multilanguage support is a weakness of the Garnet OS).
However, my TX is nearing the end of its days with two problems mentioned by many TX users: my powerbutton is broken (for which I have downloaded the free Powerbutton2 app) and the digitizer is failing.
I have downloaded Palm Powerups' digitizer program, but the digitizer itself has a large dead spot that software won't fix. I know that I can get a replacement glass digitizer (better than the original plastic one) for around US $49.00, but I've decided that the frustrations I've had with the slow, crash-prone performance of the TX may not make it worth it right now, so I've ordered an open-box Nokia n810.
I know that the n810 running the Garnet VM is not a complete replacement for the TX. I also know that almost all of the apps I run on the TX now have equivalents in the iPhone/iPod Touch App store (the PlecoDict dictionary app is a notable exception--but they say they'll put out an iPhone app in the future), but the n810 is a flexible enough device for me that I'm sure it'll serve well for at least a couple of years until Apple puts out a device that is more expandable (by the user) than its current portable product line.
I would also be happy to leave my TX to my children to use. After buying Dmitry's (of Palm Powerups) SDHC driver for the TX, the device works well as a media player, finally! I may still end up replacing the digitizer sometime and leave it as an educational device for my little future mobile users!