Palm Announces the Pre
Infra-red port?
Does anyone know if this phone will have an infrared port? I didn't see it listed on the specs on Palm's site, but I can't imagine a Palm phone not having one, especially with such a large realtor userbase.
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nickm81 said:
Does anyone know if this phone will have an infrared port? I didn't see it listed on the specs on Palm's site, but I can't imagine a Palm phone not having one, especially with such a large realtor userbase.
Just a guess at this point, but I would say no. If it turns out that its not there it might anger some Palm fans, but I would guess most won't care because of Bluetooth and WiFi.
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I agree, no infra red port will be a problem for its realtor base. Comparing the infra red port to the 8 track is just showing lack of understanding a particular business requirement. All of those lock boxes used to secure the keys on homes that are listed for sale require an infra red interface for opening them. If the Palm Pre is missing this, Palm would have made a serious error in their research, as this entire client base will in all likelihood not be purchasing this phone. I for sure would be one of those who would not if this is missing.
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Infrared became irrelevant a LONG time ago. Bluetooth has completely replaced it.
Please pardon my ignorance, but what hardware do realtors use that requires infrared? Key boxes? I'm sure a Bluetooth version exists, or will shortly.
Please pardon my ignorance, but what hardware do realtors use that requires infrared? Key boxes? I'm sure a Bluetooth version exists, or will shortly.
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Even if they start making Bluetooth-equipped lockboxes, though, most realtors keep the ones they have for years--they cost too much to replace quickly. So there will still be plenty in use that require access via infrared. (While there is a "remote" that looks somewhat like a pocket calculator, that means one more thing to carry and it only gets used occasionally.) So while there are possible solutions, they're still awkward.
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I don't know what to say. Cell phone tech moves quickly, but honestly infrared was an obsolete technology in phones four years ago.
In fact, it was stillborn in the US. It never gained any real traction among consumers here. In Europe, it did gain some, but was quickly replaced by Bluetooth there... long ago.
If the real-estate industry made that much of an investment in infrared expecting it to be around in phones forever, that was just plain dumb. Anyone with a clue following the technology could see that infrared was completely doomed three years ago.
Don't get me wrong. I don't blame realtors. I love my realtor. I blame the people who provide this lockbox solution. If they didn't see this coming, they are completely incom...
(continues)
In fact, it was stillborn in the US. It never gained any real traction among consumers here. In Europe, it did gain some, but was quickly replaced by Bluetooth there... long ago.
If the real-estate industry made that much of an investment in infrared expecting it to be around in phones forever, that was just plain dumb. Anyone with a clue following the technology could see that infrared was completely doomed three years ago.
Don't get me wrong. I don't blame realtors. I love my realtor. I blame the people who provide this lockbox solution. If they didn't see this coming, they are completely incom...
(continues)
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This forum is closed.
