VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Accessories (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=3)
-- PDA Panache..word to the wise (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=3580)

For what it's worth... I just received my PDA Panache "custom" Visor stylus. It fits my Visor slot very well, but the reset pin doesn't even come close to working - it's too fat. I was annoyed with this company initially because when I placed the order I wasn't notified until the next day that it was backordered two weeks - maybe I would've gone to another company? I would've liked that option anyway before I placed the order. With today's technology, web sites should stay updated with the product's stock status. Now I wait the two weeks, and I suspect PDA Panache has had multiple complaints and returns for the same problem, I get a stylus with a reset pin that doesn't fit my Visor (GPDX). I have also seen several posts where folks got products that fit fine. All I am saying is it seems to STILL be a gamble as to what you'll get. It's a very nice stylus.

Everyone seems ready to blame the Panache pin size. Did it ever occur to anyone that the problem might be the tolerance in the Visor case manufacturing? It would be easy to get a small drill bit or x-acto knife and carefully by hand enlarge the reset hole ever so slightly. (Done upside down of course so the shavings don't go *in* the Visor.)

There has certainly been no reluctance to flame Handspring for all kinds of other problems.

BTW, I have a BVD (with some of those problems) and a PDA Panache that fits both the silo and reset hole.

[This message has been edited by ss@rr (edited 02-14-2000).]

Michele: you may very well be right about the pin being "too fat". At first I thought the same thing...but soon found that it fits (albeit very tightly) only if you hold the stylus at a perfect 90 degree angel to the visor. That probably doesn't help you any - just thought I'd share

-Ben

The reset pin on my original chrome PDA Panache stylus was too big for my GVD. I called PDA Panache, they appologized and immediately sent out a new stylus. This one fit perfectly.

When I received the new stylus, I compared the tips on the reset pins. It appears the the tip of the old (too big) pin is slightly larger than the barral of the reset pin. This would explain it not working.

I also discovered that the threads on the new cap were a slightly different size than the threads on the old cap. The caps fit the stylus they came with fine, but the new cap would not fit on the old stylus. This and the bad reset pin indicate a tolerance problem at PDA Panache. Fortunately, they wanted me to be a happy customer and replaced my original stylus quickly.

I suggest you give PDA Panache a call.

The reset pin on my PDA Panache works like a charm. Sounds like they sent out a bad batch, but they do have a reputation for being very responsive, so give 'em a chance to make it right.

Update...
Called Panache today and explained. They'll send me a new one only when I send them the old one (I had read others who were sent a new one and could return old one when received so they wouldn't be without a stylus), but of course all are backordered again so I would be without a stylus for ANOTHER 2 weeks plus. I didn't really want to go for another 2 weeks since I already had waited 2 weeks. I asked if I could get some sort of priority/guarantee that I would receive one from the new shipment. Nope! So either I send it back now and wait in the que with everyone else, or keep the stylus for 2 weeks then call everyday until the new shipment comes in and return it then and hope they don't sell out. No offer to pay for shipping either.

I also saw the pin is actually bent and appears that it has been ground down before. Could it be a used one someone else got frustrated with and tried to modify then sent it back? Hmmm I don't know, but clearly no QC was done.

When the manual says use a paper clip to reset, I'd think Panache would use that same diameter and they didn't. A paper clip fits fine in my Visor.

I had heard many good things about Panache, but I cannot say I had a satisfactory experience with their product or customer service.

Update.....
I wrote to the e-mail address at Panache and got a most satisfactory response from the president of Panache. I am totally satisfied they are trying to make it right and that's all I ask.

My reset pin works fine.



[This message has been edited by BB (edited 02-19-2000).]

I use the PDA Panache custom stylus and have no problems at all with resetting the Visor. They are very good about replacing the stylus if there are any problems with it.

------------------
James Hromadka
VisorCentral.com
Personal Website: http://www.Hromadka.com

My PDA Panache reset pin was too big. I eMailed and they replaced it, pronto. It's a great stylus backed by a responsive and responsible company.

------------------
Penguins and Palms

v

Right...originally I believed that the reset pin was too large as well. Maybe it is, but I eventually managed to jam it in there and then proceeded to move the pin in concentric circles until the reset hole was widened slightly. Also, when my stylus came in (2 weeks shipping) they apologized for the delay and gave me a complimentary pen/stylus combo. All in all I am VERY satisfied with PDA Panache. Keep up the good work guys

Due to all the kudos from VisorCentral, I have a PDA Panache Chrome VIS-C on order.

My order was placed Feb 14th and today(2/25) I called to find out when they anticipate shipping my new accessory. I was told "two to three weeks from today"...that will be 4-5 weeks total. Sure hope they send me one with the correct size reset pin...

------------------
My "Blue" is new....

Jon, hey you got lucky.

I have waited my obligatory 2 1/2 weeks, and they now tell me that it shipped on 2/22, so I should have it on Monday. When I called, I talked to them about the visor cracking issues, reset pin too large issues, and the rolling issues.

1. They said that there seems to be a problem with the Visor cases, causing them to crack, and HS should take care of it.

2. They had a QC problem in the pins, but that is all resolved now. They admit that they have a few Visor samples that they used to check out the sizes, and maybe their holes are larger. But they have taken care of the problem.

3. I said I was sorry that I had to wait, but did they include a pen/stylus like they did with Jon, and they said no, that was just the first wave. But they would add a note to my file, and when I reorder, they will include it.

GEEEZ, how many styli does one guy need!!

Larry

BTW, I forgot to include my comment on item #3 Rolling.

She said that their engineer didn't think that this was a problem. He didn't feel that there was a reason to change it.

That just adds to my view of the closed minded view of engineers.

larry

No problems with mine, works great an I got it in under two weeks.

------------------
Bob

Mine arrived today, less than two weeks after I orderred it. So far, so good. Even the reset pin fits!!!!

Got mine in exactly 14 days. Reset pin works also. Nice suprise

------------------
My "Blue" is new....

Final update....

Just received my replacement Panache stylus and all is well. Reset pin fits well and stylus fits in case well. 100% satisfied. My advice is, if you have a stylus that is defective, if you don't get satisfaction from a sales rep/operator on the phone, send an e-mail and hopefully the Prez will respond and make things right..He delivered 200% on customer svc by me and all for a very inexpensive product. It's a great value and very nice stylus.

Got my Panache stylus about 4 days after ordering it. Feels great and the pin fits also.

I was a bit worried that there was about 1/2 cm of the stylus sticking out of the top.. but I realised it was so that it could be pulled out. I then compared it to the stock stylus (Ugh!) and found that it is indeed a little bit longer.

Got mine arter about 11 days. Thought $18 bucks for this. Started using it and after a week I'm very glad I bought it and I think after about a year I will be very very happy I spent the cash. I just couldn't imagine using that crappy plastic standard stylus for a year without replacing it.

------------------
MOO!!!