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| Home >News > |
Demo Zodiac Stockpile Available For Sale (Updated!)
Olympic Systems' Jim Sogotis: "They're tanks"
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by JoAnn R, Staff Writer - 1/3/2006 - 2:39pm EST
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Update (added 1/13/2007 by Oliver): In recent months, many Taplanders have reported problems receiving their ordered and paid-for devices from Olympic Systems. It also appears, from member postings in our forums, that it is often hard or impossible to get responses from Olympic Systems and Bean Landin regarding the order status. We're leaving the story below as it was originally published, but encourage you to review the various threads in Tapland's forums to form your own opinion before placing an order.
The original story:
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| Retail display with demo Zodiac |
For those wanting their very own piece of Tapwave history (or just looking for a bargain), Tapland has received word that Olympic Systems is offering the opportunity to acquire a "demo" Zodiac. The $125 (plus shipping) package will include a previously unused demonstration model Zodiac 2, reflashed with the standard ROM, a charger, sync cable, software CD, and other stock accessories. In addition, all parts needed to return the device to normal operating condition and appearance will be provided in the form of an additional unit, a "returned for repair" Zodiac 2.
According to company president Jim Sogotis, about 1100 Zodiac 2 units were custom modified by Olympic Systems for use in retail store displays. Of these, some 500 units were never shipped and remain in his California warehouse. Because they were expected to receive heavy in-store use, the devices were hand-picked and subjected to rigorous testing. "They're tanks compared to some of the retail units out there," he says.
Jim confirms Taplanders� speculations that the demo units had a special ROM version and must be reflashed to return them to normal functionality. He also revealed that only two copies of the reflashing software exist. Fortunately, Jim has one of them and will revert the ROM to the latest version prior to sending the demo units to their new owners.
Other modifications consisted of an approximately 2 mm hole in the rear housing, and the removal of the battery as an antitheft precaution. In a typical counter display, the Zodiac would have been clamped in a gooseneck assembly and powered via a 4.5V regulated Sony adapter (display mount and adapter are not included with the Olympic Systems package). If stolen from the display, the device was non-operational.
Purchasers of the demo units will be able to finish restoring the devices to stock configuration by transferring a battery and rear housing from the included "parts Zodiac", using a T5 Torx screwdriver (not included). An instruction sheet will be provided. The warranty on the demo units will be for three months.
As Taplanders know, Olympic Systems formerly provided repair services for devices returned to Tapwave, and now supports the Zodiac community by making repairs and replacement batteries available to end users. The team was recently expanded by the addition of Bean Landin (bean@landin.cc), Tapwave�s former Customer Service manager, who has added his experience to the management of the Zodiac-related workload.
A Zodiac enthusiast, Jim enjoys sharing memories of his days with the Tapwave team and of the hard work that went into bringing the Zodiac to market. "There's a lot of heart that went behind that unit," he reminisces.
Orders and inquiries should be directed to:
Jim Sogotis
Olympic Systems Company
643 Grand View Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: (415) 206-9443
Email: jims@olympicsystems.com
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