PDA help

Smokin Joe · 01-30-2005, 06:23

Okay my old PDA finally died and Sony wants 138.00 bucks for a "Tier 1" basic repair.

Hum and I thought Tier 1 meant: the best, top notch, squared away system we/they have. Guess not.

Instead of paying 138.00 bucks for a basic repair which may or may not fix my problem. I might as well spend that towards a new one.

So here is what I need:
E-mail sync
Phone/ Address Book
Docs to go
Color Screen
Mini Disk/ Data Stick compatible
Something that won't break the bank to purchase, so under 350.00 would be nice.

Lastly thoughs of you who have blackberry, bluetooth or smartphones how do you like them? Will they do what a PDA will?
Pros/ Cons?

Thanks for any help I appericate it

Huey14 · 01-30-2005, 07:54

I have a Tungsten T2- LOVE IT!

**Kyobanim** · 01-30-2005, 08:06

I've got a Dell Axim and it's great. It's Windows based so it syincs easily, memory key slot, blah, blah, blah. And it does all the things you listed. Plus it has Word, excel, Access and a bunch of other apps that are compatable with what I do. I purchased the extra warranty on it for 99 bucks. It broke once and they sent me another one. can't beat that.

Look at the X50

bberkley · 01-30-2005, 09:22

I have a Tungsten T5. Its more than you're looking to spend.

Stay away from the Zire models. Several guys at work have been through more than 2 each in a short period of time.

01-30-2005, 09:36

I have the XDA IIs which you can purchase in the USA now under the following:

Cingular - Siemens SX66 (GSM)
Verizon - PPC-6600 (CDMA)
Sprint - PC-6601 (CDMA)

http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=I-MATE_III

Price - about $450 - $550; depends on provider and new/transfer; with contract,
no contract etc. You can also find them on Ebay.

Accessories - not in any store. Generally find most here: (under i-mate PDA2K ) http://www.expansys-usa.com/

System supports:
.
OS: Windows Mobile¿ Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition
Slider design, QWERTY keyboard
Connectivity: WiFi (802.11b), Bluetooth®, USB, and wireless data transfer via infrared interface (IrDA)
Access to Internet, e-mail (cost depends on provider)
Audio: WAV/WMA/MP3 Stereo
64k color touch screen display: 240 x 320 pixels
32-bit Intel PXA263 CPU, 400 MHz with up to 64 MB flash ROM, 128 MB RAM
Quad-band world phone: Operates on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/ GPRS networks

You can also get the sleeves for GPS - see expansys above (google for cheaper units).

Suggest waiting a bit for the new Bluetooth headset: Jabra BT800
http://www.jabra.com/JabraCMS/NA/EN/...JabraBT800.htm

NousDefionsDoc · 01-30-2005, 10:43

I have a Tungsten T. The plastic cover is so worn and scratched you can't hardly read the screen through it. The screen doesn't have a mark on it. I carry it all day at work, as I have Epocrates drug formularies on it and some other med stuff. I have not had a problem with it in the over two years I have carried it.

Smokin Joe · 01-30-2005, 12:03

Thank you gentlemen.

Very much appericated.

Now I'm torn between a pocket PC and a PALM OS????

NousDefionsDoc · 01-30-2005, 20:13

I like Palm. The programs are cheaper (A lot are free) the thing never crashes, the device is cheaper, etc. Battery life is GTG too.

Plus Gates can't get his fingers in it.

01-30-2005, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Joe

Thank you gentlemen.

Very much appericated.

Now I'm torn between a pocket PC and a PALM OS????

The Operating Systems are different. It depends on what you want to do.
You presented two sets of requirements.

Based on the first list, I would say Palm OS will suffice. Some quick differences off the top of my head:
- There is more freeware for Palm OS, it has been around longer.
- Palm is typically smaller in size and weight. They typically use smaller processors and less memory etc., hence better battery life (this is always changing though)
- If you want to add integrated Bluetooth, last I read Treo's are still having issues. Currently for ethernet or Bluetooth networking you are better with PC. Palm OS 6.1 (Cobolt) is supposed to support integrated Bluetooth. Haven't heard when this will be released. Still a product development license.
- If you want to support Mac's native then go Palm. There is third party software for PC.
- Displays; typically a Pocket PC is better. Again this is always changing.
- Price - Palm OS is normally cheaper
- GPS, instead of a sleeve look at Garmin PDA's (still based on Palm OS). Heard of a lot of problems with the sleeve.

Your second list integrated PDA/phone/Data. For this variant I really can't suggest Palm.

Just my opinion.

Of course, you could just get a device, dump the OS and install embedded Linux - the only OS

. (actually Moto was supposed to launch linux smart phones this year ....but that was before Nextel 's acquisition; they were focused on GSM/GPRS/EDGE ....so who knows)

edited to add:
(had to go search for the buy-out info ... Palm OS +Linux.....)
http://www.palmsource.com/press/cms_announcement.html

Smokin Joe · 01-31-2005, 02:44

Okay,

I went here and found some cool stuff. The only problem was I was tired and undisciplined and started adding all kinds of "cool guy" features that I really don't need. So after further review here is what I absolutely need.

Palm OS (because I'm familiar with the system, have tons of software for it already, and can manipulate it)
Sync abilities
Color screen
Keyboard for data entry attached such as a treo or detachable like that wonder machine Ghunniess posted (btw, cool pocket PC but its way more than I need).
Data stick capabilities
NO WiFi, WAN, or Bluetooth needed.

I need a basic quality palm with a good battery life and thats about it. Although the bluetooth/ blackberry thing is high on the "cool guy" factor scale I can't justify having them. I don't NEED to surf the web or access e-mails 24-7.

Thanks again everyone for your help. I have learned a good deal.

Any recommendations on where to buy one?