The best PDA for the buck? (1 Viewer)

[Ronald Epstein]

This is always a difficult question to ask
because there really is no definitive answer
since the choices mostly depend upon individual
needs.

I'm sort of looking at buying a handheld. I
suppose the best way to ask for a recommendation
is to tell you what I am looking to do with it....

1. Full color display - nice crisp, brilliant
images.

2. Low-cost email retrieval service and the
ease of using keys to compose and reply to email.

3. Scheduling, appointments, address and phone book.

4. Storing information (such as DVD collections)

5. Easy file transfer between desktop XP computer
and handheld.

6. Able to download news and such from serves like
AVANTGO.

7. A good amount of memory and expandability.

The other big question is operating system. I have
had an old B&W Handspring Visor with PALM OS
and it was pretty easy to use. However, I am
intrigued by the WINDOWS CE interface that
looks more like my desktop OS. Which operating
system is the better of the two?

I'm not necessarily looking for something cheap.
I know the most expensive handhelds are in the $600
range. I'll go as high as I need to go pricewise,
but I am interested to know which of the MANY
handhelds out there get the best ratings from
members of this forum? Arguments on the OS are
also welcome.

Thus far, the HP IPAQ 5450 seems to be the most
appealing of all the PDA's I have looked at this
morning, though at a pricetag of $560-$700 I wonder
if this would be overkill. I like the fact that
it has WiFi capability to synch to my desktop via
my wireless router.

 

[Brian E]

The other big question is operating system. I have
had an old B&W Handspring Visor with PALM OS
and it was pretty easy to use. However, I am
intrigued by the WINDOWS CE interface that
looks more like my desktop OS. Which operating
system is the better of the two?

Honestly, neither is really better than the other IMO. It's kind of like asking if Mac OS X or Windows XP is better. You'll get strong arguments either way, but ultimately they're both good IMO. Like you I had a little bit older Palm device. I was torn on what to get when I decided it was time for a new one. I ended up with a PocketPC device and have been very happy with it.

One thing I did was spend a little time playing at the store. Checking out the various features, etc. At the time the PocketPC was the best choice for me. The new Tungsten Palm is however interesting.

As far as carrying your DVD collection it can be done with either. What I do now is export a text file from DVD Profiler and set it up on Excel. It's then just drag and drop from my desktop to PPC. DVD Profiler is also supposed to get a PocketPC version coming up. I would guess they'll eventually do a Palm version too, but they've said the PPC version would be first.

In the end you can get what you want from either side. My PocketPC is a Toshiba and it's been great.

You can also check http://www.brighthand.com for both Palm & PocketPC news, reviews & forums.

Right now you can trade in your old handheld for $50 off on a new Palm brand device.
http://www.palm.com/promotions/tradeup/

 

[DaveF]

Which operating

I thought religious discussions were forbidden?

Until recently, I think the Sony Clies had the best price/performance combination. And I really like my Sony T615 I bought last fall. But Palm's new Zire 70 (I think) looks really nice and could possibly better the Clie. Very good feature set, nice color screen, small size, and competitive price. If I were buying today, I'd give that a good hard look. I've heard a few good things about the Dell Axim, for a less-expensive WinCE machine.

Palm and WinCE machines should both synch easily with WinXP. I often type notes in Word and then copy them into my Palm Notepad.

As mentioned, if you want wireless connectivity you should investigate the PDA/Phone combos.

 

[Brian Ruth]

Ron:

One of the Tungstens (C, I believe) has Wi-Fi build in, but no stereo out sound.

All PDAs are on sale till June 10th at Amazon, so you may want to take a look there.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Well, I took the plunge -- and it was deep.

Bought the Toshiba Pocket PC e755

Cost me a bundle...but hey...you only live once.

Will write a review here shortly.

 

[Brian E]

I hope you like it, that's quite a machine. Mine's the Toshiba e310, the 755's older, smaller, slower brother. I've heard many good things about the 755.

 

[Jeff_HR]

Ron, any thoughts on your Toshiba Pocket PC e755 so far? I thinking about getting one, so I'd appreciate any impressions thus far. Thanks.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Jeff,

I love my Toshiba e755. It is a quality PDA,
with super-fast response time and lots of memory.

The only problem with the purchase is that it
may have been overkill. I certainly didn't need
to pay $550 for a PDA -- and especially the WI-FI
that I may never use -- but I believe in getting
the best product I can, and this Toshiba fits the
bill.

Anyone looking for a quality PDA should consider
the Toshiba Pocket PC line. Moderator Steve Simon
has the lower-priced color unit and he is just as
happy with it as I am with mine.

Yes, absolutely, go for the Toshiba.

 

[Jeff_HR]

Thanks Ron! I ended up purchasing the Toshiba e355 model. I'm looking to use a different info synchronizing program than the included M$ ActiveSync 3.7. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks again.

 

[Sam Posten]

Two words ron!!!!

DELL AXIM.

You cannot get a better pocket PC for the dough.

Sam

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Posten (Sam Posten),

From what I hear, you may be right.

Still, I love my Toshiba and it gets rave
reviews despite being constantly labeled as
excessively expensive.

I was also fortunate to qaulify for a free
Pocket PC 2003 software upgrade. Looking
forward to it.

Thanks!

 

[MarkHastings]

Ron said:

Cost me a bundle...but hey...you only live once.

Since religious discussions are forbidden, I won't mention reincarnation.

Seriously, as Buzz mentioned, has anyone used one of those Cell Phone/PDA's? I also wonder if they're any good?

 

[Kimmo Jaskari]

Ron,

I obviously have no idea how you are connected to the Net, but if you're on DSL or cable at home you might want to consider something like a D-Link router/wireless access point/firewall.

They're dirt cheap, work really well as both a firewall, a router, a switch and a wireless access point, and would allow you to make use of the wireless capabilities of your PDA at home.

 

[Dave Scarpa]

Hey Ron I'm getting a Pocket PC this week how about a Mobile version of the HTF ?

 

[Kraig Lang]

Hi Ron,

You mention that it may have been a little overkill for what you needed. I can understand this, I'm the same way, buy the best.

But, if you had to do it again, would you buy a lesser model Toshiba or the same model you got? I'm thinking about getting one and for the first time am thinking maybe I don't need the biggest adn baddest.

Thanks,
Kraig

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Kraig,

You probably don't need the biggest and baddest
model, though J&R just dropped the price on this
baby to $449 (I bought it at $549 over a month ago).

I don't use the WI-FI, though I am certain at
some point I might as service is quickly expanding
everywhere yo go these days.

The nice thing about this sucker is that it
has a lot of memory and is SUPER FAST.

My friend bought the cheaper Toshiba and he is
just as happy with his.

 

[Kraig Lang]

Thanks Ron, I'll head out over the next week and play with each brand. I see that HP is hitting the market with their next models in mid July. I looked at the Toshiba today and it looks great. Tough decisions.