Birthday $: Pocket PC or PDA?

[E.T.]

Happy birthday to me, blah blah blah.
My family knew I wanted a PDA as gift, but were totally overwhelmed by the choices they had. Instead, they pooled their money & handed it to me forthwith.
Now Im the indecisive one; should I buy a PDA or Pocket PC?
Upper end PDA's are about two third the cost of Pocket PC's.
That, & only that is whats keeping them as an option to a PDA.
Pocket PC's have too many options for my needs, but for a few extra bucks, I get the "the works". What I really need is a second storage compartment for my mind more than anything else.

"Q's":
[1] What screen resolution should I be looking at [Biggest complaint I've heard re:PDA's & Pocket PC's is visibility].
[2] What PDA/PPC has the most user friendly OS, is it Palm?
[3] Links for current "best buys"?
Finally, any experiences you've had with your PDA or PPC would be useful. [power sources,PC interfacing-uploading, ease of use etc.]

[Aim69]

I have the Dell Axim and I frekin love it.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/series_pda_snp.htm

I have the more expensive Axim: 400 mhz, 48MB Intel® StrataFlashTM ROM memory, Removable / Rechargeable Battery (will last 8 hrs), etc.

You would be nuts to go w/ a Palm. I can do everything a palm can do plus so so much more.

Look at what I can do on my Dell Axim:

a) Acess the internet or MSN messanger wirelessely.
b) Watch real live TV, listen to MP3's and/or watch movies.
c) Use infrared to move data from one pocket pc to another.
d) Synch w/ my home computer to pull off material from my hard drive to the Dell Axim.
e) Read E-books.

And the list goes on.

ET wrote...

"[1] What screen resolution should I be looking at [Biggest complaint I've heard re:PDA's & Pocket PC's is visibility].
[2] What PDA/PPC has the most user friendly OS, is it Palm?
[3] Links for current "best buys"?
Finally, any experiences you've had with your PDA or PPC would be useful. [power sources,PC interfacing-uploading, ease of use etc.]"

My reply....

1) Here is the Axim: Brilliant 3.5" QVGA TFT color 16-bit, touch sensitive Transflective display

I can attest that the screen size is very good. I can even take my Dell Axim outside on a sunny day and I'll still be able to view my screen w/ no problems.

2) Pocket PC's use Windows CE. It's Microsoft, but I haven't had any major problems so far. The screen has froze up on me once or twice but all you need to do is a soft reset. Very easy to do. I don't know what type of OS the palms use.

3) The Dell Axim is actually an awesome buy. Compare the high end Axim w/ Compact or HP's high end Pocket PC's and the Dell Axim will be $200 cheaper. And that's the high end.

Check out the reviews on the dell Axim. A lot of reviewers rave about Dell's new unit. The only criticism I've read is that the Axim is a little bulky. But that's it.

Also... Here is the official Dell Axim site that us Axim users go to:

http://www.aximsite.com/

And of course gaming is frekin awesome on my Dell Axim. Check out these sites for your gaming pleasure:

http://www.pdarcade.com/index.php
http://www.pocketgamer.org/homeindex.php
http://www.handango.com/home.jsp?siteId=1&jid=742BXA786A7484CF5ABA4X81DBCX9561

If you have any questions just fell free to email or ask me within this thread. I'll check on it from time to time.

[E.T.]

<div class=\"smallfont\">I have the Dell Axim and I frekin love it. </div>

Perfect! Perfect timing, most excellent resouce links, & strange too, cause my sister just dropped off Consume Report on PDs/PPC's & they rated Dell Axim X5 400mhz high ,priced @ $350.

I'll research the info/links you provide & hopefully get shopp'n.

Price drops in technology never cease to amaze me. A unit like this should cost $600!

Thanks for quick/useful response Aim69! :D

I just returned from online @ Dell, the Axim5 400hmz is on special for $315 till Monday, I'll surf the Sunday Papers for competition, otherwise Im gonna get a Dell...[oh God, ididnt say that, did I? lol]

[Aim69]

ET..

Let us know how you did and what you picked? You can't go wrong w/ the Axim. You'll see, as most other comparable Pocket PC's will cost you $600

good luck....

[E.T.]

<div class=\"smallfont\">ET..

Let us know how you did and what you picked? You can't go wrong w/ the Axim. You'll see, as most other comparable Pocket PC's will cost you $600

good luck....</div>

What Ive found to compete w/Dells' Axim5 is a Toshiba e355 w/2003 OS [whatever that is]. Actually, it doesnt compare as it has a 300mhz processor.

[NOOB "Q"] will this unit interface w/my PC's OS[XP] easily? What about Bluetooth, should I consider it?

Likely, I'll be ordering what you have Axim5 400 mhz 64 mb. IF so, do you recommend any "add-ons"?

So you agree theprice of $299 is "killer"?
I see other PPC's priced TWICE that!

What about the battery, is it something standardized OR is it a proprietary "Dell Unit"?
I bet the batt dies fast...

[E.T.]

I phone Dell sales, indicate I want to purchase PPC [Axiam5].
"Q":"Yes mam, Is the USB cradle a mandatory option for the Axiam?
"A": Yes sir, this will be required.
"Q":How much extra for this?
"A": $40
"Q": Hmm. Doesnt the flashcard hold the data I need to upload to my PC?
"A": Yes, it does, but thats extra..
"Q":Extra? How much?
"A": $blah blah blah

I had to hang up [politlely] @ this point because clearly, we were not communicating. Theres no way that this $300 PPC is being sold stripped down w/o the ability to function. The USB cradle must be an option, as is the flashcard [afterall, its advertised as having a 64mb capacity for something??]

Thanks for confirmation on this mess Aim69!

Its kinda comical in a way, except I want to place an informed order... :rolleyes:

[Aim69]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

What Ive found to compete w/Dells' Axim5 is a Toshiba e355 w/2003 OS [whatever that is]. Actually, it doesnt compare as it has a 300mhz processor.

[NOOB "Q"] will this unit interface w/my PC's OS[XP] easily? What about Bluetooth, should I consider it?

Likely, I'll be ordering what you have Axim5 400 mhz 64 mb. IF so, do you recommend any "add-ons"?

So you agree theprice of $299 is "killer"?
I see other PPC's priced TWICE that!

What about the battery, is it something standardized OR is it a proprietary "Dell Unit"?
I bet the batt dies fast...</div>

1) Yes the unit will interface easily w/ your operating system. The Dell Axim uses MS window CE so no problems there.

2) Add ons? Hmm... The keyboard looks pretty cool. If your not going to be typing any papers on your Pocket Pc then don't worry about it.

Also.. when you order your unit get the protective clear coat screen protectors. Dell has them for sale for only $20 (box of 12) and it's well worth it. You don't want to scratch your screen.

3) The battery is freking awesome. Im talking about 6-8 hrs on a full charge, listening to MP3's all day. It's really that good. Of course more intensive tasks (gaming, movie watching) will drain it much quickly, but then it should be good for 3-4 hrs. Easily! The battery does not die fast.

[E.T.]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>
The battery is freking awesome. Im talking about 6-8 hrs on a full charge, listening to MP3's all day. It's really that good. Of course more intensive tasks (gaming, movie watching) will drain it much quickly, but then it should be good for 3-4 hrs. Easily! The battery does not die fast.</div>

I cant imagine gaming on a 3.5" screen. My nephew has a Gameboy advanced, the graphic display is lacking, hope this PPC is better.
However, I purchased this for assisting me in daily routine, Im sure the battery performance will meet my needs.

These PPCs are an amazing element in the evolution of computer technology. Eventually, all these electronic gadgets will become redundant & one platform will emerge, satisfying our every wizz-bang need! [I think its already happening; the cell phone/camera/internet/tv]

Im spending way too much time on tech, even as a hobby.
I NEED help...................

[Aku]

I'm probably in the minority here, but don't get a pocket pc, get a PDA. You don't need a pc in your pocket. That's what desktops and laptops are for. PDAs are specifically designed for pocket computing, and the things you really need a handheld device to do.

[E.T.]

<div class=\"smallfont\">I'm probably in the minority here, but don't get a pocket pc, get a PDA. You don't need a pc in your pocket. That's what desktops and laptops are for. PDAs are specifically designed for pocket computing, and the things you really need a handheld device to do.</div>

You make it sound all to practical AKU!
The big attraction of a PPC for me is the SMALL source size for an internet connection plus all the features a PDA provide.
I admit other facets of a PPC like gaming & MP3 will be wasted on me.

I just cant control my appetite for gadgets :o

[Aku]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

You make it sound all too practical AKU! </div>

Yeah, I know.