New e310

[ChicoMarx]

Should be here tomorrow. Can't wait. $249 after rebate is an absolute steal!

OK... A few recommendations please:

1. I hear to stay away from SanDisk SDs. What are good ones? TigerDirect sells Lexar and I-O Data. Any good? Why are the SanDisks so bad? Just slow? Are there specs to look for?

2. Use an SD for games, another for music, etc.? Is that the way to utilize this thing to the max?

3. Any keyboards for this puppy? Snap-on thumboards? I hear there is a soft-keyboard (thumb-enabled) from Spb for $9.99. Any good?

4. If I have the cradle at work, what do I need to sync at home? Another cradle or just a USB cable?

5. Any great software recommended beyond the MS stuff included?

Thnx for the help. :)

[Pops]

1. Some people have problems with SanDisk SD just plain not working. I happen to use a SanDisk 128mb SD card in my E310 without any issues.

2. Most programs you can think to install will fit easy in the 32mb built in. But if you plan on using it to play MP3 or videos you are going to want a SD disk for sure. Right now I have 25 songs and 4 small videos on my 128mb SD, just to give you an idea of what you might need.

3. I dont know of any keyboards out, there might be. The unit fits in your hand great as is though and unless you are talking notes on a lecture you can input text easy enough. Also you can record memos of your voice to take notes when you dont feel like typing, like in Tasks or Organizer.

4. Looking at the bottom of it, it isnt a simple USB connection, so yes you will need a second cradle. Also depending on your using habits you might need 2 AC adaptors. But the ~8 hour battery life might last you from one office/home visit to the next.

5. I have added and removed lots of software, you need to really try stuff to see what you like and could use, but currently this is what I have installed. The TV remote software is my favorite.

Porta-Pinball
Microsoft IE tools for Pocket PC
Microsoft Minesweeper
Mircosoft Power Contacts
Mircosoft Today Screen Image Tool
PDAwin TV remote control
Pocket Media PocketDIVX
Engineering Calculator 1.12
Encarta Pocket Dictionary

[ChicoMarx]

This is a great help. Thnx for the time you spent on the reply.

[treyjazz]

lexar mmc 32m and panasonic sd 32m both work fine for me.

[vader00]

Chirco,

I got a "Road Warrior" kit; has a cable that connect e310 to USB AND charges it. The cable has a car & outlet adapter, plug the USB end into either to charge the e310.
Wish i could give you the website, but a friend ordered it. I like it better than cradle at work because i can hold the 310 to work on it while staying syncd.
Toshibas cable requires separate charger, this charges the PDA from the USB port. Power ANYWHERE i go!!! :D

[dwsilver]

I have had an e-310 for a few months and love it. I also use at SanDisk 64mb card and have never had a problem with it.

Let me know if you find out about the thumb board.

Thanks.

[ChicoMarx]

I have been into computers since 1971 and this is the most unbelieveable little device I've ever owned!!! Figured out that I can install any software labeled "ARM" and got a Lexar 128MB SD for $69 that works great. Also found something at gomdaic.com. $29.95 gets you a sync cable that recharges the e310 right though the USB port while doing the sync...plus...an AC adapter AND car adapter that the cable uses to charge the 310 from either power source. No more $40 cradles, $25 AC adapters and $30 unpowered USB sync cables. I'll let you know how the gomadic stuff works when I get it.

PS: My wife is so jealous that I got her one for her birthday next week. $199 @ tigerdirect.com after two $50 rebates. This is an absolute steal!!! Gotta keep my eye out for either a thumboard or other keyboard. Anybody know of anything currently out there that works on the 310? How about SD-based GPS?