Upgrade? question/horror?

[andygold]

A few weeks back I picked up an "open box" T615C. It is such an improvement over my Palm105. I could not believe the difference between this sleek unit, and my cro-magnon 105. Then I lucked into a deal on a bunch of iPAQ 3835 units(new/sealed/not refurbs) for a ridiculously low price. So, now before I go and open one up(eBaying them all, except 1 maybe), I'd figure I'd ask someone here some questions, as none of the stores seem to have a working model I can play with.

Does anyone with a color Clie have any experience with either this iPAQ, or any other? Good, bad, indifferent? I understand that the iPAQ has a built in voice recorder, and MP3 player, and can multitask, and has a larger screen, which is all good, but what I need to know is...
Is the color/clarity/brightness as good as the Clie, or worse/better?
I've heard horror stories about Windows blue screens, and driver issues, and typical Windows desktop problems that have trickled down to their PDAs. Is this all true, or is it in fact just stories? Maybe rivalry like between VHS/Beta, Mac/PC, PalmOS/Windows CE...you know what I mean?
I know that pretty much every program that I've ever installed into either of my PalmOS machines has worked without almost any problems ever. They just work as intended. Is it the same with the Windows CE/Windows PC 2002 machines?
Lastly, putting OS loyalties aside.....are there any reasons for not switching, other than the ones I'm already familiar with, such as size, weight, and potentially less available software?

Thanks,

Andy

[ladyvol]

andygold,

I know what you are talking about! My 3670 Ipaq just died and I have owned my new Clie T615 for less than a week. Before I bought the Clie, I did A LOT of research and I'll share with you what I've found...

First, I'll try not to be biased. After cruising the pocketpcpassion.com discussion boards, I realize that the choice of OS has created an almost cultist mentality. That can really confuse the facts, unfortunately.

I had TONS of trouble from my Ipaq, but I figured that it might be because it was an earlier model. Upon inquiry, I found that the 3835 also was fairly buggy and it was recommended to me to just go ahead and get the 3955 or 3970. I went to Best Buy and COmp USA and took a look. The 3900 series screen is phenomenal! No doubt about it. Compared to the Clie, wow! But the 3835 didn't rock my world screen-wise. Matter of fact, I think the Clie has better detail for its smaller screen. Now, if you want a bigger screen, the Ipaq might suit you better. Brightness is not much different between the two models. Also, as an ameteur photographer, I find it much easier to load and show pics on my clie than the ipaq.

You also mention the "record" button on the Ipaq. Not that handy for me, and I had alot of trouble with accidentally hitting it and then having to erase a random audio file later after discovering it.

I found the windows OS very problematic, especially with syncing. As I understand it, they still are having several problems with ActiveSync. I found that to be one of my biggest time-wasters. For example, when I got my Clie, I had it 90+% set up within two hours, including re-downloading some of my medical reference databases. The same operation with Ipaq would have taken 3x the amount of time. Also, battery life stunk, big-time.

Bottom line, I felt when I walked out of Best buy with my clie that I had somehow "moved down" in the PDA world, but now I'm thrilled with the device. It's easy to get wowed by the Ipaq at the store, because it is pretty flashy. If you're really that happy with your new Clie, but want an MP3 player, sell the Ipaq you are considering keeping and trade your T615 up for the T665. It comes with an Mp3 player and headphones and has been ranked as a top performer for music enthusiasts for both quality and organization of music files and playback. I have a strong hunch that if you are really that pleased with your T615, you will kick yourself for replacing it with the 3835

But don't just take my word for it. Ask your question at pocketpcpassion.com discussion boards and see what those guys think. Just keep in mind that no one is unbiased and some of the pocketpc guys are real zealous. Hope you find this helpful!

[DrMud]

I'm in substantial agreement with ladyvol on all points. In addition it is still quicker and easier to use the Palm OS device. Just think about the steps for adding an apointment on the PC compared to the Palm. The Palm OS recognizes that if you are writing a number on a day view it must be the time for the apt to start and it puts you there.
The day will come I believe when the differences between the two competing OSs will be small and that could be a bad day or a good day, only time will tell.
DrMud