Toshiba e330

[metroplex]

I just ordered a Toshiba e330 - has anyone used one?

Any pros and cons?

I'm going to be using it for Excel and Word mainly.

I need to graph Excel sheets (I heard I needed another program for this).

I already have Pocket Streets along with Streets 2002 - I heard this combo ROCKS.

What accessories should I get for the e330? This is my first handheld PPC.

Should I get the Toshiba Screen Protector? I can't find it anywhere other than CompUSA... and they only have it for e310s and 740s.

Also, should I get extra styli??? I'm not one for losing things.

Can I connect to the internet using the USB connection or do I have to get a NIC compact card?

[bamf]

Hey congrats! I think you bought a really nice machine. I don't have any info on the graphing funcion for excel but for the other points-

I have the previous model, the e310 and I really like it. my friend just bought the 330 - he really like his too. I would suggest that you buy a memory card, they're awfully handy. And if you get into music ( I didn't think I would) they're a must. Search on-line for a 64 Meg or better SD card (any brand) - Cnet.com is a good place to search or you can check out pagecomputers.com, they usually have good prices and ship quickly.
I haven't bought an additional stylus yet and it's been over 6 months. the 330 comes with one screen cover - DO USE IT. They last a very long time. the 330 uses the same size screen covers as the 310 or 740. Scratching a tiny piece of cellophane is nothing to scratching the pressure sensative screen. And DO get a case. Another friend of mine had a 310 and didn't and no longer has a usable 310.
You can connect to the internet on your home computer (never tried it on another computer). I wouldn't worry about a card yet. You can always get one later, they'll only get cheaper.

[metroplex]

How do I connect to the internet via the e330?

So it definitely comes with one screen protector? Why would I need more of these? (just curious)

How long does the battery last w/ normal usage?

I'm not really interested in playing MP3s w/ the PDA, I have a CD/MP3 for that purpose :)

But will I really need add'l RAM ? I'm going to use the stock e330 for now, but how big are the files going to be?

[bamf]

You could buy a secure digital blue tooth card or lan card to connect wirelessly to the internet. And you can up load via your home computer as part of your active sync network (daily news, weather, any site you might want) although if you're hooked to your home computer it doesn't make much sense to browse from the pda.

With the light level adjusted to low you should get 8 + hours of usage may vary with your scaleable processor depending on how many programs you keep open. I'm religious about shutting them from with the Home button. that's the funny thing with pda 2002, clicking the x doesnt' close the program entirely - it keeps running in the background until you close it with the home function.

nah - files usually aren't that large. You can get by with the onboard memory for a long time. but additional cards aren't that expensive anymore. i got 128 megs from Page computers for $70 a few months ago (a total steal).

You should eventually get some more screen protectors - they get scratched, nicked, etc. you'll want to replace them rather than the screen. I find the handwriting recognition (which is pretty good once you customize it) actually works a little better with the screen protector on. You can buy them at electronic stores or via the internet.

If you're interested in other peripherals, Micro Innovations is the only keyboard that I've found so far the is compatible with the Toshiba line. It's wireless - which makes it a more expensive - and operates for months on a single AAA battery. Again, the best price I found was at Page computers (about 75 bucks + shipping). You'll have to download a driver from the Micro innovations website to make it work, but then it also enables the software to "landscape" the screen so you can see more of what you're typing. If you see any other keyboards that work, let me know.

[metroplex]

I'm actually very much against wireless products. Its a longer story but the health concerns that I've witnessed are very true.

I'll stick with wired or IR devices for the time being. I don't even use my cell phone (I use prepaid at $6.67 a month, but I never use it for normal calls).

Anyhow,

I see your point about connecting to the computer and browsing the net...

I'm really interested in any add-on software that would give me more full Excel spreadsheet features (add'l functions, graphing abilities, etc) which would make it more powerful in my application.

8 hours eh? Sounds good to me!

Thanks for the input! BTW how long would a single screen protector last w/ normal non-abusive use?

[bamf]

Charlie,
A single screen protector - used with a case - will last you months. I'm still using my first one after 4 months, but I'll probably replace it this weekend. the little nags in the screen catch the stylus and screw up my handwriting.

8 hours is good, but to get it you'll need to lower the brightness of the screen some. Click the drop down menu on the desktop (handtop?) and select "system". on the first or second tab is a "display" icon. click on it and inside you can lower the brightness of the screen when it is on battery - leaving the brightness for the screen untouched when it's plugged in. Adjust it to whatever your comfortable with.

I don't know what kind of add ons are available for excel - but you can check what is available from pocketpc.com (microsoft site). there is a link there to search through available software.
Good luck and have fun!
Brian

[Tim Case]

I traded in my e310 for an e335 (the e335 is exactly the same as the e330 but comes with ArcSoft, a photo maniuplation and organization application). While the Micro Innovations keyboard, the Pocketop, did work with my e310, it does not work with the e330/335. My interpretation from the email message from Micro Innovation tech support is that the keyboard software driver will be upgraded to support the e330/335. No estimate on when, however, the software will be available. I suggest you don't go out and buy it now. Also, the e330/335 have a "host" USB feature, which, I've heard, will allow use of a full size keyboard.

[metroplex]

Sounds like I'll have some fun with this Pocket PC. Thanks!