Choosing a new pda issues

[wynton]

My Tungsten C has apparently died and needs replacing, and I'm hoping people can give me a few suggestions.

Here are my priorities. I mostly use the pda for contact info, accessing email and the web. I also use it for some simple games, and a handful of applications (like Zagats to Go). And lastly, for vacations, I like to use the Documents to Go, so I can work on things without bringing a laptop.

So what I want is something that has wifi, bluetooth (though I'm not even sure my phone works with that), a good browser and nice screen. And something that is easy to sync, of course.

I have also always assumed that the keyboard is very important to me, and that was one of the big selling points of the Tungsten C. I know that I do not want to have to use graffiti. But since I've never actually tried the onscreen type of keyboard, I wonder if I'm making an incorrect assumption.

Are the onscreen keyboards, in fact, less easy and quick to use than the qwerty keyboards of the Tungsten C and some other models? This is an important question because apparently very few pdas have such keyboards. And if these keyboards are really better, how good are the clip-on keyboards? I know that I can get a full-size, foldout keyboard, but I want something to attach to the PDA (if the other options are no good), so that it's still truly mobile and pretty small.

And one final thing. I have heard that the Word to go that you find on the Pocket PC doesn't work as well as Word to Go found on the palms. Is this true?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[AnswerDude]

What is your budget? That will narrow down the choices. Most of current models will satisfy your needs. Besides on screen keyboard which is very easy but slow to use, there are several other input methods such as builtin Transcriber (natural writing). As for thumboard, it's up to individual preferences, you do need to try it out. Foldable keyboard is very convenience and with bluetooth version there is no wire to worry about. Finally if you are using Word document a great deal, 3rd party word processor will let you use desktop document as is, without need to convert them and will retain all the format.

[wynton]

Fortunately, price is not a big issue for me at the moment.

Having done a little research since my last post, I see a few other issues:

First, I understand that Windows PC Second Edition is better than the 2003 version, but that the former only comes on some pdas; even some new ones evidently only run the earlier version.

Second, I am hearing that the VGA screens are considerably better.

Third, I like the ability to go into landscape mode for the web, but evidently that is only available on some units.

Fourth, I guess some units can actually play videos. I never saw a need for this in the past, but it sounds like a cool thing to have.

Anyway, I'm currently considering the ipaQ with the attached keyboard, and the newest Dell Axim. But tomorrow I'll probably have another list entirely.

[AnswerDude]

3> It's true that only wm2003 SE provides landscape function, but with additional 3rd party commercial software such as Thunderhawk browser, almost all model including all current ones can surf the net in landscape mode.

4> Every model can play full screen landscape mode videos with builtin media player or 3rd party player like Betaplayer. The issue is some model will play video "better" than other.

If price is not an issue, top model ipaq hx4700 or Dell Axim x50v will give you all the features and power that Windows Mobile platform can currently offer.

[wynton]

Thanks Answer.

Between those 2 models, do you have a personal preference? Or is there a concensus as to whether one is superior?

[AnswerDude]

HX4700 has bigger screen (but that makes it larger unit) and slightly faster but has touchpad which may take getting use to.
Axim x50V is less expensive but the builtin battery has less capacity than the ipaq's.
Between the two, if the size is not an issue, HX4700 is a good choice.
Here's a site with more reviews and information;
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ppc.htm

[Camski]

You interested in Linux???

I found one, without BT though, but it's got Wireless (Wi-Fi)

http://www.brighthand.com/article/Zaurus_SL-6000L_Now_Availalable



Camski