Can someone please tell me what is the best device for me?

[brother d]

I am searching for a handheld device for my Pastor so he can use access bible study info quickly and track appointments, etc... What are the pros and cons of Palm or Pocket Pc's? Are those the two main catergories when dealing with these devices? I'm hoping to spend under $300$ I would like a color screen. Just as a thought, I liked the idea of having a way to quickly write down notes, but the ?graffiti2? process I read about would be too much work for my pastor I think. I like some of the devices with the little keyboards on them but they look pricey. Ease of use is important I think. If you have the time, I'd really appreciate it if someone could you lay down the basics and some options for me?

Thank You!

[Bokkie]

It's fair comment to say that neither platform is better than the other as both have pros and cons. The Palm certainly has many times more programs available for it but if you look at the proportion of those programs that are usable for your needs, maybe the tip of the pyramid is as far as you need to look. The number of apps on the PPC platform is much less at this time, but again, you probably don't need to go any further than the tip of that pyramid either. In other words, you should look for programs that do what you want and then fit the platform to that. Buy the platform first, and you might disappoint yourself by seeing better programs on the other!

From the hardware perspective, Palm is going through a difficult time and the industry is understandably concerned about where it's heading. The slow uptake of the Cobalt OS has not helped and many people see this as a nail in the coffin, as Palm OS 5 is getting very old now and long in the tooth. On the other extreme, the PPC platform is still maturing. The current 2003 SE on new PPC devices brings very serious development options to the party and these are just beginning to be fully exploited. The integration of PPC into other Windows applications is a powerful selling point. You can do the same with Palm, but you might need more programs to do that, and the integration with the desktop is not as solid but there are 3rd party programs that can do that.

I'd say you really can't do wrong either way and that's why I suggest you look at the software first and choose the hardware first. If integration is essential, PPC gets the nod, but for choice of applications, then Palm has it. Remember, some applications on bothe platforms are written by hobbyists so the way they look and feel does not always make for a happy ergonomic experience!

Grafitti-2 is not so bad and I think most people just have to learn to take the time getting used to the cursive stroke patterns. Both platforms support screen keyboards and I think the Palm is better in that respect than PPC.

As for hardware keyboards you have to trade off the additional bulk and where they do reduce the footprint of the hardware it's sometimes at the expense of making the keys smaller and that can be a problem with 'older' folk where the eyes don't adjust so quickly anymore.:) You can buy hardware keyboards that attach to the cradle but I've never seen one used but HP make a nice looking one.

For the price, you'll get a good deal for $300. I'd say maybe pay a little more and get a PDA that uses an SD card and possibly a CF card as that will give you the best of both worlds. You might need to go to a shop and see what they offer and suggest, but remember sales staff are usually dependent on commissions and so they might not always promot the best thing for you, but what might be the best thing for them. There are some excellent PDA magazines that do reviews of the latest from the Palm and PDA world and it's best to go into the selection process with an idea of what you want, not what the sales staff think you should get. Shop around but do your research first.

It's a bit like buying power tools. Buying the cheapest can often cost you twice as much when you realise it is not what you should have got first. A shop would love to sell you two, but you choose the one, not them!

[AnswerDude]

Additional comments about PALM vs. PocketPC;
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/tips/palm_vs_pocketpc.htm

For $300 budget, Dell Axim has a few models that fall in this price range and give you great value for what you are spending
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/pda?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

All pocketpc comes with Transcriber, which is handwriting recognition that lets you write normally and naturally. And if lots of typing are needed, there's external fullsized keyboard that you can get for these pocketpc, some of them are wireless.

[brother d]

Thanks a lot for your help!

[brother d]

Hello everyone. Just letting you know that we decided to go with the Dell Axim x50. The Pastor was very pleased with his gift. Mobile tech review was a very helpful tool and thank you all for such kindness in providing me with all of the wonderful information that you did.

God bless!

Brother D

[stevedebi]

Originally posted by brother d
Hello everyone. Just letting you know that we decided to go with the Dell Axim x50. The Pastor was very pleased with his gift. Mobile tech review was a very helpful tool and thank you all for such kindness in providing me with all of the wonderful information that you did.

God bless!

Brother D
Be sure to get the E-Sword program for the PPC, it is a great bible reader, and free to boot!

[brother d]

Yes I know! It's GREAT! Praise the Lord! !! Another PDA member named Exscentric told me about it! Thanks!

God Bless You!

[stevedebi]

Originally posted by brother d
Yes I know! It's GREAT! Praise the Lord! !! Another PDA member named Exscentric told me about it! Thanks!

God Bless You!
Another good program is the bible reader at www.olivetree.com. The reader itself is free and there are a number of good free bibles for download, but your pastor may be interested in the many other bible versions and resources for sale there. E-Sword doesn't have a lot of options for additional bible versions or advanced study resources.

For either or both programs, I'd suggest a large external memory card. E-Sword in particular really hogs the storage space.

[brother d]

Really? I didn't know that (part of) "olivetree" was free! Thanks! And I was wondering about storage with e-sword but I know virtually nothing about storage except basic addition and subtraction! I certainly will suggest and consider a memory card very soon. Wow! Thanks for all the help stevedebi!

God Bless You!

[Bokkie]

The Dell is an axcellent choice and has enough performance that make it ideal for long term ownership. As he no doubt has a sizeable mission field you might want to look at a Bluetooth GPS device to complement it.:)