which pda to buy, anu suggestions???

[anonymous]

Hi,
i looking to buy a pda, the ones ive short listed are axim X3, toshiba 405 and e750.(any other if u recommend???)
bluetooth and wi-fi i dont really need, id be listening to music and storing data and lecture notes in it, voice recorder could help during lectures but is not a must, so please ppl. give me some suggestions, any suggestons???
thanku for answering.

[Neil]

I realise you are posting in the Windows section, but wondered whether you had considered any PalmOS devices? The Tungsten E is a great little device, which would provide both music and storage, and comes with Docs To Go, an excellent Word-syncable program, included in the software bundle.

<p><img height=150 alt="" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000DB4D1.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" width=123 border=0></p>

More impressive, and consequently more expensive, is the Tungsten T3, which I use to help with my degree (as well as just being a cool gadget!)- music is excellent, and it has a great screen for reading / writing notes.
<p><img height=150 alt="" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000DBJJT.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" width=83border=0></p>

PalmOS is not less compatible with Windows than a PPC device- however, some users just prefer one to the other.

[Neil]

With respect, I can only disagree with your assessment of the PalmOS in terms of its potential, both as a gaming machine (Not as good as PPC, perhaps- better than any phone without exception) and as a work machine (Office functionality better, IMHO). However, I am not looking for a fight; I hope you find a machine that suits you!

Neil

EDIT: actually, I am not sure if the second anonymous is the same person as the first- if you are not, I still suggest you have a serious look at PalmOS before writing it off!

[anonymous]

Palm OS devices might appear nice to some people but not me. It's like having a cell phone with a high resolution screen that sports very useful but lifeless apps and games. I actually found that some games on cell phones look better than that of a Palm OS device. A PPC is clearly the right way to go, atleast for me.

Now for which device is another question. I used to go through PDAs about every 3 months. I've owned about 7 and realized that one of my first PDAs was the best I've ever owned. I would highly recommend the iPaq H3955. You can't go wrong with that choice. The 5455 and 5555 is just to unstable and ugly.

[Andrew]

Sounds like the second anon is more interested in games on PDAs than productivity apps! That's based on the "useful but lifeless" quote.

However, even if you're looking to play a lot of games on your PDA, Palm isn't lacking in that area. Some of the best handheld game makers on the market focus on the Palm OS, Astraware (http://www.astraware.com) comes right to mind of course.

Neil is right, Palm and PPC both integrate just fine with a Windows desktop, you shouldn't be worried that Palm is at a disadvantage in this aspect.

[anonymous]

hi,
well iam the 1st. anon. the second one was someone else.
well iam really not looking for a pda to play games at so id go with Neil's suggestion.
no disrespect to no one but if i wanted to play games id play them on my 17"monitor on a Gforce4, rather than my pda.
and i didnt look into palm pdas before but iam as i write.
thanxalot guyz for your suggestions.

[anonymous]

I'm also looking to pickup a pda, my criteria for selecting one are: a). It is small and light. b). It integrates really well with Outlook and c). I would like to be able to develop my own quick tools without difficulty (I'm not a programmer, but have used VB to develop simple forms for myself). d). Wireless.

Form factor / solidness is important also, It must fit into a pants pocket and survive sitting, standing, walking etc., and still be in one piece when removed from said pocket

I'm still caught in decision hell as to which way to go. I sure wish that decision was easier.

[Neil]

To my mind, I would probably look at an Axim X3i. I can't think of any PalmOS PDA which would fulfil the requirements, for once in my life! In my experience, it is not easy to write applications for either platform- however, there is more software available for PalmOS, so you may be able to find what you are looking for without needing to write it...
Good luck!
Neil

[anonymous]

Wow, quick response. Thank you Neil.
I had not looked at the Axim. Thanks for the pointer.