Which of these Smart Phones has the best PDA function

[joose]

Hello,

Im a college student looking at picking up my first smartphone device. I only have the option of using Verizon Wireless. I was wondering what phone(again from verizon) would have the best PDA function, as i want to be able to have a thorough agenda. Currently I'm looking at the Droid, Eris, and the Storm 2.

What would you recommend and why?

Thanks for the help everyone

[NetBrakr]

Please don't double posts. Thank you.

[joose]

I posted my thread here because I figured asking a question about a smartphone and not a PDA would be better suited for the smartphone category. Thanks for your answer by the way, very helpful

PS thanks for removing my other thread

[lelisa13p]

Welcome to Brighthand, joose.

The other thread has been removed and all is well.

I can't answer your questions because my carrier is AT&T but someone will be along (soon, I hope) who will know about the specifics of Verizon.

[JRakes]

Welcome to Brighthand, joose!

I, too, was looking for a new "PDA" type device. I ultimately decided on the HTC Touch Pro2. It has most of the phone / connectivity features, but my primary interest was its function as a "pocket computer," mainly for the PIM apps and the availability of "business" apps for the platform.

[ASIDE]
I still don't understand the categorization of most of the "business" apps as, well, "business" apps. I don't use my device for "business," but I do use it as a pocketable extension of my laptop for personal use, which includes Office apps, a strong PIM suite, a couple of database apps, and such. It seems to me that anything not tied to social networking or games is lumped into a "business" category...
[/ASIDE]

I've found the TP2 to be very nice for my use. You can read a bit (OK, probably more than you want to know) about my needs and wants, as well as my decision and experiences, in my "Quest for a new toy" thread in this forum. There's also a follow up about my migration from Palm OS to Windows Mobile, as well as various specific migration and device issues in the Windows Mobile and HTC forums.

There are devices out there to suit the "traditional PDA" user's needs, but you have to dig through all the "yakking and texting fluff" to figure out which will best suit your needs. The TP2 is suiting my needs very well, and I'm sure you can find a device that will suit your needs. The Brighthand community is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, so ask specific question about your wants and needs in a device, how you plan to use it, and what functionality you're looking for. The BHooligans guided me through the process and into a device / platform that suits my wants and needs, with plenty of fun and adventure thrown in along the way.

Best of luck with your search and decision!

Joe

[Ed Hardy]

I'm a fan of the Droid. (I hope you're read my review.) I like the big, high-resolution screen and hardware keyboard.

It's not cheap though, so the Eris might be a better option if you're on a budget.
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[Inner Prop]

I'd be curious to see how your search pans out. I'm on Verizon as well and I'm a traditional PDA user, but I'm expecting to be left high and dry soon and need to decide which passing ship to jump on.

When I upgraded recently I picked up an SMT5800 because it's a smartphone that Verizon offers withOUT a data plan. I'm disappointed in the WinMo PIM.

I imagine if you want a full featured agenda with to do lists (or Tasks) that you'd be disappointed with any of these out of the box.

Agendus offers a version for WinMo that is very good. There are probably other 3rd party ones that do too.

I spoke with a Verizon sales person the other day and told him my needs and asked how I could make that happen. I think there are ways to keep all your Google based stuff in sync on a Droid (since Android is Google's), so your Gmail and Google calendar and such can all sync nicely and wirelessly.

My fear with that is that then you have all your info out there in cyber space where anyone could grab it (so I believe in my paranoid little heart) while now my stuff is just between my TX and my desktop.

I'm going to be watching this thread with interest.

[NamelessPlayer]

Windows Mobile is a safe bet for PDA functionality when given the one-two combo of PocketBreeze and Pocket Informant, but I have very little knowledge or experience with Android...and I must admit, the Droid is one smexy piece of hardware (although I find the screen rather small for an 854x480 resolution).

If I just knew for sure that Android could have a PocketBreeze/Spb Diary-esque interface on the home screen for PIM, then it would make me significantly more likely to consider switching as soon as I'm in the position to retire the ol' hx4700.

[questionfear]

Windows Mobile PROFESSIONAL is very good...Windows Mobile Standard is a bit more dumbed down (Inner Prop, you are using WM Standard, which is probably part of your frustration).

[joose]

Just wanted to say thank you for all of the input thus far. I am not to worried about budget at this point, which ever phone I pick I will get a deal as I will be jumping into a 2 yr. contract. I have a few more questions to get this going a little more.

1.) Inner Prop- I am looking for a device that will offer a full featured agenda, you mentioned "Agendus," could you please tell me a little more about this program, such as your experience with it and impressions of its performance.

2.) I have not made myself familiar with any of the applications offered by the google people as of yet. Does the google calender offer the ability to made a detailed schedule that can be edited from my device, instead of only from my desktop?

3.) Nameless Player - I see how you are impressed by the combination of Pocket Breeze and Pocket Informant. Could you elaborate on your experience with these products?

4.) I know that the Droid and the Eris both use the Android 2.0 OS, what devices are offered with the WinMo Professional OS? Is this an upgrade from the WinMo Standard, or does Professional come on the device out of the box?

Thanks in advance to everyone!
Your help is greatly appreciated