Another TJ37 or TH55

[SCBill]

My PDA needs are PIM and note-taking from research. For $100 more, the TH55 offers the larger screen.

My question is---should I pay the extra $100 for the screen when I really don't need to spend more than $300? However, will I regret a year from now not having the larger disply? I know that's hard to answer, but those of you who have had PDA's for some time may have some insight. And, yes, I fully intend to be using whatever I buy for a couple of years (I have our last daughter to get through college!).

Or, should I get the NX80V through compusa.com for $299 (after rebates)? That handheld, though, has its overall size working against it.

Or, is there another Palm OS PDA that I'm overlooking? The Clies' camera and MP3 would be nice extras, though not absolute essentials. I take it there's nothing firm on a soon-to-be-released T|E2.

Thanks for all input.

Bill

[UFG]

The NX80 and TH55 are quite similar in size, actually. The NX is slightly taller, and perhaps .2"-.3" thicker. The width of both of these handhelds (2.75") allow you to easily slip them in your pocket.

Answering your question though, I think you should go with the TH55, as you'll definitely be more satisfied with the bigger screen size. If you pre-order now from e-cost, the price is $339 (It says $399, but it will be $339 when you add it to your shopping cart. The price is $374 to CA residents after taxes).

[Brian]

I would consider the TJ27 if money is the main concern. Longevity though, the TH55 is the clear winner.

Editor in Chief
www.bargainPDA.com
www.SPOTstop.com

[SCBill]

Thanks, Brian and UFG.

Is the only difference between the TJ27 and the TJ37 the MP3 of the latter? Is there any PIM software difference? I understand that the TH55 has the Clie Organizer, which I don't believe the other two have.

If I can plague you further, how would the TJ27 and the T|E compare, other than the fact that the first has a camera and the latter has MP3? I suspect the PIM advantage would go to the T|E, but would there be a good reason to go with the TJ27 (if not the TJ37)?

Thanks,
Bill

[Brian]

The PIM software is more or less the same on the 27/37/TE. I think the TJ37 offers the best deal right now, a great blend of wireless, entertainment and productivity. As for the TE vs. the 27, well...that really depends on the camera vs audio need. I don't use my PDA as an MP3 player, so for a basic PDA, I would like the TJ27 better. If you want WiFi and audio, step up to the 37.

Editor in Chief
www.bargainPDA.com
www.SPOTstop.com

[vike99]

One thing I have a problem with concerning cameras on PDAs is that I often run into situations where cameras are not allowed. Something to think about before running out to get a PDA with a camera on it.

If bells & whistles (i.e. Wi-Fi, pictures, Audio/Video) are what you need, then IMO Sony Clies win. If durability is more important (and I'm already ducking here!) then my experience and vote goes to the Palm Tungsten series. If a dependable PIM and note taker are all you need, then my vote is for the Palm Tungstens. I've had two Clies and they both broke fairly quickly (power button on one, battery on the other). My wife & kids beat the cr*p out of our old Tungsten T and it just keeps plugging along - I offered her a new PDA but couldn't convince her to part with it. I currently have a T3, a Garmin iQue3600, and a TJ37. I keep the T3 with me at all times in my pocket, the Garmin in the car, while the TJ37 is just a neat toy. My opinion [8D]

[Not Yet PDA User]

Good morning:

I am interested in the TH55 due to its increased size. Can anyone tell me the differences between this and the TJ37, other than the size. As I have previously stated in other forums, I have not yet bought a PDA because I wanted one with a camera and which I could change the battery (user-replaceable). I do not think the battery on the TH55 is user-replaceable, and it seems that this feature is not on many PDA's. The salesman at CompUSA told me though that when the battery dies (he estimates 1 1/2 - 2 years), that I can send the PDA to the manufacturer or third-party to have the battery replaced. Can anyone confirm that this is an accurate statement? Can anyone estimate how much this service would cost, if accurate? Also presuming that it is accurate, can anyone tell me if the PDA settings and content would be retained when the battery is replaced, or would it come refreshe? If anyone has other thoughts about Palm or PPC PDA's that have a camera, then please tell me. I saw the Viewsonic in a store, but have not yet found one that is charged to play with.

Thanks

[Adama D. Brown]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I am interested in the TH55 due to its increased size. Can anyone tell me the differences between this and the TJ37, other than the size.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The TH55's screen is 50% larger, and it has an enhanced PIM suite.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">As I have previously stated in other forums, I have not yet bought a PDA because I wanted one with a camera and which I could change the battery (user-replaceable). I do not think the battery on the TH55 is user-replaceable, and it seems that this feature is not on many PDA's. The salesman at CompUSA told me though that when the battery dies (he estimates 1 1/2 - 2 years), that I can send the PDA to the manufacturer or third-party to have the battery replaced. Can anyone confirm that this is an accurate statement?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Partially. Actually, when treated well, a Lithium-Ion battery should last more like 2-3 years. Also, the Clies have a small panel which can be unscrewed to expose the battery for removal. This means that when the battery eventually dies, you can replace it yourself with a minimum of work, assuming that you can find a replacement battery.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Can anyone estimate how much this service would cost, if accurate?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Likely in the $40 range for the battery, another $50 for the actual replacement if you had someone else do it.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Also presuming that it is accurate, can anyone tell me if the PDA settings and content would be retained when the battery is replaced, or would it come refreshe? <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You would almost certainly need to reload all your settings on it, yes.