Pocket PC Advice

[Devhux]

Well I've decided that now is the time for me to look at getting a PocketPC -- trouble is, I don't know how much they've really evolved from earlier models.

I've been looking at getting one of the new Dell Axim's with Bluetooth (for syncing contact info with my cellphone), but have also been offered a great deal on a non-wireless enabled Compaq iPaq (I can't remember the exact model #, but it has a 206MHz StronARM CPU with 64MB of RAM). The battery on that unit still holds a good charge, and given that I can buy it off a friend for a good price, it's tempting.

What I'm curious about is what makes the newer PPC's so desirable OTHER than wireless? It would be nice to have Bluetooth as stated above, but if I had to, I think I could live without it.

Comments, opinions?

.......and before anyone comments, I just don't like Palm -- that's why I'm looking at PocketPC.

[Merlin]

Don't underestimate how useful the wireless feature will be. I don't use it too much when at home but when travelling it is a lifeline. Unless we're talking about a huge difference in price go with the wireless model.

[Jeffbx]

Faster processors, better color, higher resolution, more expansion.

Of course, you'll pay for those features, but that pretty much sums up the differences.

For example, the top dog in the PDA world is the Axim X50v. 624MHz, 128MB ROM, 64MB RAM, 640x480 VGA screen, 16MB video card, plus all of the wireless goodies built in, AND room for growth with a compact flash and a secure digital slot. Normal price is $500 for all of those goodies ($399 until 6/01 - hurry!).

If all you're doing is syncing your contacts & calendar, this one is probably overkill & the ipaq you're looking at will fit the bill just fine.

[Devhux]

Well it looks like I'm about to get an Axim -- but which would you say is a better deal? The X30, or the X50v? (The X30 that I'm looking at is the one with the 624MHz XScale CPU and the bluetooth/Wi-Fi).

[Nottoman]

I've owned an iPAQ for years and loved it. The whole PDA thing is pretty easy to pick up and integrate into your "groove". I wanted an upgrade and bought a new Dell Axim x30 312mhz from a dealer on ebay. Got it with wireless and bluetooth for under $240. Sweet unit, very sleek, and there's just something cool about turing on the wireless, picking up an open wireless signal, and using the MSN Messenger program installed on the unit to IM your wife and tell her she's hot. For that price, I really can't see a better value anywhere out there.
Ciao!

[Devhux]

Now here's the big question:

I currently have a Sony Ericsson T610 cell phone. Can I use Bluetooth to transfer contacts from the phone into the handheld, or is Bluetooth just used to make a cellular connection to the Net?

[SnowSurfer]

it depends on what bluetooth profiles your phone supports...

[Devhux]

It can transfer contacts to the PC if that means anything.

[bbrian]

Now here's the big question:

I currently have a Sony Ericsson T610 cell phone. Can I use Bluetooth to transfer contacts from the phone into the handheld, or is Bluetooth just used to make a cellular connection to the Net?
bluetooth is really intended to be used for sync purposes.. For wireless internet you would use the wifi connection not bluetooth. While I haven't sync'd from pda directly to phone, I have gone pda to pc to phone. I don't see why you couldn't go pda to phone.

[Merlin]

Well it looks like I'm about to get an Axim -- but which would you say is a better deal? The X30, or the X50v? (The X30 that I'm looking at is the one with the 624MHz XScale CPU and the bluetooth/Wi-Fi).
That is the X30 that I have. It works great and I am very happy with it. I've had it for about 6 months and use it daily. No problems to speak of.

[woody]

I bought the x50v 624mhz about 4 months ago. Upgraded from an old Jornada. This unit is sleek, slim, fast and the VGA is crisp. The wireless feature is great. There was an issue with accidently activating it, since it's on the side of the unit.. but the new firmware upgrade from Dell fixes that. Also, a buddy of mine got one at the same time.. he bought a bluetooth keyboard that is slick. Picked ours both up off a Got|Apex link for $350 + s&h... great deal !

[Devhux]

I personally think the VGA might be tough on my eyes (I don't have perfect vision).

Turns out a friend of mine has the X30, and he going to let me try it out for a few days to see what I think about it. :)

[Devhux]

Well, I did try out the X30, and it was OK -- but then I read a bit more about the x50v, and decided to get it. That, and the fact that I'm paying $375 US for it ($469 Canadian) -- and that includes an upgrade to CompleteCare coverage.