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General discussion

help finding good pda

Aug 21, 2005 12:42AM PDT

hi, i need to find a pocket pc with wireless internet and able to play music and videos (preferably full lenth movies) and able to view pictures. i am also unclear about the bluetooth and WiFi (is it necessary to have them both in order to have a good pda).

any help would be great...thanks

Discussion is locked

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Well...
Aug 21, 2005 1:26AM PDT

Bluetooth is used for short-range communication with other devices, such as a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone (for internet access), keyboard, printer, etc. WiFi is used for connecting to the internet wirelessly, as long as you are within the range of a wireless network or at a hotspot. Basically a ''good PDA'' doesn't need to have either, but it's always nice to have such options. Low-end PocketPCs sometimes have Bluetooth, mid-ranged PDAs have Bluetooth and sometimes WiFi, and all high-end units have both technologies. For information about how to access the internet using both of these wireless radios, click here.

When it comes to playing music and video, just about any PocketPC is up to the challenge. However, faster processors will provide better quality video, and of course the Dell Axim X50v's multimedia accelerator can't hurt. Another major factor is the size of your SD/CF cards...it's recommended you have at least a 512MB, if not a 1GB, memory card so that you can fit a full-length video on it without losing too much quality. And lets not forget a program that will convert and play the video into a readable/useable format. Personally I prefer Pocket DVD, but you can search for a cheaper option if you like.

Now, since you didn't mention a price range, I'll finish by recommending the Axim X50v as the best PocketPC for the job, and the Dell Axim line in general, as Axims tend to be $100 less than HP's Ipaqs with similar specs. Feel free to click here to see the entire Axim line, and here for the selection of iPaqs.

Hope this helps,
John

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nice post john!
Aug 21, 2005 1:52AM PDT

that was a great post. i would like to also suggest the HP iPAQ rx3715 as it's aimed mainly toward media and connectivity. but, there isn't anything wrong with dell's pdas as they make very good models. pretty much any new ppc today on the market should be up to the challenge.

konny

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price range
Aug 21, 2005 1:55AM PDT

it has to be $300 or under. sorry for not putting that before.

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Mine does that.
Aug 21, 2005 2:13AM PDT

My ipaq rx3115 does that. But your post didn't offer what models you like. I'm going to get a newer Dell but refuse to do so until the successor to the rather oddball 2003 version of the OS arrives.

Bob

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internet
Aug 21, 2005 2:55AM PDT

does your model have wireless internet?

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No, but it does have Wifi.
Aug 21, 2005 3:10AM PDT

Which I can connect to the internet from some hotspots or home.

-> There is another "wireless internet" that is a service sold by telephone companies that is not wifi based and hence why I make the distinction that one thing is not the other.

Bob

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wifi question
Aug 21, 2005 3:31AM PDT

i have a wireless internet network set up at home, so wifi would give me wireless internet right?

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Just one thing.
Aug 21, 2005 3:42AM PDT

"wireless internet" is something the telephone companies are selling and is not Wifi. If you want to redefine "wireless internet" please state what you think that is.

-> However, I can browse the internet with my PDA wirelessly with the wifi connection.

Hope you understand the fine distinction.

Bob

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pretty sure
Aug 21, 2005 6:42AM PDT

so with my router and Wifi i should be able to browse the internet and use instant messenger?

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Yep...
Aug 21, 2005 7:09AM PDT

As long as you're using 802.11b (most PDAs don't support 802.11g, yet) and enter your password/encryption key correctly (if applicable), there shouldn't be a problem.

Hope this helps,
John

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Yes, but IM?
Aug 21, 2005 10:13AM PDT

I don't use IM but I'm sure you'll find an IM app for the PPC.

Bob

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They're plentiful...
Aug 21, 2005 11:44AM PDT

MSN Messenger is pre-installed on Windows Mobile, but you can download the updated (required) version by clicking here. Click here for AOL's IM, here for Yahoo's Messenger, and here for ICQ. Unfortunately, only MSN has kept their software updated...the others are all over two years old! Thus, like on the PC, third-party clients thrive. Check out Agile Messenger, Imove Messenger, and the PocketPC Magazine Award winner IM+ (which costs $30).

Hope this helps,
John

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(links) if buying a Del x50v, look for deals
Aug 22, 2005 4:31AM PDT

$500 is the MSRP, but ppl have gotten it as cheaply as $340 with TONS of promos, sales, and online coupons. Realistically, shoot for $380 to $440

Techbargain.com is one place to check
PCWorld

etc. There are at least 3 other good ones, but i can't remember their names