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General discussion

Need PDA to replace Tungsten C

May 16, 2005 9:24AM PDT

Tungsten C screen cracked -- looking at new rather than repair. I've over-loaded myself w/info today and now am in analysis paralysis... would really appreciate knowlegeable advice! I liked the keyboard on the C, but I don't know if it's absolutely necessary for my use, so it's not a deal-breaker. I'm afraid of another C (because I didn't do ANYTHING to cause that screen to crack) and am interested in larger display... I'm mostly trying to figure out if better technology to suit my needs has come out in the past 2 years.

Needs/Considerations:
-- Contacts/Calendar/Outlook sync
-- Photos (quality large display would be great)
-- Docs-to-go (Spreadsheets, Word, etc)... I don't need to do a lot of editing, mostly reading.
-- Read e-books
-- Light games (solitaire, scrabble, monopoly)
-- Robust and simple add-on software capability (such as shopping list, quicken)
-- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth not absolutely necessary... I might have use for these features in the future, but not currently useful (not deal-breakers, either)
-- Don't need phone/camera.
-- Price not a huge consideration -- don't want to pay for a bunch of features that I won't use, but don't mind paying for what I really want/need above (and will take the extra features if that's what I need to do).

Thanks very much for any advice on meeting my needs!!!!

Discussion is locked

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RE: Need PDA to replace Tungsten C
May 16, 2005 1:31PM PDT

Form the list of functions you wish your PDA to have, you don't really need one that's more powerful than the Tungsten C. Most current PDAs can handle your workload without a problem. In fact, the Tungsten C has the fastest processor available in a Palm. However, there are many other features you can upgrade.

If you prefer a Palm, I'd recommend the Tungsten T5. Though it lacks a keyboard, it has a much larger screen for viewing photos. In addition, it has four times the built-in storage capacity. And, as an added bonus, it is one of few handhelds which won't lose all of your files if your battery goes dead.

However, since your old Palm cracked without cause, you may want to consider straying from the flock. I divorced my Palm a few years ago, in favor of my new love...the PocketPC. They are, on average, much more powerful than the Palm, and have more features. The top brands are Dell and HP, although I'd recommend Dell as HP's line is slightly overpriced and under-featured compared to Dell's Axims.

Dell has two lines...X30 and X50, each with a low, medium, and high versions. The X30s have been around for a while, but have comparable specs to the X50s, and are $100 cheaper than their newer counterparts. You can check out a comparison of these models here. They range in price from $199 for the X30 Low to $499 for the X50v (High). Based upon your desire for great photo display, and depending on how much you are willing to spend, you may want to look at the X50v, which has a 3.7'' 480x640 VGA screen.

However, for your needs/desires, you may want to stay with a mid-range Palm...especially since they boast the longest battery life for those extra-long ebooks. Since you don't require wireless capabilities and don't intend on heavy gaming or watching many video, a cheaper PDA will suffice, and make your wallet a much happier individual. Wink

Hope this helps,
John


*Note* Programs and games from the Palm are not compatible with the WindowsMobile OS. This may also be a consideration if you have purchased software for your Tungsten C.

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Thanks for the advice
May 16, 2005 10:35PM PDT

Thanks, John... that certainly helps narrow it down for me. I'll look at the Dells and the T5 a little closer.

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Question about the Dells
May 16, 2005 11:53PM PDT

Do either the X50 or X50v have the feature that keeps your data in case your battery dies? Is that what the Flash does?

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Dell's X50 line
May 18, 2005 9:49AM PDT

That's a question that falls in the grey area.

Axims currently have three types of memory. The first, and primary, is where all of the programs and files are automatically stored. It relies on battery power to store all of your information. However, there is a built-in rechargable battery (that cannot be removed) that backs up your data for about 30 minutes if the main battery dies. It is important to note that the PIM data (contacts, calender, etc) can only be stored in this type of memory. The data is stored in a special folder which cannot be copied or moved...only backed up.

The second is called ''built-in storage,'' which is not erased if the batteries die. It is only 30MB (compared to 64MB or 128MB of primary storage), but gets the job done. Since the data remains even after a hard reset, any data stored here can be accessed by a thief. (All they have to do is perform a hard reset, leaving the device in its original state...password disabled. While a hard reset erases all of the data in the primary storage, it does not erase what's in the built-in storage. Thus, be careful of what you store here.)

The final is the SD/CF cards. You can install all programs and store all documents here, except for PIM data (as stated above). Again, it's not protected by the password, but you can install your own (free) encryption software to protect it.

However, all is not lost on the PocketPC front. The next version of WindowsMobile, due to be shipped next month, will provide for ''persistent memory.'' This means that it will utilize the PDA's memory in a new way, ignoring the above division between primary and built-in memory. With this technology, your data will remain intact even if the batteries die. You can read about other updates to the OS here.

All X50s will be able to receive this update, although the X30s will not. Here lies the dilema. If you buy an Axim now, you will have to purchase an upgrade next month (for $30-$50), then reinstall all of your data. But, if you can hold off a month or so, the X50s will ship with it preinstalled at no additional cost.

Hope this helps you make your final decision. If you have any other questions, feel free to give me a hollar...my browser is always open. Wink

John

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(NT) (NT) BIG help -- thanks, John!!!
May 19, 2005 3:05AM PDT