Not a bad list to choose from...don't really think you could make a bad choice. Eventually someone will combine all of those devices, and then I will jump for joy. However, I can safely say that the ultimate handheld would be about equal to adding the cost of all of those individual devices and doubling it. ![]()
Here's my take:
A very slim digital camera would be a nice device, but not a must-have. Very few people carry seperate cameras around with them aside from photographers, who would never settle with the zoom available in such a compact camera. For the most part, you'll know when you want to take pictures in advance, so just pack up your S5000 (I have the same one and love it) and take it with you. Granted, you might miss a few shots of people making utter fools of themselves, but you don't really want to post them on the internet for the rest of the world to enjoy at their expense, do you? ![]()
As far as the Ipod Photo...it's nice, but the PDA can do the same. I have an Axim X30 High PDA, which I use as an MP3 player on a daily basis and don't notice any loss of sound quality. The newer models are designed to handle multimedia...why not take advantage of that? The only downside is limited storage and having to buy memory cards to store it all. However, at standard quality (almost indistinguishable from the original), I'm able to get about a minute per MB, meaning I can put four hours of music on a single 256MB card. A 512MB card can hold 4+ hours of high-quality music. If you want high-quality, just upgrade to a 512MB or 1GB card. Chances are a few cards can hold most of your music collection. Also, as a college student you will probably spending most of your time studying or hanging out with your friends...you won't be listening to music quite as much as you think.
As far as the m100, wow...I can't believe it's done you good this long. However, there are just some times where it's best to put your companion out to pasture. That is definately the device I'd upgrade for college. Get a standard-size fold-out keyboard and you can use it to take notes in class. Purchase an extra or extended battery and use it's built-in media player for your MP3s. Download loads of programs that help you with your studies (dictionaries, encyclopedias, study cards, etc). Check your email on the go via WiFi. Add a few good games to help kill the boredom, should it come around. Set reminders for your appointments. Your old PDA might do some of this, but I guarentee you that once you get a new PDA, you'll be throwing your old friend into the nearest yard sale box. Also, you'll be upgrading your cell phone and integrating your phone book at the same time...sweet deal. Personally, I recommend a Windows-based model for their greater power, MS programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Money, etc), and larger databases of available programs. However, the Treo is a handy device, and usually quite a bit cheaper than its Pocket PC counterparts.
Finally, the PSP. While it is an excellent device, you said you use your laptop for DVDs and don't play games often on the road. That in mind, your PDA can serve as a quick fix until you get home. Unless you are a gaming fanatic, I'd say just stick to your consoles and computer, plus your laptop and PDA while you're on the go. (Though I'd advise leaving the games at home...less of a distraction during the week, and an added incentive to spend time with your family on the weekends and holidays.) However, if you do decide to get a PSP, wait until graduation...give Sony time to fix their dead pixel problem first, or your graduation gift might as well have come in the form of a homemade sweater from your grandmother in the middle of summer. ![]()
Good luck and have fun,
John
P.S. If you're ever unhappy with one of these devices, just let me know...I'd be glad to take it off your hands. ![]()
I've been thinking about certain gadgets as a reward for graduating from high school. Here are the products I had in mind:
1) the Apple iPod Photo(30gb)
2) the Treo 650
3) the Sony PSP
4) a very slim Casio digital camera (upwards of 5 megapixels)
Here's the thing: I find the iPod useful because I can transfer my photos from my digital camera, and so I virtually have unlimited space. However, I only have about 5 GB of music, and I don't even listen to them all - just my favorites. Therefore, the storage space on the iPod might seem unpractical.
I like the Treo 650 as a convergence product. I was 13 when I first bought the Palm m100 and have used it ever since. The Treo would combine the features of the m100 (and more, of course) and my cell phone, and I would have less to carry around. I use my m100 regularly, since I upload things like study guides for tests on it. I also like the fact that I can use the Treo 650 as an mp3 player, but with the average battery lifetime of 4 hours, I'm left hanging in the wind.
Nearly the same story with the PSP. I like how it can be an mp3 player, but I'll have to pay extra for the memory sticks (like at the 1 gb capacity). I'm reluctant because I don't often play games on the road; I just watch movies on my laptop instead.
Now with the digital camera, I'm dragging around a FujiFilm FinePix S5000. It's just so...big.
So what should I do? I feel like if I wait long enough, one such company will combine the features of the iPod photo and the Treo 650, and possibly a digital camera (example? the mrobe 500 by Olympus). Would it be wise to invest in a nice basic mp3 player (such as the recently released Samsung YEPP player) and stick to my m100 and my cell phone?
Help me out here! I'm dying for my own little gadget to show off! What would probably be most useful in college?

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