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General discussion

PocketPC - X50v or HX4705? HELP!

Nov 11, 2004 6:52AM PST

Hey all,

I'm yet another new guy on the PDA market, and looking to make a purchase. I have been looking into all kinds of PocketPC's (not interested in Palm OS PDA's at all), and I have my choice narrowed down to two. I am needing advice as to which I might want to pick up -- or, if you have another comparable suggestion that would be better, go ahead and give it to me. I just want one that will meet my needs and I will be happy with (see below).

First, I'd like to mention that price is not a concern. Value is obviously a good thing, but I'd rather spend more money on a PDA that's a little bit better than pick up anything subpar. In short, I'm not worried about price. Related to this -- I will be purchasing a decent amount of 3rd party software for the PDA, whichever I choose, so this isn't much of an issue either.

That being said, here is how I will be using my PDA. I am a first year medical student who will be using the PDA for an address book/calendar/e-mail client/notepad primarily for "business"... I will also do some net surfing ont it, and will also be using the PDA fairly extensively for entertainment, listening to music, and perhaps getting software to watch DVD's on, etc. I would like a powerhouse PDA with a big screen that offers everything possible for work and play.

So here's my snag -- The Hx4705 and X50v are nearly identical when it comes to hardware configuration. The Hx4705 has a slightly bigger screen (4" as opposed to 3.7"), and seems also to have a bit longer battery life. I haven't used either or seen either, so I don't know really how much of a difference .3" is in a PDA. I really want to know what you guys might think as far as which would be a better overall PDA. I'm leaning towards the Dell, simply because of the larger number of accessories available for it (i.e. I will be getting a Belkin case and a 4-in-1 pen/stylus/pencil/laser pointer if I get it), but I just don't know... I am hoping that some of you might have opinions on which one would be a better option. I will probably use whichever one I get for 1-3 hours a day, more or less on some days, and this is a pretty important decision for me.

Hope to hear from some of you soon, and thanks for taking your time to help me out.

- Rossodio
SC, USA

Discussion is locked

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Re: PocketPC - X50v or HX4705? HELP!
Nov 11, 2004 11:07AM PST

I am afraid but your need is quite much.
Why don't you buy Tablet PC instead of having PDA.

Of course, Tablet PC is bigger than PDA but it is quite smaller than laptop.

Everything you can do on PDA, you can do on Tablet PC.

Regards,
Wans

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Re: PocketPC - X50v or HX4705? HELP!
Nov 11, 2004 11:25AM PST

Well, I am more interested in the PocketPC because it has many, many more programs that have more of the functionality that I need that does the Tablet PC, from what I've read. Also, from what I hear of tablet PC's, their battery life is much lower and while they have a good bit of business funcitonality, I have heard that they lack entertainment potential. Finally, the PocketPC gives me much more practical convenience in the Medical Student and Hospital settings. If there is a do-it-all tablet out there that has VGA/SVGA resolution at a price under $750 (Sure, price doesn't matter, but to a point...), let me know. I might be a bit interested in it in the near future.

For now, though, I really am interested solely in the pocketPC.

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Re: PocketPC - X50v or HX4705? HELP!
Nov 14, 2004 6:45AM PST

Hmm... haven't seen too much here, I do hope you guys can help!

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For Rossodio
Nov 14, 2004 9:28PM PST

The Dell model 50 was noted in other discussions. Looks very nice, but a little more pricey than the 30's.

I don't duplicate responses so you may have to use the forum search to find such or read a CNET REVIEW on the models you are pondering.

Bob

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Re: For Rossodio
Nov 14, 2004 10:33PM PST

Yeah -- I put this thread up after reading both of the CNET reviews of the models. Also, though you mention the price of the Dell, like I said, price isn't a factor in my decision.

Still hoping I can get some good advice on this. I am especially wondering if an extra .2" is a visually significant amount for a screen of this size. Hope to hear from some of you soon.

- Ross

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Yes, It is.
Nov 14, 2004 10:38PM PST

You should visit a store and take a ruler to see if you find models or things with that size screen. The 50 was noted in these forums so I won't duplicate that content here, but it looks like a very good solution.

One concern is that since we are moving to such an unit...

What is Dell's support stance if you find your PDA to be exploitable via an Internet Explorer bug? What fun would a PDA be if you get pop-up ads by the dozens on a PDA screen?

You really need to call Dell and ask if such happens, will they let you return it.

Bob

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Re: For Rossodio
Nov 20, 2004 1:41AM PST

I use an Axim mid range 30. Very happy. The X50 with a VGA screen will be great for your needs! Try looking on the Aximsite.

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I am looking also.
Dec 27, 2004 8:15AM PST

I also have narrowed down my sites on the same two. I am most likely going to get the 4705 for the screen the case is all metal and hp is known for the pocket pc's. also when you call tech support on hp you get through very fast dell is taking longer and longer I have two dell desktop believe me I know. I am not racial but every time I called hp I always have gotten someone that talks english I cannot say that for dell. There were times I called dell and could not even talk to tech support that there english was that bad I have even called and complained about it and it goes no where. I am not knocking the people it is good they are working but when I have a problem I want it taken care off with no kind of barrier.

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DELL or HP
Feb 22, 2005 11:53PM PST

Hey Guys I just received my Axim X50V: I am just NOT impressed. The applications included are ho-hum. It doesn't read my CF 512MB card which is perfectly readable on my PC, Tech support is NON-Existent. I'm returning it for a full refund. I have looked at all the HX4705 offers. Not bad. The only thing lacking is the phone. The HP6315 has the phone but a 200 Mhz cpu, go figure... Not only that; the calling plans are ridiculous. So I guess the HX4705 it'll be.

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2750
Feb 27, 2005 12:09PM PST

Have you considered the ipaq hx2750? It's a new model, and has a much smaller form factor than the 4700. I've seen the 4700; it is very bulky and the touchpad has gotten very poor reviews. Also, the screen on teh 2750 , altho only qvga, is far brighter. I have the 2410, whcih is a step down from the 624 to the 520 mhz processor and a little less ram. Also, the 2750 comes with a nice protective flip cover. Check it out.

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X50v, hx2750 or 4700?
Mar 2, 2005 2:52AM PST

I originally had resolved myself to the x50v, but am still pondering if I want to delve into the Dell wading pool. I personally prefer HP products and have been reviewing the 2750 noting that the 2750 does not have the VGA screen.

My purposes are primarily contacts, appts., general organization. I would also like to use the MP3 and video for my commute so is there a major difference w/ the QVGA of the 2750 and the 4700?

So I am still torn on the HP's and the Dell.

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hx4705 seems good to me!
Feb 28, 2006 12:04PM PST

Got the hx4705 - was wooed by it's VGA screen, clarity and its quickness - it's got a 624mhz processor. Only had it a couple of days but it looks like it will be a great unit to own. Got it at an extreme discount because of various factors and truthfully, if I had to pay full retail, I would really be seriously looking at the Palm TX, too; and the Dell x51 units.
Had Palm for the last 6 or 7 years and have been quite happy with Palm. Like Palm's simplicity and ease of use. They are straightforward and not too gimicky. Had to upgrade from my aging B&W Palm Vx though to today's upper standard which includes: VGA color and res., 624Mhz proc, 128Mb mem., pocket Excel & Word, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, MP3s, on top of all the typical PIM functions! Either way, you'll be glad you upgraded.

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QVGA
Mar 2, 2005 12:32PM PST

There are several reviews of the 2750 on the net . I have compared the screen vs. the 4700 (vga) , and ths QVGA is MUCH MUCH brighter. THe fonts are also prety smooth. The VGA is smoother, but screen just looks washed out next to the brightness of the 2750. Thats what I think. Also, hp makes great pda's

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Dell vs HP
May 9, 2005 8:24AM PDT

I purchased an HP iPaq, had it for less than a week, and ordered the Dell X30 high. Took the HP back for a refund, and never looked back.

No problems with the Dell, except the SD card disappears sometimes. This seems to be a Microsoft issue as the HP did this also with three different cards.

I am very happy with my Dell, and would recomend it to anyone!