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General discussion

want a pocket pc< need help choosing

Mar 8, 2005 9:50AM PST

I want a full multimedia experience(games< music video) but i also want speed and one that will last a while and thet has bluetooth and wireless support

Should i get one now(if so which one) or wait for windows two thousand five?

Discussion is locked

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Recommend Dell Axim X30 High
Mar 22, 2005 10:19AM PST

From your post, I'm assuming you've decided to go with Windows Mobile PDAs over the Palm...good choice.

Currently, the best vendors are HP and Dell. HP currently has the largest share of the Pocket PC market, and recently added the "Mobile Media Companion" line, which feature a Media center-like interface for the ultimate PDA multimedia experience. However, HP's PDAs tend to be greatly overpriced ($350-$650), and although they offer more trial software, the 90 day limited warrenty is subpar.

Dell, also, has two lines of PDAs. The Axim X30 line was introduced around a year ago, and despite its boxy appearence, it is the most powerful, yet reasonably priced PDA available. The X30 Mid has Bluetooth and WiFi, and a 312MHz processor for $251. You can also step up to the X30 High at 624MHz for $314.

Dell's other Axim X50, introduced a couple of months ago, has a new, sleek look, a CompactFlash reader, and a VGA screen. However, you can expect to pay an additional $200 for the same specs as the X30. Also, the VGA screen isn't currently supported by all applications and has a significant drain on battery life. All Dell PDAs come with a full 1 year warrenty.

As far as Windows Mobile 2005 (Codenamed Magneto), the latest news is that it is coming...just like Longhorn. It is set for "production" the first half of the year and due out sometime this Fall, but Microsoft is unwilling to be more specific. A sneak peak was posted a few hours ago, although you can bet Microsoft will have it taken down shortly...they already did to several other sites. Sad

Personally, I'd go ahead and get a new PDA now, and simply update the OS when it comes out. HP and Dell usually provide OS upgrades to those who have purchased their more recent models, although availability and pricing varies by vendor, device, and year. Last time, HP only made updates available to a select few models at a price I believe was around $20, while Dell was more open and cheaper. You might want to ask one of the representatives what they are planning to do for the device you're looking into.

Hope this helps,
John

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thank you John
Mar 24, 2005 12:42AM PST

John,
Thank you for your very thoughtful and complete reply. It really helped me alot. I am DELL fan so I'll take a good look at the X50.
Thanks again.
Juan Enrique