I don't know if anyone on here has bought one lately, but there are like 10 million different models.

This is what I want it to do:
Hot sync with my laptop
Microsoft Word and Outlook and Excel
Schedule stuff
alarm
voice memo
Play MP3's.
Go on the internet (via my Laptop) Perfer wireless (bluetooth or wireless network)
Check E-mail.
some type of budget tool/manager

Things I don't need:
Camera.

I'd like a lot of room to upload MP3's and document files. SO at least 128/256mb ram

If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.

OH I don't want to spend a fortune either $250 is my limit

My friend has a Palm "E" and he likes it, I looked at it, but it seems a little on the cheap side (not a lot of programs or RAM)

HELP!



I've looked at the HP's, Palm Pilots, and a few others.
I'm buying it for my GF/Fiancee', she graduates from Lawschool and walks across the stage Next Friday.
(I'll get the same thing when I walk in May)

Buying a PDA is a PITA, there is too much to choose from.. can someone explain it all to me.

 

If I were getting a PDA I would get a Dell Axim . Seems to get great reviews everywhere I have seen.

 

OKAY here is a question
If the PDA comes with

Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® Mobile 2003 Second Edition with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile


Does that mean it has Microsoft WORD? or Excel?
or do I have to buy that seperate?

I know nothing about PDA's, I'd like one with software included so I don't have to spend hundreds on spftware

 

That OS comes with "Mobile Word" and "mobile Excel" ,etc, so you can create and transfer your office files from your PC to your PDA and PDA to PC without problems.

If you dont get the Dell I would get a Windows Mobile PDA at the least.

 

Johngs... You rock.
What do you think of this one:
Dell Axium x50 416mhz it's on sale for $254 until Wednesday.

The Dell AximTM X50 is the ultimate handheld device that delivers style and outstanding features at an affordable price.

Microsoft® Windows MobileTM 2003 Second Edition operating system with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile

Powered by the Intel® XScaleTM PXA270 Processor at 416MHz

Brilliant 3.5" color TFT display

Integrated BluetoothTM Wireless Technology

Packed with 64MB SDRAM and 64MB Intel StrataFlash® ROM

Integrated CompactFlash Type II and Secure Digital / SDIO
Now! / MMC card slots provide flexible expansion

Removable Primary Battery with optional High Capacity Battery

3.5mm Headphone / Headset Jack for Headsets to support voice recognition applications

Built-in microphone and speaker for easy recording on the go

USB Cradle including Battery Charging Slot

Sleek, stylish design

Processor
Intel® XScaleTM PXA270 416MHz

Operating System
Microsoft® Windows MobileTM 2003 Second Edition with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile

Memory
RAM: 64MB SDRAM

ROM: 64MB Intel StrataFlash® memory

Display
TFT Color 16-bit, Touch Sensitive, Transflective LCD

3.5 inches

240 x 320 resolution at 65,536 colors (QVGA)

Control and Lights
5-way Navigation button

Wireless On/Off Button
Lock Switch

4 Program Buttons: Calendar, Contacts, Inbox, Home

Voice Record Button

Reset Button

Backlit Power Button Event Notification

Charge Status

Wireless Status


Expansion Slots
1 CompactFlash Type II Card Slot (3.3v)

1 Secure Digital / SDIO Now / MMC Memory Card Slot (3.3v)

Ports and Connectors
Standard v1.2 (115 kbps) Infrared Port

36-pin Cradle/Sync Connector

3.5mm Headphone/Headset Jack

Dimensions
Length 119 mm (4.7 inches)

Width 73 mm (2.9 inches)

Height 16.9 mm (0.7 inches)

Weight 167 grams (5.9 oz)


Audio
Audio Controller I2S Codec, WM8750 sound chip

Stereo Conversion 16-bit stereo; 8.0, 11.025, 22.05 and 44.1KHz sample rate

Full Duplex Record and Playback

Integrated Microphone and Speaker

Power Supply
AC Adapter

Battery Type 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Removable, Rechargeable (standard)

2200 mAh Lithium-Ion Removable, Rechargeable (optional)

 

has anyone used the wifi feature on this to go on the web?? how well does it work

 

The Dell Axim30 is awesome. Its what I use everyday. Put it in my docking station and it syncs anything I tell it to. Plays mp3s and does more stuff than I will ever need. The X50 seems to be a pretty good one also. One of my dealers just got it. Havent used it much but so far he likes it. I would say you will be fine with the Dell. Good luck.

 

I have a Dell Axim X3i with the Wifi and I use it all the time. I have a wireless network set up at home and connect to it and sync wireless all the time. I have got on the internet at Airports and hotels with it too.

Most places like coffee shops, hotels and airports have wifi set up so people with laptops and wireless network cards can get on without knowing the password. Most major sites (CNN, yahoo, google, etc) have sites specifically formatted for Pocket PC's and mobile devices. I love my Dell and I use it every day.

The Word nad Excel are pocket versions but convert to regular versions when you copy the files to your computer.

There are a ton of sites to go to that you can download trial software and then buy it if you like it.

Here are a couple:
http://www.pdagold.com/
http://www.snapfiles.com/pocketpc/

Check out this site for Axims. It has a message board with all sorts of info. they have downloads there too.
http://www.aximsite.com/

 

Just to let you know, I am posting this from my Axim while watching TV.

 

Here are some more links:
http://www.pdacorps.com/forum/forum_...?TID=2501&PN=1
http://www.purepockets.com

 

The only reason I dont like that one is because it doesnt have 802.11b. It has bluetooth, but bluetooth sucks in comparison to 802.11b, and if you ever want to use your PDA wirelessly, bluetooth just wont cut it in my opinion.

So if $250 is about your limit, I would consider the x30 312MHz if wireless capability is something you will want on it.

If wireless doesnt matter for you, then go for the X50. I dont think there is *that* much difference between the X30s and the X50s other than processor speeds and the case design (maybe some different buttons?).

Keep an eye for other rebates and discounts here:
http://www.techbargains.com/

 

WHen you say wireless are you saying i could simply walk into a starbucks, whip out the PDA and go check E-mail and the internet?

Does the internet come up like it does on my computer, or in a text format like my cell phone.

 

Yeah but Starbucks charges you for internet, at least here they do (Tmobile).
The Ipaqs are nice too. Thats what I use.

 

l-menace,

I am not sure how it works at Starbucks. I have connected at numerous airports and at a couple of hotels before, though. The browser is a version of internet explorer so you will be able to view pages just like on your computer, except that they will be shrunk down and you may have to scroll around to see the whole page.

Here are some mobile links:
http://www.google.com/ie
http://proxy.espn.go.com/wireless/espn/html/pocketpc
http://www.msnbc.com/avantgo/MMC.asp

I also have Avantgo on mine, which you sign up for (free) and it downloads the latest pages that you have signed up for (news, weather, sports, etc).

Go to http://www.avantgo.com/frontdoor/index.html

 

Also, go here to find Wifi hotspots near you
http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/
http://www.wififreespot.com/
http://www.wifinder.com/index.php