Advice for new PDA?

[medgirl2001]

I currently have a Sony Clie UX50, which I love. I'm so sad that the Clie isn't available anymore, because I was very happy with this device and the one I had before it. I fear, though, that my Clie may not have too much life left in it (dwindling battery life, more frequent resets, etc.) I anticipate that in the next few months I will be looking for a new handheld.

A couple of the things I love about my UX50 are the WiFi and the keyboard. It seems that keyboards are not a common feature of some of the devices now. It is so fast to use it that it is hard to imagine going back to Graffiti.

Does anyone have any suggestions for current Palm devices that have these features?

Another question, which may be a little blasphemous - I am thinking about trying a PocketPC. This is after several years of loyally using Palm-based handhelds ever since my first Palm IIIx. One reason for this is that the hospital where I work now has a wireless system compatible with PocketPC but not Palm. I am reluctant to make the switch, but think it's worth considering if I am going to be getting a new handheld anyway. Any advice on this? Is there a way to convert Palm files such as the calendar, address book, and memo pad to the PocketPC? Are there any good new PocketPCs with a keyboard and WiFi? I am necessarily sold on doing this for the hospital network, since I will only be here for another year and a half. It may not be worth making the change.

[btaryag]

Hi!
There are two pda's made by Palm that have built-in keyboards. The keyboards are much smaller than on the Sony, and should really be called thumb pads. Most users report relatively accurate text input. The Tungsten C has built in WiFi and a fast 400 mhz processor. It is sold on the Palm website for 400 but I'm sure you could probably find it for around 300. The Tungsten W is a much older model, uses the older Palm os 4, only has 33 mhz and no WiFi, but it does double as a cell phone, but only with earbuds. You probably can find one on Ebay.

Another alternative is getting a Palm with a full screen (320x480) and using the grafiti area for a keyboard. I use my Palm for a few hours a day for text input and I love it. (I got a longer stylus, and also TechSounds5 which makes a sound when you type a key, so you have some feedback. Without it there is no noise and no feel, so it is a bit hard to type.)

If you don't like the crashes on your Sony, I have some "not such good news" - I had a Clie T665c for three years and it almost never crashed. My TX however, freezes and soft resets much more often. (It is possible this is because of problematic third party program, I am trying to work it out). People in the know say that however unstable Palm OS is, PPC is much worse. So beware!

[LupeValenz]

Treo Treo Treo ^.^

[applejosh]

I beg to differ. I have a T5 (with the updated ROM put out this summer) and an iPAQ rx3715. They both crash about the same. The only difference is the iPAQ takes 10-15 seconds to reset while the T5 (with the internal drive) takes 35-45 seconds.

If there is a big issue with the PPC platform in general, it's the cruddy ActiveSync software. I have more problems with that than anything. But I do like the integrated wifi of the iPAQ, and it acts more like a "computer" than a PDA. That said, I like the PDA functions of Palm better. Choices choices.

[cktlcmd]

If you really like PDAs with built-in keyboards, just like myself, PLUS if you don't mind shelling off a lot of money and investing time on a new operating syatem, then have a look at the HTC Universal / O2 XDA Exec / MDA IV / I-mate Jasjar / Dopod 9000 etc... Too many names to remember referring to the same device. Here is a link:

http://www.imatephonestore.com/selectItem.asp?itemMDL=IMATEJASJAR&desc=imate-jasjar-pocket-pc

http://www.tekguru.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7031

[tkoz]

I'm facing a similar choice right now. My choices have come down to a Palm Treo 650 and an HTC Wizard (PPC). The Wizard has a number of different names depending on the cellular service you choose. Both of these devices are PDA/Phone combos. The Treo doesn't support wifi, but if you get an unlimited data plan, say with T-Mob (only $20/mo.), it may offset your need for wifi. However, I do need wifi, which is pulling me toward the Wizard. It has 802.11g, and I'm not sure, but I think this is the only Palm/PPC with "g" support. The wizard also has a built-in keyboard that slides out of the way. I've really researched these things, and if they're what they seem to be, Treo's may get a run for their money. Don't get me wrong, the Treo's are outstanding devices also, and since I've owned a Palm for 5+ yrs., am partial right now to the Palm OS. Below is a link to one of the better reviews I've read on these 2 devices. If you don't need a phone included, there may be other options.

http://howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=743263

[CapnDan]

The closest PDA hardware to the UX-50 is the Sharp Zaurus SL-C1000/C3100. Add an inexpensive CF WiFi card and you're set... The PIM functionality is not nearly as good as the Palm OS but in every other aspect you'll be ahead (i.i., viewing PDF docs is a breeze!).

[cktlcmd]

The only problem with the Sharp Zaurus is there is not enough medical software to use on it. I personally like its design, I give it a 9 out of 10 :) , but for use in a hospital environment, I give it a 4 due to lack of medical software. :(

[glassman]

I am moving from a UX50 to a Dell Axim X50V. The only thing I really miss, other than some of the software apps, is the keyboard.
I recently purchased a virtual keyboard app (Full Screen Keyboard). The hardware keyboard is nicer, but the other positives of the X50V more than make up the difference. There is no comparison with WiFi. The X50V is much, much better with WiFi. VGA is incredible also.

Don't get me wrong, I love the UX50 and I wouldn't be migrating if I thought there was a future with Palm.

As to coverting your address, memo, calendar...the X50V comes with Outlook 2002. If you HotSync to Outlook now, the transition is seamless.

[medgirl2001]

I actually don't use Outlook. The Palm Desktop has been more than adequate for what I need. Is it necessary to have Outlook to synch the Axim? Or is there some simpler program for datebook, adress, memo, etc. synching?

[glassman]

Dell has partnered with Microsoft and packages Outlook 2002 and MS Activesync to syncronize contact/datebook/email data. There may be 3rd party solutions, but I am not familiar with the alternatives.

I previously used Palm Desktop so I loaded Outlook for my Axim then changed Intellisync to sync with Outlook. A quick Hotsync with my Palm copied all of my data into Outlook. Then I synced the Axim and this copied the data to the Axim.

[Legodude522]

I say, go for a Treo 650 or a TX. The Clie models were nice but unfortunatly gone.
I say, go for a Wolfram ;-)
http://static.flickr.com/28/60001997_788e559775_m.jpg

[medgirl2001]

Dell has partnered with Microsoft and packages Outlook 2002 and MS Activesync to syncronize contact/datebook/email data. There may be 3rd party solutions, but I am not familiar with the alternatives.

I previously used Palm Desktop so I loaded Outlook for my Axim then changed Intellisync to sync with Outlook. A quick Hotsync with my Palm copied all of my data into Outlook. Then I synced the Axim and this copied the data to the Axim.

That sounds easy enough. I was never much of a fan of Outlook, though - mainly because I like Outlook Express for my mail and news reader, and didn't like having all the extra stuff for Outlook.

[oz-nom]

What about a separate keyboard? I use a T5 and the Palm Universal Wireless keyboard & love it. If you need a keyboard for all text input, it's not a good option, but if you're happy with stylus input for small amounts & keyboard for large text entry it's excellent. I use it for classes (taking notes), taking notes in meetings w/ clients & staff, plus a range other things.
Just thought I'd raise another Palm option.

Cheers,
Tim

[madmaxmedia]

You can buy a new battery for your UX50:

http://www.cliebattery.com/

The resets are very likely due to software and not hardware, and could be solved with a hard reset and gradual re-install of programs and data. You could try this first, and if it works out then buy a new battery. Since you love your UX50, I think this is a good first option.

The Tungsten C is a very nice Wifi w/ keyboard. It's a bit bulky, but is very powerful (400MHz CPU and 64MB RAM) and has a great battery. The keyboard has a great feel as well. If you buy on EBay it will be closer to $200. There are actually a lot of Tungsten C auctions with Buy-It-Now price of $200.

That's your only other Palm OS option for built-in Wifi + keyboard. You could also get say a TH55 or Palm TX, too bad there are not even add-on thumboards for those. The folding keyboards are nice but I like having a built-in thumboard best.

The CLIE TG50 has a decent thumboard but no Wifi, plus of course there are the Treos.

[scientist]

I think from above post it should be clear to palm or dell what they need to produce next!! I couldnt find any email address for someone influential in either of these companies. what we need is a ux 60!! or an axim with zaurus design and dual wireless! is that too much to ask or too hard to make?! Im sure whoever comes with this design would make tons of money on it...and here for the record know that it was my idea!

[intellidryad]

Yeah, Palm, give us a clamshell!!!

Treos and Blackberrys have thumbboards, the T|C has it, so what's so bad about doing a UX like device? Make the next Mobilemanager a clamshell, put in real RAM, fix the bugs, and you'll be having a handheld that's eating into the notebook market. No phone? So what? Nether does your notebook!