1SRC Podcast 120

[Alan G]

WCBS TalkRadio has a cool new Treo Traffic cam, the iGo Stowaway Sierra keyboard, this week's 1SRC Editorial. [details (http://www.1src.com/?m=show&id=1848)]

[danielmaradona]

I'm very excited to see a Windows Mobile device which support the new screen resolution (320x320). I wish Alan that you will made comparison regarding on what will be the differences that the new resolution can make for Windows Mobile Platform.

Regarding the Bluetooth Keyboard from Stoaway, I believe that it is a lot better than the Universal Keyboard from Palm.

[Alan G]

I wish Alan that you will made comparison regarding on what will be the differences that the new resolution can make for Windows Mobile Platform.

I think that for just reading text on the screen, 240x240 will be OK. However, when I was watching the traffic cams on the Treo 700wx can the Treo 700p sitting right next to it, the Treo 700p's 320x320 screen looked a lot better, in my opinion. I re-ran the test this morning so I can actually see the traffic and I came to the same conclusion: The Treo 700p's 320x320 screen looked better than the Treo 700wx's 240x240.

Now, if we are talking about the rumored Treo 755w, then I don't expect there to be any difference - the LCD display's will be the same. The only differences there would be would be things like fonts and the quality of the graphics that are used.

Alan G

[Alan G]

Regarding the Bluetooth Keyboard from Stoaway, I believe that it is a lot better than the Universal Keyboard from Palm.

We'll see. I've used Stowaway keyboards before and I liked them. I wasn't a big fan of all the shifted characters on the Palm Universal (IR) Wireless keyboard. I'll be happy to move back up to the slightly larger version of the keyboard. And the fact that the Palm or Treo will seat on a pedestal, I hope, means that it will more secure than what I'm working with today. I just checked the shipment tracker and the package is on the truck heading to my house. I should have it by the time I get home.

Alan G

[g-funkster]

here's a great thread that shows comparison screenshots of 320/240 WM.

http://discussion.treocentral.com/showthread.php?t=138307

Bottom line: Fonts, Window graphics get a real nice boost but in terms of what is visible on the screen, it really doesn't change.. It's exactly like Palm's change from 160->320 (except a little less dramatic). They increased the DPI from the natural 96 of the 700wx to 129.

That said, there are tools for Windows Mobile that can adjust DPI, I'm not sure I ever saw that for Palm OS. So, if a WM user wants to make use of the additional real estate, they'd probably be able to. That would break compatibility with many apps though so it probably won't be done much.

[BaDZeD]

Thanks for another great (albeit short) podcast. It definetly is a slow news week :(
As far as you data pan editorial, I completely agree, with the way Cingular charges now I can barely afford to write SMS messages :D So until those come down, I do not believe average consumer would be yearning for a connected smartphone.

[Alan G]

Thanks for another great (albeit short) podcast. It definetly is a slow news week

I figured this week's show would make up for last week's promise of a short show that turned into a 48+ minute Diet Coke fueled extravaganza.

Alan G

[danielmaradona]

Thanks Alan for answering some of my questions. I forgot to congratulate you again for another edition of your excellent Podcast. Yes I agree with you that the extra pixels for box square screen resolution can enhance the user experience. I can't imagine going back again to lower screen resolution.

Regarding the keyboard I have experience using both, in terms of tactile feel and feedback I can say that the stoaway keyboard is a lot better and feels more like a full size keyboard than any portable keyboard from Palm.

[Alan G]

I can't imagine going back again to lower screen resolution.

Me neither. When I pull out a Palm OS device that runs 160x160 to research something, I go running back to my Palm TX as soon as I'm done!

Regarding the keyboard I have experience using both, in terms of tactile feel and feedback I can say that the stoaway keyboard is a lot better and feels more like a full size keyboard than any portable keyboard from Palm.

I do like the tactile feel of the Stowaway. The BT connection process is a bit funky. I'm still trying to get used to it. I did try it out on the Treo 700p and the TX and it works really, really well. I still need to try it out on the Treo 700wx next. I'm almost looking forward to work this week so I can test out my new "business tool."

Alan G

[holvoetn]

Going back to lower res is definitily a no-go but moving from 320x480 to 320x320 was less a problem then I was initially afraid of.

[Alan G]

I would agree, going back to 320x320 from 320x480 isn't all that bad. I still like the extra space when I'm working on Word documents.

Alan G

[Ballajura]

Hi Alan

Firstly, thanks for the great podcasts. I'm always checking 1SRC, so I can download the latest at the end of the week. I usually get to do this Friday, so I can listen on my way home!

As for keyboards, I previously used a Stowaway XT for my Sony Clie. I really liked the way it folded and the tactile feel of the keyboard. Having converted to a Treo 650 earlier this year I needed a replacement. Fortunately I found a Think Outside Bluetooth keyboard on eBay, a slightly different modeel to the Sierra. This is essentially the same as the Stowaway XT model but with bluetooth so the keyboard and folding mechanism are the same. I' really pleased with it. Easy to pair with the Treo and great feel. Despite the smaller keyboard and the need to use the function key to type numbers, I can type almost as fast as a full size keyboard.

Paul G

[Alan G]

So far I'm very happy with the Sierra keyboard. I'll post a review sooner or later.

Alan G