Has anyone gone from a PPC to UX50? (long)

[ibooyaka]

I'm about to make the switch from an iPAQ to the UX50. I wanted to find out if any of you have gone from a PPC to a UX50 and how the transition was. I did own a NX70 back in the day (it really wasnt that long ago but seems FOREVER in technology). I understand that the UX won't have as much power for multimedia and such but I wanted to know how well it works for web browsing and internet related apps. I found that I used my iPAQ mainly to surf the web while in bed and in the bathroom (you know you all do it), as well as on trips. I also use AIM a lot. How is the web browsing experience with Netfront? I remember using Netfront with my NX and it would always give me page too large errors. Is this still the case today, and is Netfront still the only true option for browsing? I also used my iPAQ for GPS (I have BT GPS unit) with mapopolis, and I'm glad to find that some of you have sucessfully used the palm version of mapopolis with the ux as well. I was either going to purchase the iPAQ h4355 (the only PPC I think that has a built in light-up keyboard), or the UX50. I just love the style and size of the UX50, and so far it seems like it can do most of everything I was planning to do on the PPC, only that it's more expensive. Thanks for your time.

[ibooyaka]

Sorry that above post was by me, I guess I put the wrong password in to post. Thanks

[sumocomputers]

I have had several PPCs and Palms here are and there since 1996. I kept trying Palm when a new version came out, but was not happy. In fact, do not regret shunning Palm before OS 5, it just did not have what I wanted (Multi-tasking, etc.). Palm OS 5.2.1 is finally good enough for the things people are doing these days.

The only thing is syncing with Outlook. I like the constant sync of ActiveSync. With HotSync, you have to manually do it, and it does not seem to be as seamless. I know, ActiveSync is not perfect, but that is the main thing I preferred about PocketPC.

I know a bunch of Palm veterans will disagree about the older Palm OS versions, please save your wrath. I am making a compliment about both OS 5 and the UX-50.

The UX-50 made me a convert. It is not perfect, but I don't think I will be going back to a PPC device anytime soon. I know some people have said the Web browser is slow, but I have used it with a cable modem, and pages load fast, it is very readable, and with the upgrade to NetFront 3.1 and some tweaks, I can even logon to Wells Fargo securely.

Just search netfront and you will find the threads.

I use a Socket GPS, and it works great with Mapopolis. You can search GPS or Mapopolis and find those threads too.

Lastly, the widescreen and KB is what makes this device great.

[Jethro10]

I had an XScale 400Mx PPC before the clie. Wow the clie seems fast compared to PPC.
I used to think PPC's looked nicer, software wise, however most Palm stuff nowerdays is nice enough eye candy.
Netfront 3.1 will solve your page too large error, browsing with this is fine.
And Wow again...... that keyboard.
If you can afford the price, get one. My PPC is on Ebay this week... and I dont regret it one bit.
Did i say Wow, the clie seems fast compared to PPC ? No ?
Wow the clie seems fast compared to PPC.

J

[arth1]

The UX is actually faster for multimedia than most (if not all) pocketPCs, due to the "Sony Handheld Engine(tm)", which incorporates video ram on the CPU itself, fast blitter routines and other functionality that really speeds up multimedia. 30fps video or real-time video scaling? Only on the UX40/50/TH55.

[ibooyaka]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I guess I can officially say I'm Back! I sold my iPAQ on eBay this week, and I just found a UX50 about an hour drive away so I'll be picking it up tonight! I also purchased a 512mb ms pro from eBay, as well as that travel cradle that allows you to charge off a USB port. I'm glad to hear that Netfront fixed most of those issues, I can't wait to start hotsync'n and tweaking again. Have any of you been able to check Hotmail with your UX these days? When I had my NX I thought it was impossible to check Hotmail. Thanks again.

[johnl62]

Just to clarify - the version of Netfront which comes with the UX50 is Netfront 3.0.

You have to find a copy of Netfront 3.1 from somewhere and install it yourself. There has been much debate about this in this forum.

I still use Netfront 3.0 and can report I am happy with it - only occasional page too large errors.

[johnl62]

But I don't use Hotmail!!!

[mariog7]

I was a PocketPC man for the last 5 years, swore I would never go back to a Palm device until I saw the UX-40 on sale at CompUSA for $299!

The main thing that made me switch is the keyboard - I can not sit in front of customers and take notes with the stupid text recognition. Even the smaller pitch thumb keyboards stink in my opinion - there is no substitue for the UX keyboard!!!!! Also gotta love the high-res wide screen.

As far as web browsing - you guys are going to go blind with that tiny screen! I tried it, but returned my WIFi card for a full refund. (Just my 2 cents).

THe only disadvantage that I can see as compared to PPC is the Active Sync technology - I sure miss that feature, but that is it.

Remember, you can now get a UX40 from $279-$299, so that WiFi is going to cast you a whopping $300!!!!! If you don't need it desparately, save yourself the cash.

Again, just my opionion so save the wrath.

[Blu3Sab3r]

The UX is unique to every other PDA in whatever catagory as it sets new limit and records for achievement. Palm has been glorified by this beautiful creation. The adjustment to Palm is easy if you got the basics. The platforms are different but the programs are simular and run even more smoothly on the UX. The camera, the keyboard, the jazz, the whole UX is a masterpiece. I bought mine back in Nov. Being 14, I can only take in so much at a time and took me a bit longer to get the truth that Windows Mobile will never touch Palm! Now like MacDonald would say "I'm lovin' it".

Softwares to get you going tonight:
Docs2Go 6.008 Pro
Zlauncher 4
Warfare Inc.
RifleSlugs-W 1,2,3,4
Astraware featured games subtract GTS Racing
Fonts4OS5
MicroQuad

I'm very friendly so just pm me if anyone needs help. I'll help you pull through the transition.

[Juggster]

i had switched over from a ipaq to the Ux, the transision was a lil annoyin, but otherwise it is ok, one thing i love is not haven to soft rest evey couple hours to clear the memory

[ibooyaka]

Thanks again everyone, I got home late last night so I hardly got to play with it (went to the laker game!). This morning I patched in Netfront 3.1 and WOW! I can now check hotmail and other sites that netfront just refused to display. I also was able to connect via BT with my Sony Ericsson T630 through T-Mobile's Unlimited internet service (which also seemed like a faster connection compared to my iPAQ). It's a great browsing experience on this widescreen. What do you guys use mainly for IMing? I have a MSN and AIM account. I'm very happy with this unit so far and can't wait to try out some of the other neat things. I've made the switch, and I'm not looking back!

[Blu3Sab3r]

O.o even the freshman have a NF3.1....