Reasons for leaving HandEra 330

[bryus]

In reply to Rockbeast's post (http://www.palmonecity.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=40546#post40546) I am starting a new thread. I thought I would go with the III forum because of the similarity to the HandEra 330.

I got rid of my HandEra 330 and moved to the Palm Tungsten C for several reasons.

1. It was time for color. I loved the QVGA more than color. But I thought that color devices had matured enough for me to get high-res and color.

2. Lack of software support. The folding of HandEra's support for the device was just the last straw in the dwindling support from the developer community in general. As a marginal product it just didn't garner enough support for it's unique resolution once it failed to take off.

3. Power. I really wanted more juice. Because HandEra did not inclue a graphics chip like the early high-res Clie models it was very slow. I noted a 10 second delay opening beyond contacts on it.

I bought my HandEra 330 because I truely thought it was the best handheld available. It had top notch features for the time. Really until the release of the T3/iQue there was no true replacement for it. I just couldn't wait for "that" device to be for sale and bought my TC before the rumors of the T3 came out.

[Rockbeast]

Thanks for the thread byrus. Your 'evolution' to a hi-res color PDA makes a lot of sense. One day, when my HandEra dies, I will be heading for a Garmin iQue or PalmOne T3 I think...or their immediate postdecessors...opposite of predecessors?

But, in homage to the mighty HandEra 330, lets take a few moments and remember some of it's salient features.

QVGA resolution - Looks great and is less filling! Unfortunately, it was a half step instead of a whole step, and soon after the HE was released, it became apparant that hi-res was going to rule.

TWO card slots! Man, this is a great idea, so why aren't there more PDA's with dual slots? One for data, one for peripherials? Did I spell that right? Hmmm, need to install a dictionary on my CF card...or should I put it on an SD card?

Voice recorder.

Virtual Graffiti area - Was it the first? If not, it was close. I love this feature. I love the extra screen when I need it and I use MessagEase ST with the virtual stamp, so I can switch between the ANI123 keyboard and regular graffiti.

Better backlight than Palm III series.

Anybody have others to share?

[bryus]

The dual card was nice, but suffered from no SDIO.

The VG was absolutely the first for a Palm. Prior there was no other palm with a non-square display.

I have tried both the Garmin and T3 and would have to say go with the T3. The Garmin just missed the mark It isn't nearly as well polished and interface as the T3. It really feels more like an OS 4.1 handheld than an OS 5 handheld. There is also the lack of D-pad, it just has an up/down pair. Also, it is considerably more expensive than the T3, for the difference you can probably get a BT GPS unit. It is like Garmin tried to emulate an M5xx with an HR+ display, GPS, and OS 5.

[vegheadjones]

Just wanted to add to a HandEra appreciation thread! I loved my Handera to bits, moreso than any other PDA I have had since. Sure no color, and my T|E is smaller and quicker, but having a good file manager and all that expansion room felt great. THe QVGA screen was so nice too. Plus the coice recorder-- oh how I miss the voice recorder (I went for the T|E instead of the T3 and the voice recoder is all that I miss)

Alas, it died, and I had to move on to OS5 (after a Sony pit-stop).

Would I still be content with the Handera today? Quite possibly, but what do I know? I still think Launcher X is the perfect launcher for me ;) :D

[Rockbeast]

Oops, Launcher talk seems to infiltrate every thread I visit! I must be a carrier?

No SDIO on the SD card, that's true. I think it came out after it was too late to incorporate it into the HandEra?

Can you really get a Bluetooth GPS that fits the SD slot for the T3 for $50 to $100? I've seen the iQue for as low as $435, but usually around $460 on the low end. Isn't the T3 about $400? And does the BT GPS unit connect throgh the SD slot? If so, you lose the map storage capacity.

BUt the rotation to landscape feature on the T3 is nice. I think it might be buggy, and mostly for developers who try to write apps to use the DIA structure, but it is cool.

They are both cutting edge devices and their next iterations should be more stable and stout...I hope!

[bryus]

The Socket BT GPS unit (http://www.socketcom.com/product/GP0804-405.asp) can be had for about $200 and the T3 runs in the low $300 range. That's not as low as the iQue but you get a better device with better functionality, features, etc.

As for a GPS unit wired to the universal connector, those are cheaper.

[Rockbeast]

Originally posted by bryus
The Socket BT GPS unit (http://www.socketcom.com/product/GP0804-405.asp) can be had for about $200 and the T3 runs in the low $300 range. That's not as low as the iQue but you get a better device with better functionality, features, etc.

As for a GPS unit wired to the universal connector, those are cheaper.

If you use a GPS unit wired to the universal connector, does this mean your SD slot is still available for massive storage of maps? I guess with a Bluetooth device you are wireless so the slot is available?

What about the routing software, the maps of the entire united states? How much more would you have to spend for this? And are other such software and mapsets better or worse to use than Garmin's software and maps? I believe that Garmin's system is better for autonavigation than anybody elses, definately better integrated with the other PDA functions (quick iQue routing from an address book entry, etc.). Now please know I'm talking from outside the Garmin window looking in. So I could be wrong...I have been once...this hour...no twice.

[bryus]

I don't know much about the software side. I have tried Mapopolis because it came with the HandEra. But, it is my understanding that software and hardware are not exclusive with GPS, they can mix and match.

[robrecht]

Originally posted by Rockbeast
... But, in homage to the mighty HandEra 330, lets take a few moments and remember some of it's salient features... Anybody have others to share?

Sorry to interrupt the interesting GPS drift, but couldn't let an opportunity go by to add to the 330 eulogy!

1. Not only did Handera's implementation of virtual graffiti for the Palm OS precede that of SONY, but SONY still has not caught up to their ability to switch from portrait to landscape mode. Handera proudly displayed that beautiful picture of an editable landscape spreadsheet on their website for so long and SONY just never got it. Now pa1mOne has continued where Handera left off.

2. Now pa1mOne should also implement Handera's hot swappable rechargable batteries, another fantastic feature of the 330.

And now we return you to your normally scheduled drifitng discussion of GPS add-ons that promise to make the T3 into a more versatile device than the iQue.

[w4mch]

I got the Handera through the Sam's Club clearance and scored it for about $100. It is still going strong but has been relegated to being a permanent GPS unit in one of my cars. Added a Radio Shack Digi Traveler GPS unit (also on clearance for $29) and made an interface cable to fit the 330's serial port.

Maps are stored on the CF card and it's running the delorme X map. It is slow on the refresh rate but functional and cheap. A good use for one of the best of the early palm OS devices.

Moved on to color in a Palm 515 and coveting the T3 or maybe a OS 6 device next.

Still remember wowing the folks at work with my 330. Loved the extra real estate and the voice memo feature.

[hgradeca]

I just recently managed to get a working HandEra 330 from a friend of mine. :D :D :D
It is absolutely amazing! :D
I consider it a predecessor of the LifeDrive. If only the LD had separate CF slot and not integrated microdrive...
Anyway, is anyone still using their HandEra? Is anyone willing to sell it? It is a really great device, and I would like to buy another one, but there are none of them on eBay...
I really wish that they had continued to make PDAs, because it was really good! :)
As far as I have noticed, it is the fastest pre-OS5 PDA and its batteries can last really long - it even beats my trusty m100 :D
It was really a excellent engineered PDA and it's such a shame that it wasn't successful!
I really don't get it!
It wasn't too expensive, it had excellent screen, dual expansion, excellent battery life... It only didn't have a color screen... And some people say it is ugly, but I have to disagree with them! Even my girlfriend thinks it is beautiful!
I will never understand the people...

Anyway - please tell me is anyone still using it? :)

[sasmout]

I am still using my beloved HE330 /actually - two of them ;) / as a backup device. It is great for reading, the battery life and options are exceptional, and I still have some MegaWiki stuff that requires preOS5 - so HE330 works just fine. Although my daily-used mobile devices are T/T3 & Treo 650, I still feel the the Handera as the dearest one ........ :cool: