I'm new to this, can you help?

[jbsniff]

I've been thinking of buying a PDA for a while now but I can't decide what I should get. Are there certain features that are a MUST HAVE? such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

I'm a college student and don't have that much money, my price range is between $200 and $300 (preferably $200).

While not studying, I work as a web developer so I would use it for work too.

What I would use it for (that I can think of at the minute):
Recording Assignments
schedule
Notes
Budget
Phone numbers, adresses, birthdays etc
calandar
some music
reading e-books (during a boring lecture :))

Here's a link to what I've been considering: Dell Axim X50 (http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/axim_x50_416?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd)

Thanks for all your help

[oz-nom]

I've been thinking of buying a PDA for a while now but I can't decide what I should get. Are there certain features that are a MUST HAVE? such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

I'm a college student and don't have that much money, my price range is between $200 and $300 (preferably $200).

While not studying, I work as a web developer so I would use it for work too.

What I would use it for (that I can think of at the minute):
Recording Assignments
schedule
Notes
Budget
Phone numbers, adresses, birthdays etc
calandar
some music
reading e-books (during a boring lecture :))

Here's a link to what I've been considering: Dell Axim X50 (http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/axim_x50_416?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd)

Thanks for all your help

jbsniff,
Welcome to 1src! You'll probably get a lot of different perspectives in response to your query. I have found the members here to be very helpful.

I can't comment on price (in Australia, we pay more - and that's before taking into account the difference in exchange rates), so I'm not sure if the PalmOne T5 is in your price range. If it is, I'd certainly recommend it. At least check it out.

It can do all of the things you've mentioned above, plus a bit more. As a mature age student, I use it extensively for recording lecture notes. I purchased the universal wireless keyboard separatelly, although I understand there are still some "bundles" on sale with keyboard & T5 sold together. During lectures, I type all my notes directly into Microsft Word files using DocumentsToGo. When it comes to revision at the end of semster this is brilliant! I can read my notes for a start. :)

The landscape function (480x320) is fantastic. I don't know how I ever used a 160x160 or 320x320 screen. I hardly ever use my device in "portrait" orinetation any more and almost never use the data input area.

Plus there's movies, music, games, etc... all the usual time fillers / lecture replacers... :p

There are some people that don't like the T5. They claim it is buggy and slow. Most of us that have used it for a while disagree, but you do need to use some caution when installing new apps - although the situation is improving and the new update may resolve this.

As for Bluetooth & WiFi... I have them both - bluetooth built-in, purchased WiFi card. I think that bluetooth may be especially helpful if you have a bluetooth enabled phone (I don't). I mainly use it for controlling DVDs on my Mac - diverting & fun, but hardly essential. You can use it for syncing files, but I find incredibly, unusably, slow. I find WiFi much more useful. I can access my home network and wifi hotspots when I'm on the road. Has been a lifesaver on a couple of occasions for business. But, my university doesn't support it so it has limited use (read "none") at school. It's probaly only worthwhile if you already use wifi - otherwise I doubt that it will have much value.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your new device. And do let us all know what you decide!

Cheers,
Tim

[poissonsouriant]

I agree. If you can afford it, the T5 is very nice, and many stores will give you the WiFi card free with it. The E2 can also take the WiFi card, has Bluetooth, and gets great battery life. It's also cheaper. But you will have to give up the HVGA screen.

The Dell Axims are nice and feature-packed, but in my opinion, Windows Mobile is not as good a platform as Palm OS. Palm OS seems to be easier to use, and has a large variety of programs available for it.

[jbsniff]

Thanks for all your great advice, I looked into the T5 and I have to say that I am more impressed with this than I am with the Dell (And it's cheaper!!!). Thanks a lot oz-nom!

I found one that was in my price range, take a look at this link and tell me what you think.

Tungsten T5 (http://www.amphotoworld.com/product.asp?id=palmtut5&l=DigitalSaver&ds_ref_key=BICEJGCODIOBBBICEC)

poissonsouriant: I looked into the E3, it's very nice I'm considering that one too.

Thanks for the great tips guys, keep em coming!