PDA advice?

Question

I'm looking into getting a PDA. I have a new Dimension 8200 with Windows XP. Any advice?

Currently, I like the Palm m505, but am not sure if it is worth the money and heard there might be a compatability problem. It does, however have most, if not all, of the features I like.

1. My main reasons are that I NEED a comprehensive and extensive address book that would allow notes to be made, (such as directions to the individuals house, etc.), numerous phone numbers, spouse's name, etc. I know this has this.

2. Ease of use and being able to put contacts in a group.

3. Common reminders such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc..

4. Games would be nice.

5. Color would be nice.

Any thoughts? My most important needs are 1 - 3.

Thanks for any and all help.

Danny

rkenshin · Answer

Have you looked at the new PocketPCs as they will pretty much do what you want plus attractive in both looks and software.

I personally prefer the Palm due to thousands of selectable software you can run on it.

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Inspiron 4100
PIII-866M, 384Mb RAM
16Mb Radeon XGA
20Gb Hitachi HDD
10Gb IBM External PCMCIA HDD
Windows XP Pro
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tomintx · Answer

How much do you want to spend? Is problably the biggest question you have to ask yourself.. I am a first time PDA buyer and can share only that the Color Palm systems are all north of 400 bucks. The new PocketPC 2002 O/S. (supposodly Win XP compatable) are up to 500 plus. I needed something similar to what you mentioned you plan to use yours for, as well as Word and Excel Docs. I finally just bought the HP Jornada 547 with the older MS Windows for Pocket PC O/S. Good enough for a beginner. They were all gone at both the local Best Buy and Comp USA, but Dell had a promo offer , 255 bucks with taxes. However as I write this my order is delayed, item not available! Check out the web site for all the info on these.

http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/club/default.asp

Good luck

Regards, Tom

Dimension 8200
XP 5.1 OEM
P4/1.8GHz
40GB/256MB RDRAM
64MB DDR Nvidia GF3 Ti200 w/DVI
Dell 1702FP Monitor-1280x1024
TB Santa Cruz DSP
DVD-Rom/CD-RW
Pro200WL PCI Fast Ethernet NIC
Conexant V.90/56K Modem
Altec Lansing 2100 Spkrs.
D-Link D7 USB Hub
WinTV USB
3Com Dig USB Webcam
Logitech Wingman F3D-USB
HP DJ882-USB
HP SJ4470-USB
Cable Broadband
Modem: TeraPro
Browser: IE 6.0

serendip · Answer

I got my first PDA on Monday, so know what you are dealing with!

My needs and requirements were similar to yours. And after seeing a few, there was no question that if I jumped, I wanted a color PDA.

I was sure that I would get a Pocket PC for ease with WinXP, etc. After doing a great deal of research, I realized I was better off with a Palm OS product.

Narrowed things down to the Palm M505, Handspring Prism, and Sony Clié 610 (I don't need an MP3 player). A ton more research later, and I bought the Sony Clié. It has the best screen and resolution, by far. The 505 is very hit and miss -- I saw one with a terrific screen, and two with horrible ones. From what I've read, that is pretty par for the course with them. The drawback to the Clié is that it is always last for any third party add-ons, etc., and you often must buy Sony peripherals. I view that as a semi-plus -- fewer "toys" I think I need! But, if you know you will end up being a power user, that is somethig to consider.

The 610 has been discontinued, and the new version (615) is expected in stores by Jan 28. Some reports (based on Japanese version) are the screen isn't as crisp, and the smaller buttons are awkward, but the unit is thinner, has more built in memory, etc. Once I saw the prices for the 610 dropping, I grabbed it, and I'm thrilled that I did. Impossible to find in stores, it is still available through mail order at many places.

Good luck in your decision making, and I hope this helped!

Resa

julesAI · Answer

I've had a Palm Vx for over 2 years, use it extensively and love it. If I had to replace this Palm, I'd get the m505. If money isn't an issue, go for it. If it is, you'd be fine with a 'lesser' model.

dcsman · Answer

I want to thank all of you for responding, because you have all offered something to the discussion.

I was not aware that I would need a specific PDA because of Windows XP?

Would a Palm m505 work with my Dimension 8200 Windows XP?

I will review all of your advice again and I really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Danny

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PDA advice?

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