PDA's: Pocket PC or Palm OS

rockH,

I prefer the ppc platform personally, and I've used both extensively.

I used my Palm primarily for synching my contact list, appointments, and email. Occasionally, I used it for reading webpages offline, but it was too much of a pain to have to download pages each time I synched up. App support is overated for the Palm, IMO. Although they have a strong developer backing and there ARE 10000s of apps out there, 90% or more are "not-ready for prime-time" or variations of the same thing. And although they are switching to ARM processors now, they have historically been lacking in the performance arena. Multimedia support is just now coming out; hardware support is very proprietary and limited...

When the first PPCs came out, I wondered "why would I ever need something that powerful?" I was also skeptical of the new OS, since I was sorely disappointed with CE. I ended up getting one anyway, and have never looked back. The software integration (including built in support for multimedia, Word, Excel, etc.) is excellent. Hardware is still very proprietary, but there is just about anything you can think about. Since it supports PC Cards, Memory Stick, CF, and MMC cards, I can use mine with my Wi-Fi and CDPD cards for internet access on the go, with my GPS card for navigation, etc.

There's also a built in web-browser, support for VPN, Email client with IMAP/POP support, and complete customization capability. You can even flash your ROM with different OSes (linux, and i think BeOS).

I'd go with the PPC, but would consider getting an iPAQ rather than a Journada...the screen can't be beat and its much more verisitile with it's "jacket" system...

 

I have an HP Jornada that I got for free and have thus far used infrequently. But, if I was to use it more often (and from what I've done thus far), I know I'd like it better than a Palm (which I've never owned but have used some friends). I just haven't had the need to thus far.

Here is something completely new that will be coming out in a bit. It is called the OQO

 

I own and prefer the Palm. The interface is much more elegant/intuitive than the PocketPC.

IMHO, "less is more" -- when I want computer functionality, I use/carry my laptop. The pocket device is an assistant. A replacement for lost stickies and notes scribbled in the margin of books.

The "happy medium" was a little product called the Newton which was too far ahead of its time...

 

I love my iPaq 3650. It is 2 years old but I've upgraded to Pocket PC 2002 and I really like it. Pocket PC has seemless integration with Outlook which is a big plus.

I liked the Palm OS but it meant either using a 3rd Party App to sync with outlook which I never really liked doing or having to PIM which is kind of a pain.

Plus Pocket PC has better games. Like snails

Oh and Pocket Word and Pocket Excell (on Pocket PC) beat Documents to go (3rd Party Palm app) hands down.

 

I want one of these ...




http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/gadgets/5a3c.shtml

 

I almost bought one of those Zaurus. Some of our programmers were going to speak at a Java conference in Cali and they were discounting those things to something like $199. Then I thought to myself, I hardly ever use the Palm V I got, so what the hell would I do with one of these?

Has anybody else bought one of these things only to realize they're the most overrated pieces of techno crap ever invented? I'm not saying they're useless to everybody... but damn.

 

Probably for me its a $185 (I got a awesome deal) piece of paper and pen but its SOOO cool and I use it enough.

but it does keep my contacts, events, to do list, email, ect.

If you have a big contact list then it's worth it.

 

The wireless devices have improved a lot recently
I don't think the prices are all that bad...Some people pay more for their wristwatch.Guess it all depends on the need.I'm thinking of getting one because I'm sick of little notes all over that I can never find.