Technology Which PDA to Buy?

[diet_dr_thunder]

Hi All,
What I want:
--To be able to run most of the popular/useful medical programs while on the wards
--Internet access
--To spend less than $250

most of my friends have gotten the axim x51; i have been pretty much been singularly looking at that hoping the price would eventually fall but alas i cannot find a decent coupon around or even find something on ebay that fits the budget. does anyone have any suggestions? I don't have much experience with the palms at all. do they run many more programs than PPCs?

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[spinosum]

Hi All,
What I want:
--To be able to run most of the popular/useful medical programs while on the wards
--Internet access
--To spend less than $250

Go for a Palm T|X.
--> Speed
--> WiFi
--> Nice big screen
--> Palm OS! 🙂

You can run many medical softwares both on Palm and PPC platforms. I think Axim is just good for its VGA display. Do you need a lot of multimedia features? The TX can easily do many things the x51v is capable of! 🙂

I have both x50v and TX, and to me... both are great! 🙂

 

[diet_dr_thunder]

Go for a Palm T|X.
--> Speed
--> WiFi
--> Nice big screen
--> Palm OS! 🙂

You can run many medical softwares both on Palm and PPC platforms. I think Axim is just good for its VGA display. Do you need a lot of multimedia features? The TX can easily do many things the x51v is capable of! 🙂

I have both x50v and TX, and to me... both are great! 🙂

Do you find one better suited for the wards? I get the impression that while the PPC's have ever-increasing number of medical-type programs, most of the medical software available right now is for the Palm. Is that more or less correct??

No, I do not anticipate using many multimedia features wiht my PDA. Basically, I want one because 90% of my class has one as 3rd year approaches...and i certainly don't want to be at a competitive disadvantage....plus, i like electronic gadgets

 

[spinosum]

Do you find one better suited for the wards? I get the impression that while the PPC's have ever-increasing number of medical-type programs, most of the medical software available right now is for the Palm. Is that more or less correct??

No, I do not anticipate using many multimedia features wiht my PDA. Basically, I want one because 90% of my class has one as 3rd year approaches...and i certainly don't want to be at a competitive disadvantage....plus, i like electronic gadgets

I use the x50v most of the time, coz my eyes feel more comfortable looking at the VGA screen (used to it anyway!). I read ebooks when I am free, and type notes into my PDA using the bluetooth keyboard. In ward, both the TX and x50v serve the same purpose, no much difference. Coz i mainly check up drug dosages, and jot down notes or use the calendar (PIM) function. However, if u ask me about speed wise, I still think the TX is speedier, and more swift -- x50v lags a lot, due to the VGA display! But I am sort of used to the lag time already!

If you like gadgets, and have the extra cash, u should go straight for the Treo 650 or 700p (or similarly those Windows Mobile PPC Phones). IMO, it will serve u even better in the long run (ie. the next few years)! 🙂

 

[N-Surge]

If you just want Wi-Fi I would personally stay away from the Treo models. This is coming from someone who is also in the market for a PDA. It appears to be coming down to the Tx and Axim for me. Although I have been looking at the Tungsten C, which also looks bulky. It has a faster processor but doesn't have nonvolatile memory.

For your budget you can get a Tx for less than $250 on ebay.

Does anyone know the difference between the Tx NA and Tx ML? I think I recall seeing 1047NA and 1047ML for the model number. Maybe I am wrong. However, if anyone also recalls this and know what it is all about please inform us of that difference. Thanks!

I just googled it. ML stands for multi-lingual. NA = North America?

 

[tkim]

If you just want Wi-Fi I would personally stay away from the Treo models. This is coming from someone who is also in the market for a PDA. It appears to be coming down to the Tx and Axim for me. Although I have been looking at the Tungsten C, which also looks bulky. It has a faster processor but doesn't have nonvolatile memory.

For your budget you can get a Tx for less than $250 on ebay.

Does anyone know the difference between the Tx NA and Tx ML? I think I recall seeing 1047NA and 1047ML for the model number. Maybe I am wrong. However, if anyone also recalls this and know what it is all about please inform us of that difference. Thanks!

I just googled it. ML stands for multi-lingual. NA = North America?

Possibly European power adaptor as well as additional language files.

 

[N-Surge]

Possibly European power adaptor as well as additional language files.

Good call! That would suck to be stuck with the wrong power specs, lol.

 

[southerndoc]

I'm wondering if Palm will release a new PDA this fall. They haven't updated the Tungsten line since last year, and the Life Drive is well, less than ideal.

I wish Palm would make a RAZR-like PDA... something very small and sleek. Palm's PDA's are bulky to say the least. HP has done a good job keeping them small, but the Sony Clie had the ultimate small form factor down pat. Too bad they aren't in production anymore.

C'mon Palm, make a smaller PDA!

 

[ShyRem]

I hear they're dropping the lifedrive.

 

[Army_Doc]

I hear they're dropping the lifedrive.

yea new orders of the Life Drive have already been discontinued from most stores. Looks like palm is trying to quietly sweep it under the carpet.

 

[Army_Doc]

I'm wondering if Palm will release a new PDA this fall. They haven't updated the Tungsten line since last year, and the Life Drive is well, less than ideal.

I wish Palm would make a RAZR-like PDA... something very small and sleek. Palm's PDA's are bulky to say the least. HP has done a good job keeping them small, but the Sony Clie had the ultimate small form factor down pat. Too bad they aren't in production anymore.

C'mon Palm, make a smaller PDA!

If you don't mind the Symbian OS, get a Nokia e61. They're going on ebay for 350, and are very close to the size of a Q, with much more features.

 

[bigDee]

Get a treo 700p.

 

[DOctorJay]

Treo 700p is good but is out of price range of OP, go with the Treo 650 if you can get it ($200 with cingular 2 year contract, on ebay unlocked around $300).

-J

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

I just got a new TX on ebay for 219 shipped. I should have it today/tomorrow.

 

[bigDee]

Treo 700p is good but is out of price range of OP, go with the Treo 650 if you can get it ($200 with cingular 2 year contract, on ebay unlocked around $300).

-J

ebay has it for $79 with two year contract. They ship it directly from sprint too. Look for user sprintnetwork.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Hi All,
What I want:
--To be able to run most of the popular/useful medical programs while on the wards
--Internet access
--To spend less than $250

most of my friends have gotten the axim x51; i have been pretty much been singularly looking at that hoping the price would eventually fall but alas i cannot find a decent coupon around or even find something on ebay that fits the budget. does anyone have any suggestions? I don't have much experience with the palms at all. do they run many more programs than PPCs?

Don't get a palm. They are useless. (Edit: Some people have a thing for Palm, but don't just buy one without comparing it to Pocket PC.)

Get a combination PDA and phone, like the Cingular 8125 pocket PC, or a duplicate model made by Verizon.

 

[deleted87716]

Don't get a palm. They are useless.

Um...riiiight. 🙄

 

[OSUdoc08]

Um...riiiight. 🙄

Pocket PC's are far superior to Palms, due to the fact that they can easily be used interchangably with PC's. The desktop on my PC and my Pocket PC automatically sync when I plug it in. I can edit any type of Microsoft Office document, easily surf the web, and operate the Pocket PC just like a regular computer desktop.

Most importantly: With a palm, you need palm specific software. With a pocket PC, you can use any program that is compatible with a regular PC, and easily drag and drop files using folders.

You don't have this kind of versatility with a Palm.

I could go on, but I'm sure others can add in their own opinions....

 

[deleted87716]

Pocket PC's are far superior to Palms, due to the fact that they can easily be used interchangably with PC's. The desktop on my PC and my Pocket PC automatically sync when I plug it in. I can edit any type of Microsoft Office document, easily surf the web

It's pretty well-established that you can do all of these things with a Palm OS device, as well. In fact, many reviewers feel that the Office-compatible programs for Palm OS are superior to those provided by MS for WinMob. That's assuming that this even matters. In ten years, I've never found it useful to have MS Office files on my PDA.

It's a matter of personal choice. Neither platform is "useless."

 

[OSUdoc08]

It's pretty well-established that you can do all of these things with a Palm OS device, as well. In fact, many reviewers feel that the Office-compatible programs for Palm OS are superior to those provided by MS for WinMob. That's assuming that this even matters. In ten years, I've never found it useful to have MS Office files on my PDA.

It's a matter of personal choice. Neither platform is "useless."

Perhaps it's a matter of opinion, but I don't find Palm to be very user friendly.

Either way, I would challenge you to show me a Palm device which has a cell phone, MP3 player, movie player, wireless internet (WiFi), QWERTY keyboard (with keys large enough to type without hitting other buttons), and enough memory.

I find that pocket PC's often outperform Palm in all of these areas. The reason I threw out my palm was specifically the memory issue.

 

[southerndoc]

Either way, I would challenge you to show me a Palm device which has a cell phone, MP3 player, movie player, wireless internet (WiFi), QWERTY keyboard (with keys large enough to type without hitting other buttons), and enough memory.

Aren't you describing the Palm Treo 700p?

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Get a combination PDA and phone, like the Cingular 8125 pocket PC, or a duplicate model made by Verizon.

The drawback is this. WHen you are out on a Friday night, you have to lug that thing around or have another cell phone. That isn't a viable option in my mind.

Ill stick with my Razr for my talking needs and my TX for all other needs.

 

[southerndoc]

Ill stick with my Razr for my talking needs and my TX for all other needs.

I agree. My RAZR is perfect because it easily slips in my pockets. I don't want to carry around a large cell phone/PDA combo in my pocket, and I'm sure not wearing it on a belt when I go out.

I rarely use my PDA outside of the hospital. Sure, I store contacts, appointments, etc. in there, but at this point in my career, I can remember all my appointments. I keep my PDA in my car in case I need it.

What would convince me to definitely move to a Treo or other smartphone is if some company designed a PDA/cell phone combo the size of a RAZR. I'm not talking about the Moto Q. I'm talking of a flip-style PDA/phone combo that's actually the size of a RAZR. It can be done. I don't care about a keyboard. Give me a stylus, touch screen, a few home keys, and the numbers of a traditional cell phone.

Even if the RAZR size were a little thicker, it would still be perfect size for a PDA/phone. I doubt we'll see it anytime soon though. It would be cost prohibitive to make something that small.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Aren't you describing the Palm Treo 700p?

If they only made the keyboard easier to use.

The screen is a bit too small as well.

 

[OSUdoc08]

The drawback is this. WHen you are out on a Friday night, you have to lug that thing around or have another cell phone. That isn't a viable option in my mind.

Ill stick with my Razr for my talking needs and my TX for all other needs.

Check out the Cingular 8125 Pocket PC or its equivalent. It is smaller than a typical pocket PC, and is not bulky to bring out on a "Friday night."

 

[OSUdoc08]

I agree. My RAZR is perfect because it easily slips in my pockets. I don't want to carry around a large cell phone/PDA combo in my pocket, and I'm sure not wearing it on a belt when I go out.

I rarely use my PDA outside of the hospital. Sure, I store contacts, appointments, etc. in there, but at this point in my career, I can remember all my appointments. I keep my PDA in my car in case I need it.

What would convince me to definitely move to a Treo or other smartphone is if some company designed a PDA/cell phone combo the size of a RAZR. I'm not talking about the Moto Q. I'm talking of a flip-style PDA/phone combo that's actually the size of a RAZR. It can be done. I don't care about a keyboard. Give me a stylus, touch screen, a few home keys, and the numbers of a traditional cell phone.

Even if the RAZR size were a little thicker, it would still be perfect size for a PDA/phone. I doubt we'll see it anytime soon though. It would be cost prohibitive to make something that small.

Cingular 8125 Pocket PC --> Size: 4.25 x 2.23 x 0.93 inches. Weight: 5.3 ounces.

Motorola Razr --> Size: 3.86 x 2.08 x 0.54 inches. Weight: 3.35 ounces

As you can see, the dimensions are very similar. The Cingular 8125 has smaller dimensions than a typical PC phone, which makes it more user friendly as a phone. However, since the keyboard pulls out from the side, the screen is actually larger than just about all PC phones with keyboards.

 

[southerndoc]

Cingular 8125 Pocket PC --> Size: 4.25 x 2.23 x 0.93 inches. Weight: 5.3 ounces.

Motorola Razr --> Size: 3.86 x 2.08 x 0.54 inches. Weight: 3.35 ounces

As you can see, the dimensions are very similar. The Cingular 8125 has smaller dimensions than a typical PC phone, which makes it more user friendly as a phone. However, since the keyboard pulls out from the side, the screen is actually larger than just about all PC phones with keyboards.

Still waiting on the flip style PalmOS based PDA/phone.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Still waiting on the flip style PalmOS based PDA/phone.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

I agree with you. That is a downside. Fortunately you can upgrade your phone after 2 years, so no matter what you buy, you aren't stuck with it forever.

 

[southerndoc]

I agree with you. That is a downside. Fortunately you can upgrade your phone after 2 years, so no matter what you buy, you aren't stuck with it forever.

I can upgrade my phone anytime. I pay extra to keep from extending my contract.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I can upgrade my phone anytime. I pay extra to keep from extending my contract.

For those of us who are students, paying extra isn't really an option....

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Cingular 8125 Pocket PC --> Size: 4.25 x 2.23 x 0.93 inches. Weight: 5.3 ounces.

Motorola Razr --> Size: 3.86 x 2.08 x 0.54 inches. Weight: 3.35 ounces

As you can see, the dimensions are very similar. The Cingular 8125 has smaller dimensions than a typical PC phone, which makes it more user friendly as a phone. However, since the keyboard pulls out from the side, the screen is actually larger than just about all PC phones with keyboards.

Very similar in size? There is a 2oz weight differential. Which happens to be a lot when you are comparing something with a total weight of 3.35.

Not to mention the width is almost 2x and the length is a half inch...

 

[OSUdoc08]

Very similar in size? There is a 2oz weight differential. Which happens to be a lot when you are comparing something with a total weight of 3.35.

Not to mention the width is almost 2x and the length is a half inch...

I wasn't really referred to weight when I talked about size. Either way im holding it up right now, it it doesn't seem to weight that much. My Palm is much heavier.

No, it is not as slim as a razr, but it is in fact slimmer and narrower than the other pocket PC's on the market.

It's very easy to handle and carry (even in your pocket), and I suggest those interested try it out and not base your decision off of opinions on an internet forum.

 

[bigDee]

Pocket PC's are far superior to Palms, due to the fact that they can easily be used interchangably with PC's. The desktop on my PC and my Pocket PC automatically sync when I plug it in. I can edit any type of Microsoft Office document, easily surf the web, and operate the Pocket PC just like a regular computer desktop.

Most importantly: With a palm, you need palm specific software. With a pocket PC, you can use any program that is compatible with a regular PC, and easily drag and drop files using folders.

You don't have this kind of versatility with a Palm.

I could go on, but I'm sure others can add in their own opinions....

not rly

 

[canadagirl]

What I want:
--To spend less than $250

I love my Dell Axim x50/51, particularly the VGA screen, and I do think it's worth the cost. But there are occasionally good deals on it - most recently they had a glitch on their website that made it available, before taxes, for about $270. No idea if a new deal will come up soon, but http://www.aximsite.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=20 usually has a pretty comprehensive list.

 

[Twitch]

ebay has it for $79 with two year contract. They ship it directly from sprint too. Look for user sprintnetwork.

Is there a catch to this? Seems too good to be true. Verizon is charging $299 with a 2yr contract. Too bad it's not unlocked.

Also to get the EV-DO plan for Sprint do we just get the $25 sprint vision ultimate?

 

[Denial]

any one here has the ipaq or the dell pocket PC

 

[osteodoct]

hows the HP iPAQ hx2415 Pocket PC?? Is pretty much any palm ok to support the medical programs?

 

[tongiecc]

Southerndoc,

There has been a palm flip phone that was recently discontinued called the samsung sph-i500 they are only available w/sprint but i think they may be compatible with other services that use the same radio technology ie verizon (but not GSM like cingular/tmobile) NE way i think it has at least OS 4+ with color screen, etc.

here's an ex. of one on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/SAMSUNG-SPH-i50...9QQihZ013QQcategoryZ64355QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

j

 

[southerndoc]

Nice! Thanks for posting that tongiecc. I had never seen or heard of it before. I think if Palm developed something similar and marketed it with Cingular (the nation's biggest carrier) it might sell better than the current Treos.

I wonder why it was discontinued? Lack of sales I'm sure, but I wonder if people skipped it because it only has OS 4.

 

[greatdeals225]

Nice! Thanks for posting that tongiecc. I had never seen or heard of it before. I think if Palm developed something similar and marketed it with Cingular (the nation's biggest carrier) it might sell better than the current Treos.

I wonder why it was discontinued? Lack of sales I'm sure, but I wonder if people skipped it because it only has OS 4.

if you google it, Motorola came out with a ROKR E6 that's phone/PDA, a bit longer than razr, but it is as thin as the razr. It doesn't have a keyboard, it's touchscreen/stylus, no Wifi tho.. and operates on Linux OS

Motoming is also about the same specs as the Rokr E6, but it's quad band instead of triband. check them out