This doesn't really have a good link with DIY but we seem to have a knowledgeable membership and I don't know where else to ask ... does anyone have and views on, or suggestions for, PDAs? I'm looking for a new PDA with phone and camera that runs Windows, is small'ish, has good battery life, light'ish, has a good display (preferably 640x480) - what should I buy? One suggestion is the e-TEN M600+ ... had anyone had experience of them? or maybe the HTC Tytn?
Mike
new MDA vario, no question, aka the HTC Tytn.
the only thing missing from it is's feature set is built in GPS
I've just gone through this exercise having needed to replace an IPAQ h6340.
I wanted to have something with Windows because of application availability and a reasonable keyboard in order to be able to do push email while on the go. The latter has become extremely useful, and I reckon to be able to save at least an hour a day by being able to do emails in odd moments between meetings, at airports, on planes etc. when it's not worth getting out the Mac. I also use GPS navigator software, mainly to keep taxi drivers honest in unknown cities. Normally I use hotels where there is DSL or Wifi, but occasionally this is not possible, so using the PDA as a modem is useful. GPRS is rather slow, so I was ideally looking for a PDA supporting UMTS (3G). Added to this, I wanted it to be my main mobile phone and to integrate properly with bluetooth headsets. Finally, I didn't want it to be significantly different in size or weight to the HP.
I looked for a few months at the reviews of the HTC Tytn and this looked like the obvious choice. I had also been looking at the QTEK 9000, but not seriously because I imagined it was too large.
Finally I was able to play with a Tytn in Johannesburg but have to say that it was disappointing. The keyboard, for me, was practically unusable - buttons too small and close together. So I looked at the
9000 and compared it with the HP that I had. In reality, it wasn't really any bigger in it's case. I was also able to talk to a few users. This unit has been out for about 9 months so initial bugs are gone.So on return to the UK, I did some shopping around. First port of call was Vodafone who were keen to offer me their branded version for nothing on the basis of customer retention (my typical monthly spend often runs to >£500). However, it is locked to their network and I don't like lock-in deals. Eventually, I was able to negotiate a reasonable deal through a reseller with VF picking up most of the tab.
I'm pleased with the result:
- Windows Mobile 2005 is substantially more stable that 2003. On that I would have to reboot a couple of times a day. Now maybe it's once a fortnight.
- The keyboard works well. In fact one can use the PDA without stylus at all (one of the Blackberry claims) quite easily. I can rattle off emails pretty quickly.
- All of the applications I need fit easily and are not lost on running out of power.
- Bluetooth works well and there is voice recognition for phone dialling.
- UMTS modem works well with the Mac.
- Recharges over USB from the Mac
The only small negative I've found is that power consumption is quite high in UMTS mode - it will last a day if left online to receive emails. Not a problem because I can switch it to GPRS mode and only use UMTS when required.
Overall I'd recommend it. A good purchase - and I'm very picky. IT equipment has to work properly, predictably and reliably and be recoverable if thre's a problem. Arguably one wouldn'\t use Microsoft products under these conditions normally, but for my purposes Palm, Linux or Blackberry were not options.
the 9000 is a nice device, I've used one extensively. what put me off was size, weight and poor phone reception. the keyboard was a big plus for me, I was surprised at how quickly I adapted to two thumbs typing. to see that keyboard on the tytn with 'g' wi-fi, 3g & GPRS I was sold. FWIW the HTC artemis has a built in GPS chip but not the keyboard that the tytn uses. one day, maybe, the designers may get it right and offer /every/ option on one small device like the tytn:
GPRS, 3G, G wi-fi, GPS & keyboard, 600mhz cpu and 128mb ROM
128mb RAM and a bundled 4GB mini SD card with a battery runtime of 48 hours with everything switched on.
I prefer my phone separate from my PDA, so I have no answer relevant to the OP, but after upgrading my HX4700 from WM2003 to WM2005, I'd agree with WM2005 being far more stable.
Lee
why ? there's no need with a tytn/ MDA compact sized device. that way, tomtom, memory map, phone etc is all in one device.
Battery life mainly. When the battery in the PDA goes flat, at least I can still make a phone call...
Lee
In a way the size is dictated by the keyboard.
It goes into a trouser pocket, a jacket or a coat pocket. Not many PDAs would sensibly go in a shirt pocket.
I don't like having PDA on display on a belt clip. Theft is too easy.
I've found phone reception OK and roam extensively. I don't use the built in audio, though. I bought a Plantronics 640 Bluetooth headset. This is excellent. It weighs 9gm and fits perfectly, coming with three different silicone pads for the ear. Audio is great and callers can hear perfectly as well. Voice recognition is faultless, so I can make and receive calls without touching the PDA.
That's easily addressed though. The 9000 battery lasts all day for my use, which is GPRS on line all day and perhaps 2hrs of talk time. As a backup, I almost always have the Mac, so I can recharge the PDA from it if needed. I keep a spare charged battery as well just in case.
when compared to the MDA vario, it's still a /very large/ device, the OS is identical, the trimmed down keyboard is identical, the featureset is improved, the size and weight is reduced: elegant progress ;-)
battery going flat ? that hasn't happened to me in the 3 years and several devices I've owned since I ditched the old mobile / PDA combination.
This is a badged Tytn, yes?
Keyboard is not the same and I prefer the larger screen resolution and use of standard SD cards.
there are various clones.
it is, just trimmed down. the keys are the same, as is the action.
to each their own, I suppose. the difference in resolution is negligble as is the size of the SD card, mini or standard is largely irrelevant when it comes to storage capacity and functionality. the fact that the whole package has been considerable reduced in size and weight is what clinches it for me.
Trimmed down is the problem. I found it too small to use easily, accurately and quickly with anything other than my small fingers. That makes it unusable for me.
The alternative would be to press the keys with the stylus, but if I have to do that, there's no point in having the keyboard - I might just as well use the soft one on the display.
I disagree. There's a big difference in visual quality.
I already had a number of SD cards....
I would have preferred something lighter, but if it isn't usable because of the keyboard, then this becomes academic.
the common wisdome on this is that of you're buying a PDA and you /need/ to use a decent keyboard you buy a BT foldout jobbie.
see point one.
Even worse. I've tried those. They are fine if you are sitting at a desk but that's about all.
If I have that situation, I am probably going to use the Mac because generally I am within reach of an internet connection of one kind or another.
The whole point of a PDA with built in keyboard is to be able to use it quickly and effectively while on the move. Having to pull out an extra item is not useful.
Exactly. It has to be a viable solution. If extra bits are needed, it's not worth it.
you're happy with your device, it's /way/ too big for my liking.
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