[Cybrid]

Originally Posted by rkistler

Interesting thoughts.

Have read a handful of posts from people desiring a return to a "PPC."
However - from my perspective - a "PPC" has always equated to a "PDA": basically a portable PIM app, with no need for a camera, phone, or GPS, and only a limited need for media playing.
.

Yeah. The old Casio 64Kb B.O.S.S. I started with would be more than enough for just the PIM. The fact is what I want is a PC in a handheld pocketable form factor. The "Pocket PC". We are nearly there but the lead is being lost by MS quite steadily over the years.

Originally Posted by rkistler

As soon as you start adding things on, the question becomes "Where to Stop?"
.

When you run into physical limitations? ;D The Pocket PC that isn't pocketable anymore? You look at any new PPCPhone or the iPhone, what need was there for a web browser in a phone? a camera? a GPS? a Wifi radio? All of these are battery drain things that detract from the original function. So?
Back in the day Palm users derided the PPC for it's low battery and overcomplicated interface. Our multimedia multi function devices killed those monochrome PIM functions only devices.
Nowadays the devices are variable so that you find the one that best fits your needs and go from there.
There are cameras with wifi/ web browsers, 5 megapixel phones, GPS units that can play video and video cameras that tag photos and videos with GPS locations.
P.S. welcome to the 21st century. I want one device that rules them all.
I don't expect a 600x zoom DSLR with GPS, " in-car BT phone access - and God Knows What Else" ... the PPCphone I have is great. I simply would like a bigger screen in that instance.
Gimme a Touch HD2 and I'd say "Cool!', add some GB's in storage and I'd say "Sweeet", make it sync or include Outlook and I'd say "shut up and take my money already!"

Originally Posted by rkistler

The idea of a plug-it-into-your-car device that can now control your car radio / media, gps, in-car BT phone access - and God Knows What Else - probably has merit for some users, but now on top of the $159 for Outlook we will need a fancy car radio that accepts the faceplate controller/phone/pda/media player/gps unit...
.

Agreed. Since the iPOD syncs to windows mail, contacts we shouldn't as loyal MS customers need to shell out another $159 should we? You agree to that...
Just 'cause there are home stereo docks for all media players, (even ones that output video to TV's just like most video cameras do), did that somehow become mandatory hardware?
If you don't want, no prob. don't buy. My axim outputs video, I don't own the cable for that function...not mandatory...
Walk into a Best buy and look at the radios there. $5 paypal bucks says you don't find a single one that does not have a USB port or Aux audio input in. Go into a car dealer and most 2009 cars offer "iPod functionality". The connectivity is already there. The market is already there. It would actually make it easier. Only one interface vs "hit play on mp3 player" then "turn knob on radio".
if you don't want to put that into the mint vintage '69 charger, then DON'T!

Originally Posted by rkistler

Certainly does not seem the minimalist approach that "PPC" suggests, but suspect that that is at least part of the problem: the term "PPC" suggests different things to different people. Which leaves the manufacturer in a bind, and leads to products that are analogous to MS Word: more features than nearly anyone really needs, but SOMEBODY likes each of them (or would, if only they were better implemented!).

Yea. the minimalist approach? shades of palm fanboys! "we don't want color screens, we don't need BT or Wifi!, What's the use of a media player on a 4" screen? I prefer to watch my movies on a tv or movie theater!" I think you may simply be baiting me. Make a logical argument.

Originally Posted by rkistler

(Liked your point when noting that "No-one uses CD...." Will admit that I find CASSETTE TAPES a perfectly good source of music / lectures whenever in the car for long enough that local radio proves insufficient... )

Switching cassetes/CD's in a moving vehicle should be banned right next to texting. Anyway see the above again re: USB, Aux inputs...
P.S. I know guys with 8 tracks who also listen to A.M radio...big deal.

Originally Posted by rkistler

Share your anger over the whole "Syncs only with Outlook Pro, and NO we are not going to include a copy with the device" approach. We dodged part of that bullet through a (legitimate) Academic MS Office purchase - had to be SOME benefit to rolling up huge educational loans at our ages - but in the absence of a new "PDA/Smartphone" we would NOT have been upgrading Office at all.

Neither would I, My need for Office starts and ends with work. I used Open Office (free from Sun Microsytems), even messed around with Ubuntu. Personally I'm as agnostic as they come in OS'es. I unfortunately need to ensure compatibilty with work PC's with Office. If I hadn't mentioned it earlier, don't use Pocket Office as much anymore. The netbook. Nonetheless at $350, it is ridiculous that I am denied an app previously included in older versions of which I also have legal purchases.

Originally Posted by rkistler

Poor sync options seem as danged short-sighted as the inability / unwillingness to offer OS upgrades for WinMo based devices!

Right on brother. Spread the word! Just another way MS is royally screwing us. This creates a market for its competitors. I'm reluctant to go but if MS doesn't give me a suitable alternative then... What option do I have?

Originally Posted by rkistler

BTW, how do you like your Netbook? We recently picked up a Dell Mini 10v, and while it is a basic system, it has worked fine: much easier to carry than my old Dell Inspiron, with a longer battery life (optional 6-cell unit), and decent keyboard (although with a mediocre touch pad).
Still carry my Axim X30 for most note taking: no phone (or camera, gps, media playing...) equals longer battery life than my Fuze, but wife prefers having the Real keyboard that the Mini offers.

The 8.9'ers are smaller so the keyboard while serviceable, is cramped for a ham fisted hack like myself. I bought it since it is easier to carry as you said. With the new Excel files my Corp. office was spitting out, Pocket excel and Open Office were causing havoc and I needed to upgrade to a more real solution. Pulling out a notebook to watch a movie or listening to music while walking is silly thus the need for an in between device. The HTC touch phone is awesome even if a little small. The X51v is nicer for the big screen, I read and internet surf while in bed, the difference in the devices is astounding. I like the iPod storage capacity and web browser but I need the flexibity, file browser, adaptive capability a PPC offers.