Toshiba e550G coming soon?

[Jason Dunn]

<a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=294962">http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=294962</a><br /><br />Well, well. Look what's listed as "Coming Soon" on the CompUSA site? I wasn't sure this would ever happen, but it looks like Toshiba is going to continue their full-court press in the Pocket PC arena by having a third Pocket PC on the playing field. Incredible!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/genio550g.gif" /><br /><br />"The GENIO e550G integrates a package of productivity tools supported by a fast CPU and 64MB of main memory, and is the first Pocket PC on the market to offer two expansion slots. New capabilities are driving demand for PDAs and taking them from the consumer market into the more demanding business market. With this expansion will come demand for higher levels of functionality and interoperability with corporate IT systems, including groupware, SCM and CRM. Toshiba's new GENIO e Pocket PCs are expressly designed to meet such needs.<br /><br />The GENIO e series runs the Intel PXA250 (XScale), the fastest available for Pocket PC applications, and the Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC operating system. The CPU and the provision of 64MB of DRAM memory assure high speed processing of software optimized for the Pocket PC OS, including Pocket versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer and the Windows Media Player, all of which are integrated into the GENIO e series. Data synchronization and downloads from PCs are supported by a USB cradle."

[brianchris]

..."the first Pocket PC on the market to offer two expansion slots." Umm, excuse me? This can't be correct? Also, wasn't this going to have built in 802.11b as well, or am I losing my mind on both accounts?

-Brian

[Jason Dunn]

Yeah, well, marketing blab...what can I tell ya. ;-) No 802.11b to my knowledge - it's 0.6" thick, so not very...

[Master O'Mayhem]

I can tell you first hand that this is a nice device. it has a
nice feel to it. Solid. It pc card expansion is nice as well It is very solid. alittle heavy but solid feel. Its even better now that mine is in English. :P

[Master O'Mayhem]

..."the first Pocket PC on the market to offer two expansion slots." Umm, excuse me? This can't be correct? Also, wasn't this going to have built in 802.11b as well, or am I losing my mind on both accounts?

-Brian

No 802.11b and yes it does have SD and CF type 2 Slots. Also there was a 1GB microdrive offered in japan but that is one that can be removed There is also an SD bluetooth card that will be offered.

[Shapeshifter]

Looks awsome!

[Paul P]

Price is nice as well. The size of the screen is enough to make E550G better than the e740.

Any details on performance?

[Venturello]

Chances are performance is the same as other Pocket PC's with the same processor... fast, but not as fast as all of use expected. Quite a let down there MS!! Can't hype XScale so much when it is not that much faster!

The screen is a buy for me. I want to wait the reviews, but if it is as good as that on the iPaq, I think this will be my next PDA. I am tired of having no expansion slot as in my naked iPaq.

How has been Toshiba's track record this far on quality? Not read about much issues, which I guess is good. Right?

[marlof]

I can tell you first hand that this is a nice device. it has a nice feel to it. Solid. It pc card expansion is nice as well It is very solid. alittle heavy but solid feel. Its even better now that mine is in English. :P

i don't know why i still talk to you....

[Master O'Mayhem]

i ran Vobenchmark on it here are the results

cpu
floating point 12.53
integer 26.77

graphics
Bitmaps
bit bit 55.16
stretchbit 0.95
filled
ellipse 3.03
rectangle 5.71
rounded rect 2.25

memory
allocation 11.07
fill 0.90
move 0.36

Text 4.71

http://www.pocketpcpassion.com/General/VOBenchmark/VOBenchmark.htm

[Dave Conger]

"The display is highly suited for applications such as playback of MPEG-4 video sources on Windows Media Player Ver. 7.1."

Are we sure that some CompUSA person didn't just see that this product was relased in Japan and decided to add it to their database early? Expansys doesn't even have it listed yet...

[butch]

WOW! It still smaller than my E-115....
I only hope the screen is better than the e740, but I don't think anyone will ever made screen as colorfull as the Casio have...

[24va]

Yeah but will the stinkin' SD card work?!?

Here's a response from Toshiba about SanDisk SD cards not being compatable:

Hi 24va,

We have been seeing many issues with customers using the Sandisk SD cards. There seem to be some compatibility issues with our devices and that brand of storage card. The only "certified" cards for the e310 are the Toshiba brand cards, however there are other brands that may also work.

My recommendation would be to avoid the sandisk cards, if this is not an option, you could also try reformating the card using the free storage tools utiltiy availabe from microsoft at www.pocketpc.com. Use of this or other 3rd party utilities would be unsupported by Toshiba however.

Best Regards,

Steve for Toshiba PDA Support.

This says for the e310 which I had and returned, but I have seen e740 people saying they are having SD woes as well!

[JonnoB]

..."the first Pocket PC on the market to offer two expansion slots." Umm, excuse me? This can't be correct? Also, wasn't this going to have built in 802.11b as well, or am I losing my mind on both accounts?

-Brian

From e570... wasn't it the first to have dual slots? Perhaps the description was borrowed from their and they meant to say the Toshiba 5xx series was the first to have integrated dual slots.

[Master O'Mayhem]

Yeah but will the stinkin' SD card work?!?

Here's a response from Toshiba about SanDisk SD cards not being compatable:

Hi 24va,

We have been seeing many issues with customers using the Sandisk SD cards. There seem to be some compatibility issues with our devices and that brand of storage card. The only "certified" cards for the e310 are the Toshiba brand cards, however there are other brands that may also work.

My recommendation would be to avoid the sandisk cards, if this is not an option, you could also try reformating the card using the free storage tools utiltiy availabe from microsoft at www.pocketpc.com. Use of this or other 3rd party utilities would be unsupported by Toshiba however.

Best Regards,

Steve for Toshiba PDA Support.

This says for the e310 which I had and returned, but I have seen e740 people saying they are having SD woes as well!


I have used Sandisk 128 512mb sd cards as well as Kensington 128 SD they work fine.

[Master O'Mayhem]

..."the first Pocket PC on the market to offer two expansion slots." Umm, excuse me? This can't be correct? Also, wasn't this going to have built in 802.11b as well, or am I losing my mind on both accounts?

-Brian

From e570... wasn't it the first to have dual slots? Perhaps the description was borrowed from their and they meant to say the Toshiba 5xx series was the first to have integrated dual slots.


should be first xscale pocketpc with 2 slots

[butch]

should be first xscale pocketpc with 2 slots

You have forgot the e740??? :)

[Mr. Anonymous]

Any idea if the screen on the E550G is sidelit or backlit ala the new iPAQ 3900?

[Master O'Mayhem]

should be first xscale pocketpc with 2 slots

You have forgot the e740??? :)

Oh shoot... your right!! i never owned one.... :)

[Paragon]

Its even better now that mine is in English. :P

Did I mention I hate that guy. :D

I think the reason for the statement of it being the first PPC with dual expansion was because they were quoting the stats from the 550g by mistake. When this first went up it also stated that it was 32mb of RAM, so I think this is where the confusion is coming from.

Now I'm in a very difficult position.....Loox, or e550g. I'm not good at decisions that require selfdiscipline. It's too easy to just give up and buy them both :D

Dave

[Master O'Mayhem]

Any idea if the screen on the E550G is sidelit or backlit ala the new iPAQ 3900?

Frontlit Light is on bottom ipaq 3900 blows it away

[Master O'Mayhem]

Its even better now that mine is in English. :P

Did I mention I hate that guy. :D

I think the reason for the statement of it being the first PPC with dual expansion was because they were quoting the stats from the 550g by mistake. When this first went up it also stated that it was 32mb of RAM, so I think this is where the confusion is coming from.

Now I'm in a very difficult position.....Loox, or e550g. I'm not good at decisions that require selfdiscipline. It's too easy to just give up and buy them both :D

Dave

Dave i hate you too!!! :lol: :lol: :P :D :D

As for the loox vs e550g the loox was really nice i terms of roundedness. I had it in my hands at CEBIT. The tosh is solid but blocky in a way... nice to hold but not as rounded. but the screen size is a plus nice screen. when the japanese ROM was on it, it was quite pixelated but now that i have the English rom that seems to have cleared up.

[Paragon]

Master O'Mayhem

Would you say the screen is of equal quality as the 560 Jornada, or 3800 Ipaq?

Dave

[don996cab]

why cant we have a PDA that has it all?

what would be the reasons not to incorporate Wi-fi in this unit, when it has already been done in toshiba's e740?

Why no transflective screen?

Does it have a removeable battery? What is the rated Mha battery on this unit? Will it have an extended battery?

I recently lost my casio e-200. What should I replace it with. the e740 or the e550? I already have a wi-fi cf card. but an integrated wi-fi is very cool indeed

[Master O'Mayhem]

Master O'Mayhem

Would you say the screen is of equal quality as the 560 Jornada, or 3800 Ipaq?

Dave

I have my 3800's and 3600's at work... I got rid of my 568 so i cant tell ping me tomorow and i will find out., to be honest it kida has a slight pinkish hue to it where the 3900 is more blueish white.

Andrew

[butch]

You have forgot the e740??? :)

Oh shoot... your right!! i never owned one.... :)

Me neither, I can't leave the screen of my E-115.... Do you think the e550 have a nice screen.... I hate every other screen have see e-200, 548, 568, e740 3800...

[Paragon]

I have my 3800's and 3600's at work... I got rid of my 568 so i cant tell ping me tomorow and i will find out., to be honest it kida has a slight pinkish hue to it where the 3900 is more blueish white.

Andrew

Thanks Andrew I will.

Geez where did you leave your HP928, and your O2? :D

Dave

[kaiden.1]

I have been using my 256 MEG SD SanDisk card and it works just great on my E-740. Sounds to me like some nasty rumors are starting to fly around. Have had no SD trouble and the E-740 works great! :wink:

[Master O'Mayhem]

Toshiba
Type name GENIO e550G
CPU Intel (R) PXA250
Application processor 400MHz
(Intel (R) XScale micro architecture loading)
OS Microsoft Pocket
PC2002 Software
(Windows CE3.0)

ROM
32MB (FLASH ROM)
RAM 64MB (SDRAM)
Display Reflected type TFT color low temperature polysilicon liquid crystal (front light/write attaching)
Indicatory color 65536 color
Picture indication 240×320 dot
Picture size 4.0 Type
Card slot CF TypecIi, SDIO
Extended unit PC card extended unit battery extended unit (difference sale)
Input/output interface USB (Client/Host), RS-23C2c and stereo head phone infrared ray
Battery system Advanced lithium ion 3.7v 1100mAh
Battery drive time At the time of 200MHz selection approximately 13 hours (schedule)
At the time of 400MH Z selection approximately 10 hours (schedule)
(At the time of front light/write going out)
Battery charge time 4 hour
Memory holding time After 75 hours (power source ON becoming impossible)
External size W76.5×D125.0×H15.9mm
Weight (the battery it includes) The substance approximately 170 the g
Main accessory AC adapter, USB cradle, CD-ROM 1, stylus and software case
Main original software The quitting/words スパ (the English-Japanese * harmony English * national language dictionaries), the JR travel navigator, the Mobile atlas for TOSHIBA, the GENIO-SPEECH (sound it calls off), EasyViewer for GENIO E, the Clear Vue Office (the file viewer), the Jeode Ver1.9.1, the i-enabler, the i-navigator and the Flash Player, the T-Time for PPC2002, the Toshiba original wallpaper,


This is babelfish translated http://genio-e.com/pda/products/pda.htm

[Master O'Mayhem]

[
Thanks Andrew I will.

Geez where did you leave your HP928, and your O2? :D

Dave

Dont have the Starfighter but i love my Spaceneedle. Its right here next to me!!!! :P :P :P

[kagayaki1]

Ok, ok, if we're going to be super technical about the first Pocket PC with dual slots, it was Casio who put it on the map.

http://www.casio.co.jp/pocketpc/e707/spec/

While the E-707 was only released in Japan, I believe it marked the first PPC (yes, 2000) with dual slots. While this page is in Japanese, you can clearly see the "CF" and "SD/MMC" in roman characters on the drawing.

Too bad Casio has fallen to the wayside. They had some great ideas, as this dual-slot wireless device shows.

-Jason

[Paragon]

Dont have the Starfighter but i love my Spaceneedle. Its right here next to me!!!! :P :P :P

Did I mention I hate that guy :D :D :D

Dave

[MobiliT]

why cant we have a PDA that has it all?

what would be the reasons not to incorporate Wi-fi in this unit, when it has already been done in toshiba's e740?
Bingo. That would have been a killer device.

But, I'm going to give Toshiba some time. Sony has made their mistakes in the Palm OS market but have rebounded nicely. No reason to think Toshiba won't do the same. They may just be reacting to how well their entries have performed in the market by pushing yet another model in the mix. It doesn't hurt Toshiba either that HP and Compaq have just one product line now and that Casio has bowed out.

It will be interesting to see what PDA offerings come out before the Christmas shopping season.

[Master O'Mayhem]

Me neither, I can't leave the screen of my E-115.... Do you think the e550 have a nice screen.... I hate every other screen have see e-200, 548, 568, e740 3800...

Wait till you see them next to the 3900 series. all i can say is WOW!!! :lol:

[wastl]

I don't get it...some have 802.11b and some have Bluetooth (the chip is only costing $5 or $4 or even less)???

Why can't they put in both??

Not a good idea to remove constant the bluetooth or 802.11b card and swope it with a CompactFlash (a few problems and to expensive for the 256 or 512 SD) or Pretec Camera Card!!

[butch]

Wait till you see them next to the 3900 series. all i can say is WOW!!! :lol:

It's too bad no store near here will get one before 2010 :-(
I cant wait that someone post some pics so I can compare... Maybe Jason with is super PowerShot G2??????

[Dave Beauvais]

I stopped by the local CompUSA this afternoon to check out what I'm going to get to replace my Casio E-200. I finally got to lay eyes on a 3900 series display. Wow! Absolutely gorgeous display. Deep, rich colors, very bright, and superb quality even under CompUSA's harsh, bright white lighting.

I'm still probably going to get a Toshiba e740 simply because it has both SD and CF slots in addition to WiFi without having to use a bulky, expensive sleeve. But man, the iPAQ does have one hell of a display in it!

--Dave (Yes, another Dave)

[fgarcia10]

I stopped by the local CompUSA this afternoon to check out what I'm going to get to replace my Casio E-200. I finally got to lay eyes on a 3900 series display. Wow! Absolutely gorgeous display. Deep, rich colors, very bright, and superb quality even under CompUSA's harsh, bright white lighting.

That is the first thing I like about the Ipaq (been a Jornada user), the screen is absolutely awesome. The Toshibas screens look weak next to the Ipaq.

[JonnoB]

It seems that we will never have the perfect device.... Perfect for me would have been:

Toshiba 550g screen (4")
iPaq 3900 backlit (transflective)
128mb RAM (rumored in now dead Jornada)
WiFi as in e740
BT as in Loox
Dual slots (all now except iPaq)

Now, what would that cost?

[kagayaki1]

I don't get it...some have 802.11b and some have Bluetooth (the chip is only costing $5 or $4 or even less)???

Why can't they put in both??

Not a good idea to remove constant the bluetooth or 802.11b card and swope it with a CompactFlash (a few problems and to expensive for the 256 or 512 SD) or Pretec Camera Card!!

Why not? There are most costs associated with putting in multiple wireless technologies than simply the hardware cost. Software, support, advertising, public education (yes, most consumers don't know what BT is), testing. Also, the impact on power is a tough one to overcome right now. It's hard to convince people that their device might only run 1-1.5 hours using both technologies at the same time.

It is simply easier for the PDA companies, who are just now dipping their toes into wireless PDA market, to go with one technology at a time.

Also, the enterprise market (who is still the PDA manufacturer's main market) simply does not have the infrastructure to support both technologies. Thus, the business users aren't demanding devices with both. If you really think about it, there aren't many companies with BT in the office. BT is just now hitting the mainstream cell phone market in the US.

Not in demand by their main users. Guess that puts most of us PDA lovers out of the picture :cry: .

-Jason

[William]

It pc card expansion is nice as well It is very solid. alittle heavy but solid feel.
No 802.11b and yes it does have SD and CF type 2 Slots.

Three slots??? :roll:

[kagayaki1]

i believe the pc card he is talking about is the add-on sled...Master?

[yellow1]

Yes it's got to be the PCMCIA sled.
Good news at last, after the confusing Loox story and the non-distribition of the BT s740 in the US :-(

Master - did you get that English ROM directly from Toshiba ?

[Jonathon Watkins]

I really have got to get hold of a Ipaq 3900 for a look. None of the stores around here have any in stock. I hope that I am not smitten with it - as it would take the shine off my soon-to-arrive LOOX. :?

I just want it all - now - OK? :)

[Duncan]

I'm with JonnoB:
Toshiba 550g screen (4")
iPaq 3900 backlit (transflective)
128mb RAM (rumored in now dead Jornada)
WiFi as in e740
BT as in Loox
Dual slots (all now except iPaq)

Except that I would want a new type of battery tech as well (BT and WiFi - that will hurt!) plus a built-in 3G phone (real 3G - not that psuedo 3G CDMA type that can be got in the USA at the moment) and for the 4" screen to have 320x480 pixels (with the ability to show two Pocket PC screens at once - y'know - 'windows'!) - all in a Loox form factor (very comfotable!).

Not too much to ask is it? :D

[vetteguy]

All I can say is...4" baby!!! Big and beautiful!!! :) This is my next Pocket PC. Please, please, PLEASE let this really be coming out this month!!!

[mja8105]

this device is fantastic. i have also played around with it and the 4" screen is amazing...

[Thras]

I have heard a lot of complaints regarding the buttons on the e550G. I know they are recessed and can be difficult to press. Can you play a game with them, IE Rayman. The Pocket TV Team has confirmed that the unit supports diagonols, but couldn't say whether or not the unit would register dual button presses. Any comments?

Pocket PC thoughts team: Perhaps this would be a good device to encore in the first PPCTs raffle. I'm game. Let me know when you start selling tickets!!

[Wes Salmon]

Wait till you see them next to the 3900 series. all i can say is WOW!!! :lol:Isn't that the truth! The 3900's screen is simply jaw dropping!

[Bob Anderson]

OK... well I'm glad I held off buying the new iPaq 3970 and bought my new scanner instead! This new Toshiba looks like a winner, and if CompUsa is going to carry them, then it will be easy to compare the iPaq against it since they'll both be in the store!

[Dave Conger]

CompUSA is saying this product is a CompUSA model...though they have pulled the specs now from the page.

[yellow1]

Where are they saying that it's a CompUSA model ?! Do you mean a CompUSA branded model ? Very strange !

Master O'Mayhem - where did you get an English ROM ?

[Dave Conger]

Where are they saying that it's a CompUSA model ?! Do you mean a CompUSA branded model ? Very strange !

An CompUSA IS rep I was talking to told me that it is suppose to be a "CompUSA model" when I addressed that what they had posted wasn't based on the US edition. He didn't elaborate if it was branded or not...I wouldn't think it would be, but it could be a deal with Toshbia/CompUSA for US sale of the e500G.

[Master O'Mayhem]

Master O'Mayhem - where did you get an English ROM ?


from a counterpart in the buisness. Lets just say my counterpart had the device for a few weeks and then it came back to me with an ENG OS on it.

[Master O'Mayhem]

Wait till you see them next to the 3900 series. all i can say is WOW!!! :lol:Isn't that the truth! The 3900's screen is simply jaw dropping!

For all of you wondering about the screen brightness look at the e550g next to the 3950 wow wow wow http://www.pocketpcpassion.com/toshiba/e550g/e550g-1.htm

[Sslixtis]

OK, I just got off the phone with Shop Toshiba USA and they said that the Toshiba Genio e550g was going to be marketed in the US, "ONLY" through Comp USA and that the August 16th ship date was acurate. I asked about the Tech Specs but their representitive said that since only Comp USA was carrying that model he didn't have them. It appears as though it will be a Toshiba branded device that is only offered through Comp USA, not Comp USA branded. As for the screen, they list it on the Comp USA site as a bright, clear 4-inch backlight TFT LCD supporting 65,536 colors and 240 x 320 pixel resolution MoM, is that the same description the Japanese version lists? 8O

[pocketpc568]

"This unit also includes a USB host port on the cradle for using other USB devices such as a keyboard with this product."
Allright, I'm a pocketpc newbie having switched from a palmVx to a jornada 568. I love the 568, but have been looking for a way to attach usb devices to the ppc. Does the statement above mean that you could theoretically attach a scanner to the ppc. Does it have to be in the cradle to do so? I'm confused on this issue :?:

Basically I've been looking for a way to attach a pocket photo scanner to my 568. If this is not possible with the 568 I might pick up the e550g. I guess I'll have to hold off on buying the hp pc card sleeve and 5gb toshiba pcmcia drive. Thank you in advance for any information you may have related to this matter.

[Dave Conger]

Does the statement above mean that you could theoretically attach a scanner to the ppc. Does it have to be in the cradle to do so? I'm confused on this issue :?:

Yes, the USB Host port would allow for USB devices to be attached...though you probably need some drivers. For a scanner, you would need software as well. It isn't like on your desktop where this might be included. The only other device USB Host is the Casio E200, and in that case it is on the cradle, not the device.

[jdhill]

Does the statement above mean that you could theoretically attach a scanner to the ppc. Does it have to be in the cradle to do so? I'm confused on this issue :?:

Yes, the USB Host port would allow for USB devices to be attached...though you probably need some drivers. For a scanner, you would need software as well. It isn't like on your desktop where this might be included. The only other device USB Host is the Casio E200, and in that case it is on the cradle, not the device.
You should not count on the drivers for a scanner ever being made available for a Pocket PC. A USB keyboard works fine, the driver is already in the OS. A USB mouse works, but there is NO MOUSE POINTER. Any other USB device requires drivers. Most USB device makers will not be writing those drivers.

[JonnoB]

Has anyone tried a powered USB hub? Does the OS support multiple USB devices?

Great solution idea: A USB business card scanner and software would be perfect for the Pocket PC.

[Dave Beauvais]

Has anyone tried a powered USB hub? Does the OS support multiple USB devices?
I tried a four-port powered hub with my E-200. The hub worked, but all I plugged in were two keyboards. A mouse is pretty useless without a pointer, but I suppose two keyboards isn't really practical, either. :) Anyway, both keyboards worked fine.

... The only other device USB Host is the Casio E200, and in that case it is on the cradle, not the device.
NEC's MobilePro P300 (http://www.neccomp.com/mobilepro/p300/) and Toshiba's e740 (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_prodDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0596000101.1028838041@@@@&BV_EngineID=kadcekfidmejbfekcghcfmfdglk.0&comm=CS&plin=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC&pfam=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC%20e740&poid=212521&Adoid=214403) also have USB host capability. NEC requires an optional conversion cable (http://www.neccomp.com/mobilepro/p300/accessories.htm), but has the USB host port built into the Pocket PC itself, requiring no bulky additional adapter. The Casio E-200 has the port built into the cradle and is also available via the clip-on host converter (http://www.casio.com/accessories/product.cfm?section=48&product=4154&display=) or as part of the PC Card sleeve (http://www.casio.com/accessories/product.cfm?section=51&product=4156&display=). Toshiba's e740 has a USB port in the Expansion Pack (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_prodDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0181172780.1028838183@@@@&BV_EngineID=dcadcekgidkhhbffkcghcfmgdgli.0&comm=ST&plin=PDAs&pfam=PDA%20Accessories&poid=209772&Adoid=140389) (USB/VGA adapter).

--Dave

[Dave Conger]

NEC's MobilePro P300 and Toshiba's e740

Yes, I forgot about the add-ons. I should have said the E200 is the only device that comes with it out of the box...and on the cradle.

[pocketpc568]

Thanks for the info, i guess it will take a little trial and error. I can't believe companies have never thought of connecting a pocket scanner to a ppc before.

[Jonathon Watkins]

I can't believe companies have never thought of connecting a pocket scanner to a ppc before.
Well - :? - it's hassely, the screen & resolution are tiny & the speed will be very slow. Why would you want to if there is a PC to do this? I would have thought that the market would be Very small and therefore not worth the bother. Writing (and testing) drivers is not a trivial or cheap task.

[vetteguy]

So does anyone have any info about this? Is it actually going to be available at CompUSA on Friday? Or have I gotten my hopes up for nothing?

[pocketpc568]

Why would you want to if there is a PC to do this?
That's like saying, why bother editing Word and Excel documents on your PPC. A PC does that, right. Why listen to mp3's, your Bose audio system is in the livingroom, you'll probably enjoy that more. Movies, go home and watch it with a nice progressive scan dvd player and your new Sony wega. Why do PDA's even exist? Don't people own pencils and papers anymore?

I'm sure some people don't like the idea of the CF card digital camera add ons. You might say, why bother? But these different peripherals are exactly what makes these machines so useful and convenient.

Personally I always come across pictures, small documents, and business cards that I would like to scan. Not necessarily to view them only on my PPC but to transfer them over to my PC when I come back from trips.

So have fun waiting until you get home to enjoy these varied mediums. When I want to play a videogame to pass some spare time while riding the train, I'll just use my PPC instead of running home to play on my PS2.

[Jonathon Watkins]

But these different peripherals are exactly what makes these machines so useful and convenient.
You are setting up a straw man. I was not arguing against any of these things as you know. :?

Photo scanners are large and unwieldy. A business card reader may be an OK idea – but not a photo scanner – unless it was really low quality. Have you ever used a ‘hand scanner’? Yuk. 8O They are Dreadful – which is why most people have flatbeds now.

The basic point of what I said is true as well – the market is tiny. It can be done better, easier & cheaper with a PC. Notice I said Why would you want to if there is a PC to do this? i.e. I am presuming the person already has a PC. Drop $50 and get a flatbed scanner that will beat any portable scanner.

You wouldn’t enter a Scoda in a formula one race – neither should photo scanning be done with portable scanners for Pocket PCs. :)

[pocketpc568]

:) I completely understand what you are saying. My reply above was just to get a rise out of you, sorry. I know that this being a PPC forum, I wouldn't have to explain the many virtues of these machines to you. But in all fairness I did come across a photo scanner made by hp that was just big enough to scan 4x6 color photo's. Seems portable enough, and since then I've really wanted to know if it could work with a PPC. Just trying to start some thoughtful debate on this issue and see if people would like to have a pocket color photo scanner attached to their PPC's in the near future.

You are setting up a straw man.

I didn't say anything about a "straw man". Is that supposed to be some famous British guy? :D

[Jonathon Watkins]

I didn't say anything about a "straw man". Is that supposed to be some famous British guy? :D
It is a general English saying commonly used in debating or arguments, and is explained here:
http://www.intrepidsoftware.com/fallacy/straw.htm

Straw Man
Definition:
The author attacks an argument which is different from, and usually weaker than, the opposition's best argument.

You troll you. :wink:

[Paragon]

I talked to CompUSA today and they had the e550g in stock. HOWEVER they said they have been told to take them off the shelves and send them back due to faulty batteries.

I would check with your local store to see if you get the same answer.

Dave

[Dave Conger]

I talked to CompUSA today and they had the e550g in stock. HOWEVER they said they have been told to take them off the shelves and send them back due to faulty batteries.

To bad they wouldn't see it to you, at least you could play with it and then have a really good reason why you should return it.

[Dave Conger]

CompUSA Online is now listing this product as shipping in 2-4 weeks.

[pocketpc568]

Now they are saying 8-20 as the ship date.

[pocketpc568]

Here is the e550g in a sale ad for Compusa, thought you guys might be interested. By the way I live in Chicago, and all the units local stores had were recalled. Hope it comes out tuesday. Notice the free 64mb CF card and the free 802.11b CF card with a $20 mail in rebate. Not bad.

[vetteguy]

Do you think if I went into CompUSA today I could get a raincheck for this and still get the free card and $20 off?

[B747Purdue]

I went into my CompUSA store today to get the E550G and was told that because it had been recalled they would not be getting it in ever and Toshiba would be creating a different model in the future. I do not believe this one bit. The Manager would not give me a Rain Check and would not even take my name. But, I did get a $25 gift card for getting the run-around so many times. They need to let their employees know what is going on because I've been told each time I've called that they have the new ones even when I mention about the recall.

I am going to order it off the internet when they bundle all of the stuff they are offering this week together. I hope at least that will work.

[vetteguy]

I went into my CompUSA store today to get the E550G and was told that because it had been recalled they would not be getting it in ever and Toshiba would be creating a different model in the future. I do not believe this one bit. The Manager would not give me a Rain Check and would not even take my name. But, I did get a $25 gift card for getting the run-around so many times. They need to let their employees know what is going on because I've been told each time I've called that they have the new ones even when I mention about the recall.

I am going to order it off the internet when they bundle all of the stuff they are offering this week together. I hope at least that will work.
That is rediculous that he wouldn't give you a rain check. It was an advertised product which they failed to deliver. You should call corporate and give them the store name and manager's name and complain about the crap you were getting.

[B747Purdue]

Thank You, this is exactly what I thought. I found the practice to be rediculous also. I am going to locate the number for corporate and call tomorrow to see what is exactly going on with this. I just want this PDA!!