Back Home in Calgary

[Jason Dunn]

I just got back from Seattle an hour ago, and boy does it feel good to be home! I love Seattle, I really do, but the traffic there really sucks - it took us almost 90 minutes to get back to our hotel when the normal trip in non-rush hour traffic takes 20 minutes. Ugly!<br /><br />And by the way, tomorrow I'm going to put together a little report on the Viewsonic V35 with some pictures I took - let me just say this much: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006RSK5/jasondunn-20/">for $249, there is no other Pocket PC I'd recommend more</a>. Even without doing any hard core benchmarks on it, I can say that it felt fast, had a backlit transflective screen that looked just as lovely as the iPAQ 3900 series, and the V35 felt so light I thought it was a mock up. This isn't a "power user" Pocket PC with everything under the sun, but with 64 MB of RAM and a true SDIO slot (yes, I confirmed this), the V35 kicks the crap out of the Toshiba e310 and every other low-cost Pocket PC on the market.

[danmanmayer]

Sounds awesome, but i am waiting for a great pocket pc phone with a 400mhz processor. then i will drop about 6-8 hundred on it. But i am loving how much cheaper and more affordable all of this stuff is getting. Soon you will be able to get a great pocket pc for the price of a gameboy. WOooohoo.

[kagayaki1]

Just noticed it shows "1 replies" on the home page when one person has posted. Any way to change the tense?

Look, I've gone and messed that up!

Lovely weather here in Seattle, huh? It's been SOOOOOO nice the past month...very strange.

[bbarker]

Do any of the new Pocket PCs have a Jornada-like flip-up screen cover? That's the only thing holding me back.

[st63z]

Just got back from Greensboro/High Point, NC myself. Had missed my connecting flights (had to spend a night in Atlanta), a real pain let me tell you :(

I can't wait for the pics showing the screen!!

[Rirath]

Bbarker, what's so great about the flip up covers? I've got a Jornada, and it can be a pain. Looks spiffy, granted... but not very practical. I can see liking it and all, but, the only thing holding you back?

[FredMurphy]

The flip-up cover is THE most practical thing about the Jornada. It doesn't need a bulky case and you can chuck it in a pocket/bag without worrying about screen damage!

That, and the fact that using CF for expansion means no need for any jacket that doubles it's size.

I'll probably keep it until a CE.NET device with a flip cover comes out. Could be a long wait..... :(

Fred

[enemy2k2]

Hello all! This is the unit that's going to make me a convert to the Pocket PC world. I had always wanted the power and advanced capabilities of one of these units but wasn't willing to put up with the cost of uncertanty associated with the OS and hardware - what with all the software and hardware upgrades that had taken places over the last few years. I'm going to sell my Diamond Mako ASAP. Hi-Res full colour backlit display here I come! Nethack on that display would be sweet. Not to mention the power to run emulators at tolerable speeds :o It will be a lot lighter on my pocket as well, carrying the Mako with a cell phone made it feel and look as though my pants were about to rupture! I'm hoping this will serve me well for about two years, then we'll see about one those PPC Phone Editions :wink: Hopefully they'll have shrunk down to about this size by then too!

[Ce]

...and this time I hope Viewsonic (and Dell) keeps these low prices not only for US customers. I've had it with all those manufacturers who offer discount prices in the US but maintain very...very high prices outside the US.

[Timothy Rapson]

As they said to all the Mobius attendees.

"Dude, Yur gettin a ViewSonic!"

[mookie123]

Does Viewsonic have a good audio through headphone? This would make viewsonic a kick ass mp3 player. (while the battery last of course)

so far only iPAQ and Sony has somewhat decent sound quality. (ie. Horowitz sounds like horowitz instead of DJ spooky doing an underwater gig) E310 is horrible, it's only good enough for Britney spears or muzak.

[Gallivant]

I've heard the V35 sound ain't so hot. And I'm waiting to find out if this "foldable keyboard" is a propre Stowaway or something else... the V35 might not work for me, which would be frustrating, because it's the first PPC aside from the e310 that rivals my Palm for slimness and weight.

[jngold_me]

Hmmm....before I plunk down any amount of money on one of these shiny, svelte PPC's (to replace my 568) I need to know how the battery holds up in comparison to other PPC's. I guess I have been spoiled by my 568's removeable 1400 mah battery.

Any thoughts?

TIA!

[enemy2k2]

I think from everything I've read up on all the PPC sites it looks like only the new iPaq 5000 series will offer a replaceable battery. Others may have add on battery extenders however, though I'm not sure which ones. The 5000 line looks like it will be very costly, therefor I'm not even going to wait for it, the 2000 looks interesting but it's probably a while off from the Viewsonic coming out, and I would doubt it has the same bang for the buck.

To the poster commenting about prices for non-US residents, I would have to agree as a Canadian, it's ridiculous to only offer rebates to US citizens. At least if they had instant rebates I wouldn't mind paying the extra shipping to get it here. Amazon goes even further with not shipping electronics outside the US at all, they sure as heck didn't seem to mind when I ordered books from them. Enough of my rants.

The reason the new clie does not look very appealing (well, from an aesthetic stand-point it looks INCREDIBLY appealing, not to mention that smart built in thumb board and camera!) to me is first of all it's overblown price tag, second of all I don't think the typical palm (even the new OS5 versions) offer the same resolutions. This would mean that only custom applications could take advantage of the display, then you have to put up with proprietary memory expansion. The allure of the PPC is the standardization it offers and the work already being done on advanced applications and programs which the Palm OS cannot match.

The last thing I wanted to touch on was flash memory, I was going to wait for the Dell units because of the super low price and compact flash slot but I think that the 64MB the Viewsonic offers plus the price drops I can hold out on expansion cards for a little while. Not to mention that if I do that then I'll have a more current format that I may be able to use in the next unit I decide to buy, if and when that will be.

Sorry for the Essay. Any thoughts?

[dhpss]

Do any of the new Pocket PCs have a Jornada-like flip-up screen cover? That's the only thing holding me back.

Check out at http://www.thepocketsolution.com/buynow.htm

[splintercell]

Do any of the new Pocket PCs have a Jornada-like flip-up screen cover? That's the only thing holding me back.

Personally, what I want is a sideways flip cover, like on my Palm Vx. That, in my opinion, was the best designed cover ever - enough protection, looked catchy, easy to flip open with one hand, folded neatly behind the unit, the leather felt nice, added hardly anything to the weight and size, and was adjustable to work for right and left-handed users. I love it and wish my iPAQ had that sort of thing. Then again, it's too thick for it, so maybe these new PDA's coming out, but I seriously doubt it. :(

[jngold_me]

The last thing I wanted to touch on was flash memory, I was going to wait for the Dell units because of the super low price and compact flash slot but I think that the 64MB the Viewsonic offers plus the price drops I can hold out on expansion cards for a little while.

I am kinda in the same boat as yourself. For myself, I have a WiFi set-up in my home so I can always use my 568 with Symbol CF until the SD WiFi come in the 1st quarter next year. My main concern is the battery life and how the 300mhz 10hr batteries do in comparison to a SA units with 1400mah batteries.

[Lotto]

If only they had added that CF card...I'd be in line right now.

[mobileMike]

So what makes a device a Power User's device? I think the iPAQ 3800 series use to be consider one, but I don't know why. It doesn't have the backlit transflective screen. It doesn't have CF and the SD slot does not support SDIO.

This device offers a lot more.

/ mike

[Jonathon Watkins]

I'm with you guys about a flip cover. WHY aren’t more PPC supplying them? For a few cents more you get a MUCH more useable PPC. If you don't like it - just remove it. With a flip cover you don't have to spring extra for what should be there by default - decent scree0346otection!

[PPCRules]

So what makes a device a Power User's device?
It has to have a higher price than this. The 'Power User' label suggests a minority group, so there has to be a barrier to entry to keep the number of users down. It's not so much the feature set at all. A 'Power User's device' will always be among the highest priced ones, and that minority segment of buyers will be willing to pay extra for the distinction.

[JonnoB]

If the viewsonic had an optional flip cover, integrated WiFi and BT along with a CF slot to complement its SDIO slot, e550G size screen along with maintaining back-lit screen and form factor/weight it would be the perfect device... and I would pay $600+ for it.

[jngold_me]

I don't know why you guys are making such a "big" deal about flip covers. :? Get yourself a nice, thin leather flip case and you're in business! I ditched my Jornada's plastic flip cover for a EB slipper case that I can attach to my belt. No problem.

If the viewsonic had an optional flip cover.....etc
Yep, and if my grandmama had wheels, she'd be a wagon! :D

[kagayaki1]

So what makes a device a Power User's device? I think the iPAQ 3800 series use to be consider one, but I don't know why.

Expansion possibilities. The iPAQ is just flat out got a lot of expansion options via sleeves others don't have. When they say "Power User's device," I'm pretty sure they're not considering size. It does have a good battery, and whether the screen in transflexive or not was addressed doesn't neccesarily affect the performance. One could argue, quite successfully, that the 3900 models are a better fit, with faster processor, while keeping the sleeve system.

[scrinch]

Yep, and if my grandmama had wheels, she'd be a wagon!

If my grandmama had wheels, she'd be a dragon.
But if my dog had a bone, he'd be a wagon! :lol:

[Sslixtis]

enemy2k2I think from everything I've read up on all the PPC sites it looks like only the new iPaq 5000 series will offer a replaceable battery

Nope, the Dell Clemente is going to have a removable battery with a 3400mAh extended battery replacement option like the 56x Jornadas (HP extended battery was 2460mAh) So, the Dell is going to have plenty of juice!

jngold_meI have a WiFi set-up in my home so I can always use my 568 with Symbol CF until the SD WiFi come in the 1st quarter next year. My main concern is the battery life and how the 300mhz 10hr batteries do in comparison to a SA units with 1400mah batteries.


Trust me, if you get a PPC with a Backlit Transflective screen you will have a hard time looking at your 568 without getting nauseous. I just switched over from the 568 to the iPaq 3950 and the screen difference is unbelievable.

I miss my flip cover, CF and removable extended battery alot though. I hate Compaq and their stupid sleeves and will be getting the Dell w/400Mhz as soon as they are available! Come on 3400mAh removable extended battery and it has a transflective screen :lol: Now to find a flip cover for it and life will be good!

jngold_meI don't know why you guys are making such a "big" deal about flip covers. Get yourself a nice, thin leather flip case and you're in business! I ditched my Jornada's plastic flip cover for a EB slipper case that I can attach to my belt. No problem.

Uh, one problem with the EB case. I can't use it at work! I know i'm in the minority there but the Jornada had a native flip cover, why can't someone else? Before you ask why can't you use it, I work in a cleanroom enviroment and can not have leather, neoprene, faux leather, nylon or any of the other 101 things most cases are made out of.

And last but not least...

JonnoBIf the viewsonic had an optional flip cover, integrated WiFi and BT along with a CF slot to complement its SDIO slot, e550G size screen along with maintaining back-lit screen and form factor/weight it would be the perfect device... and I would pay $600+ for it.

NO SH**, me too! :wink:

[jeff]

Just noticed it shows "1 replies" on the home page when one person has posted. Any way to change the tense?


There's no verb there, so you wouldn't be changing a tense. You'd want to change the number of the word "replies."

I don't know why you guys are making such a "big" deal about flip covers. Get yourself a nice, thin leather flip case and you're in business! I ditched my Jornada's plastic flip cover for a EB slipper case that I can attach to my belt. No problem.

I can think of a problem: you have a big leather thing hanging from your belt instead of a slim, metal/plastic thing in your pocket. The slimmest leather cases around are still much thicker than metal or plastic covers and they all add another layer of material to the back. What's the point of having a half inch thick PPC if you're going to put a case on it and double its size?

I don't know who's designing Pocket PCs, but they're doing an abysmal job. Aside from small size differences, every hardware design is exactly the same. They all have the same buttons in the same spots and the same lack of a cover. With all the hardware being exactly the same, price will become the sole deciding factor for most purchases. That's good news for the consumers who want that one layout, but bad for the manufacturers and people who want anything else.

Jeff

[Ed Hansberry]

Just noticed it shows "1 replies" on the home page when one person has posted. Any way to change the tense?
Just add you comment then and it will always be 2 or higher.

Are you related to Monk (http://www.usanetwork.com/series/monk/)? :wink:

[sullivanpt]

This is totally off topic, but I have to say, PDA Gerbil has the best avatar I've seen in a while!

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/avatars/3efc00063da480af843b7.gif

Ooh, it's sooooo cute! :D

[Jonathon Watkins]

Thanks :D - you're making me blush now. :oops:

I thought it was time for a change in honour of our new site look. :mrgreen:

-hmmm - the fancier emoticons are not working - is anyone else having problems with them?

[Rob Alexander]

To the poster commenting about prices for non-US residents, I would have to agree as a Canadian, it's ridiculous to only offer rebates to US citizens. At least if they had instant rebates I wouldn't mind paying the extra shipping to get it here. Amazon goes even further with not shipping electronics outside the US at all, they sure as heck didn't seem to mind when I ordered books from them. Enough of my rants.

I wish missing out on rebates were my only complaint. How'd you like to live in a place where the Toshiba e310 just arrived and it costs US$550?! We get seriously ripped off around here.

[st63z]

Just got back from Greensboro/High Point, NC myself. Had missed my connecting flights (had to spend a night in Atlanta), a real pain let me tell you :(

Heh, just got my free replacement PDAMotion SS belt cover pack today from the super nice Kemas, and am reminded of something funny :)

So there I was in Atlanta hotel with insomnia. Whaddya know, Martha Stewart's show was on the tube that late night. She was showing how to organize her old messy handbag, so she got all sorts of plastic wrappers to pack each item individually. It was a riot, she dropped some Palm PDA of hers into what looked like your everyday kitchen Ziploc bag, then dropped that into her huge handbag along with everything else. That was her idea of how to carry a PDA (she also mentioned that you could pack your cell into the same Ziploc). And get this, she still carried a full paper printout of her contact list and was talking about how she liked to laminate that :D

Then by coincidence, I switched channels and happened upon a Jay Leno rerun just as he was launching into his bit about Martha's legal troubles. It was surreal...

[TomB]

Jason, since this PDA may be up to 25% slower in performance than the 400MHz XScale PDAs, my guess is that there will be major problems with functions like mpeg1 and 4 playback. Could you check this out for us? If not, I'm wondering if anyone from Mobius who got a V35 and is in the San Francisco area could get their unit to the folks at PocketTV for testing and possible adjustments to their code? You can contact them through pocketTV.com

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

If the viewsonic had an optional flip cover, integrated WiFi and BT along with a CF slot to complement its SDIO slot, e550G size screen along with maintaining back-lit screen and form factor/weight it would be the perfect device... and I would pay $600+ for it.

Uhmmm... yaaa... and I'm sure that device is right around the corner...

Quite honestly, I think it's physically impossible to have a device w/ 4" transflective screen with SD, CF, BT, WiFi, FlipCover that would weigh in at 4 ounces and be the physical size of the Viewsonic.

IF such a device were possible, I don't think $600 would even come close to the asking price on such a revolution of physics.

[st63z]

Forgot to mention, at some Internet access store at the Atlanta airport, I saw this guy showing his iPAQ with some Siera Wireless AirCard to another guy, they were so busy into it. So I asked casually, are they using T-Mobile or what for the service. He said it's the AirCard 555 (CDMA 1x, right away I almost blurted out Sprint), *but* that it's from EarthLink. He said EarthLink is testing it now and will roll the service out very soon. I assume the guy works for EarthLink...