To Axim, or not to Axim....that is the Question

[Green_Day_20]

Hey guys,
I have a problem. Im going back to school and need a computer. Should I buy a desktop computer or an Axim? Can the Axim be used as a main computer (with some access to a desktop computer) or is it too much of a hassle to print essays and stuff? I'm in Firefighting school, so its not like computer programing or anything like that. My main use would be writing essays, email, chatting with friends from home, lookin at the odd porn site (kidding), keeping track of my week, and maybe some web research. Are pocket PCs prone to more problems than a desktop pc?? Which is the cheaper way to go when all is said and done (internet hooked up, wired or wireless..it dont matter) Will the axim be obsolete sooner than a desktop??

[Kati Compton]

Hey guys,
I have a problem. Im going back to school and need a computer. Should I buy a desktop computer or an Axim? Can the Axim be used as a main computer (with some access to a desktop computer) or is it too much of a hassle to print essays and stuff? I'm in Firefighting school, so its not like computer programing or anything like that. My main use would be writing essays, email, chatting with friends from home, lookin at the odd porn site (kidding), keeping track of my week, and maybe some web research. Are pocket PCs prone to more problems than a desktop pc?? Which is the cheaper way to go when all is said and done (internet hooked up, wired or wireless..it dont matter) Will the axim be obsolete sooner than a desktop??

Oooh - I'd say you should get a desktop. It's just much more comfortable for situations where real typing is required. I know you can get a keyboard, but you still have the little screen, which is less than ideal for writing papers on a regular basis... Others may have a different opinion of course... With a PC, though, you don't get to take it with you wherever you go (important for keeping your schedule)... That's a toughie.

[Steven Cedrone]

Maybe a low end laptop might be what you need?

Steve

[dartman]

The desktop (or laptop) will also give you access to useful peripherals like DVD or CDrom as well as a several USB devices and printers.

Kati42 is very correct about doing any extensive typing or research on a PPC.

Steve is also corrstc. A laptop might be best but you could get a decent desktop and an Axim for about the same price. That might be a nice combination.

dart

[Kati Compton]

Although a refurbished laptop might do it if $ is a concern (which sounds like it might be the case). Just remember that especially at schools, laptops are very stealable.

[Steven Cedrone]

Firefighters don't usually steal from eachother...

Steve

[Kati Compton]

True. But they're not firefighters yet, are they? :)

[Steven Cedrone]

touché... :wink:

[spursdude]

I say get both an Axim and a desktop. :D

But now seriously, you will need fairly common access to a desktop computer if you're going to use your Axim. PDA stands for personal digital assistant - it's not quite able to "stand alone" yet. You're going to need to be able to sync with your computer, install applications through your computer, print through your computer, sometimes type through your computer.

An Axim can help you in ways that a desktop cannot. But in my opinion, you need both to really get the most out a Pocket PC.

[etalianstallion]

Ditto. Based on the needs you stated, I would recommend a low-end laptop. You can get a decent laptop for less than $1000 these days, and that's for a new one.

While I am very very satisfied with my purchase of the Axim, I wouldn't make it without a laptop.

[Janak Parekh]

The one other thing is that web research, while doable on a PPC, is not something you'd rather do.

There are lots of deals on laptops or desktops. Go with that now, and hint to somebody you want the Axim as a birthday present ;)

--janak