Specs And Reviews Of Upcoming Toshiba Pocket PCs

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketpc-club.nl/content.php?id=2073' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketpc-club.nl/content.php?id=2073</a><br /><br /></div>There was quite a stir when we posted specs on the e800, notably its ability to run in 480x640 mode. Pocket PC-Club.nl has more details on the unit -- it appears that it will have a 4" screen, a 4-conductor headphone jack with microphone and remote control support, a 1320mah battery, and so on. You'll also be able to get a VGA/USB port replicator, and the device is capable of outputting 800x600 at 16-bit to external screens.<br /><br />There's also specs and a review on the upcoming e400 device. <a href="http://www.pocketpc-club.nl/content.php?id=2044">The review is in Dutch</a>, but overall, it looks a lot like the e800 (apparently this new styling is designed to match their laptops), except it's <i>much</i> thinner, doesn't have wireless or CF built in, and has a smaller screen. What's interesting is that its screen may support 480x640 as well! 8O<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20031022-Toshibae400.jpg" /><br /><br />Say what you want about Toshiba's sales and support departments, but it's clear there's an engineering group in Toshiba that's hard at work making powerful new Pocket PCs.

[Charles Pickrell]

It is a shame that Toshiba makes innovative Pocket PC devices because they are a terrible company to purchase electronics from.

Poor Support = Toshiba

PLEASE DON'T BUY FROM THEM. :(

HP or Dell is a much better choice.

[JustinGTP]

Their designs are much nicer, thats for sure. I for one dont like the look of the e series, they are too big and they look heavy and ugly. They are so square. I like the curves of my 2215.

-Justin.

[hoxbox]

Translated!! Thanks to http://www.freetranslation.com/

Johan of Mierlo (Johan) @ Wednesday 22 October 2003 [1reaction (s) on these article]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After many messages its than now final the Toshiba E400 and the E800 with Bluetooth or WiFi available......and we have already a review of the E400....And the E800 comes to it!


As first, we have already a review of the E400. You can this hereRead.

The review of the E800 will also here shortly appeared.

Below follow the specifications and prices. The prices are as next determined including btw





Toshiba E800 with WiFi €609




Processor Intel PXA 263 processor with Xscale technology, 400MHz speed.

OS SKIM 32MB SKIM

User Ram 128MB RAM

User Flash 32MB NAND FLASH memory for empty battery beschermingvan applicaties data raise

Fence 4" TransReflective LCD color schermy, Maximum number color: 65.536, Veranderbaar to high resolution (480x640 fashion) Touch screen for Stylus or fingertip.

Video controller ATI W3220, 2MB RAM

Supporting resolutions Internal: 240x320, 480x640. Externally: 640x480, 800X600 64K color 60Hz

Audio 16 Availed stereo built in. 1 Microphone, 1 High Performance speaker, 1 headphone jacket

Headphone jacket 4 ring (support of microphone, head telephone & control)

Communication Infrared communications, WiFi integrated.

Desktop connection USB Cradle iinbegepen

I/O SD Card end (supported: SD Memory cards, SD I/O, Multi media card), CF Card end, USB Bales via optionele lead to telegraph lines Serial via optionele lead to telegraph lines

Battery Advanced Lithium Ion. 1320 mah

Operating system Pocket PC 2003

Included software std Pocket Become Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explore, Pocket Outlook, Inbox, Windows Media player, Reader, Application Launcher, Backup utility, Microsoft ActiveSync, Microsoft Outlook, Jawbreaker

Toshiba specific included software Toshiba Wireless presentation utility for Wireless Presentations to Toshiba Wireless projectors, Toshiba Text To Make a speech Toshiba Voice Command, Toshiba Voice recorder (interview & Conferencing fashion) Toshiba Screen resolution, Screen Autodimmer fashion, ATI Presentation Pack' Toshiba Voice over IP Phone, Toshiba Config Free

Special mogenlijkheden Presentation support via VGA-connector on optionele Expansion Pack.

Dimensions 135mm Length x 77mm Width, 16.7mm Thin.

Weight WiFi version: tbd g

Design Indigo Blue metallic

choice USB/Serial cradle

Keuzel USB Bales cable

Keuzel Port replicator (VGA + USB Bales)

Choice high kapaciteit battery 2640 mAh





Toshiba E800 with Bluetooth €599





Processor Intel PXA 263 processor with Xscale technology, 400MHz speed.

OS SKIM 32MB SKIM

User Ram 128MB RAM

User Flash 32MB NAND FLASH memory for empty battery beschermingvan applicaties data raise

Fence 4" TransReflective LCD color schermy, Maximum number color: 65.536, Veranderbaar to high resolution (480x640 fashion) Touch screen for Stylus or fingertip.

Video controller ATI W3220, 2MB RAM

Supporting resolutions Internal: 240x320, 480x640. Externally: 640x480, 800X600 64K color 60Hz

Audio 16 Availed stereo built in. 1 Microphone, 1 High Performance speaker, 1 headphone jacket

Headphone jacket 4 ring (support of microphone, head telephone & control)

Communication Infrarood communications, WiFi iingebouwd.

Desktop connection USB Cradle iinbegepen

I/O SD Card end (supported: SD Memory cards, SD I/O, Multi media card), CF Card end, USB Bales via optionele lead to telegraph lines Serial via optionele lead to telegraph lines

Battery Advanced Lithium Ion. 1320 mah

Operating system Pocket PC 2003

Included software std Pocket Become Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explore, Pocket Outlook, Inbox, Windows Media player, Reader, Application Launcher, Backup utility, Microsoft ActiveSync, Microsoft Outlook, Jawbreaker

Toshiba specific included software, Toshiba Text To Make a speech Toshiba Voice Command, Toshiba Voice recorder (interview & Conferencing fashion) Toshiba Screen resolution, Screen Autodimmer fashion, ATI Presentation Pack''

Special mogenlijkheden Presentation support via VGA-connector with optionele Expansion Pack.

Dimensions 135mm Length x 77mm Width, 16.7mm Thin.

Weight WiFi version: tbd g

Design Indigo Blue metallic

choice USB/Serial cradle

Keuzel USB Bales cable

Keuzel Port replicator (VGA + USB Bales)

Choice high kapaciteit battery 2640 mAh






Toshiba E400 €349





Processor Intel PXA 261 processor with Xscale technology, 300MHz speed.

OS SKIM 16MB SKIM

User Ram 64MB RAM

User Flash 32MB NAND FLASH memory for empty battery beschermingvan applicaties data raise

Screen 3,5" TransReflective LCD color schermy, Maximum number color: 65.536, Veranderbaar to high resolution (480x640 fashion) Touch screen for Stylus or fingertip.

Video controller built in in CPU

Supporting resolutions Internal: 240x320, 480x640. Externally: 640x480, 800X600 64K color 60Hz

Audio 16 Availed stereo built in. 1 Microphone, 1 High Performance speaker, 1 headphone jacket

Headphone jacket

Communication Infrarood communications

Desktop connection USB Cradle included

I/O SD Card end (supports: SD Memory cards, SD I/O, Multi media card), USB bales via optionele lead to telegraph lines

Battery Advanced Lithium Ion. 980 mah

Operating system Pocket PC 2003

Included software std Pocket Become Pocket Excel, Pocket Internet Explore, Pocket Outlook, Inbox, Windows Media player, Reader, Application Launcher, Backup utility, Microsoft ActiveSync, Microsoft Outlook, Jawbreaker

Toshiba specifice included software, Toshiba Text To Make a speech Toshiba Voice Command, Toshiba Voice recorder (interview & Conferencing fashion)

Special possibilities Presentation support via VGA-connector on optionele Expansion Pack.

Dimensions 125mm Length x 77mm Width, 10.5mm Thin.

Weight 137 grams

Design Indigo Blue metallic

USB/cradle

Choice USB Bales cable

[hoxbox]

Looks like it's either BT or WiFi but you can't have both built it....

[shawnc]

This is the nicest looking PPC I have seen .................. EVER! I understand the issue folks have with Toshiba's PPC, but I have had my laptop for about 6 months now, with not one problem. As I was looking at the screen shot, I was trying to figure out why it looked somewhat familar, the steely blue is the same color as my laptop.

Unfortunately, the specs don't quite work for me. It sounds like the budget one does not have built-in wireless. The more expensive unit has CF AND SD, a definite no no for me as the CF adds size (IMO) and I'll never use the extra slot. I've found that out with my Axim.

[ID64]

May I ask why is there signal strenght indicator???? 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O

[Janak Parekh]

May I ask why is there signal strenght indicator???? 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O
I was wondering the same thing. :lol: That's part of Pocket PC Phone Edition. I think that the screen is just pasted in the image..

--janak

[powder2000]

May I ask why is there signal strenght indicator???? 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O


Aren't we observant :mrgreen: . I don't know, we'll have to see what they price these babies at before we get any takers. Pretty thin though.

[LarDude]

Finally! Something to get excited about. No more rumour-mongering, the fog is beginning to lift !! It's about time we started to see some improvements in screen resolution and RAM. And Wi-Fi or BT or both (at least one) should be standard
with all PocketPCs. Maybe PocketPCs aren't dead after all !

Question for hardware vendors: For those PocketPCs that do not want to sacrifice thinness for an extra CF-II slot, why not have TWO SDIO slots side-by-side. (Many PocketPC users reserve/use one of the memory cards as a kind of "harddrive" for critical documents -- what's the point of slapping in a Wi-Fi/BT/GPS/camera/VGA-out module if you lose access to your data). Heck, if space really is that much of a problem, the 2nd SD/MMC card could even
sit under the back cover (kind of like the SIM cards in your cellphone).

[quidproquo]

Boy... I like the looks of that machine. 8O
I don't mind the squareness.... looks fairly thin too .....

[crazy0000]

Its times like these I wish I had....





Money :(

:mrgreen: looks like a nice pocket pc have to wait for a good review.

[crazy0000]

wait no CF are you sure? look at the picture of the back http://www.pocketpc-club.nl/contentimages/2044_3.jpg I see a bump about the size of a CF card. Now whats that about!?

[Dermot81]

PPCs aren't dead! i work at best buy and they r selling like hotcakes.

infact since i bought my 2215, 4 of my closest friends have bought one.

wireless is the way of the future!

[Thinkingmandavid]

ok, the e800 has the cf not the e400....
Best buy has brochures in the stores about the e400 maybe in your area you can check that out. I read it, not much to read on it as is, but it has voice activation. you talk to it and it does what you command it. now that is interesting. :wink:
Ihave heard nothing but bad about toshiba customer service. I bought an e355 a few days ago only because of the price from best buy for 129.99, so obviously i jumped on it:) my last pda was stolen so it was time to get another.l I tell you what with out the pda it sucked!

[Marcel_Proust]

It is a shame that Toshiba makes innovative Pocket PC devices because they are a terrible company to purchase electronics from.

Poor Support = Toshiba

PLEASE DON'T BUY FROM THEM. :(

HP or Dell is a much better choice.

This anti-Toshiba rant is becoming a monomania for some people.

[Thinkingmandavid]

My toshiba is doing ok, i only had trouble at first with it recognizing it on my usb, but there is a driver on the website so i downloaded and now it syncs great;)

[sponge]

This anti-Toshiba rant is becoming a monomania for some people.

Welcome to the never ending madness. If any post has the letters t, o, s, h, i, b, and a, you'll always see at least one person yelling OMG DONT BUY TMEH THEYLL RIP YUO OFF!!! And so forth.

[arnage2]

I saw that 349 euros = $412usd which meas that it will probebly be $399 at launch. I dug up $570 for a zodiac and a ppc (i said bye bye to my 2215) and i cant afford the toshiba. Damn it, i wanted vga!


(yes, i know that nobody cares)

[DaleReeck]

I had an e740 back in the day and had few problems with it. Toshiba is one of the more innovative PocketPC makers (though HP is starting to get there too with some interesting new designs).

The people who raged that the e740 didn't get a PPC 2003 upgrade were also the same ones who went ga-ga over it when it first came out because of its built in wireless (the first PPC to have built in WiFi) and its dual slots. No one else had a design that feature-packed, even the king of PPC, iPaq. But suddenly, a year later, no 2003 upgrade and now its a piece of garbage. Toshiba can be slow to fix problems (or not fix them at all), but they aren't the only ones. Ask Palm Tungsten C owners if their "static-y" keyboards have been completely fixed yet (as far as I know, no).

But to purposely ignore interesting new designs in an industry where innovation has been static is suicide for that industry. If a product gets out and it's bad, then its fair game to warn people away. But to warn them away from an innovative design that hasn't even been released yet is ridiculous IMO.

[xoiph]

the letters t, o, s, h, i, b, and a

OMG, D0NT BUY FROM THEM THEY'LL RIP Y00 OFF!

No, seriously, I'd be willing to give the e800 a chance no matter how bad their support is. 480X640 resolution would be awesome 8O

[Janak Parekh]

This anti-Toshiba rant is becoming a monomania for some people.
True, although Charles has better reason than most. Check out his Genio 550G fan page. Toshiba has been lax not only in upgrades (which is debatable) but overall support for the device. The Genio has been, essentially, a lame-duck device in the US so far.

--janak

[mbranscum]

Looks like a Palm Zire!

[theon]

May I ask why is there signal strenght indicator???? 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O 8O

Looks like it's running RVG?

[Fishie]

It should be 299$ in the US(the 400 that is), new Xscale that runs at just over 300MHz yet is faster then the 400MHz one in the ipaq 2210/2215.
The e400 is thinner then the ipaq 19xx series and faster then the 22xx Ipaqs.
Sounds like a killer device, 64mb ram, 32mb flash for safekeeping and has the ppc profesional onboard(16mb rom), SDIO and apparently vga compatible(whats that mean, does it HAVE a VGA screen yes or no?)

[jornadaholic]

....must...not...buy...horible...support....getting....weak

[Skoobouy]

Fishie, where did you hear about its fast speed? I've alwas shuddered at the sight of "X-Scale 300MHz" before. I guess I should cancel my iPaq h1935... :?:

[AhuhX]

and apparently vga compatible(whats that mean, does it HAVE a VGA screen yes or no?)

Yeah! lol

They said up to 480x640 internal as well for the 400 series.

P.S.
Intel is hopeless with XScale...

First they introduce a 400mhz model that is actually slower than their old 206mhz model.

Now you rekon they are releasing a 300 mhz model which is faster than their old 400mhz model..

My head is spinning! lol

[wseto]

Read the specs on Toshiba's site.
The LCD panel only has 320x240 pixels. The 640x480 mode must be some stupid scaled mode, or "pan and scan"... which borders on deceptive advertising in my books. :devilboy:
Here's the spec quoted from the Toshiba web site:
"4.0” TFT Transreflective Color display (240 x 320 portrait resolution w/64K colors)"
At least when Palm advertises its Tungsten T3 has a resolution of 480x320 it *actually* can display that resolution. :drool:

Here's a link to Toshiba's web site with the specs.
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_prodDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1638427159.1066895353@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccchadcjjldjmdhcgfkceghdgngdgli.0&comm=CS&plin=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC&pfam=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC%20e800%20Series&poid=263419&Adoid=539593

[Duncan]

Read the specs on Toshiba's site.
The LCD panel only has 320x240 pixels. The 640x480 mode must be some stupid scaled mode, or "pan and scan"... which borders on deceptive advertising in my books. :devilboy:
Here's the spec quoted from the Toshiba web site:
"4.0” TFT Transreflective Color display (240 x 320 portrait resolution w/64K colors)"
At least when Palm advertises its Tungsten T3 has a resolution of 480x320 it *actually* can display that resolution. :drool:

Here's a link to Toshiba's web site with the specs.
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_prodDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1638427159.1066895353@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccchadcjjldjmdhcgfkceghdgngdgli.0&comm=CS&plin=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC&pfam=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC%20e800%20Series&poid=263419&Adoid=539593

Hey - I'll happily jump on Toshiba for their faults but you haven't looked very closely at that site. The specs give the standard 'resolution' as 320x240 - NOT the number of pixels. Resolution and pixel count are not the same thing. It is mandated by the WM2003 OS that 320x240 should be the standard resolution - the PDF file (from the same page), and the text at the top, point out that VGA mode is possible only for *some' programs.

[Jonathon Watkins]

This anti-Toshiba rant is becoming a monomania for some people.

Welcome to the never ending madness. If any post has the letters t, o, s, h, i, b, and a, you'll always see at least one person yelling OMG DONT BUY TMEH THEYLL RIP YUO OFF!!! And so forth.

Well, I have to say that I am nervous that Toshiba won't allow upgrades the OS on these device when PPC2004 comes out. It could well be that PPC2004 supports VGA natively. If the Tosh does not use a standard design then these devices may be left stranded when the mainstream moves to native VGA.

[Skoobouy]

If Toshiba is consistent with past practise, you have no need to worry. After all, the e750 was upgradable to an e755. Just because the e740 is not upgradable doesn't mean the e800/400 won't be.

On an unrelated note, here are the size specs compared to the e7xx and e3xx series:

e800:
5" x 3.2" x 0.7" 6.9oz

e7xx
4.9" x 3.1" x 0.6" 6.8oz

The e800 is bigger, but that's justifiable considering the 4" screen and hefty battery. It will probably be the first PPC ever to have potential as a real computer replacement. (See: http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=e55efb6cdf8970b4ba0cb89c5128c096&threadid=59149)

e400:
4.9" x 3.0" x 0.4" 5.1oz

e3xx:
4.9" x 3.1" x 0.4" 5.3oz

Happily, the e400 is not only ever-so-slightly smaller and lighter than the e300 series, but it is also curved and good-looking. Nice job so far, Toshiba!

As a point of suspicion, the similarities in size might point to similar motherboards being used, which might in turn imply that the button-delay problem is not gone. That will be a deal-killer for me!

[AhuhX]

Well, I have to say that I am nervous that Toshiba won't allow upgrades the OS on these device when PPC2004 comes out. It could well be that PPC2004 supports VGA natively. If the Tosh does not use a standard design then these devices may be left stranded when the mainstream moves to native VGA.

True, but the current situation is "special".

You are buying this as a 2003 device, and not a 2004 device. Competing 2003 devices do not support VGA and never will, regardless of future OS updates.

Therefore I think a purchaser of this device still comes out in front, to say the purchaser of a 5550 if one is soley looking at the VGA feature.

Of course when you take into account upgradability in general, then it's a different ball game of course...

[Skoobouy]

Read the specs on Toshiba's site.
The LCD panel only has 320x240 pixels. The 640x480 mode must be some stupid scaled mode, or "pan and scan"... which borders on deceptive advertising in my books. :devilboy:
Here's the spec quoted from the Toshiba web site:
"4.0” TFT Transreflective Color display (240 x 320 portrait resolution w/64K colors)"
At least when Palm advertises its Tungsten T3 has a resolution of 480x320 it *actually* can display that resolution. :drool:

Here's a link to Toshiba's web site with the specs.
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_prodDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1638427159.1066895353@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccchadcjjldjmdhcgfkceghdgngdgli.0&comm=CS&plin=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC&pfam=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC%20e800%20Series&poid=263419&Adoid=539593

Hey - I'll happily jump on Toshiba for their faults but you haven't looked very closely at that site. The specs give the standard 'resolution' as 320x240 - NOT the number of pixels. Resolution and pixel count are not the same thing. It is mandated by the WM2003 OS that 320x240 should be the standard resolution - the PDF file (from the same page), and the text at the top, point out that VGA mode is possible only for *some' programs.

Yes, but the e400 is not VGA. There's no mention of it at all in the detailed specs PDF on the Toshiba site. I suppose it was to be expected... C'mon, who's going to cram VGA into a 3.5" screen, honestly?

[dhpss]

View this picture to see the difference, what you can display on larger resolution screen: (simply stunning!)http://www.jenneth.info/archives/images2/DSCN4226.jpg

[Barak]

I can understand people's concern about the importance of support.

I am still using a Casio E-200 :oops: and it's solid. But, it had many problems when it came out. I had to have it replaced 2x and Casio support is an oxymoron.

I love the device, don't like the practices of the company and wouldn't buy another device if they made it.

I love the looks of the Toshiba E-800, but am very wary of the support issue. Hp IPAQ here I come..... when my wife says I can have my allowance :devilboy:

[tsb_hcy]

View this picture to see the difference, what you can display on larger resolution screen: (simply stunning!)http://www.jenneth.info/archives/images2/DSCN4226.jpg

I think all questions have been answered. Bow down to the new master of all PDA's. Thanks for that spectacular screen!

[Bob Anderson]

It is a shame that Toshiba makes innovative Pocket PC devices because they are a terrible company to purchase electronics from.

Poor Support = Toshiba

PLEASE DON'T BUY FROM THEM. :(

HP or Dell is a much better choice.

This anti-Toshiba rant is becoming a monomania for some people.

You know, I love these forums! What a dichotomy of opinion...

But, as usual, I've got to put my two cents in on this whole Toshiba issue. I have basically two key points - the customer service side and the hardware issue.

Let's start with "customer service" -- I've been as vocal as anyone on these boards that buying a Toshiba carries with it substantial risk -- the risk of functional obsolesence. Toshiba has proven their attitude towards upgrades/support... this forum is littered with antecdotal evidence that they are in the business of selling new devices and not "doing the right thing" for their existing customer. If you run out and buy a new PPC every time a new one comes out - I suppose Toshiba would be a viable option. If, however, you are someone who likes to get more than 6 mos. of use, select something other than a Toshiba... just because your device is 1 year old, doesn't mean the manufacturer should ignore your wish for an OS upgrade. (And for the record... I have never bought any Toshiba branded products...)

On to the hardware... I'm worried. I'm not sure how they are going to implement this 480 x 640 screen, and moreover, when you start tinkering with something the OS wasn't designed to support, God only knows what kind of compromises you have to make: software compatability, screen scaling, or ??? Furthermore, because this will most certainly be some sort of proprietary fix, you can assure yourself that if MSFT comes out with PPC 2004/5 this device won't be upgradeable... (Not that there is any guarantee that other devices will be, but there is history to suggest manufacturer support if MSFT makes it possible.) In fact, it is my opinion that Toshiba will probably use this as an excuse to not offer an upgrade!

Finally, to wrap this rant up, informed consumers help drive the market. How many of you remember all the disappointment when original PPC users found out their device couldn't be upgradeable because they had a device without flash ROM? Those who carefully studied the market found another reason to fall in love with the original iPaq. I feel it is my obligation to readers in this forum, as a community member, to point out what just plain makes sense: If you buy a Toshiba, know what you might be getting into, and DO NOT say you didn't know better...

[Will T Smith]

Wow, for the first time HPaq has been "scooped". Toshiba ships a VGA capable device first.

Don't expect this situation to last long. Microsoft may be forced to support VGA in it's next PocketPC version.

As far as device compatibility goes, WinCE has native support for larger display sizes. Toshiba is likely using existing CE APIs to drive their larger display (with "enhanced" programs).

The big issue with a subsequent version of PocketPC is whether the standard Microsoft Apps will be VGA enabled. Apparantly the fact that the PocketPC package isn't VGA really doesn't matter. Third party apps could enable their apps for VGA with aid from Toshiba.

Look for HPaq to release a competing VGA device soon.

[huangzhinong]

Wow, for the first time HPaq has been "scooped". Toshiba ships a VGA capable device first.

Don't expect this situation to last long. Microsoft may be forced to support VGA in it's next PocketPC version.

As far as device compatibility goes, WinCE has native support for larger display sizes. Toshiba is likely using existing CE APIs to drive their larger display (with "enhanced" programs).

The big issue with a subsequent version of PocketPC is whether the standard Microsoft Apps will be VGA enabled. Apparantly the fact that the PocketPC package isn't VGA really doesn't matter. Third party apps could enable their apps for VGA with aid from Toshiba.

Look for HPaq to release a competing VGA device soon.

It has proved that PocketPC 2003 is not really 240*320 hard-coded. All apps are hacked running 480*640 now in pdafrance.com, which means PPC team guys are not stupid at all. They have planned mulitple resolution three years ago. Jslandscape has give us the hint, which is regarded wrongly by other experts as simulated mode.

[hoxbox]

It's OUT?!?!

http://msmobiles.com has posted that you can buy it now!~!!!!!! :!: :!: Talk about keeping things a secret we only knew about this sucker one week ago.

[Jonathan1]

Don’t want to get off on too much of a tangent but Toshiba device support sucks rocks. I’ve had my Toshiba Satellite 2805S402 for 2.5 years now. This system has a GeForce 2 Go first gen video card in it. Other then what was originally shipped with the device Toshiba has never updated the video drivers, never mind that fact that Nvidea has released countless versions of its detonator unified driver. Unfortunately these drivers can’t be used with mobile GeForces so we are at the mercy of the OEM. Now compare them to Dell. One of their first was the Inspiron 8000 series. I think this came out in 2001. Looking at their site their current driver for their GeForce is September 2003. I’d call that dang good support. Toshiba takes the path of least resistance when it comes to device support. Their hardware is solid but without the same vigor with software support it makes any offering they make weak compared to Dell/HP/Etc.

I want to like this device but knowing Toshiba and the way they work I'd have to see some major changes to how they operate.

[envoke]

So does the e800 have an SDIO slot, all the documentation I've seen it being called just a regular sd slot?

[tsb_hcy]

It's OUT?!?!

http://msmobiles.com has posted that you can buy it now!~!!!!!! :!: :!: Talk about keeping things a secret we only knew about this sucker one week ago.

We've known the release date ever since the Power Point presentation was leaked. The same source leaked the release date as 10/22 at the same time. It was only one day off. The PP doc and the date were both dead on. :)

You need to use Nyditot to have VGA in the apps not officially supported by Toshiba. It is real VGA, not the simulated resloution NVD uses on QVGA displays. All we need now is a Pocket MVP update. I laugh at those who said it was too early for VGA. Tell me that while I'm browsing in true VGA long, long before Magneto arrives. ;)

Bow down to your new Lord and Master!

[blot]

If Toshiba is consistent with past practise, you have no need to worry. After all, the e750 was upgradable to an e755. Just because the e740 is not upgradable doesn't mean the e800/400 won't be.

Sorry to nitpick about this, but it does seem to cause quite a bit of confusion. The e755 is EXACTLY the same as an e750 with the exception that it is bundled with Arcsoft's Photobase. The e755 is NOT the WM2003 upgrade to the e750. Both the e750 and the e755 were first released with PPC2002. Both can be upgraded to WM2003 but upgrading the e750 to WM2003 does not make it an e755. It makes it an e750 with WM2003. Why Toshiba decided to curse the world with this confusion is beyond me.

[tsb_hcy]

So does the e800 have an SDIO slot, all the documentation I've seen it being called just a regular sd slot?

The e405 has SDIO, so I'd assume the e805 does as well. I could care less though. My SD slot is my removable HD and nothing more. 8)

[mattchapin]

It's a pity that while the e800 has a 640x480 display, but will probably never be upgradeable to an OS that supports it natively.

But not for lack of compatibility of course.

Can you imagine the disappointment of owning one of these things, finding out that the next version of Windows Mobile supports 640x480 natively, and then being told by Toshiba that while the e800 is upgradeable, they'll never issue an OS upgrade? I can.

Matt

[Marcel_Proust]

This anti-Toshiba rant is becoming a monomania for some people.
True, although Charles has better reason than most. Check out his Genio 550G fan page. Toshiba has been lax not only in upgrades (which is debatable) but overall support for the device. The Genio has been, essentially, a lame-duck device in the US so far.

--janak
I don't think it's fair to bring up the Genio, as this is imported by only one company.
I'm not defending Toshiba per se, but let me tell you about my dusty original iPAQ....no let me tell you about my replacement..which was also dusty...and took 2 weeks to be sent. No let me tell you about how that ipaq froze and died during a perfectly legitimate software upgrade...or no let me tell you about my Jornada 568 - which I still use, but the whole product line was suddenly discontinued and nto much supported once HP and Compaq merged.
So I hardly think this is a mature market. Hopefully, Toshiba will listen to these rants and change, as I think HP/Compaq has.

[dh]

It's a pity that while the e800 has a 640x480 display, but will probably never be upgradeable to an OS that supports it natively. Matt
You rightly say that the e800 probably can't be upgraded to native 640x480 but remember every other PPC that exists today 100% can't be. Looks like advantage Tosh to me.

If the label on the e800 said HP rather than Toshiba everyone would think it was great.

[Jonathon Watkins]

It's a pity that while the e800 has a 640x480 display, but will probably never be upgradeable to an OS that supports it natively. Matt
You rightly say that the e800 probably can't be upgraded to native 640x480 but remember every other PPC that exists today 100% can't be. Looks like advantage Tosh to me.

If the label on the e800 said HP rather than Toshiba everyone would think it was great.

hmmmm, not sure about that. For me it's the risk of being at the bleeding edge. I'd rather be slightly behind the curve with less risk. 2004 is not that far away now. My X5 will do untill then. I will wait till there is a guarantee that the Tosh is 2004 upgradeable - or until the other OEMs catch up.

Quite a turn up though - not so long ago VGA resolution was being talked about as being years away......

[tsb_hcy]

It's a pity that while the e800 has a 640x480 display, but will probably never be upgradeable to an OS that supports it natively. Matt
You rightly say that the e800 probably can't be upgraded to native 640x480 but remember every other PPC that exists today 100% can't be. Looks like advantage Tosh to me.

If the label on the e800 said HP rather than Toshiba everyone would think it was great.

Exactly. There is no reason it can't be upgraded technically. That argument is pathetically unfounded. It should be an easy task. I'd bet my left nut (against something substantial of course ;) ) that Toshiba will offer the Magneto upgrade anyway. Maybe some people are pissed they just ordered/bought a T3 or one of the iPAQ 4000 series models. ;) This is the best thing that ever happened to PDA's. Bow down to your new Lord and Master!

Long live the Toshiba e805!

[KAMware]

Well I volunteer to be the Guinea Pig on this one! I just oredered one! I will let ya all know whene it comes in.

:D

[tsb_hcy]

You're lucky, I won't be in the US for another ten days. Hopefully it's in the retail stores before then so I don't have to wait any longer. :)

[KAMware]

These are the video specs from the Toshiba web site:

4.0 TFT Transreflective Color display; 240 x 320 (portrait) resolution (16 bit)
Back light LED
65,536 (64K) colors: 10 step brightness control (by Software)
ATI Graphics Controller; 2MB internal video memory
Support Resolution/Color (VGA): (QVGA 320 x 240; VGA 480 x 640- User switchable**)
External VGA Connector (via optional Presentation Pack)
External Resolution:
640 x 480 64K colors @60Hz
800 x 600 64k colors @60Hz

** Note: Only special applications support this mode

[Scott R]

Is it just me or does this look like a move by Microsoft and Toshiba to quell the mass exodus of folks wowed by the Tungsten T3's high-res screen? It just looks rushed to market. Hopefully, I'm wrong, but I see no signs of built-in landscape support and without a "pixel doubling" methodology, you're going to have super-tiny buttons, menus, and other widgets to have to tap on. As a geek, I'm impressed by the high-res screen and definitely look forward to seeing one of these up close, but it just looks like a hacked together project.

Scott

[Fishie]

If that would be the case theyd have a design and manufacture team that works at insane speeds, testing and checking software, designing the screen(wich for the e400 and e800 is the best screen on any portable device yet, its insanely bright and white, it puts the 1910 Ipaq´s screen to shame) in a resolution that outside of some Japan winCE devices is not used and actually manufacturing the unit within weeks of the Tungsten T3 release.
Its impossible.

[dhpss]

http://www.pocketpcparadise.com/

Quick summary of noticeable improvement:

Fix old design problem with buttons turned on accidentally: a new lock switch is available

Screen luminosity a la iPaq 39xx

Sound is much lounder compare to previous Toshiba PPC models at the same time quality seems to improve drastically both in bass and treble. (very good MP3 playback quality)

Microphone offers excellent sensitivity and included "Voice Recorder" program in ROM capable of compression (MP3?)

Only drawback, the battery on this model is not removable...

[Skoobouy]

What about button delays? Are there any? :?

[Scott R]

If that would be the case theyd have a design and manufacture team that works at insane speeds, testing and checking software, designing the screen(wich for the e400 and e800 is the best screen on any portable device yet, its insanely bright and white, it puts the 1910 Ipaq´s screen to shame) in a resolution that outside of some Japan winCE devices is not used and actually manufacturing the unit within weeks of the Tungsten T3 release.
Its impossible.You misunderstand my point, but I'll take the blame for that. Here's what I mean...There have been a variety of 320x480 Palm OS devices available for a while now. The PPC camp has gotten antsy. Recent reports from some MS event indicated that MS was listening but it would "take time." Then the T3 comes out, making things even more embarrassing for MS' PPC just in time for the holiday season. Certainly, this e800 has been in development for a long while yet from a hardware perspective. My point is that the 640x480 support in the OS looks tacked on.

Scott

[jb]

Unbelievable!!!!!

Toshiba knocks the PDA market for a loop by introducing a VGA screen on a unit that if it performs correctly, will be the best PDA on the market by far and pretty much all I am reading is "I don't think it's upgradeable 2 years from now when Magneto shows up. There goes Toshiba's bad, bad, bad customer support again." :bawl:

Give me a break, this unit is awesome. Pound for pound and feature for feature it beats HP and anything else out there by a mile. :werenotworthy:

I suppose you can put everything you can imagine into a PDA and someone is going to complain cause it doesn't have a pink flip cover on it. Some people are never satisfied.

I for one, love this thing and I will be ordering one as soon as I can.
Gee, I guess I will miss HP's 3.5" screen, Bluetooth support and lack of CF slot. Guess I will have to get used to it. Gonna really miss that Bluetooth though. :mrgreen:

[Fishie]

If that would be the case theyd have a design and manufacture team that works at insane speeds, testing and checking software, designing the screen(wich for the e400 and e800 is the best screen on any portable device yet, its insanely bright and white, it puts the 1910 Ipaq´s screen to shame) in a resolution that outside of some Japan winCE devices is not used and actually manufacturing the unit within weeks of the Tungsten T3 release.
Its impossible.You misunderstand my point, but I'll take the blame for that. Here's what I mean...There have been a variety of 320x480 Palm OS devices available for a while now. The PPC camp has gotten antsy. Recent reports from some MS event indicated that MS was listening but it would "take time." Then the T3 comes out, making things even more embarrassing for MS' PPC just in time for the holiday season. Certainly, this e800 has been in development for a long while yet from a hardware perspective. My point is that the 640x480 support in the OS looks tacked on.

Scott

Wich doesnt make sense either becouse as you said high res devices running PalmOS have been available for a long time now, CE.net has build in support for much higher resolutions(ive seen ce 4.0 machines that had VGA res on 4 inch screens almost a year ago), MS released windows mobile 2k3 just a few months ago long after the availability of high res POS and CE devices yet deliberetly left the standard PPC res intact.
If MS was working with Hitachi on this why deliberatly cripple everything else for a solution(magneto) that was at least another year away?

[opuntia]

I’m really naive when it comes to the discussion of pixels vs. resolution, but if something has a 640x480 resolution, then is that the same as it having 640x480 pixels.

If this new Toshiba has the 640x480 resolution, but the same screen pixel dimensions as all other PPC (240x320), does it mean that images or text will appear really jagged? Please educate me on this one.

[Prevost]

I like the looks. A simple change making it look different.

Probably a similar arrangement as T3, but this looks much better.

[Jonathan1]

Unbelievable!!!!!

Toshiba knocks the PDA market for a loop by introducing a VGA screen on a unit that if it performs correctly, will be the best PDA on the market by far and pretty much all I am reading is "I don't think it's upgradeable 2 years from now when Magneto shows up. There goes Toshiba's bad, bad, bad customer support again." :bawl:

Give me a break, this unit is awesome. Pound for pound and feature for feature it beats HP and anything else out there by a mile. :werenotworthy:

I suppose you can put everything you can imagine into a PDA and someone is going to complain cause it doesn't have a pink flip cover on it. Some people are never satisfied.

I for one, love this thing and I will be ordering one as soon as I can.
Gee, I guess I will miss HP's 3.5" screen, Bluetooth support and lack of CF slot. Guess I will have to get used to it. Gonna really miss that Bluetooth though. :mrgreen:

Well first off last I heard the next version of PPC is less then a year away. You may be willing to throw away $600 but there are a lot who want asurances that their device will stand a fair chance of not being written off whenever PPC 2004 comes out. Tosh burned a lot of people with their support. You can't just shrug and say whatever.

Also from the looks of things unless the app is specificly designed for this res it won't work. So I highly doubt they will "knock the PDA market for a loop" Let me know when all your apps can be used and then we'll talk about looping.

The system has some kick but features but I'm not sure its worth shelling out over half a grand on this system. Esp when just about every other device out there is at least $200+ cheaper.

[AhuhX]

Also from the looks of things unless the app is specificly designed for this res it won't work. So I highly doubt they will "knock the PDA market for a loop" Let me know when all your apps can be used and then we'll talk about looping.


This is false. As long as applications are designed properly to the WIN32 API then they will run in ANY resolution. Whether its 160x160, 240x320, 320x480 or 480 x 640... etc etc

Anyone can test this in NVIDIOT and see that the majority of applications run without any major problems when switching around resolutions. You actually have to be a really bad programmer and hardcode things to get anything *fixed* to a certain resolution.

What Toshiba has done is come up with their own launcher so that only the applications they have tested themselves as 100% compatible are displayed. MS didn't let them register the built-in apps because 2003 doesn't officially support anything other than 240x320. As the screen shots demonstate though, most apps will run in the higher res anyway.

[wseto]

Hey - I'll happily jump on Toshiba for their faults but you haven't looked very closely at that site. The specs give the standard 'resolution' as 320x240 - NOT the number of pixels. Resolution and pixel count are not the same thing. It is mandated by the WM2003 OS that 320x240 should be the standard resolution - the PDF file (from the same page), and the text at the top, point out that VGA mode is possible only for *some' programs.

It says in the Graphics/Video section of Toshiba's specs (links provided below):
4.0” TFT Transreflective Color display; 240 x 320 (portrait) resolution (16 bit)
Now, why wouldn't they write "480 x 640" when describing the LCD panel if it were actually a VGA resolution screen? Note that Toshiba's site is *very* careful NEVER to say the actual resolution of the LCD panel is 480x640.

Read the data on Toshiba's site more carefully again and tell me what you think.

Here's the link to the Toshiba PDF spec file:
PDF Specs (http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/detailed_specs/pocketpc_e800.pdf) (mentioned 3 times in this document that the LCD panel is only 240x320) Note that the version I'm quoting from has this on the bottom of the first page "pocketpc_e800.doc Created on 9/12/2003 4:53 PM Rev. 1.0"

Some more specs at this link: HTML Specs (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_prodDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1270233729.1066967284@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdadcjjldjlfhcgfkceghdgngdgli.0&comm=CS&plin=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC&pfam=Toshiba%20Pocket%20PC%20e800%20Series&poid=263419&Adoid=539593)

And at this one: Shop Toshiba Specs (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_prodDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1463305016.1066969119@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfadcjjldjifkcgfkceghdgngdglk.0&comm=ST&wSource=AUEM&plin=PDAs&pfam=PDAs&poid=263419&Adoid=140417)

But after much searching I find the link to the user's manual for the e800/e805:
User Manual (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_docTOC.jsp?moid=513363&ct=UG&soid=530094&BV_SessionID=@@@@1450297903.1066975859@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadcjjmkfieicgfkceghdgngdgli.0)
and it states:
4.0” diagonal, TFT Color, LCD screen, 480 pixels x 640 pixels,
up to 64K colors
Plus it also says that the only application to support the 480x640 mode is ClearVue. A suite of programs that allows one to "VIEW" MS power point, word and excel documents and a JPEG image viewer.

So this is *very* confusing. I suppose we'll have to take a look at real unit to find out.

I want to see somebody display a 480x640 GIF or PNG with alternating white and black pixels on this thing, take a high resolution digital picture of it and see if 240 black dots can be counted horizontally and 320 vertically on screen. If the specs are correct this cannot be done because the physical resolution of the LCD screen is only 320x240. If the display can actually display 640x480 then one can count that many dots onscreen.

[tsb_hcy]

^^Just look at the screens. It's pathetically obvious it's true VGA. :roll:


"The system has some kick but features but I'm not sure its worth shelling out over half a grand on this system. Esp when just about every other device out there is at least $200+ cheaper."

Those devices don't come close to the awesomeness of this unit. I think $800 would be a very fair price for the e805. I'm very happy it's going for $535 already though. I would pay $800, but I definitely wouldn't complain that I don't need to. I think Toshiba priced this unit unbelievably fairly. Another tip of the hat to Toshiba.

[jlp]

Hey - I'll happily jump on Toshiba for their faults but you haven't looked very closely at that site. The specs give the standard 'resolution' as 320x240 - NOT the number of pixels. Resolution and pixel count are not the same thing. It is mandated by the WM2003 OS that 320x240 should be the standard resolution - the PDF file (from the same page), and the text at the top, point out that VGA mode is possible only for *some' programs.

It says in the Graphics/Video section of Toshiba's specs (links provided below):
4.0” TFT Transreflective Color display; 240 x 320 (portrait) resolution (16 bit)
Now, why wouldn't they write "480 x 640" when describing the LCD panel if it were actually a VGA resolution screen? Note that Toshiba's site is *very* careful NEVER to say the actual resolution of the LCD panel is 480x640.

Indeed they are careful, you should ask them directly why!!

OTOH, they say that the display is switchable between 240x320 and 480x640. If it was just software and not supported by hardware, every manufacturer could say that.

On a different note, PDAfrance.com has already tested the e400 and I specifically asked the tester about the Dutch site reporting it might have VGA resolution.

This is his answer in French and the English translation:

French:
"Donc'
Bien entendu le e400 n'a pas le support 480x640, erreur de la part du site hollandais"

English:
"Well
Of course the e400 doesn't support 480x640, it's a mistake from the Dutch site"


The link to the e400 test pages:
http://www.pdafrance.com/articles/article.php?cat=machinesppc&id=319

At the end of every page, there's a link to the discussion about the test. You'll find the above comment on page 2.

[Kati Compton]

I’m really naive when it comes to the discussion of pixels vs. resolution, but if something has a 640x480 resolution, then is that the same as it having 640x480 pixels.
Yes.

If this new Toshiba has the 640x480 resolution, but the same screen pixel dimensions as all other PPC (240x320), does it mean that images or text will appear really jagged? Please educate me on this one.
It does not have the same screen pixel dimensions, or else it would have to have a much larger screen. It either means that everything looks smaller, or everything looks smoother. Depending on how they implemented the software layer.

[jlp]

Another answer for sweto:

Access has released a special version of NetFront (http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=1&osId=257&catalog=0&sectionId=0&productType=2&platformId=11&productId=90142) that ONLY works with the e800/805 and support their VGA resolution screen.

If Toshiba's enhanced resolution only was a software trick (à la NYDITOT's NVD), NetFront could most probably work with other devices as well.

All seem to indicate their screen has a physical resolution of 480x640.

They mainly talk about 240x320 because they know the VGA resolution doesn't work well with so many apps (of which most are games) and they know how lawsuit-prone the americans are. So they have to be very cautious about how they present this!!!

:|

[tsb_hcy]

^^And some people said it was too early for VGA. ;)

It's going to sweet watching all those suckers waiting for Magneto and new HP devices that support VGA. :twisted:

We'll have our cake and eat it too baby! 8)

[Nounours]

I fully agree with Charles Pickrell at the beginning of this topic: unless you like pbs, remember that Toshiba = NO SUPPORT.

For those who are not familiar with the PockectPc 2003 story with Toshiba, I remember you that Toshiba has decided to NOT deliver WM-2003 to the Toshiba e740 owners, whereas this machine was still for sale in May 2003.

In addition, there is quite no technical support, with rare updates of the ROM, whereas the bugs where numerous.

I rcommend everybody to look to another brand (H.P. or any other one) because Toshiba does NOT care of its Clients.

Regards,
N.

[jkendrick]

What everyone must remember is that WM2003 is just a shell that sits on top of a CE .NET operating system kernel. .NET supports high resolution video as witnessed by the Nexio S160 that's been out in Asia for months and runs at a native resolution of 800 x 480.

It is not a difficult thing to change the shell so native apps can run at a VGA resolution. I don't see obsolesence any time soon.

As for Toshiba customer support- I'm on my second Toshiba (740 & then 755) and all dealings I've ever had with them have been top-notch. It's as simple as calling them and talking to a live rep who is knowledgable and gets right to the heart of any problem you might have. If you don't want a Toshiba then don't get one. That's the free market.

[tsb_hcy]

Review with benchmarks. Schwing!

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.pocketpcparadise.com/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpocketpcparadise%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DG

OR

http://trans.voila.fr/ano?anolg=65544&anourl=http%3A//www.pocketpcparadise.com/index.php

[kabkbak]

OK im hooked 8) check out that review

any body what to buy a e-740 :lol:

[tsb_hcy]

Quick links for the awesome overwhelmingly beautiful pics.

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92685

[tsb_hcy]

http://www.pocketpcparadise.com/

For the 27th of October, there is a discussion of the Toshiba E800 complete with many pictures. If it is no longer on the main page, scroll down to the archives for "Année 2003". It'll probably be link "S44" or so (you'll see what I mean) to find the 27th of October. We don't like to link directly to other site's images, as this can tend to upset them. The direct image links have therefore been removed from this post.

*** Edited by moderator KC 27-Oct-03

[Jonathon Watkins]

Very, very nice indeed. 8) Those pictures really show the benefit of VGA. :mrgreen: I reaaly hope the Dell X7 suports this resolution!

[Nounours]

If you need a confirmation of the frustration of the e740 users, just have a look at the following URLs.

The Toshiba support IS a nightmare.

http://forum.sorobangeeks.com/viewtopic.php?t=4732&highlight=e740

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=9ecbf99be595f2c0bc335104b7615099&threadid=81671

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91539

http://www.pc-counselor.com/e740.htm

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=10390

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=81614

[tsb_hcy]

^^That's ancient news, we're 2 PDA's past that already. ;)

I read the e800 has a 2 year warranty! SCHWING!

[maximus]

Nicely shaped, nicely colored, nice looking cradle, VGA resolution, both CF/SD slot, USB port ... and the audio jack is on the left of the CF slot, very nice.

Schwing ! :D