Hi-Res Pics Of The Asus A730 And P505

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=61&t=28218' target='_blank'>http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail...hp?f=61&t=28218</a><br /><br /></div>PPCT member ultraman posted a link on our <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28801&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0">earlier Asus phone thread</a> that has a collection of amazing, high-quality pictures of the upcoming A730 VGA device and the compact P505 Pocket PC phone. Take a look at the size comparison between the A730 and an iPAQ 4150, for example:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040608-AsusA730.jpg" /><br /><br />The A730 is slated to ship with dual slots, Bluetooth, and a VGA screen. :drool: It appears that the first version won't have built-in WiFi -- apparently, a later version will be coming out with both WiFi and BT.

[OSUKid7]

I'm holding out for the iPaq 4700 series. :mrgreen:

[Mark Johnson]

Want one NOW. Want one BAD.

Hey Jason, did you notice the two photos that show the upper-left-hand Windows logo? Everything you've been saying about how much clearer icons and text of the same size will look after a 400% resolution increase has been totaly validated.

The icon is exactly the same real-world width and height on both units, but the sharpness of the VGA 730A makes the QVGA iPaq 4155 look like a preschooler's crayon doodle held up next to a Renoir.

[rzanology]

cooome up hp. Make me proud and put that to shame. does any one know if the new 4700 will have cams? I still dont know what they look like. if some one can link me that would be cool.

[snazzy]

looks like it has some sort of USB hosting capability too! amazing hardware.

[nosmohtac]

Now that HP has decided to kill off "sleeves", I think that this is going to be my next PPC. I didn't realize that the 730 was going to be USB host capable as well; and is it just me, or does the charge/sync port look exactly like an iPAQ's.

I would like a 4700, but asus seems to have a pretty good rep, and since most of my accessories will be useless with the 4700, and the 4700 doesn't have a 1.3MP camera, now would be a good time to switch.

[Andy Whiteford]

VGA in a similar form factor as the h4100 series. Now that is exactly what I want. Am I the only person though who wishes it didn't have a CF slot and had Wifi built in instead? After using the h1900 and h4100 series I don't miss the CF slot and that space could be put to better use i.e. smaller size or a larger battery.

[Janak Parekh]

VGA in a similar form factor as the h4100 series. Now that is exactly what I want. Am I the only person though who wishes it didn't have a CF slot and had Wifi built in instead?
8O I thought it had WiFi built in. :cry: I'll correct my post...

--janak

[nosmohtac]

VGA in a similar form factor as the h4100 series. Now that is exactly what I want. Am I the only person though who wishes it didn't have a CF slot and had Wifi built in instead? After using the h1900 and h4100 series I don't miss the CF slot and that space could be put to better use i.e. smaller size or a larger battery.

Although I understand your wants/needs, I want the CF slot. It already has WiFi built in, but I still want CF. More slots may mean more size, but it also means more expandability

edit: OOPS, I too thought that it had WiFi built in.

[Andy Whiteford]

VGA in a similar form factor as the h4100 series. Now that is exactly what I want. Am I the only person though who wishes it didn't have a CF slot and had Wifi built in instead?
8O I thought it had WiFi built in. :cry: I'll correct my post...

--janak


Just Bluetooth and IRda according to the specs which is a shame! :(

[Andy Whiteford]

VGA in a similar form factor as the h4100 series. Now that is exactly what I want. Am I the only person though who wishes it didn't have a CF slot and had Wifi built in instead? After using the h1900 and h4100 series I don't miss the CF slot and that space could be put to better use i.e. smaller size or a larger battery.

Although I understand your wants/needs, I want the CF slot. It already has WiFi built in, but I still want CF. More slots may mean more size, but it also means more expandability

edit: OOPS, I too thought that it had WiFi built in.



I thought that when I got my hands on the original Axim X5 with it's dual slots but SDIO, Bluetooth and Wifi are all I need now in a device. The h4150 does all I need with Bluetooth taking care of GPS and Mobile Phone connection and the Wifi for network and syncing. The SDIO slot is purely for memory now. I'm not even that fussed about the camera in the Asus although it's a nice addition but I would gladly swap that out for in built Wifi.

[doc]

A release date. All I want is a release date on the 730. Last I heard it was 6/1 :evil: This is my birthday wish...and my birthday is in July!

[Rikostan]

The second version of the device will have Wi-FI on board.. I have been saving since March to get one of these sexy little PPCs.
I mean look at those firm corners and that big sexy screen...
/shudders. :)
In all seriousness, I have been following these since they came out, and I am awaiting the second Wi-Fi enabled devices with baited breath.

[Duncan]

First a Bluetooth version will come out - then a WiFi version...

[Jonathan1]

VGA in a similar form factor as the h4100 series. Now that is exactly what I want. Am I the only person though who wishes it didn't have a CF slot and had Wifi built in instead?
8O I thought it had WiFi built in. :cry: I'll correct my post...

--janak

Ditto :cry: This would be the perfect Pocket PC if they had put WIFI in.

[sundown]

Man, VGA sure is purdy.

[OSUKid7]

Man, VGA sure is purdy.
Correction - VGA sure is purdy, on a PDA. ;) :lol: think, only a few years ago we had VGA on 15" screens...yuck.

[rpommier]

The A730 is perfect for me, dual expansion, VGA and BT it fits my needs perfectly. I just don't know about ASUS quality. WiFi isn't that important for me, I primarily use BT in the house and with my phone. If I need WiFi I rely on my Netgear MA701 CF.

I just hope this thing doesn't come in at HP prices...

What's the deal with the stylus on the bottom of the unit? Thats it deal breaker! :lol:

[nosmohtac]

First a Bluetooth version will come out - then a WiFi version...

I hope you mean: First one will only have BT, then another version will be released with BT and WiFi.

I hope it's not another deal like the e800 (BT in Europe, WiFi in US)
I hope that the OEM's have gotten it by now, that most people want both in their PDA's.

[ultraman]

VGA in a similar form factor as the h4100 series. Now that is exactly what I want. Am I the only person though who wishes it didn't have a CF slot and had Wifi built in instead?
8O I thought it had WiFi built in. :cry: I'll correct my post...

--janak


Just Bluetooth and IRda according to the specs which is a shame! :(

According to the source, it states that the BlueTooth Version will come in July and 6-8 weeks following will have a WI-FI version.

[Tye]

In some of the older A730 shots it looks like there might be a way to add a solid battery door on the back. This way the camera wouldn't be usable. Maybe they're thinking about the "anti-camera" people?

Also, there is a indentation that looks like the same shape as an SD card. Is it possible that there is a storage area there?

Off topic:
Does anybody know what task switcher is running on the 4100 in the comparison photo?

[PocketRocker]

On June 1, ProPortable began taking pre-orders for the BT-only version of the Asus A730. $500 and expected to ship in July.

In response to my inquiry, Justin O'Dea at ProPortable wrote, "Wifi/bluetooth will be out in mid August... Selling for about $600."

http://proportable.g2.cc/

[MichaelA]

No gaming-friendly controls -- no sale.

I'm happy with my A620BT, but it seems ASUS abandoned the nicer d-pad and button layout with their newer devices. I guess Casio isn't the only one to make that mistake...

At least I have my Zodiac. It's Palm based :( , but it's by far the best gaming PDA available today. The sheer number of emulators available for it (GB, GBC, NES, SNES, Genesis, TG16, NGP, WS, ...) and the perfect (finally!) gaming controls make it the only worthwhile PDA/gaming device.

I just wish someone would make a comparable Pocket PC. And I'm not talking about that horrible Gizmondo. I guess there is little chance of that happening since MS has decreed that only the corporate market is of interest. :evil:

[Jonathon Watkins]

In some of the older A730 shots it looks like there might be a way to add a solid battery door on the back. This way the camera wouldn't be usable. Maybe they're thinking about the "anti-camera" people?

One of them would be me. :)

The trouble is, if it is possible to enable the camera, most places won't allow it. Hiding it is not an option.

"Sir, you told me you did not have any camera equipment on you, but I can see there is one on your PDA. I'm going to have to confiscate that and report you for bringing in unauthorised equipment".

No thanks. :|

[klinux]

Casio did once.

http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/Jan01/images/Casio_E-125.jpg

[dean_shan]

Me wanty. It would be nice to have a little camera with me all the time. I'll wait for the Wi-Fi version first.

[Blue Zero]

Alright! VGA is near!!! 0X


A little off topic... but
Does anybody here notice those neat little icons on the H4150!!!???
right on top of the "start" button?

I want that program! help...

[Felix Torres]

Hmm, no comments on the P505 pics...
It looks to be a sweet tri-band GSM PPC Phone Edition toy.
2.8" QVGA looks to be about right for my hand and pocket.
Unfortunaately, we don't seem to get any of those nice toys on this side of the pond. :cry:
No wonder the telcos are getting sued... :lol:

[Janak Parekh]

Hmm, no comments on the P505 pics...
Check the earlier post I linked to. ;)

--janak

[HTK]

no wifi?
not good for me then

browsing via bluetooth is just depressing ( I have a 1945 and a usb BT dongle ) and I wouldn´t want to spend one of the expansion slots with wifi

too bad, I was hoping for some competition for the e805 and for me this asus is not the case

and damn, that thing is thick! taking a front look it is very similar to the h19xx series, but looking from the sides it gives the impression to weight a ton

[thendless]

no wifi?
not good for me then

browsing via bluetooth is just depressing ( I have a 1945 and a usb BT dongle ) and I wouldn´t want to spend one of the expansion slots with wifi

too bad, I was hoping for some competition for the e805 and for me this asus is not the case

and damn, that thing is thick! taking a front look it is very similar to the h19xx series, but looking from the sides it gives the impression to weight a ton

Yeah I agree. Hopefully when I plan on getting my new ppc in 2 years or so, they will have developed h19xx or h41xx sized PPC's with VGA and what not.

[AndrewLubinus89]

Whoa! That's beautiful! *waits patiently for $300 dollar device with cf/sd/vga* :D

[omikron.sk]

Sorry, but I didn't find the answer for my question anywhere:
Will the second version of A730 have WiFi AND BT or only WiFi ?

[Stephen Beesley]

According to the source, it states that the BlueTooth Version will come in July and 6-8 weeks following will have a WI-FI version.

Well if they have the same time lines for a European release (Please, please, please...) then that gives me a good three or four months to get in some serious saving for the wifi version :D

My trusty Jornada has served my well for over two years now (if you don't count changing the screen a couple of times...), but I think this is the replacement I have been waiting for. I just do not like the dpad button arrangement on the Toshibas and while the rumoured new Loox with a VGA screen seems well speced I really do not want to have to deal with the external aerial and there jsut seems to be too much wasted space at the bottom of the device IMHO.

The Asus however seems just what I am after and the wait until a wifi one is available just gives me more time to save.

On the point made by rpommier about the stylus at the bottom - I guess it is a matter of taste, but to me it seems it would be a very natural action to remove the stylus.

All in all I just cannot wait to get my hands on one of these. As others have already said the icons on the VGA screen seems sooooo much clearer and the whole thing just looks very well thought out to me.

Edit: Well it seems I was looking at the wrong pictures of the proposed new Loox (I am sure there was a pun there somewhere...). These pictures HERE (http://www.fsc-mediaserver.com/mediaserver/clientview/server/photo/index.cfm?fuseaction=list&CFID=641900&CFTOKEN=33480047&fid=3395) show quite a stylish device (very like the e800 but with better button layout IMHO) and free of the curse of an external aerial. Well that means there is another device I have to consider!

[Fishie]

Sorry, but I didn't find the answer for my question anywhere:
Will the second version of A730 have WiFi AND BT or only WiFi ?

Yes the one appearing later will have BOTH.

[Andy Whiteford]

Sorry, but I didn't find the answer for my question anywhere:
Will the second version of A730 have WiFi AND BT or only WiFi ?

Yes the one appearing later will have BOTH.


Hmmm, if HP can match that in the h4100 form factor then I'm sold, otherwise my next PPC could be an Asus! ;)

[Fishie]

Sorry, but I didn't find the answer for my question anywhere:
Will the second version of A730 have WiFi AND BT or only WiFi ?

Yes the one appearing later will have BOTH.


Hmmm, if HP can match that in the h4100 form factor then I'm sold, otherwise my next PPC could be an Asus! ;)


Urm the Asus 730 IS more or less the 4150 form factor, only thicker to acomodate for bigger battery, dual expansion and camera.

[Andy Whiteford]

Sorry, but I didn't find the answer for my question anywhere:
Will the second version of A730 have WiFi AND BT or only WiFi ?

Yes the one appearing later will have BOTH.


Hmmm, if HP can match that in the h4100 form factor then I'm sold, otherwise my next PPC could be an Asus! ;)


Urm the Asus 730 IS more or less the 4150 form factor, only thicker to acomodate for bigger battery, dual expansion and camera.

Yip, but I don't have any real need for CF slot or camera so if this means an HP rival could be smaller then I'm a happy man, especially given the universal iPAQ connector! My only concern is that the rumoured h4700 is a 4" screen which would mean a noticeable increase in device size.

[omikron.sk]

Sorry, but I didn't find the answer for my question anywhere:
Will the second version of A730 have WiFi AND BT or only WiFi ?

Yes the one appearing later will have BOTH.
YES! Looks like I'm getting sold. :D

[thunderck]

It would be nice if the WiFi version did not have a CF slot so it could be a little 'thinner' :roll: Not a big complaint.....

[Jonathon Watkins]

It would be nice if the WiFi version did not have a CF slot so it could be a little 'thinner' :roll: Not a big complaint.....

Nah, I'll take a CF card over a little thickness anyway. A high end PDA needs 2 different slot types. Of course that's just me....... :wink:

[omikron.sk]

It would be nice if the WiFi version did not have a CF slot so it could be a little 'thinner' :roll: Not a big complaint.....
I don't know what does everybody have against CF. I love it. CF cards are still much cheaper (and sometimes even faster), more digital cameras still use CFs and there are A LOT more gadgets for CF slot and if you need a really high-capacity medium, you'll need CF (Pretec, MicroDrive). IMO CF slots are must have in PDA.

[Scott R]

Bravo! Very impressive. But what I really want is for them to take this device, chop off the entire button/D-Pad area so that what you have is all screen with just a small border around it. Then, turn it sideways (i.e. - landscape mode), add a hinge and a thumbboard with D-Pad to the left of the thumbboard and gaming buttons to the right of the thumbboard. Voila! A perfect mobile communication device (when paired with a BT cellphone) and gaming device. Here's what else they could do: Drop the CF slot and instead build in a 4GB Microdrive. Now, some of you might argue that by having the CF slot it gives the user the ability to add that (or whatever else they want), which is true. The problem is that a 4GB Microdrive would set a consumer back $400+ while Hitachi is selling this part to manufacturers for about $100.

Even without any changes to the design, I think this device, partially due to MS finally getting around to increasing resolution and adding landscape support, makes this a much more appealing device than those OQO devices. Cheaper, smaller, instant on, and I'd imagine much better battery life.

Scott

[whydidnt]

But what I really want is for them to take this device, chop off the entire button/D-Pad area so that what you have is all screen with just a small border around it. Then, turn it sideways (i.e. - landscape mode), add a hinge and a thumbboard with D-Pad to the left of the thumbboard and gaming buttons to the right of the thumbboard. Voila! A perfect mobile communication device (when paired with a BT cellphone) and gaming device.
Scott

Scott, you hit the nail on the head!! As I was reading about this device-- and other rumored VGA WMSE devices, I was wondering where are the devices with an integrated thumboard? Sorry 4350 owners, the 2 foot tall monster built into your unit doesn't qualify. :wink:

I have had more non-tech types express interest in my UX-50 than any other PDA I have owned - all because of the keyboard. Most people understand a keyboard, but are intimitated by hand writing recognition programs.

[Andy Whiteford]

I don't know what does everybody have against CF.


Quite simply the size. A CF slot and interface take up a lot of room in Pocket PC terms and when you consider you can do most things with SDIO and Bluetooth, removing the CF slot is a positive thing imho.

[omikron.sk]

I don't know what does everybody have against CF.


Quite simply the size. A CF slot and interface take up a lot of room in Pocket PC terms and when you consider you can do most things with SDIO and Bluetooth, removing the CF slot is a positive thing imho.
Hmmmmm size, do you consider A730 or h221x too thick? I don't. I think that the fact that my h2210 is only a little little bit thicker than h19xx or h415x doesn't really matter. I've holded both h1930 and h4150 and I must say, that there is almost no difference. What I consider too big or thick are devices like h39xx, h5xxx (which don;t have CF by the way) or A716, but really not A730 etc. I think that everybody may regret a few milimeters of thickness / thinness by the value of MUCH higher expandibility.
It was once said that: "you can add WiFi via CF, but cannot add CF via WiFi" - so it might be like this: "you can add SD via CF. but not CF via SD (at least i didn't yet see such gadget)". So what about removing SD slot? But that is not an option for me anyway. I want both - CF AND SD.
I really apologize for going OFF TOPIC, but now, as I said, IMO A730 will have anything, that I want from device to have (and except for GPS and GSM/GPRS I cannot think of anything that they might add to it).

[Andy Whiteford]

That's the point we are both making - we have different needs and ideas of what a perfect device would be. For you the CF is important, for me it's not so I would prefer the space put to other use. Given that these are pocket devices, the size is an issue for me. The smaller a device is, screen size not withstanding, the more attractive it is to me which is why I went for a h1940 over the h2210 before the h4150 was released. Of course if there is no smaller comparable device then I would be more than happy with the Asus.

[Jason Lee]

In some of the older A730 shots it looks like there might be a way to add a solid battery door on the back. This way the camera wouldn't be usable. Maybe they're thinking about the "anti-camera" people?

Also, there is a indentation that looks like the same shape as an SD card. Is it possible that there is a storage area there?

Off topic:
Does anybody know what task switcher is running on the 4100 in the comparison photo?

It is kinda like the Japanese equivalent of WIS Bar. It can be found here:

http://homepage2.nifty.com/qta/sqpc/index.htm

[Mark Johnson]

The smaller a device is, screen size not withstanding, the more attractive it is to me which is why I went for a h1940 over the h2210 before the h4150 was released.


I'm with you in the less-is-more/small-is-beautiful camp. Now that WiFi/BT is built-in on many PPC's it seems that CF really is just a "legacy" accomodation. The price differential between SD and CF cards of the same capacity is so low (call it 10-15%) that I just can't see that as an issue.

Many on the gotta-have-cf side make the point that adding a CF slot makes the unit only "marginally" larger, but that margin makes for the difference between a pass/fail grade. My Toshiba e310 was only "marginally" larger than my iPaq 1910, but the real-world difference turned out to be that before my iPaq, I would NEVER have my "Pocket" PC
in my pocket when I was going about my day. Now I ALWAYS have it on me. I sure don't want to go back to devices too large to pocket just to save 15 bucks the next time I buy a 512mb storage card. SD is beautiful.

[Scott R]

I'm with you in the less-is-more/small-is-beautiful camp. Now that WiFi/BT is built-in on many PPC's it seems that CF really is just a "legacy" accomodation. The price differential between SD and CF cards of the same capacity is so low (call it 10-15%) that I just can't see that as an issue.
...
I sure don't want to go back to devices too large to pocket just to save 15 bucks the next time I buy a 512mb storage card. SD is beautiful.The problem is that your argument falls apart once you move up to something bigger than 512MB. Sure, some 512MB SD cards have fallen to as low as $80-85 (usually after rebates) lately, but move up to 1GB and compare the prices. Or, how about that 4GB Hitachi Microdrive? There are no 4GB SD cards, and when one eventually comes out you better believe that it will probably be near $1000. The Microdrive is a miniature hard drive which consumes more battery power and is a bit slower than flash memory, but the advantage is that the part seems to only cost about $100 to manufacturers (resulting in devices like the Creative Muvo 4GB MP3 player for $200). Sadly, Hitachi isn't offering that same pricing to end consumers. :(

Then there are some who might want a CF GPS or other only-available-via-CF accessory. I certainly agree that manufacturers are smart to offer non-CF devices so as to save on space, but there's also clearly a market for devices with CF. I think the technology was abandoned before its time and it's interesting (and good, IMO) to see many of the PPC licensees backpedal and reintroduce new devices with CF slots.

Scott

[jpjehu]

I think this the cream of the future crop. dual slots - VGA - 1.3 camera - 520 - 3.7" screen - SAME SIZE (roughly) AS A 4150?!? i really don't see any of hp's designs competing with this. the only one is the 4700, but it's about the size of the e805 - which was a bit too big in size and even in screen. i think my search is over!!!!!! i might actually not get dissatisfied in two months!!! GO ASUS!! I'm putting in my pre-order immediately!!

[whydidnt]

I'm putting in my pre-order immediately!!

Just remember that this first "Bluetooth only" model only has 64 MB RAM. If you really want the cream of the crop, you'll need to wait (again :cry: ) for the WiFi/Bluetooth/128 MB model to be released....hopefully in the August timeframe. I was set to pre-order as well, until I found out about the RAM. If I'm not purchasing a combo phone/pda, then my next purchase HAS to have 128 MB at minimum.

[jonathanchoo]

Man, VGA sure is purdy.
Correction - VGA sure is purdy, on a PDA. ;) :lol: think, only a few years ago we had VGA on 15" screens...yuck.

My 1998 IBM laptop had a 14" SVGA screen. That was six years ago.

[dudelove]

I must admit, the specs look good, but I have an Asus A620, and let me tell you, I am far from satisfied. It's "quirky" behavior leaves me thinking twice about investing in another ASUS-brand PPC. I guess if u want a top of the line PPC, it's either this or the:

$649 - Release July '04 - Explorers (VGA Display) >> 624 MHz, 128MB/64MB, PPC2003SE, 4.0" VGA screen, Bluetooth, 802.11b, SDIO, CFII, 1800 mAh, Cradle

from HP. Personally, I wanna stick with HP, because after owning both brands, I'd have to say the HP is more stable and robust. The only thing lacking in the above model is a 1.3 Cam, but other than that, the screen and battery are both larger in the HP model. Plus, warranty service from Asus is difficult to access if you're not living in the US (I'm from Canada).

Just my thoughts...

[Will T Smith]

In some of the older A730 shots it looks like there might be a way to add a solid battery door on the back. This way the camera wouldn't be usable. Maybe they're thinking about the "anti-camera" people?

One of them would be me. :)

The trouble is, if it is possible to enable the camera, most places won't allow it. Hiding it is not an option.

"Sir, you told me you did not have any camera equipment on you, but I can see there is one on your PDA. I'm going to have to confiscate that and report you for bringing in unauthorised equipment".

No thanks. :|

The fact is that miniature cameras are starting to show up on memory keys. We are going into a world where cameras can be ANYWHERE.

Just put a piece of tape over the thing, no one will notice.

[jpjehu]

did anyone notice that the person holding the 730 has got to have the smallest hands ever. the 4150 looks like a cassiopeia e200 in their hands. the pictures should have a "objects may be smaller than they appear" warning...

[cmchavez]

did anyone notice that the person holding the 730 has got to have the smallest hands ever. the 4150 looks like a cassiopeia e200 in their hands. the pictures should have a "objects may be smaller than they appear" warning...

I'm still using a Compaq 3950 for my PDA; smaller would definitely be a welcome thing!

[Jonathon Watkins]

In some of the older A730 shots it looks like there might be a way to add a solid battery door on the back. This way the camera wouldn't be usable. Maybe they're thinking about the "anti-camera" people?

One of them would be me. :)

The trouble is, if it is possible to enable the camera, most places won't allow it. Hiding it is not an option.

"Sir, you told me you did not have any camera equipment on you, but I can see there is one on your PDA. I'm going to have to confiscate that and report you for bringing in unauthorised equipment".

No thanks. :|

The fact is that miniature cameras are starting to show up on memory keys. We are going into a world where cameras can be ANYWHERE.

Just put a piece of tape over the thing, no one will notice.

Does the term 'sackable' offence mean anything to you? :|

Not being flippant, but 'hiding' a camera is not an option and could cause a LOT more problems.....

As cameras can go anywhere, the penalties for using them inappropriately will get harsher and companies will get more, not less strict.

[whydidnt]

As cameras can go anywhere, the penalties for using them inappropriately will get harsher and companies will get more, not less strict.

I guess this might be moving off topic, but I think companies with policies that ban technology, instead of the inappropriate use of the technology are missing the point. I bet they don't ban Copy Machines, but they ban taking photo copies of certain documents. I bet they don't ban paper and pencil, though, you could probably write trade secrets down and take them with you. So why ban a camera? The camera itself can't do anything illegal. It's just that most companies, countries, etc. are not comfortable with new technology, and so instead of adapting, they stick their head in the sand and ban the technology.

[Tye]

In some of the older A730 shots it looks like there might be a way to add a solid battery door on the back. This way the camera wouldn't be usable. Maybe they're thinking about the "anti-camera" people?

One of them would be me. :)

The trouble is, if it is possible to enable the camera, most places won't allow it. Hiding it is not an option.

"Sir, you told me you did not have any camera equipment on you, but I can see there is one on your PDA. I'm going to have to confiscate that and report you for bringing in unauthorised equipment".

No thanks. :|

The fact is that miniature cameras are starting to show up on memory keys. We are going into a world where cameras can be ANYWHERE.

Just put a piece of tape over the thing, no one will notice.

Does the term 'sackable' offence mean anything to you? :|

Not being flippant, but 'hiding' a camera is not an option and could cause a LOT more problems.....

As cameras can go anywhere, the penalties for using them inappropriately will get harsher and companies will get more, not less strict.

Argh! Argh! I didn't mean that I thought this was a good idea. Actually, in my job, something like a hidden camera could cause a heap of problems for me. I just noticed that the way they made the battery cover it looked like this was possible.

Also, does anyone agree? Could that be a spot for an SD card on the back of the A730? Right now I store an extra card in my 2215 CF slug.
http://msmobiles.com/archives/2004.3.20_22445/asus4.jpg

Jason Lee! Thanks for the link! I've been looking for something like this. Unfortunately, boku wa nihongo ga sukoshi shika wakarimasen. I'll pick my way through it.

[omikron.sk]

This is what I call the competition:
http://firstloox.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1509
So which one are you going to choose? A730, Loox700 or hx4700? It will be a hard deciding. :)

[Will T Smith]

In some of the older A730 shots it looks like there might be a way to add a solid battery door on the back. This way the camera wouldn't be usable. Maybe they're thinking about the "anti-camera" people?

One of them would be me. :)

The trouble is, if it is possible to enable the camera, most places won't allow it. Hiding it is not an option.

"Sir, you told me you did not have any camera equipment on you, but I can see there is one on your PDA. I'm going to have to confiscate that and report you for bringing in unauthorised equipment".

No thanks. :|

The fact is that miniature cameras are starting to show up on memory keys. We are going into a world where cameras can be ANYWHERE.

Just put a piece of tape over the thing, no one will notice.

Does the term 'sackable' offence mean anything to you? :|

Not being flippant, but 'hiding' a camera is not an option and could cause a LOT more problems.....

As cameras can go anywhere, the penalties for using them inappropriately will get harsher and companies will get more, not less strict.

Well, technically any PocketPC can record audio. That's enough to get you barred from a federal courthouse. But I entered one with my PDA.

As we go along, it's going to be more and more difficult to restrict the presence of recording devices.

If you can't have a camera at work. Then I guess you should buy an iPaq. Putting tape over the camera will probably be enough in most situations since most people will never notice as long as they don't see a camera lense ;-)