Geekzone: Switching to a Pocket PC Phone?

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=3428' target='_blank'>http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.a...?ContentId=3428</a><br /><br /></div><i>"This is an overview of my findings after switching to a Pocket PC Phone Edition. If you are balancing on the edge of getting a Phone Edition device, but are not quite sure if you should make certain sacrifices, this is a guide for you."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040926-PPCPhone.jpg" /><br /><br />I've seen many people debate this with the release/announcement of new Pocket PC Phones like the iPAQ 6315 and the XDA III. Mauricio over at Geekzone takes a power user's look at the kinds of things one might do with a connected device and how a Pocket PC Phone fulfills it, and does a little comparison alongside with Smartphones for good measure. He makes some useful points in the article that you might find useful.

[joefuture]

It's a great article. I've been wrestling with this decision for a while, and I keep teetering on the edge of "not yet"... I have an iPaq 4355, and I've gotten very accustomed to the built-in keyboard. Until a useful enough Pocket PC phone w/ a keyboard is introduced, I'll probably stick with my multiple devices. The new MDA looks promising, but I'll wait & see who carries it and how the battery holds up before jumping. The thought of consolidating my PPC, my phone, and a camera all into 1 device makes me giddy though :?

[that_kid]

I've been really considering a smartphone but not to consolidate my phone and pda but to have a device with constant data connectivity and to have a phone for voice. This way I don't have to worry about missing calls or having to jump from voice to data.

[silver99]

I have the exact PDA that's shown in the photo. The Audiovox PPC-5050. Let me first say that I was a little hesitant on how clear the phone would be or if the Pocket PC part would be up to snuff.

So far it's been the best of both worlds. The phone is very clear, plus you can press and hold down the call button to enable a full speaker phone. It also includes a leather carry case and stereo earbuds with a microphone for hands free talking (which I've used while driving before) - works great.

The PPC has a Intel PXA255 processor @ 400 MHz with 64 MB RAM and 32 MB flash. I have a 256 MB SD card that I encode TV shows from my computer and video/audio playback is excellent.

Battery life is much better than my previous Ipaq 5550. Voice recorder is EXCELLENT!!! Screen is bright (no hues) and clear.

The only downside I can see is: 1) 2.5" headphone jack, 2) no bluetooth or wireless (but for me I don't use either - and if I did I can get the SD versions).

It's not the best Mobile Pocket PC on the market but it certainly does what I want it to do and combining the phone into a FULL-FUNCTION pocket PC is the best of both worlds.

I strongly recommend this phone.

[surur]

I have an XDA 2, and have been spoiled by having a top of the line PDA with bluetooth and 128Mb ram, and also GSM phone.

I always wanted an all in one device, but the first xda was just cr*p, with 32MB ram, 256 colour screen, no bluetooth or camera, slow processor and back-light only on and off. I was willing to make *some* compromises, but that was a compromise too far.

Now however even my XDA 2 is falling behind the curve, with newer devices having VGA screens, 1.3 Mpixel cameras and bluetooth and WIFI. The old axiom, which the XDA 2 defied, is now rearing his head, that convergent devices are always behind their seperate competitors.

I'm now really torn between the XDA 2s (keyboard, wifi, 128Mb ram, but only 400Mhz processor, QVGA screen and VGA camera) and the Loox 720 (VGA, WIFI, Bluetooth, 128Mb ram, 1.3Mpixel camera with flash).

I may abandon my convergent devices for the best of breed seperate devices afterall.

Decisions decisions.....

Surur

[Paragon]

It's not the best Mobile Pocket PC on the market but it certainly does what I want it to do and combining the phone into a FULL-FUNCTION pocket PC is the best of both worlds.

I strongly recommend this phone.

For what it is worth, I used this same model for several months, and found it to be the most solid Phone Edition device I have used compared to the XDA, XDAII, and the H6315. NO bugs. No freezes. Just a very solid device....and 1X rocks compared to GPRS. ;)

Dave

[Inbox7]

What's everyone's experiences with reliability? I own an 'XDA I' but have noticed it resets a lot. Anyone else have this issue?

I just purchased an XDA III hoping it will be an improvement.

[Birdman]

I am still using the same old XDAI and I have noticed a real problem lately with re-setting. Often, I will take it out of my pocket to turn it on only to have it re-set on me. I probably miss a fair number of calls and the 32 mg memory limitation forces me to run stuff close to the line. Having said all that, I still love having my phone, MP3 player and all my books, info. and email device in one.
I have been looking at the new product out there, and while I like the new 6315 I am sorely tempted to hold out for a unit that has an integrated keyboard. I have the thumboard for the XDA and while it is convenient when I use it, it adds considerable bulk to the XDA and of course, doesn't fit into the EB slipper case I use. Transcriber and the soft keyboard are fine, but for responding and sending email, a built in keyboard is, in my view, a must have.
The new XDAIII looks like it may have it all, although I probably prefer the form factor of the MPX. The issue is, when, if ever, I will be able to get one of these unlocked into Canada.

Lately, I have even been finding myself tempted by the supposed new Treo 650. Great form factor, built in keyboard and BT (no wi-fi) but of course, the wrong OS. I am still surprised that PPC manuf. have yet to produce a real alternative (size and function) to the Treo. Of course, all in all, and as tempted as I am by new devices, it would be extremely difficult for me to go back to separate devices.

[whydidnt]

Lately, I have even been finding myself tempted by the supposed new Treo 650. Great form factor, built in keyboard and BT (no wi-fi) but of course, the wrong OS. I am still surprised that PPC manuf. have yet to produce a real alternative (size and function) to the Treo.

I am also suprised that we haven't seen a Treo clone in the PPC space. It's just so obvious. That device is a monster hit with mediocre specs in the US. The 650 will certainly capture more of the high end market when released. IF the 650 came with an OS that could multi-task and didn't have an incredibley stupid 16 category limit I'd be all over it like a fly to sh1t. Give me a PPC phone like that and... - my hope is the MPX is that device, but who knows when it will ever be released here.

I've been playing around with a 6315, but so far I'm pretty disappointed. It offers poor audio quality, lousy reception, poor bluetooth implementation and is pretty unstable with minimal software installed (And I'm on my second unit - 1st one had better reception, but such a hiss I couldn't hardly hear my phone conversations.) Why the heck can't we get a decent PPC phone in the US? :evil:

[Birdman]

I must say that for HP to release that device (the 6315) after all this time of the XDA and XDA II being in the market...I am pretty surprised. From what I have read, it seems quite a bit closer to the XDA I than anything else. Given the success the Treo has had in the market, I would have thought HP would have at the very least tried to emulate the form factor.

[Birdman]

By the low number of responses to this thread as compared to the high number of responses threads dealing with the other new ipaq models generally receive, I can only guess that the maj. of the people perusing this site are not looking for a converged device as their first choice.

[Paragon]

By the low number of responses to this thread as compared to the high number of responses threads dealing with the other new ipaq models generally receive, I can only guess that the maj. of the people perusing this site are not looking for a converged device as their first choice.

Sounds like an interesting poll, Dov? ;)

Dave

[rmcadams]

I made the switch to a HP 6315 when CompUSA first started selling the units (a week before T-Mobile) and have mixed reviews. I was using a HP2215 and Sony-Ericsson T68i combo (great PPC, tiny phone), and it worked fairly well. Sometimes the extra complication of using the phone as a bluetooth modem caused failure (hit cancel and try again), but for the most part it worked well. My 6315 has an intermitten echo for the phone part and locks up way too frequently, although I like the ability to dial straight from contacts, record phone notes with contact info inserted, etc. I'm a cutting edge user, and as such, I understand that sometimes you get cut when you're on that edge... I'm afraid this has happened with the 6315. If everything just worked, it would be a great device. I'd like 128MB of RAM, but it's not a show stopper... I've got 10MB or so of programs loaded into File Store and store all my data on a SD. I'm still not used to holding a brick to my head, and it seems that my ear always presses the screen and does all manner of things I don't intend while I'm talking on the phone.

[jimski]

I may abandon my convergent devices for the best of breed seperate devices afterall.

Decisions decisions.....

Surur

Ah, and they slowly return. I predict that someday all smartphone users will come back from the dark side :twisted: PDA's are not dead. They will continue to evolve,eventually into something that we can't even imagine today. And phones will be reduced to the size of a stick of gum, with voice activation and response (no need for keypads). Maybe they will just be implanted behind our ears. Hey, come to think of it BillG already owns that patent on that one.

[Birdman]

I predict that in the very near future, ALL PDAs will have some element of wireless built-in. Convergence is the future, but it will no longer be seen as "convergence"; electronic gadgets will communicate with each other and outside info. sources.

Dave, do you have a lead on the MDA III yet?

[TopDog]

I'm back 8)

I sold my Axim this spring and bought a Palm Tungsten|W just because I was tired of having to carry two devices all the time, I'd heard so much bad about the XDA and I couldn't afford the XDA II (or Qtek 1010 and Qtek 2020 as they are called here in Norway).

I loved my Tungsten|W for it's phone/GPRS-functionality and good battery time, but hated not having mulittasking, having to use an earplug and not having a camera.

Last week I got a chance to get a Qtek 2020 (XDA II) for free (OK, not free, I have to work 30 hours for it). And it's great to be back in the PPC-world.

But I would never trade a Phone Edition back for a regular Pocket PC again, no matter how many fancy functions they may have 0X

That being said, I'm now a little torn between my Tungsten|W and my XDA. The T|W just is sooo solid, no resets, good batterytime and better phone-functionality, but then I love multitasking, being able to be connected to MSN Messenger and chatting in PocketChat while my email is being downloaded... I will probably switch between the devices from time to time.

Thank God eWallet works on both :lol:

[TopDog]

Dave, do you have a lead on the MDA III yet?
I've played a little bit with the Qtek 9090, I think that is the same as the MDA III!?

It's great. 30g heavyer and a tiny bit thicker than the XDA II, but have the slide-down keyboard and buildt in WiFi. It's just great, the keyboard really works!

But if it'll be worth the price difference from the XDA II... it depends.

[bnycastro]

hey!!! I'm one of those people debating about going PPC PE... Thanks for this link will read the article for sure :)

[Paragon]

Dave, do you have a lead on the MDA III yet?

Well, the rumors are getting pretty thick. It shouldn't be to long before it is actually available. Unfortunately the chances of this being available through a Canadian carrier are slim to nil, so you will have to go the Expansys route or something similar.

I think the MDAIII would be a great device for you with the sliding keyboard. Telus is putting hotspots throught all the pubic areas of First Canadian Place so the builtin WiFi would be handy...plus Timothy's still have a open access. ;)

For now if I were you I would see that I have done a recent sync of your documents and Outlook info and do a hard reset on your XDA. After using it for quite sometime you have likely built up a large pile of crap on your device. doing a hard rest and installing your apps fresh will make it like new again. You may decide to let the moths remain in your wallet a bit longer. :-)

Dave

[Birdman]

You are right about that! My XDA is practically held together by a rubber band (and a lot of love).

A hard re-set and fresh install is probably a very good idea.

Wi-Fi for trolling around 1st Cdn. would be excellent. Lack of wi-fi is one thing that is keeping me from contemplating the Treo 650 all that seriously.

Provided the slide out keyboard is not too gimmicky, the MDA III from expansys or something may be it. Let me know if you are putting a little order together. Sometimes, shipping more than one unit is more economical.

Hope all is well.