06-26-2004, 01:00 AM
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Magi
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,186
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Asus A730: The True Successor to the HP 4150?
"Many PDA-fans who follow all the novelties of the mobile world and often change their devices said that most probably Asus A730 would be their next purchase. This pocket PC attracts by VGA-screen in spite of rather small dimensions, two expansion slots, bluetooth, nice design and new Intel XScale PXA270 processor, which realizes all potential of the high resolution screen. Will the new model from Asus become a sales hit? We�ll try to solve this problem [by] the end of this preview.
One half a year the Toshiba e800 was the first Pocket PC which had a VGA-screen (640*480 pixels). Asus produced the second model of this kind (Asus A730), other companies will follow them later (HP, then Dell and Fujitsu Siemens). The next new tendency (the first time you will see it in the PDA from Asus) � the internal 1 megapixel camera. It will be typical for many PDAs produced in the second half of 2004, not only those based on Pocket PC platform. Asus A730 is much smaller by dimensions than Toshiba e800 � its main rival, and the future HP iPaq Explorer. It will be better to compare PDA with iPaq 19xx and 41xx series � one of the smallest Pocket PCs on the market: the length and width are almost the same, the depth is much larger � the payment for the second expansion slot.
� Toshiba e800: 134.6х76.2х15.2 mm 192 g.
� HP iPaq 4150: 113.6х70.6х13.5 mm 133 g.
� Asus A730: 117.5 х 72.5 х 16.9 mm 170 g.
The device is weighty but not heavy. The new device, which weighs 170g, wasn�t felt in the inside the pocket of the coat, but felt in the pocket of the shirt. So, the dimensions of this handheld with two expansion slots are close to optimum. Today it is the smallest handheld with VGA-screen, taking into account Sharp Zaurus and the future HP iPaq hx4700 series."
Reading the review of this device has quite a few "Ifs" popping up in my head. I mean that in a good way, because if the Ifs pan out, I think this is my next device. IF the WiFi version comes out soon, IF the price is right, and IF the HP hx4700 looks as ugly in real life as the mockups. :? Asus has managed to squeeze everything I like about the HP 4150 in a very similar form factor AND they shoehorned a CF slot and a VGA screen into the bargain. As a 4150 owner, this is a very compelling device. What are your thoughts?
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06-26-2004, 01:03 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 90
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I currently own the Asus A716, and the 730 will definitely be my next purchase (when the WiFi/Bluetooth version comes out).
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06-26-2004, 01:18 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 77
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Not compelling to me. It seems a bit thicker than my 4155 and I really don't want that. I'm fine without VGA and whatever other wizz bang features... I don't want or need a camera either.
My 4155 will remain my PDA until something of the same or smaller size with the same features and NO camera comes out.
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06-26-2004, 01:43 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 784
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I'll be waiting for the Wifi/no CF slot=thinner version. 
__________________
T-Mobile Dash | HP iPAQ 4100 | HP iPAQ 2210 | HP iPAQ 1910 | Intermec 6651 | Toshiba E570 | Compaq iPAQ 3600 | Casio Pocket Viewer
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06-26-2004, 01:48 AM
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Magi
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,386
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This device had me salivating.... until I saw the BetaPlayer tests.
Perhaps the commercial version of this device will fare much better, but looking at the BetaPlayer tests had me wanting a Toshiba e800 even more than before...
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06-26-2004, 01:50 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,051
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Sweet looking machine but I agree with 2 earlier posts. Give me a wifi, no CF, thinner version and I'm all over it.
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06-26-2004, 01:58 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 155
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price point is my major concern. followed by size and then features. I too prefer the 41xx but I am using a Dell x30 because of it's pricepoint and the fact that I broke my 1940 leaving me with a rather sour feeling towards HP's repair depot pricing.
I wonder how much a replacement vga screen would cost if i were to break this asus unit =)
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06-26-2004, 02:08 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 174
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Sweet Machine--
But why doesn't it have 624Mhz?
Now that would be sweeet!
Ron...
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06-26-2004, 02:50 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 469
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How much is this going to cost? I really like it and would buy one if the price is right. I think that is the key to how many vga ppcs asus will sell compared to dell.
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06-26-2004, 02:55 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 253
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MEH! I'm sticking with my 4150 until something just as light and thin comes out without some stupid camera tacked on. Stupid integration BS.
Just gimme 624MHz, dual wireless, VGA and an SDIO slot in the form factor of the 4150 and I'll be happy.
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