10-11-2004, 01:00 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,350
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Excitement City: The BenQ P50
I really like all kinds of PDAs, and usually with the announcement of something new I wonder what that new gadget could do for me. But sometimes it goes beyond that, and I'm simply excited by any new info to be found about a particular device. I've had that with the Philips Magnavox Velo 1 (one of the original Windows CE 1 devices), the HP Jornada 548 (one of the original three Pocket PCs), the HP Jornada 928 (one of the original two Pocket PC Phone Editions), and the HP iPAQ 2215 (one of the smallest CF/SD expansion device up to date). These were devices where from the specs alone I knew that I would buy them. Of those, only the Jornada 928 let me down, since it simply wasn't reliable enough as a phone. Still the idea of a phone edition has always appealed to me, I just found the current selection either too weird looking or too big. This has turned me into a two device person, using a good BT phone (lately the Sony Ericsson T610) and a Pocket PC (the iPAQ 2215).
But when about a year ago I saw the specs of a device built by one of the Pocket PC competitors, I was amazed. If only that thing would run Windows Mobile Software... In the end, when I needed to extend my contract and I could get this product for almost free, I couldn't help but order one to check it out. And although the OS still wouldn't be my OS of choice, I really was amazed by the form factor of this device. Sure, it didn't have a very good screen, but for my usage pattern it was sufficient. Sure, it lacked Bluetooth and WiFi. Sure, the camera was lousy. But the form factor had so much else going for it, like a built-in thumbboard while remaining pocketable in size. For me this form factor was close to ideal. The device I'm talking about? The Handspring/palmOne Treo 600 of course.
But still, after using it for many months, I would trade this the minute it could be replaced by something similar running Windows Mobile Software. And when the BenQ P50 was sighted at the 2004 Cebit many months ago, I knew that day would come. A Treo like device that lost the antenna stub, that has a better screen resolution than the Treo, that has WiFi and Bluetooth, that has a 1.3 MP camera, that runs Windows Mobile Software? Where can I sign up for one? As I wrote before, the problem was that for many months only the shell was seen, and the specs were told, but no reports were known of someone who had seen a working unit. Recently this has changed when a Taiwanese site showed pictures of a working unit. And Smartease.net has published a comparison picture of the P50 next to the iPAQ 2215, and a video of the shell, both taken at CEATEC in Japan. I guess this means we're getting close to the release date, and that I have arrived in Excitement City. BenQ, I'm having my credit card ready, so you can launch at will now. And I will still clean offices for a preview unit.
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10-11-2004, 01:46 PM
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Thoughts Media Review Team
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 150
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I am definitely with you on this one. I am waiting, credit card in hand, for the BenQ to be announced. I can't wait until some real reviews start to trickle out. I haven't been this excited about something since I first heard of my ipaq 4355 
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10-11-2004, 01:51 PM
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Swami
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,303
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Thirded. I'm impressed with the specs and the unit looks GOOD. I await this one with interest.
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10-11-2004, 02:08 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,055
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The specs are awesome and the unit looks great! I'm curious to see how the longer candy bar style feels compared to the Treo's squarier style. Most importantly, I can't wait to try this phone out! 
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10-11-2004, 02:16 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 498
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This is what I am waiting for. Much better than the ugly MPx.
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10-11-2004, 02:43 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 309
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I like it... the screen is smaller than the XDA III, but i�m sure it will be cheaper, and also, i like better this form factor, with no moving parts.
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10-11-2004, 02:57 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 28
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Hmmm, I thought I was the only one...lol, obviously not. I am actually holding off from purchasing the Dell Axim x50i, just so that I can get my hands on the BENQ...p50. I sold my x30i last month and am waiting for the release of the p50.
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10-11-2004, 03:05 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 559
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I can't wait, either. It looks like an awesome device! My only reservation is that the screen is only 2.8". That's a little small, but it'll allow the whole device to be smaller. :wink:
I'm probably going to get either the x50 or the p50. The XDAIII is just way out of my price range. I want to stay with a Phone Edition device, but I want VGA. If the p50 is priced near the x50, I'll probably go with it.
Any official word on a possible release date?
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10-11-2004, 03:05 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 176
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I am sorry to say this, that looks like a decent device but nothing about it appeals to me.
I have the PDA2K on order and love the fact that the keyboard can be hidden. Am I worried about moving parts? Not really. From all th e reviews from people who have it already seem to say that is it nor something that moves with the flick or the wrist, so it is not going to open by mistake. But they say that there are no gaps in the case etc to allow dirt in. So with those comments. I am loving the thought of getting mine in.
Secondly, I need wifi...so that kills the Ben! anyway.
My thoughts
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10-11-2004, 03:41 PM
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Thoughts Media Review Team
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 150
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by thanos255
I am sorry to say this, that looks like a decent device but nothing about it appeals to me.
I have the PDA2K on order and love the fact that the keyboard can be hidden. Am I worried about moving parts? Not really. From all th e reviews from people who have it already seem to say that is it nor something that moves with the flick or the wrist, so it is not going to open by mistake. But they say that there are no gaps in the case etc to allow dirt in. So with those comments. I am loving the thought of getting mine in.
Secondly, I need wifi...so that kills the Ben! anyway.
My thoughts
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Um, the BenQ has BT 1.2, GSM/GPRS, AND WiFi...plus it is smaller than the PDA2k
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