The Ultimate Poll

[xbalance]

OK, I have to do it, this is the poll I want to see. I want to see how close this community can come to predicting PPC sales 6 months from now.

So I want people to vote for which answer best represents what they will do within the next 6 months.

[Rirath]

Yes... Dell with 100% of the vote! :lol:
(for the moment at least)

[Kati Compton]

I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on the 300MHz Dell vs. the 400 MHz Dell.

Basically, I'm planning to get the 300 MHz one as my first PPC, and just replace it in 12 months when I have more experience with the platform, know what I features I might actually use, etc.

Since software now doesn't take advantage of the faster XScale speeds anyway (yet), I don't see the processor speed as being an issue. Since I plan to replace in a year, the fact that Pocket PC 2003 might require more ROM space doesn't bother me. I have no clue how much RAM I need, but am likely to get a 32-64MB SD card for programs if I need it, and use the CF slot for a CF holding mp3's.

As I see it, the main downside is the lack of cradle. But on the other hand, I might actually use the cable more, as it would be more transportable to use not only with my main desktop, but also with my laptop while out of town....

Thoughts?

[Rirath]

Well, I honestly think the $100 pays for itself in memory and maybe a slight speed difference. There really hasn't been enough data on 300mhz Xscales yet to say. I used a cable only for awhile, and I have to say a cradle is a welcomed addon that also offsets the cost.

However, compare the $199 to the V35 or the low end Ipaq and I'd say you've got one rock solid deal on your hands. You still get the CF slot and other goodies, so I say go for it. For that price, it's hard to go wrong. You may not even end up replacing it. I certainly never planned to keep my 525 this long, but until now there's been no outstanding reason to dump it.

[enemy2k2]

300 Mhz that is. I'm with Kati agreeing 100% on almost everything. Though I hope for more than just 12 months of use, preferrably 24, but even in-between would be okay. About the cradle, I actually think it not coming with one makes for less clutter on the desk. Besides the PDA should be on person rather than sitting in a cradle looking pretty. Just don't see the use in it. Maybe after, I may, but for now no:P

[Rirath]

The use for it is typically, for me, when I'm actually at my computer. I'm not going to have the AC cord ran into my pocket. ... well ... no. Maybe that can be a feature on the next Scott eVest though. :D All in all, sure... it's dismissible. Glad one's included with the 400mhz though. It props it upright making for easier usage of Activesync connected apps.

[xbalance]

How can we get better visibility to this poll? I think it would be very interesting for everybody if this poll got the same sort of votes that the ipaq 5450 yes or no poll got.

If anybody reads this who is somebody who can move this poll to the front page, or even recerate the poll and start over, I would appreciate it.

I personally think the number of people that select the last option is going to be in the top 2 or 3. I think they referred to that as buyer fatigue in business school. Too many years and too many brain cells gone to remember anything for sure.

[Kati Compton]

300 Mhz that is. I'm with Kati agreeing 100% on almost everything. Though I hope for more than just 12 months of use, preferrably 24, but even in-between would be okay. About the cradle, I actually think it not coming with one makes for less clutter on the desk. Besides the PDA should be on person rather than sitting in a cradle looking pretty. Just don't see the use in it. Maybe after, I may, but for now no:P

I think it'd be less likely to get lost with an "assigned place" like a cradle, but I'm more interested in the charging slot for the extra battery.

Plus, doesn't it have a pretty blue light or something? ;)

I'm such a sucker for blue LEDs.

[Jason Dunn]

We'll make this a front-page poll in the next couple of days.

[enemy2k2]

I think it'd be less likely to get lost with an "assigned place" like a cradle, but I'm more interested in the charging slot for the extra battery.

Plus, doesn't it have a pretty blue light or something? ;)

I'm such a sucker for blue LEDs.

I think you'd probably be better off with the 400Mhz unit, if I were buying the 300Mhz 32MB version with the cradle for an extra $50, that's only $50 to go to the higher end of the Dell spectrum. May as well go all the way :D Yes, from what I saw on a site which I forgot the name of was an Axim sitting in it's black cradle with the Dell logo lit brightly in blue, even I thought that was neat.

[enemy2k2]

The use for it is typically, for me, when I'm actually at my computer. I'm not going to have the AC cord ran into my pocket. ... well ... no. Maybe that can be a feature on the next Scott eVest though. :D All in all, sure... it's dismissible. Glad one's included with the 400mhz though. It props it upright making for easier usage of Activesync connected apps.

I really don't want a cradle, I don't have any plans yet to buy extra batteries or anything either. If they would take another $50 off the price for the 400Mhz unit without cradle I'm sure that that's what I'd be looking at. I was worried about the power of the 100Mhz slower processor at first but I think it's not going to make very much difference from what I saw of the review of the e330 vs. the e310 on ppsg.com site. I really do hope there will be a way to overclock it though for when PPC OS is optimized for ARM 5.

[Dave Beauvais]

I voted "none of the above" because I'm extremely happy with my e740. With the ROM update in place (after about four hours of fighting with it into the wee hours of the morning today) performance is much better, videos play acceptably in Media Player now, and the low battery alert no longer nags me so early. Aside from that, I have seen nothing compelling enough in the specs for these upcoming devices that would make me want to switch. Of course your needs and/or desires may be different from my own. ;)

--Dave

[Jeff Rutledge]

I voted for the new iPAQ 5400, but I'll probably wait for the GSM/GPRS model to hit the shelves.

[yvilla]

You might want to add: Who is planning on buying a Tablet PC (ie, instead of a new PPC). :x-mas:

[sesummers]

I really don't want a cradle, I don't have any plans yet to buy extra batteries or anything either. If they would take another $50 off the price for the 400Mhz unit without cradle I'm sure that that's what I'd be looking at. [/quote]

Go visit the web site and choose the "customize" option. On that list, the 300/400 MHz choice is just a pair or radio buttons. You can add the cradle to the low-end machine, or substitute it for the cable- and you can exchange it for a cable on the high end machine. The cradle is a $20 option! :D

[szamot]

I voted for the ViewSonic because I already have an iPAQ so I want to try something smaller for a shorter period of time. At $479 CDN it will do just fine for the next 6 - 12 months - then we will see what we are going to be arguing about next year at this time. Perhaps GREEN will be in, geniuses always pick green, I project yellow will be out and green will be in....

[Kati Compton]

I voted for the ViewSonic because I already have an iPAQ so I want to try something smaller for a shorter period of time. At $479 CDN it will do just fine for the next 6 - 12 months - then we will see what we are going to be arguing about next year at this time. Perhaps GREEN will be in, geniuses always pick green, I project yellow will be out and green will be in....

If I wanted small, I'd get the Zayo because it has BLUE led's on the application buttons....

[crispeto]

What are the prices for the new Ipaqs? I know most of the rest of them.

[Rirath]

In responce to the main page quote...

answer what PDA you are going to buy as your next PDA.

But, what if we've already brought our Dells / Viewsonics / Ipaqs / etc? Do we have to guess what magical PDA will be out in 6 months? :D Alright alright, I've already voted, before buying... I'm just bored waiting for the shipping date.

[rlobrecht]

You might want to add: Who is planning on buying a Tablet PC (ie, instead of a new PPC).

I don't get this response. A Tablet and a Pocket PC don't compete. Not really. A tablet is a $2000 device, a Pocket PC is a $500 device. A tablet is Windows XP, a Pocket PC is Windows CE. A tablet is 4 hours of battery life, a Pocket PC is 12. A tablet is 3 - 4 pounds, a Pocket PC is 5 -6 ounces.

The only thing similar is the lack of a keyboard, and the portrait orientation.

I do think a large majority of Pocket PC zealots will want a tablet also.

[ntractv]

Think I'm going to break down and get one of the Toshiba models. I love the iPAQ (3835), but, I like the idea of not having to use the sleeves.

[jizmo]

For those of us, who don't want Dell, there are two other options. How would you choose between iPAQ 1910 and Viewsonic?

Viewsonic is more sexier alternative of the two, but it lacks removable battery. If Viewsonic had removable battery, I'd go for it for sure, but now I just don't know. I'm very likely going to have times when I wished I'd carry and extra battery and could go on working while travelling, but then again I'd hate to pay more for less features in iPAQ (apart from the removable battery).

Is Dell really the only sensible alternative? I wish I just liked the way it looks. Then it'd be the definite choise for me.

/jizmo

[Venturello]

I am also waiting for the iPaq 5400 with GSM/GPRS included. I would prefer 802.11b wireless to bluetooth, and nirvana would be the 3 options at once, but I know this is impossible in this platform. Now, given the option to choose between bluetooth or wireless and GSM included... I dont know which one I would choose... bluetooth nice for wireless headphones... besides, I see no use that 802.11b can't cover...

[BadgerSoft]

I answered "None of the above" for 2 reasons:
I am awaiting delivery of an HP Tablet PC.
I am awaiting the next version of the Pocket PC OS.
I personally view all of the new devices as stop-gaps until a more capable Pocket PC OS built on CE.NET is available, whenever that may be. THAT will get me excited again about Pocket PC. XScale, built-in WiFi, etc. just don't do it for me without the OS upgrade to better support those technologies. My experience with WiFi on my iPaq has been frustrating because I have 2 WiFi networks (office and home), and the Connection Settings panel is not at all friendly in this case. I couldn't count the number of times I couldn't see my damn DHCP server at home because the PPC has locked in the DHCP server from work and wouldn't look for the home one.

The Tablet PC doesn't compete with the Pocket PC on a technology level. It's a full blown PC shrunk down to a tablet and pen-enabled. I intend it as a replacement for my laptop and Pocket PC for day-to-day use. My Pocket PC will remain sync'd with my Tablet PC and I"ll carry it with me when it's not appropriate for me to bring the Tablet PC (out with the family, shopping, etc). But for meetings, client visits, general work, it will be the device for me now.

[xbalance]

It's kind of early in the voting, but I want to thank everyone for voting so far.

With ~350 votes in, here are my predictions:

1. Viewsonic will kick butt on the HP 1910 in the market place. I think the lower ends will do better in general in the market than they did on this poll (because we are super PPC users :ninja: ).
2. HP will maintain a healthy following, but will lose its PocketPC lead to the Dell Axim.
3. Toshiba needs to come up with some new products and/or reduce the price of their existing products, especially the e33x series. Toshiba is a little late to the dance and they may have a unmerry xmas with their PPC line. I hope they do better with the TabletPC, maybe that is their focus now.
4. Loox and Zayo, not good - not good at all.

I am not sure what the Smartphone or PDA phone numbers indicate.

[hbcollins]

...because I am convinced that the next round of devices will give me most if not all of my key wishes:
-V35/e330 size
-replaceable battery w/decent life
-built-in bluetooth
-updated OS with xScale support

I can make do with my e570 for a while longer. I am especially hesitant to get a single slot device without some type of built-in connectivity; if only the new iPaq 5xxx was small!

[Jorgen]

My next will have Wi-Fi built-in and support for a CF1 card - I am using W-Fi every day at home plus once in a while in other places plus a CF1 card connecting to a projector = Toshiba 740.

Jorgen

[xbalance]

Admittedly, I have not been a follower of Dell's pricing strategy until they announced their pricing on the Axim PPCs. I am happy with the pricing by the way.

This weekend I looked at the adds in the newspaper for the TabletPCs, WOW! Those babies are nice looking, but those babies are expensive.

I get the feeling I won't be looking at buying a TabletPC until about 18 months or more. However long it takes Dell to release the Tablet PC for the rest of us poor folks.

[ECOslin]

I'm intrigued by the Ipaq 5450. I've not been partial to Ipaqs due to, I just don't care for the design, general shape and sleeved addons(Ipaq and 2 or 3 sleeves in your carry bag).

I just subscribed to the Microsoft Pocketwatch e-newsletter.

the Pocket PC spectrum comes the new HP iPaq 5450, the most feature-rich Pocket PC available. As well as offering both built in WI-FI and Bluetooth functionality, the 5450 includes a biometric fingerprint reader, offering the highest level of security available on a Pocket PC. You will also find the fantastic Neo Universal remote control application that enables you to control your audio visual appliances at home. Add to that the Intel XScale 400 MHz processor, 64 MB of RAM, and 48 MB of ROM, the iPaq 5450 is raising the bar for Pocket PC functionality.
http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/learnmore/hardware/prod_specs.asp?p_id=39

I don't really care for the biometric fingerprint reader, neat but would I really use it or find out that it hinders my usage.

I like built in things like WI-FI and Bluetooth built in.

How far can I stand back from the TV and use my tremendously expensive Ipaq remote?

Hard decision to make, buy the Ipaq 5450 or buy a new car? Hmmm.

Edward

[James]

a Pocket PC is a $500 device.

actually, it's a $349 device now that Dell is in the game. The other's are going to have to drop their prices or drop out of the game.

[Janak Parekh]

Hard decision to make, buy the Ipaq 5450 or buy a new car? Hmmm.
Oh man, don't tell me the 5450 eats that much of your wallet! :)

BTW, go read the PPCPassion review of the 5450 - you might decide to forego the car :lol:

I am majorly impressed with the fact that the 5450 is in 2nd place amongst PPCThoughts readers... against a $299 device, that's quite telling as to the appeal of the 5450's featureset to high-end users. It'll be interesting to see how that parlays into the general market.

--bdj

[xbalance]

I am majorly impressed with the fact that the 5450 is in 2nd place amongst PPCThoughts readers... against a $299 device, that's quite telling as to the appeal of the 5450's featureset to high-end users. It'll be interesting to see how that parlays into the general market.

--bdj

I am impressed also, I thought the 5450 was going to do worse than it has. Although, as I stated earlier, I think the HP 5450 will do better in this poll than it will in the outside world. I also think the low ends will do better in the real world than in this poll.

In a side note, Palm - HA! I think they are toast.

[yvilla]

You might want to add: Who is planning on buying a Tablet PC (ie, instead of a new PPC).

I don't get this response. A Tablet and a Pocket PC don't compete. Not really. A tablet is a $2000 device, a Pocket PC is a $500 device. A tablet is Windows XP, a Pocket PC is Windows CE. A tablet is 4 hours of battery life, a Pocket PC is 12. A tablet is 3 - 4 pounds, a Pocket PC is 5 -6 ounces.

The only thing similar is the lack of a keyboard, and the portrait orientation.

I do think a large majority of Pocket PC zealots will want a tablet also.

I didn't mean to imply that Tablet PCs compete with Pocket PCs. On the contrary, I agree with you fully that they address very different needs and have very different uses, and would not for a minute consider giving up my PPC. However, I also think a lot of us PPC zealots will want a Tablet PC, as you suggested, and that's why I qualified my post--my getting a Tablet PC now certainly means I will stick with my current PPC, and pass up, for example, one of the new, and very tempting PPCs now coming out, like the Ipaq 5450. I may well have been very likely to go for one of those, had it not been for the Tablet PCs existence, but won't at this point (or for the time period covered by the poll). :)

[Andy Whiteford]

In a bit of a quandry here....

I would absolutely love the new iPaq 5450 if it came with a CF slot but I don't like the idea of sleeves and it's expensive compared to Del's pricing structure.
Toshiba e740 with WiFi is another I'm very interested because of it's relatively small form factor and has the wireless and 2 expansion slots.

The Axim 400mhz seems like the one to go for at the current price and with 2 expansion slots, this really is a steal. The only thing that sways me is Dell's statement that there will be WiFi and Bluetooth version coming next year. An Axim with integrated wireless at a low price seems like my ultimate mobile for the time being. Do I buy now given that I already have both bluetooth and WiFi CF cards or hold off for a device that has them integrated???

[Creation]

I was really gonna buy the Axim with 400 mhz, but after seeing a picture posted by one of the members, I am leaning toward the viewsonic.

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4886&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10

As you can see, the Axim is humongous!! :( I didn't know it was that big compare even to the HP5XXX. I even have a coupon for Dell to make the deal hotter, but I'm not sure now... Hope they will have the Viewsonic back in stock soon.

[jeasher]

I must say I'm surprised the Viewsonic ranks only third in this poll. Then again, as I read all the replies, you all are power users and guys like me are just about to buy their first model. I want cheap and small, so Viewsonic is a no-brainer.

BTW, how can HP compete at the $299 price point with everything the same as V35 except a weaker processor and less ROM? Do you all feel the removable battery is that nice a feature? To me, all it means is I gotta shell out extra cash to take advantage of it.

[jeasher]

Hey Creation, so what coupon do you know of?

[Kati Compton]

I was really gonna buy the Axim with 400 mhz, but after seeing a picture posted by one of the members, I am leaning toward the viewsonic.

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4886&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10

As you can see, the Axim is humongous!! :( I didn't know it was that big compare even to the HP5XXX. I even have a coupon for Dell to make the deal hotter, but I'm not sure now... Hope they will have the Viewsonic back in stock soon.

It's on par with the non-1900 iPaqs from the specs. I'm still convinced that part of the "this is huge" problem is that the curves on it make it look bigger than it actually is. Boy I wish they'd just made it more rectangular. :(

Please post coupon details! :)

[J.D.]

Actually, considering that the Axim is not an established line like the Ipaq, their high numbers compared to the Compaq should be somewhat alarming. If they were two established lines, then the closeness would make sense, but that is not the case here.

[Timothy Rapson]

Not this year. The biggest reason is that I just don't need one, but even if I were in the market, I would try to wait until:


Christmas 2003:

At the low end:

Low power X-scale

OS upgrade to take advantage of X-scale

OLED screen, brighter cheaper and more power stingy by far than current screens.

64 meg RAM and full 32 ROM.

Prices below $200, maybe $129.95 for the Samsung.

All in packages V35/Zayo/E330/h1910 or smaller.

3000 Mha? (what is the right abreviation?) replaceable battery.

40 hours/4 weeks on standby from a charge.

At the high end:

400-600 X-Scales

OS upgrade

640 by 480 OLED screen matching the Sharp clamshell.

64 meg ROM 128 meg RAM

Smaller than Axim but with dual slots and WiFi and bluetooth built-in

4000 mha battery for 20 hours/2 weeks life

$400 for the Axim version.


And for both models, for crying out loud a simple flip cover!

OK fanciful, but like I said, next year for me. As long as I am not going to dive in this year I may as well dream big about how nice the water is going to be next year :twisted:

[Certified Optimist]

Totally agree with all who commented on why they, just like me, voted "Not buy any of the above".

Can't see the point really if you have already have a decent Pocket PC... the advances aren't t h a t big... especially since X-scale does not seem to make any difference so far...

So... just like Timothy says... I'll hold off for Christmas 2003... 8)

[Pony99CA]

Unless HP announces something better, I'm going with the 5450. The screen, the RAM, the ROM, the universal remote, the vibrating alarm, Bluetooth, WiFi and fingerprint scanning add up to a winner, even at $700. (OK, plus support for my sleeves. :-))

Steve

[PocketRocker]

I've ordered the Viewsonic V35 from Amazon at $275 because it appears to address my needs better than any of the other units available as of Nov. 18.
Necessities
Small, thin design
Bluetooth connection to my cell phone (requires purchase of a BT card $130-$150)
Brilliant screen
64 Mb RAM

Desirable
Relatively good processor speed
Relatively good battery life
Not terribly expensive
You might have other priorities and other units will probably better serve you.

Lesser choices are Toshiba e330, e740, Dell Axim 400 MHz

Unfortunately, the iPAQ 1910 does not support SDIO, so no Bluetooth.

[Andy Whiteford]

For those of you that think the Dell Axim is large, have you seen the pic of Bill gates holding one at Comdex? Certainly doesn't look particularly big to me unless Bill has very large hands of course..... ;)

[Rirath]

It's not so much that the Dell is large, but more that the V35 and new Ipaq are exceptionally small. He holds the new low end Ipaq afterwards and it does indeed look small. But the thing to remember, and what so many are forgetting, is as Donka says... the Dell is still not large. In fact, I believe he had both units in one pocket and you'd never know it until he took them out.

[Andy Whiteford]

I like the small form of the new low end iPaq but sacrifices have been made to get it that small, i.e. no CF expansion and a smaller battery which means less time between charges.
It may be fine for many but I'm looking to upgrade from a Jormada 565 and the main things I'm looking for are 2 expansion slots and a faster processor. I think the Axim is around the same size as the Jornada.
I hope to get a look at one quite soon.

[jizmo]

No offend here, but when iPAQ 1910 is stacked on top of Dell, iPAQ looks like a screen protector lid of the latter. It's that much thinner.

/jizmo

[Andy Whiteford]

So what would be the ultimate PDA based on current specs? The Spec of the 5450 with a CF Slot in the form factor of the 1910 and the price of the Dell?
That would do very nicely.....

[HandheldJunkiesUnite]

8) Dell.