Input on e330/e335

[solus]

Those of you who have one, how is it? Could you compare to an Axim (400mhz)? If not, pros/cons for the Toshiba's - other than lack of CF slot and slower CPU.

[solus]

One of my main concerns is the screen...

[spursdude]

I don't know if you care or not, but Dell has quite a bit of bundled software, both full and evaluation versions.

Toshiba, as far as I know, bundles very few software titles, meaning you may end up spending more if you want to "complete" your package.

[spursdude]

Oh I also just found this post over in the Dell forum. It's got lots of good input on your choice.

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5188

[ThomasC22]

Oh I also just found this post over in the Dell forum. It's got lots of good input on your choice.

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5188

Almost as if that guy had the same question, eh? :)

[solus]

LMAO! :lol:

[spursdude]

haha wow i feel smart

[duckyjp]

I recently purchased an e335 and I am happy with it overall.

The problems: When I had it loaded down with mp3s initially before I purchased a memory card, it would freeze when running two or three applications at the same time. This is probably my fault but it was frustrating having to input all of my information again.

2. It turns on in my pocket. This is not a big deal if you have the auto shutdown time set pretty short but it is annoying. I think it is generally the notes button that does it.

3. There is no back button with the jog dial rendering it virtually useless.

4. It is not as fast as I expected. There are probably ways to maximize it's efficiency and will probably get better when more applications are optimized for the xscale processor. For example, I can't play hearts and listen to mp3s at the same time without the mp3s skipping and pausing a lot. That is with almost all of it's 64 mbs free.

5. Small bundled software package. Doesn't include as much as the dell from what I have heard.

6. When using active sync, it has a tendency to connect and disconnect by itself over and over again. This is extremely annoying and I cannot figure out how to fix it.

7. no cf slot - those sd cards are darn expansive and don't have as large a range of storage options.

8. buttons often register as pressed twice when only pressed once

9. Battery life could be a little longer. It is more than adequate, but not quite ideal. Also you can never replace the battery.


I realize that these are nitpicky and I am overall satisfied with my purchase so here are the positives:

1. Size - it's tiny. It fits in my jeans pocket and can go anywhere easily.

2. Weight - Really light weight doesn't make it cumbersome to carry or hold.

3. Value - You get a lot for the money in this machine. Not as much as the dell, but for a small, complete ppc it is a great deal

4. Availability - You can find it at any circuit city or best buy. You will probably find more sales and price variation on it than the dell.

5. Appearance - Nice, classy, simple and businesslike. I don't like the flashy chunky ppcs that are not perpedicular so this suits me perfectly.


Having said all of this, I just placed an order for the CHEAPER dell to give to my girlfriend this christmas. Price will be 175 after the rebate and I paid 300 for the toshiba. The dell has less ram (32 as compared to the e335s 64) but I would get a cf card anyway so this would not be a big deal, especially with the dual slots. Everything else performance wise is as good as the toshiba. Keep in mind that the dell has a replaceable battery and they are supposedly working on a more efficient battery too. If the toshiba's battery wears out you have to buy a whole new unit. I think this is where a lot of the bulk was added on the axim. The dell's screen should be better from what I have read. Basically, if you don't mind a bulky, heavy, ppc then I would go for the dell. I also knew the e310 had been around for awhile and proven effective and the e330/335 is essentially the same unit with more ram. The dell is new and largely untested, it wasn't even out when I was looking to make the purchase. My girlfriend doesn't mind the size/weight because it will be in her purse. Mine stays in my pocket so the dimensions are crucial.

For 300 I would go for the high end dell or the toshiba primarily based on the importance of the following priorities
size/weight - toshiba
speed/performance - dell
screen - dell
price - equal

These are just my initial impressions and I have no firsthand experience with the Dell. Keep in mind that I am fairly new to PDAs but these are the things I have noticed. If you have any questions about the e335 let me know.