Help! Losing passion for my PPC!!

[MonolithicDawgX]

:cry: I've used PPCs for about 3 years now, but have run out of the "cool", "must-have" feeling. My latest incident may be the straw that broke the camel's back... I was on a long trip (Atl - Jacksonville, FL - Los Angeles - Honolulu - Lana'i - Honolulu - LA - Atlanta) two weeks ago and "lost" my iPaq on the trip. Because the Hawaii part was vacation, I didn't even look to use my iPaq during that week, so I didn't know I had left it on on of my flights. But even that is weird because I had faithfully transferred new music for the flight and vacation, but didn't have the desire to use it.

Then, I realize I had lost it, and luckily the airline had it in Honolulu, so I got it back. But, guess what...1 week without use and the battery had died. So now I am back to restoring everything, and my passion is gone.

I think part of it is that I have one of the 3800 series that has had so many problems...backlight issues, Bluetooth issues, etc. that I'm tired of dealing with it. But I read Thoughts faithfully every day, and I don't even get excited over the games anymore. Is it me? What can I do? Has anyone else gone through this before? :cry:

[bdegroodt]

Doctor! Quick! We need to rescue this man!

Seriously, I think many of us can understand your feelings. For what it's worth, I also had a 38xx series and had every one of the problems you have. I purchased a 3975 and it's as stable a PPC as I have ever owned. No BT stack errors ever, no dust, no backlight issue.

I'm at a crossroads as well. My primary use for my PPC is email and I'm looking at either the new BB 6210 or upgrading this iPaq to the 5450 if I can find an acceptable keyboard for it. I really like the always on connection of the BB, but there's infinitely more you can do with the PPC. Enough about me, you have your own problems to solve :D

[Janak Parekh]

For what it's worth, an upgrade does indeed rejuvenate oneself, at least from my experience. Since you're not relying on your iPaq, perhaps a Pocket PC 2003 purchase will be in order.

That said -- even when I'm not obsessed with my PPC, I still use it daily as an organizer. Do you?

--janak

[ombu]

I've been feeling the same lately, but not PDA performance related, and just ordered a 1910 to refresh my soul but it healed me for a few hours only.

Twice in my life time, now I remember when calc passion went off after the HP 41CX was out.

Is this market reaching maturity? Maybe, I badly need new features (s/w and h/w) to feed my passion, do I need a doctor too? :(

Regards.

[The Yaz]

I understand how you feel, but I believe that the old adage "You get out what you put in" is relevant for your situation.

When was the last time you searched websites for new themes, games, or other programs? Any system will become stale if you don't freshen it up once in a while.

Also look to expand your pda's capabilities. You noted that you listened to music and played games on your handheld, but have you tried viewing video on it? There are some excellent programs you can install (pocket tv) or sites to download videos to play on Media Player (bmwfilms).

You can also get other accessories to enhance your pda without breaking the bank. I'm currently looking to purchase a compact flash FM radio so I have one less gizmo to carry to and from work. This card sells for <$50.

The truth is, while my pda still does all of the pim stuff I need to work successfully, it has become more of a personal entertainment system. When I take the train to and from work each day I can play a game, read a book, listen to music, watch some short films, and soon listen to my favorite radio stations.

I wish you luck getting your passion back. If it takes a new pda to do it good for you. I find that my Audiovox Maestro can do the job, provided I keep getting larger SD and CF cards as the memory gets filled up. 8)

[disconnected]

For me, maybe the coolness factor has worn off a little, but I've settled into what I really use it for (reading ebooks and playing simple time-killing games), and do less of what I'd originally thought I'd be doing with it (away-from-the-house internet access). Reading is an ingrained habit, from way before PPC, and now that I can read even where it's too dark for regular books (restaurants particularly), and can carry as many books as I want so that I never find myself without something to read, I can't imagine ever giving up this convenience.

I'm still looking forward to the day when the whole internet experience is less cumbersome -- maybe a higher resolution screen, better PIE, and a bluetooth phone from Sprint will all happen someday, although I'm no longer holding my breath.

[MonolithicDawgX]

I think part of me has been waiting for Smartphone, but not just that, real wireless data connectivity (I travel a lot). I've been debating getting a new device, but the problems I have with my 38xx I am so used to, I don't know if they bother me anymore. I do use my iPaq daily for e-mail and organizer functions, but due to my company's wonderful (I can't find the "dripping with sarcasm" emoticon) department's set-up of a Syncrologic/Lotus Notes e-mail fix, I have had a hard time getting to synch with my home computer anymore, and haven't had the desire to fix that either, but that also means I haven't had any off-line content. I just don't have the energy to get everything working. A new unit, or even new programs can't fix that malaise, I don't think.

Also, when I travel I now rent DVDs and watch them on my laptop rather than try to find content to download to my PPC. It is a bigger screen, and even though the start-up time is longer, my flights lately have been long enough to watch a movie or more, and so I don't even get to the music I put onto my iPaq until the last few minutes before the dreaded "please turn off all electronic devices" warning (which still bothers me in today's age that no one has analog phones or uses anything interfering with airplanes anymore in today's digital age, or the airlines have done a really bad job at shielding their instruments, which scares the bejeezus out of me!). I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!

[bdegroodt]

For what it's worth, an upgrade does indeed rejuvenate oneself, at least from my experience. Since you're not relying on your iPaq, perhaps a Pocket PC 2003 purchase will be in order.



Janak! Are you holding out on us? What do you know?

[Janak Parekh]

Janak! Are you holding out on us? What do you know?
Nothing, actually. Steve and I are the only two non-NDA site admins, so it's not like we know anything. However, I can say that the next Pocket PC I'd love to upgrade to would be an SPH-i700 (or is it SCH-i700?) under Verizon -- but the PPC2003 wildcard is making it tough to make up my mind.

Sorry ;)

--janak

[Crystal Eitle]

I'm currently looking to purchase a compact flash FM radio so I have one less gizmo to carry to and from work.

Wow! Cool! Let us know how it works out.

[nickl]

How about a Compact Flash TV receiver?

[MonolithicDawgX]

How about a Compact Flash TV receiver?

If I could get TV, maybe, but again, when will we have (affordable) wireless streaming video where I don't have to stand next to a Starbucks and pay more for access? I want to walk down the street, ride in my car or rental, sit in an airport, etc. and find something interesting, rather than the same CNN Airport News or whatever the local restaurant I go into has on (please not another Jerry Springer!).

And I have changed themes, games (I actually like this new pocket billiards, but again, most PPCs are not good gaming devices!). I wonder if there is a PPC depression syndrome? Maybe there is Pocket Prozac?

Now I read on the first page of PPC thoughts that no one is buying the PDA/Phones. That means the phone company will fail at something else and we will have to pay more for just basic phone service to pay off their failure? UUUGGGGHHHH!!!

[shawnc]

I'm at a crossroads as well. My primary use for my PPC is email and I'm looking at either the new BB 6210 or upgrading this iPaq to the 5450 if I can find an acceptable keyboard for it. :D

BD,

What is the BB 6210? Sounds like an interesting device.

[bdegroodt]

I'm at a crossroads as well. My primary use for my PPC is email and I'm looking at either the new BB 6210 or upgrading this iPaq to the 5450 if I can find an acceptable keyboard for it. :D

BD,

What is the BB 6210? Sounds like an interesting device.

BB=BlackBerry sorry.

[nickl]

OK, this is going to sound very heretical, but maybe all you people who are having PPC depression are realizing something very important -- that a pocket PC exists to complement life -- not be the basis for it. Tired of the Axim? The iPaQ? The Jornada? Turn it off, go outside, and breathe some fresh air.

[bdegroodt]

OK, this is going to sound very heretical, but maybe all you people who are having PPC depression are realizing something very important -- that a pocket PC exists to complement life -- not be the basis for it. Tired of the Axim? The iPaQ? The Jornada? Turn it off, go outside, and breathe some fresh air.

Everyone relax. I got him! Everything is going to be ok. In spite of best efforts, a rogue slips in from time to time. He'll meet his fate. :wink:

[MonolithicDawgX]

OH MY GOSH!! WHERE IS IT??!!!?? :shocked!:

[Brad Adrian]

...that a pocket PC exists to complement life -- not be the basis for it...
[Fingers in ears] La! La! La! La! La! La! La! I'm not listening!!!!!

[nickl]

Now wait a sec ... you all know I spend lots of my precious time in here ... I'm just posing a possible source for the depression part. We all know about the exhilaration part.

[dochall]

Actually I know how you feel but I put it down to a 3870 issue rather than a pda issue.

I have contstantly had the bt, backlight, alarms not playing issue. I didn't get a 3970 (xscale non-performance, not enough of a jump for me in terms of just screen - if i had realised that it fixed the stablity issues I would have jumped). Then came the 5450 but by that time I started to look to PPC2K3 and after some unfortunate personal experiences with Compaq with the PPC2k upgrade didn't really want to hope for an upgrade.

So i am stuck using something atm that works 'some of the time' so I am really frustrated as I do use it everday.

[Pony99CA]

Actually I know how you feel but I put it down to a 3870 issue rather than a pda issue.

I have contstantly had the bt, backlight, alarms not playing issue. I didn't get a 3970 (xscale non-performance, not enough of a jump for me in terms of just screen - if i had realised that it fixed the stablity issues I would have jumped). Then came the 5450 but by that time I started to look to PPC2K3 and after some unfortunate personal experiences with Compaq with the PPC2k upgrade didn't really want to hope for an upgrade.
I have a 3870, but I don't have all the problems you do. I have encountered the dim screen occasionally, but not much -- certainly not enough to cause me to want to get rid of it. I have had the Bluetooth stack problems, but I don't use Bluetooth except for testing, so it's not a big deal. I have had the alarms not play sounds, which is a big deal, but that seems to be a general Pocket PC issue, not a 3800 issue.

The worst thing I can say about the 3800 series is the implementation of SD. It is very slow because they implemented it in MMC compatibility mode with a one-bit interface. Even so, SD does seem to work, so it's not that big of a deal.

All in all, my 3870 does more good than bad, and I'm happy with it.

Steve

[DrtyBlvd]

Hmm.

I just bought a Clie. 8O :lol:

I'm actually bored with my ppc - As previous posters erruditely mention - you do finally get into a 'regularity' thing I believe - I struggled with a simillar thing when the Paq came out - it still looks good enough to eat - but it's not going to 'revitalise' my interest in playing with it, is it? So I didn't bow to my desire - quite possibly for the first time in my adult life. :D

However - the Clie - Palm - Now there's something new to be stimulated by, no?

That way not only will I have something new to learn, play with, research, break, repair, etc etc etc, but I'll also reap the rewards of the pleasure of returning to the PPC!

I am looking forward to having first hand knowledge of that which I prefer, rather than an assumption - the reason I bought a PPC, moving from a Psion, was the screen - the sync aspects were a bonus - I was just glad I could see what I was doing finally!

Traitor? Not unless I defect people, not unless I defect :wink: Just researching!

[Evee Ev]

i've got an idea for those pocket pc blues: download kazaa and download all the software that you normally couldn't afford to buy! then you'll be swimming in software heaven!

just a thought.

[ricktakagi]

I feel the same way as the author and think it comes back to the lack of any "wow" factor. I do use my PPC nearly every day but for PIM functions.

I think the new 1940-45 from HP will be a good bump for the faithful. I'm really tired of carrying a Dell axim around. I think it's funny when I hear people say that they actually carry this thing in their pocket, they're shirts must be pulled over to one side all the time.

Design! Design! Design!

Give us something that will have people wondering what it is!


Rick T.

[drop]

OK, this is going to sound very heretical, but maybe all you people who are having PPC depression are realizing something very important -- that a pocket PC exists to complement life -- not be the basis for it. Tired of the Axim? The iPaQ? The Jornada? Turn it off, go outside, and breathe some fresh air.

I can see your point. If we go outside and play for a while, a month later find out Pocket PC 2003 is out and bug-free, PPC can do your laundry now, super battery has been successfully developed and it is only $5, may be we can all be psyched again.

**Predictions are based on coffee, not on facts 0X .

Since I got my Axim in December I spent most of the time finding out what apps, games, devices to buy and where to buy them cheap. Now I have all those, I need to use them.

Seriously, nickl I think you hit on something here. May be I would go to the park this weekend, even though there is no hotspot there.

[bdegroodt]

Seriously, nickl I think you hit on something here. May be I would go to the park this weekend, even though there is no hotspot there.

Depends on the park (http://www.technolosophy.com/projects/bryantpark.html) :D

[docnilay]

Maybe what we need is a paradigm shift. Somehow, get the PPC to be more important in our lives, more essential? I'm thinking my 1910 bores me because it works as its supposed to, no surprises, etc. (Which, I guess, is a good thing!)

Maybe if there were a way, when you sync'd to the net, random new functions and abilities were somehow incorporated into the PPC. Say, one morning you get up and find your iPaq at the kitchen counter, making your coffee! Wouldn't that be great!? (Oh, wait, first it would have to grow legs and arms...)

well... one can always dream of a true Personal Digital Assistant! and not just a PIM. :lol:

- Nilay

[drop]

Seriously, nickl I think you hit on something here. May be I would go to the park this weekend, even though there is no hotspot there.

Depends on the park (http://www.technolosophy.com/projects/bryantpark.html) :D

Best of both worlds!

:robot:

[Thinkingmandavid]

I think it gets boring after a while becauseof limited functionality. Not every ppc is a take all, there is always something missing.
1910 small, but no cf slot-less ram-less battery-no built in bt or wi fi
axim is too thick
ipaq to me is boring-i guess because i have seen it so much
toshiba-the 740 was ok, but the 750 looks cool but not much for the shape, etc
I particularly have always wanted more viewable screen. It seems they all have so much of the same thing that it is boring to me. nothing that is really standing out.
once you get used to one it is great because of access to info, names, files, etc.
I look at different pda's and think, wow, a combo of all of this would be great in one at a reasonable cost. Not at a cost because it is new crap.

[JonnoB]

i've got an idea for those pocket pc blues: download kazaa and download all the software that you normally couldn't afford to buy! then you'll be swimming in software heaven!

just a thought.

an evil thought (IMO).... That virus ridden Kazaa software is nothing but a way to steal other's hard work in most uses. Most developers don't make much on what they build. Compared to desktop software, the $5-$20 paid for software is small. Kazaa is cool technology and I would never ask it to be shut down, but that people use it ethically.

[Steven Cedrone]

i've got an idea for those pocket pc blues: download kazaa and download all the software that you normally couldn't afford to buy! then you'll be swimming in software heaven!

just a thought.

an evil thought (IMO).... That virus ridden Kazaa software is nothing but a way to steal other's hard work in most uses. Most developers don't make much on what they build. Compared to desktop software, the $5-$20 paid for software is small. Kazaa is cool technology and I would never ask it to be shut down, but that people use it ethically.

I was really hoping no one would touch that post...:twak: :wink:

Steven Cedrone
Community Moderator

[Pony99CA]

i've got an idea for those pocket pc blues: download kazaa and download all the software that you normally couldn't afford to buy! then you'll be swimming in software heaven!

just a thought.
an evil thought (IMO).... That virus ridden Kazaa software is nothing but a way to steal other's hard work in most uses. Most developers don't make much on what they build. Compared to desktop software, the $5-$20 paid for software is small. Kazaa is cool technology and I would never ask it to be shut down, but that people use it ethically.
I was really hoping no one would touch that post...:twak: :wink:

I would have, if JonnoB hadn't. :razz: I assumed it was a joke (but you never know).

I'd be very leery of software that I downloaded from any file sharing service -- that's an excellent way to pass around a Trojan horse. "Hey, kiddies, I just cracked Office 2002's activation scheme. Download it now as warez. (I swear it won't erase your hard disk -- promise!)"

If you think it couldn't happen on a Pocket PC, you're wrong. In case you didn't know, it's possible to hard reset a Pocket PC via software. Anybody want to download my cracked version of Snails? BWAHAHAHAHA

Steve