New Pocket PCs from HP and Dell, and is Bluetooth Dead or Not?

[Jason Dunn]

The big news of the past week is that Dell has released the Axim X3 Pocket PC, and although it doesn't come in at the sub-$200 USD price point like I had hoped it would, the $239 price-point isn't bad at all. The X5 continues to hold out at $199, so I don't think we'll see the X3 drop in price to $199 until the X5 fades away. HP officially released their <a href="http://estore.shopplex.com/app/storefront.aspx?cat_id=162&inv_id=30929135006593&modid=30214092059015&aid=5">4100</a> and 4300 series iPAQ Pocket PCs, and while they're much more expensive at $449 and $499 respectively, they offer more excitement than the Dell X3. The <a href="http://estore.shopplex.com/app/storefront.aspx?cat_id=162&inv_id=30929135020125&modid=30214092059015&aid=5">iPAQ 4300 will have a built-in keyboard</a>, which opens up a whole new paradigm for the device if you pair it with an Exchange 2003 server - instant Blackberry killer. By combining WiFi, Bluetooth, and the size of the 1900 series iPAQ into one, this may be the ultimate Pocket PC. Of course, not everyone is 100% happy - people also want 128 MB of RAM. You can't please everyone I guess. ;-)<br /><br />We've also had some lively discussions this week, the most notable being the issue of whether Bluetooth is dead or alive. Most people commenting seem to feel Bluetooth is alive and well, but I still believe that it's gasping for breath, and while it's not dead yet, Bluetooth needs one simple thing: built-in drivers and basic functionality from the Windows OS level. Until that happens, Bluetooth on the Windows side of things will continue to be a haphazard and generally ugly experience. Some vendors provide solid, easy implementations that make Bluetooth a painless experience for users, and others leave scars that will last for years and drive the user to RF-based solutions instead (like me).<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.pocketpcsummit.com">Pocket PC Summit</a> is next week, and I hope to see you there. See if you can find me! :wink:

[Dom]

Can't wait to get the iPaq ! Afraid that after 2 DELL laptops with keys falling off I'm weary of their brand (the 2nd had keys falling off straight out the box then the hard drive dies 3 weeks later - great door stop though...). Anybody know what the build quality is like on the Dells ? My HP 200LX still works perfectly :)
Dom

[reidme]

I don't see the iPAQ 4300 being a Blackberry killer with only short range connectivity like Wi-Fi (not to mention the size.) The Treo 600, now that's a Blackberry killer.

[GadgetDave]

The iPAQ 4300 will have a built-in keyboard, which opens up a whole new paradigm for the device if you pair it with an Exchange 2003 server - instant Blackberry killer.

Unfortunately, not yet - needs to have built in GPRS. (Frankly, I'm a bluetooth fan, but the killer unit is WiFi/GPRS) -- I'll bet someone will do this in the next 6-9 months ...

Otherwise, this does kill my BB, as long as I'm in the office - but once I leave, the BB is the device more likely to be with me when I'm only carrying one ... :|

[RobertCF]

What a nasty, ugly piece of flotsom! I just don't understand A)why people call those ridiculous chicklet-buttoned things keyboards and B) why someone would WANT one instead of a REAL keyaboard. It makes a PDA ugly and much less than it should be. I can use transcriber much faster than anyone can use those silly "thumbboards". I sincerely hope it doesn't become the norm to take up valuable PDA real estate with these wastes of hardware. And I find the comment that these are "Blackberry killers" frivolous. It's like apples and oranges. Not that I even like or have a use for the Blackberry, but people buy them for the specific reason they are made. People buy the PDA for what PDAs are meant to do. People who only need what a Blackberry does will continue to buy them and not waste their money on a PDA. And the only way a PDA would encroach upon that territory is if the network was as ubiquitous. Let the Blackberries have their little toy.

The consumers, and the industry, just can't seem to make up their minds what they want--there is no such thing as an "ultimate PDA". To have that, you'd have to have a consistent inclusive list of requirements that all, or nearly all, consumers want in a PDA. And, on top of that, you'd have to have the support mechanisms in place--infrastructure. Bluetooth is only useful for shortrange and as has been stated manufacturers can't even get on the same page as to implementation. WiFi is laughable until it's at LEAST as pervasive as cell phones--in our area of Texas there are at 5 cell companies and zero WiFi capability (unless you happen to drive by someone's home and their home wireless net is not secured). And even then, cell coverage is sporadic at best once you get outside the cities. Unlike Europe, which is overpopulated and extremely dense, the U.S. still has huge amounts of open space (thank God for that). Communications companies still have a long way to go before anyone can offer "connect anywhere" service, especially reliable data service.

It's fantastic all this competition is breeding newer, faster, better technology, but some of these things they're coming up with are just unfathomable--and the hype surround them is equally unbelievable.

[jaja_75]

but the killer unit is WiFi/GPRS)

It's also a battery killer unit. :mrgreen:

[Dom]

And I thought I was the only ranter LOL. there is no such thing as an "ultimate PDA... Anybody beg to differ ;0) Mine is a PocketPCPhone HP1910 but even smaller with optional plug in keyboard :)

[Kati Compton]

What a nasty, ugly piece of flotsom! I just don't understand A)why people call those ridiculous chicklet-buttoned things keyboards and B) why someone would WANT one instead of a REAL keyaboard. It makes a PDA ugly and much less than it should be.
Well, from my point of view, what if you want to enter something quickly? Or without a flat surface? In those cases, a full keyboard would be inconvenient.

Now mind you, I'd prefer a clamshell design... Oh well.

[Jason Dunn]

I don't see the iPAQ 4300 being a Blackberry killer with only short range connectivity like Wi-Fi (not to mention the size.) The Treo 600, now that's a Blackberry killer.

Oh...right. :oops: I wa assuming connectivity through Bluetooth and a GPRS phone, but you're right, it would need to have GPRS/CDMA on-board for it to be a BB killer. That's what I get for writing my editorials at midnight. :roll:

[entropy1980]

What a nasty, ugly piece of flotsom! I just don't understand A)why people call those ridiculous chicklet-buttoned things keyboards and B) why someone would WANT one instead of a REAL keyaboard.

http://www.oldtimecandy.com/images/candypix-pages/chiclets_small.jpg + http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/feature_stories/ipaq.jpg
= PURE JOY!

[Duncan]

I'm almost scared to ask - what exactly are those 'Chiclets'?

[entropy1980]

I'm almost scared to ask - what exactly are those 'Chiclets'?
It's gum here in america! :lol:

[Jason Dunn]

What a nasty, ugly piece of flotsom! I just don't understand A)why people call those ridiculous chicklet-buttoned things keyboards and B) why someone would WANT one instead of a REAL keyaboard. It makes a PDA ugly and much less than it should be.

To that, I can only say that when I had my snap-on keyboard for the HP Jornada 565, I was able to process email and even write part of a chapter for a book, something I was never able to do with transcriber. For me, a built-in keyboard is a huge productivity booster.

Remember your needs are not the same as my needs.

[dh]

I would also be interested in a PPC with some kind of keyboard. However, just hanging it on the botton of the device as done by Hitachi and now HP does not work for me.

Both of these designs look as though the keypad was a complete afterthought and thrown on at the last minute. In both cases the result is a PPC that is just too long. The HP design would be more sensible if the keypad was a seperate piece and you could take it off.

Surely these companies have designers that can be a bit more creative than that. Come to think of it, they don't even need to be creative, just go down the store and buy a Sharp or a Sony. All the design work has been done already. Quick bit of reverse engineering and there ya go!

[JustinGTP]

If PPC manufacturers are still putting BT on their devices, then its obviously NOT dead, thank goodness! :D

-Justin.

[surur]

If PPC manufacturers are still putting BT on their devices, then its obviously NOT dead, thank goodness! :D

-Justin.

What is dead, is Infra-red of course, as manufacturers are increasingly not included anymore

Surur

[robcorn]

If Bluetooth is dead or dying, would some please pick up the phone and call Acura, Audi, Daimler-Chrysler, BMW and Saab and let them know? These 5 manufacturers, and possibly more, have or are introducing Bluetooth in their automobiles.

So, from my vantage point of an automotive and technology enthusiast, Bluetooth is alive and kicking...don't bury it yet.

[Duncan]

I watched a TV program tonight recorded at the Stuff Live exhibition (a major UK new gadgets/electronics showcase). Just for the hell of it I counted mentions of the word Bluetooth as they came up, and the number of Bluetooth enabled products mentioned, in the 23 minutes of air time. 20 mentions of the word (nearly one per minute) and nine products. Not bad for a dead or dying technology eh?! 8)

[freitasm]

The iPAQ 4300 will have a built-in keyboard, which opens up a whole new paradigm for the device if you pair it with an Exchange 2003 server - instant Blackberry killer.

Unfortunately, not yet - needs to have built in GPRS. (Frankly, I'm a bluetooth fan, but the killer unit is WiFi/GPRS) -- I'll bet someone will do this in the next 6-9 months ...


Not far away really. Texas Instruments (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=1625) is the company behind the Bluetooth/wi-fi combo HP is using on the new Pocket PCs. And it's the same company who a month before bringin the BT/wi-fi announced the Wanda. It's not long before HP or other company picks Wanda and put it on a Pocket PC.[/b]

[Balsky]

I really have no clue what all that "Bluetooth is dead" business is all about. I use Bluetooth about 10 times a day. Wether I check out my email when not at my desktop, synchronise with my desktop, browse the web on my couch whith pass-through internet access from my desktop, write SMS messages (Simple SMS) because I find using fitaly for typing SMS messages is much easier or check my bank account balance with it.

Or I send a new contact to my S55 that I created on my PPC. If someone says that Bluetooth is dead then it really has nothing to do with me. Without it, everything would be cumbersome and it would take too long.

Also, the connection is stable. I rarely have any problems, except maybe once in a while when I browse the web with pass-through and the connection is terminated. That happens rarely though. As far as the communication with my mobile phone goes it's flawless.

-Balsky.

[SassKwatch]

.....when I had my snap-on keyboard for the HP Jornada 565, I was able to process email and even write part of a chapter for a book, something I was never able to do with transcriber. For me, a built-in keyboard is a huge productivity booster.

I have no doubt the chiclet keyboards could increase productivity over Transcriber or any of the other screen based input methods. But every time I see one, there's a flashing red 'RSI' alarm go off in the back of my head.

Since you've described some of your experiences with RSI in the past, I'm just curious if you've noticed anything of this nature with heavy use of chiclet devices.(?)

[JustinGTP]

-Justin.

[microchasm]

Bluetooth will definitely stay around.

This is a great wireless feature. It enables smaller PPCs paired with cell phones; laptops/Tablet PCs with integrated Bluetooth can connect to cell phones and Smartphones for that wireless connection we always seem to need in the damnest places.

Smartphones will definitely benefit with an easier way to connect to a laptop or Tablet PC with a Bluetooth connection. This will enable use of the phone as a wireless connection in areas where WiFi isn't available. We are already starting to see more mobile scenarios as a result of these kind of product "pairings" (tongue-in-cheek choice of words :-)

[Thinkingmandavid]

No kidding, ANOTHER THREAD ABOUT BLUETOOTH!!!!!!! :? 8O :roll:
OK, check this out :!: http://www.bluetooth.com/ a site about blue tooth that is useful and keeps tabs on what is going on in the bluetooth industry.

[Ed Hansberry]

No kidding, ANOTHER THREAD ABOUT BLUETOOTH!!!!!!! :? 8O :roll:
OK, check this out :!: http://www.bluetooth.com/ a site about blue tooth that is useful and keeps tabs on what is going on in the bluetooth industry.
Yes, an impartial site. When you are done there, head over to http://www.debeers.com/ for a useful site that keeps tabs on diamonds, including how much of your annual salary they recommend you spend on diamond rings for your fiance. Then I am sure http://www.baskinrobbins.com will be more than happy to clue you in on recommended annual ice cream consumption.

[JustinGTP]

-Justin.

[Thinkingmandavid]

yeah no kidding, well I think he is stating the site i recommended is geared towards bt so they are partial to it, like the diamond place, ice cream place. Point is it isnt the only blue tooth site, but I do like that site. so if you are wondering if blue tooth is dead :roll: think again. :wink:
it sounds to me that people on this site are mental about blue tooth.
why not enjoy it :D enjoy the rays from the blue tooth dude :!: 8)
like, let it reflect and let it open up some waves on the information highway! WOW, DID YOU SEE THAT WAVE :?: That is what I am talking about, a blue wave dude, a wave that is catching on with hp in their pamphlets, at meetings, conferences, in cell phone companies and manufacturers. woooow, it is so relaxing the blue light man.

[Duncan]

There is of course David Shier's Bluetooth site - pro-BT BUT from a man who is pro-wireless full-stop and knows his stuff. Can't remember the URL but I'm sure someone will remind us!

[Ed Hansberry]

What the hell are you on Ed?The admin page right now.
There is of course David Shier's Bluetooth site - pro-BT BUT from a man who is pro-wireless full-stop and knows his stuff. Can't remember the URL but I'm sure someone will remind us!
I think it is www.bluetoothnews.com but that isn't coming up for me. Maybe bluetooth is dead? :wink: :lol: Then again, could just be a DNS issue.

[Steven Cedrone]

I think it is www.bluetoothnews.com but that isn't coming up for me. Maybe bluetooth is dead? :wink: :lol: Then again, could just be a DNS issue.

It is www.bluetoothnews.com...

Must be the affects of the solar storm... :twisted: :lol:

Steve

[freitasm]

www.bluetoothnews.com still not working... It's a good site David put there.

One thing to note is that to have a Bluetooth licence (or be a member of the SIG) one has to agree to not to have Bluetooth in the URL name, to avoid confusion.

When I joined the Bluetooth SIG I entered an agreement to hand over my www.bluetoothguide.com to the group (of course not for free), which I've done. I had the domain before joining, because of my "Bluetooth Guides" on Geekzone.

I've updated the DNS to point to their primary DNS servers, but no server on that address (or redirection).

Anyway, they're working with owners of domains with Bluetooth in the name, to try and change them.

[Thinkingmandavid]

well I looked the same day the post went up and nothing, so I am wondering what is going on.