Pocket PC Phone vs Smartphone or just forget it

[csterns]

I'm intrigued by the idea of a SmartPhone or PocketPC Phone and would ultimately like to converge my PocketPC and phone. But in doing so I feel I'd be losing something in the trade which is where maybe someone here can either point me in the right direction or could shoot me :lol: and put me out of my misery so that I can stop agonizing over this decision.

Here's what is throwing me for a loop on converting to a SmartPhone:

1) No mapping program. I use Mapopolis and its a must for my work.
2) No note taking. I use Notes and BugMe to take quick notes; names or phone numbers.
3) Mileage and expense reporting.
4) No Bluetooth to use wireless headset.

Here's what is throwing me about converting to a PocketPC Phone.

1) Its bigger and bulker than a SmartPhone but I could live with it.
2) No Bluetooth for using a headset.
3) What's the latest versions? Are they supporting 2003? Is the RAM decent?

From what I can gather I am most likely a candidate for a PocketPC Phone given the parameters I need. The only thing I see having to give up would be the Bluetooth. Then again, why not just keep what I've got; a HP2215 and Sony Ericsson T616 and forget about converging.

[Dave Beauvais]

I use an iPAQ h5455 and an old StarTAC mobile phone. I wish my carrier -- Sprint PCS -- would release a Bluetooth-enabled phone sometime in the next decade or two. I still prefer separate devices but can think of many times I've wished my iPAQ had cellular access to the 'net. To me, a Bluetooth phone would be ideal.

[xendula]

T mobile offers at least one BT phone (triband) in the US. The Sony Ericsson T610. Strangely enough, it does not mention BT on their website (http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=191405&class=phone) but it does have it.
I just got mine today (not in the States, but does it matter?) and actually don't like it too much - yet? I would go for either a "dumb" phone and a PPC OR a PPC Phone Ed, but would avoid "smart" phones.
Mine (over here it is considered a smart phone) is really slow in loading stuff and it does a lot of what a PPC does, but in a very limited way. No wonder with only 2MB on board.[/quote]

[brices21]

Check out the XDA II. Not available yet in the states(but hopefully T-mobile will use it, as they have the original XDA I now).

I'm currently using a T610 and iPAQ2215. I can't wait to make the switch to 1 device, however, I've been waiting for the XDA II running Windows Mobile 2003, as it will have the hardware and software features I find essential(BT, pIE, Media Player 9, SDIO, etc)

Check out the XDA II http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/4066.html

On a side note, T-mobile will be releasing an official upgrade for current Pocket PC phone edition(XDA I), so at least that fixes the software side, but the XDA II will be much better for both hardware and software.

[csterns]

brices21 - great tip. That looks like just what I need and 128 RAM! and BT. Looks like it will be out before Christmas but through T-Mobile. Can I get it unlocked? Does it have a SIM card where I can slide my Cingular SIM chip in? It doesn't say anything about cost, any clue?

I've printed out the article and have it hanging on my wall in anticipation.

[Candygogo]

T mobile offers at least one BT phone (triband) in the US. The Sony Ericsson T610. Strangely enough, it does not mention BT on their website (http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=191405&class=phone) but it does have it.

There's also the Nokia 3650--it's bluetooth and triband as well. It's a great phone.

[Thinkingmandavid]

T-Mobile offers three bt phones.
Cingular has two,mmm i believe
get the phone unlocked and cingular will get you a sim card with a contract of one year. and you only have to do one year.