The "Spare Parts" Approach to Device Creation

[Brad Adrian]

I recently spent a considerable amount of time trying to get several of my Pocket PCs all identically configured. Even though they are basically the same, though, there are still situations when I prefer to use one device over another. For example, I like my HP1910 for times when I want to "travel light" and carry a Pocket PC in my shirt pocket, but I also perfer my HP2215 for listening to music or watching movies.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/surgery.bmp" /><br /><br />It occurred to me that my "ideal" Pocket PC isn't waiting for any new technologies to become available, but could be created from all the good features of the various Pocket PCs already released. So, if I could build my own "Frankenstein" device from parts whacked off other Pocket PCs, here's what I would come up with:<!><br /><br />• Wireless phone capabilities from the XDA<br />• WiFi from the Dell X3i<br />• Bluetooth from the HP2215<br />• Screen from the Casio EM500<br />• Left-side scroll button from the HP <br />• SD and CF slots like the HP2215<br />• Game-pad from the Dell X5<br /><br />What do you think? What would your "Frankenstein Pocket PC" look like?

[LightMan]

I would add :
- flip cover (like the HP Jornada 54x or 56x series)
- gaming performance of the Asus a620
- VGA screen (like the Toshiba e805)
- I haven't seen the screen of the Casio EM300, but in terms of colours/contrast, the best screen I've seen so far was that of my previous Ipaq 1910 ... it was SO sharp in all aspects.
- form factor of the Ipaq 19xx or 41xx series (yeah, I know this is pushing it, but while we're at it ... :D )

[Mike Temporale]

Easy...

Start with an iPaq 4150, add the following:

- Wireless phone capabilities from the XDA
- hide-away keyboard from sharp zarus

I would like a camera in there too, but so far I haven't found any amazing embedded cameras. So I think it has to stay out of my device until I find just the right one.

:mrgreen:

[AppleMac]

I would get:
-XDA II features
-WiFi from the X3i
-VGA from the E800
-Dual expansion from the 2215
-Integrated stowaway keyboard
Screw the form factor, give me these features and I'll be happy! :D

[Jeff Song]

I would start with the 4355...

-Integrated CF slot from the 2215
-Wireless Phone capabilities of the XDA II
-VGA screen of the Toshiba e805

The size may get a bit bigger, but if it had all of these capabilities, plus the integrated keyboard, then I'd be in heaven :)

[paris]

Take the 4150 and add the camera/phone feautres of the XDA II without adding to the form factor add a VGA screen like the new toshibas and i will buy 3 :D :D :D

[crwoo]

Case from 41xx
CF + SD from Toshiba E755
Qualiy components from E755
VGA Screen from Toshiba E805
Cell Phone from Samsung
Digital camera from Fuji S602 :D
WIFI + Bluetooth from Ipaq 41xx
Graphic Speed from Asus Mypal ???
GPS from ???
Leather Case from Vaja

[Gen-M]

USB Host from 740
PCMCIA sleeve from 3850
VGA out from 740
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi from multiple
Screen from 1910

[WyattEarp]

To create my Pocketstein PC I'd start with an iPAQ H5555

• 3.8" screen of the H5555
• 128MB of RAM from the H5555
• 128MB of FlashROM from the TDS Recon
• Wifi from the H5555
• Bluetooth from the H5555
• GSM/GPRS phone capability from the XDA
• CDMA phone capability from the Hitachi G1000
• SDIO from the H5555
• CF from the H2215
• Left side scroll from HP5555
• Performance of the Asus A620
• Speaker from the Compaq H3600
• removeable battery from H5555
That's about it for me.

[OSUKid7]

To create my Pocketstein PC I'd start with an iPAQ H5555

• 3.8" screen of the H5555
• 128MB of RAM from the H5555
• 128MB of FlashROM from the TDS Recon
• Wifi from the H5555
• Bluetooth from the H5555
• GSM/GPRS phone capability from the XDA
• CDMA phone capability from the Hitachi G1000
• SDIO from the H5555
• CF from the H2215
• Left side scroll from HP5555
• Performance of the Asus A620
• Speaker from the Compaq H3600
• removeable battery from H5555
That's about it for me.

Sounds like you just described the (rumored) iPaq 6000 series :) Supposedly it'll have GSM/GPRS phone capabilities :) We can always hope lol.

[yunez]

• Game-pad from the Dell X5
are u serious

[nice_micael]

To create my Pocketstein PC I'd start with an iPAQ H5555

• 3.8" screen of the H5555
• 128MB of RAM from the H5555
• 128MB of FlashROM from the TDS Recon
• Wifi from the H5555
• Bluetooth from the H5555
• GSM/GPRS phone capability from the XDA
• CDMA phone capability from the Hitachi G1000
• SDIO from the H5555
• CF from the H2215
• Left side scroll from HP5555
• Performance of the Asus A620
• Speaker from the Compaq H3600
• removeable battery from H5555
That's about it for me.

Plus a screen cover and their you have my dream device.[/list]

[arnage2]

how 'bout this.
Sprint 56k-144k wireless internet.
toshiba e800 vga screen. With palm t3 landscape mode.
ipaq 55xx size.
ipaq 22xx dual expansion.
ipaq 55xx nevo.
ipaq 41xx dual wireless.
Tungsten t and t2 buttons.
zodiac dual batteries.
zodiac speakers.
toshiba 128mb ram, and 32mb or 48mb nand memory.
ipaq 55xx 58mb of rom.
asus a620 speed.
Clie jog dial.
Clie 1.3mp camera.
Clie mp3 player with remote.
Intel xscale @500mhz.
The price would be near $1000

or How about a mmx processor and a win 9x-xp emu.

[Sven Johannsen]

I'm easy. Just add a Jornada style integrated cover to a 4150 and a CF slot and maybe a side scroll. Don't make it any bigger than a 2215 and you have me satisfied. Or you could say add a cover, side scroll, record button and WiFi to the 2215.

I'm more a seperate phone and PPC guy. The phone has to have BT and it wouldn't bother me for it to be a Smartphone.

[Silver5]

Well, some of the possible devices you guys came up with would be enormous! I'll try to just add a little AND still keep it portable!

Take the HP 4155 and fix the quality issues with the yellow screen. Then add GSM/GPRS capability and I'm happy. If they can fit 128Mb RAM as well, that'd be nice.

Which HP had a left side scroll? Most complaints I have with any device have to do with software anyways...

[pdantic]

I already have my perfect "Frankenstein" Pocket PC! It's a stock iPAQ h4150 with my Nokia 3650 Bluetooth phone nearby...

With that combo I have a fast, light Pocket PC with a nice screen, a GPRS connection to the rest of the world when I link the 4150 and the phone together through Bluetooth, a very fast WiFi connection when I'm at home or work, and enough expansion capabilities through the SD slot to keep me happy. When I need it, I can add the HP "thumb board" for the 4150 - the rest of the time I don't have the extra size or weight of the built-in keyboard that comes with the 4350.

Steve

[Brad Adrian]

Of course, size would be an issue, but I've been happy with the size of the 2215. The Axim was a bit large, but it did fit well in my large hands.

I don't understand why most Pocket PCs don't have a rocker/scroll switch. I found it incredibly used on my old Jornada and Casio.

[whydidnt]

As long as we get to play Frankenstein -

Give me the Palm UX-50 Shell, Screen (320 x 480), keyboard, Wi-fi and Bluetooth - then jam the Fast ASUS Pocket PC OS and guts in there with at least 128 MB of RAM, and as long as we are dreaming, figure out how to get me a GSM/EDGE GPRS radio too, so I don't have to drag my cell phone around any more. :lol:

Whydidnt

[jimski]

Lets start with a 2215 and add:
-Wi Fi
-128MB RAM
-Maybe a 640 x 480 screen
-A utility to keep the four application buttons from turing the device on (I actually do carry my "Pocket" PC in my shirt pocket (screen facing out) and often look like ET in dark rooms when my chest lights up.

[Brad Adrian]

I'd forgotten to include a RAM upgrade. About a year ago, I got the 128MB upgrade from PocketPCTechs for my Phone Edition, and it's been great.

[Ramin]

Don't forget Consumer Infrared functionality & the NEVO Remote Control Software from the iPAQ h3900, h5400, h2210 series 8)

And how about a Jog Dial from the Toshiba e740, e750 :)

[Eitel]

-A utility to keep the four application buttons from turing the device on (I actually do carry my "Pocket" PC in my shirt pocket (screen facing out) and often look like ET in dark rooms when my chest lights up.

The 2215 already has an option to disable the application buttons when the unit is off.


My dream PPC is my 4155 with a VGA screen like the new Toshiba and with 128MB of RAM, and I'll bet PPCTechs is already working on this one. :)

[adamz]

Nobody mentioned built in GPS or a nice paint job?
http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=291

:)

My ideal PDA still can't be built. The software needs alot of work. First step is removing the 32 process limitation in Windows CE. The Voice Command software opens the door to alot of improvements as well.
And no PDA phone yet offers an integrated removable Bluetooth headset.

[D.psi]

Okay, for starters use a 2215 form factor, with a minimal width and height increase to accomodate a 4.0" VGA screen. Add Wi-Fi, 128 MB RAM, 64 MB ROM, and 64 MB file store.

Add a flip-over TRANSPARENT cover (a la HP Jornada 420/430 series), hinged on the RIGHT (not the top, need access to those expansion slots :D ). Ensure that all buttons are accessible with the cover in place.

Add a jog dial on the left, and relocate the power switch to the upper left edge (that way you can do some one-handed operations, the old start menu button also helped to do this, but I'm not getting too greedy ;) ).

AND increase the internal battery to something more on the 1400 - 2000 mAh range.

D.psi

[fyiguy]

I would start with the 4355...

-Integrated CF slot from the 2215
-Wireless Phone capabilities of the XDA II
-VGA screen of the Toshiba e805

The size may get a bit bigger, but if it had all of these capabilities, plus the integrated keyboard, then I'd be in heaven :)

I agree, but would also add:

NEVO and CIR
Flip lid and Multiple Button Press of the Jornada 56X
Use dual-axis accelerometers just tilt and navigate(up/down,left/right) and automagically detect landscape or portrait mode when the PPC is rotated.
USB Host/VGA out from the Toshiba line
Switchable standard headphone/Mic Jack to make recordings with a high quality microphone.
128MB with 16MB of Available Flash Safe Store
a WME OS that can run more than 32 processes.
3600Ah extended battery would fit in the OEM standard battery form factor.

Ahh to dream...wouldn't be great to be able to build your dream PPC online...take a few features from here and there... and have price set by the consumers like what is the price you would pay for this... and discounts would apply to volume buys/power buys, so if you get a few thousand friends to agree to a design it could actually become a reality if the parts/modules were pre approved by the FCC,etc......whoops someone pinched me 8O and I woke up...but this would be so cool...

[Sven Johannsen]

Add a flip-over TRANSPARENT cover (a la HP Jornada 420/430 series), hinged on the RIGHT (not the top, need access to those expansion slots :D ).

The 540 and 560 series did a nice job of having a flip up cover that didn't interfere with the slots. It can be done.

[jimski]

-A utility to keep the four application buttons from turing the device on (I actually do carry my "Pocket" PC in my shirt pocket (screen facing out) and often look like ET in dark rooms when my chest lights up.

The 2215 already has an option to disable the application buttons when the unit is off. :)

Really? Never read about this in any of the reviews. I hope HP does not forget to add this option to any future models. The 22XX still needs integrated Wi Fi and 128 MB RAM to make me a believer.

[D.psi]

The 540 and 560 series did a nice job of having a flip up cover that didn't interfere with the slots. It can be done.

Having owned both the 430 and 548, I can vouch for the fact that in my opinion, the 430 solution was better. I will grant that the material had to be thick enough to protect in the 430, but the ability to operate the handheld with the cover in place (phone number lookup, etc...) was great.

The cover also flipped right over so as to lie against the back of the 430 while doing stylus entry. Like I said, if that cover swivelled on the right as opposed to the upper portion of the handheld that would have been as perfect a cover solution as could have been dreamed of.

By comparison, the 54x's screen cover was obviously opaque, and (once the tabs broke off), had the annoying habit of wanting to be in the "down/covering" position at the most unfortunate times. Also when the tabs were broken, then the cover did actually go into the CF slot space.

I can't talk about the 560 series, as I never owned one.

That's just my personal opinon of course.
D.psi