Will you next PDA be an Ipaq?

[rpommier]

I've had a good run with HP/Compaq so far, 525, 565, 3955, currently 2210. However, after looking at what's on the horizon, I'm not very impressed, especially if the prices are accurate.

No VGA, no sleeves, most with no CF slot and no real innovation. Meanwhile I'm looking at Asus and Dell and see some sensible PDA's. While the Axim isn't VGA it certainly is very affordable when compared to a 4155. The upcoming Asus will have VGA plus a CF slot with just about the same form factor as a 4155.

HP charges a premium for the Ipaq and now they deliver nothing compelling to justify the price. I really don't see myself replacing my 2210 with anything from HP.

[Kacey Green]

You need a maybe option in that poll, anyway, hp will have a VGA device out, dell doesn't currently, they will if they want to stay competitive.

[AMelis]

Sleeves really should be obsolete shortly. Sleeves served an expansion purpose that is probably no longer needed. And while CF is still cheaper, SD is fast catching up. Why hang on to obsolesence? :devilboy:

[Zack Mahdavi]

You need a maybe option in that poll, anyway, hp will have a VGA device out, dell doesn't currently, they will if they want to stay competitive.

I don't think 90% of the Pocket PC community actually cares about VGA screens. Maybe I'm wrong, but considering the fact that most people buy a Pocket PC for PIM applications, I can't see how a VGA screen would be a deciding factor.

Then again, I may be wrong.. :)

[jpjehu]

VGA is huge in my opinion because it will completely alter the clarity of everything, not to mention be great for picture viewing, excel page optimization, web surfing, etc. To stay at QVGA while palm os units have had 50% better pixelation for quite some time seems foolish IMO. Plus - the options would be considerably better for future games and even PIM apps. I think a lot more can be done with 4x's the resolution - at least that's what I'm looking forward to. I've almost converted to a clie numerous times because the resolution difference is that important to me, but I quickly came to my senses...

[Jon Westfall]

Until HP gets a nice converged device, no ipaq for me :(

[rpommier]

You need a maybe option in that poll, anyway, hp will have a VGA device out, dell doesn't currently, they will if they want to stay competitive.

I don't think 90% of the Pocket PC community actually cares about VGA screens. Maybe I'm wrong, but considering the fact that most people buy a Pocket PC for PIM applications, I can't see how a VGA screen would be a deciding factor.

Then again, I may be wrong.. :)

VGA is huge to me, in fact I almost jumped ship to a Tungsten T3 or the Clie TH55. The screens are definitely nice on those PDA's and make a really big difference in readability.

I do a lot of reading on my 2210 and there's no doubting the quality of text from a VGA screen. So it's a big deal to me, and I'm sure if someone compares a QVGA device to a VGA device there's no doubting they'll choose the VGA device.

[buckyg]

I would've voted "Maybe" but leaning toward Yes, so I voted Yes. I'm interested in the upcoming VGA model but I do want to see some reviews and then actually try one before I decide to buy it. (OK, I forgot the model # already)

[Jacob]

I'm sure if someone compares a QVGA device to a VGA device there's no doubting they'll choose the VGA device.

Only if the screen is their biggest concern.

I'd easily take a non-VGA device if it was small, portable, fast... like the 4155 is for me.

In fact I don't think I'd even say yes if they made my 4155 a VGA device if it meant making the device larger by any significant amount.

[disconnected]

I voted yes, assuming that the rumored iPAQ with 4" VGA screen and CF slot will really exist.

[arnage2]

ill buy a 4700. vga and dual slots with dual wireless is awsome

[Zack Mahdavi]

I don't think 90% of the Pocket PC community actually cares about VGA screens. Maybe I'm wrong, but considering the fact that most people buy a Pocket PC for PIM applications, I can't see how a VGA screen would be a deciding factor.

Then again, I may be wrong.. :)

VGA is huge to me, in fact I almost jumped ship to a Tungsten T3 or the Clie TH55. The screens are definitely nice on those PDA's and make a really big difference in readability.

I do a lot of reading on my 2210 and there's no doubting the quality of text from a VGA screen. So it's a big deal to me, and I'm sure if someone compares a QVGA device to a VGA device there's no doubting they'll choose the VGA device.

Yes rpommier, I completely agree with you. But I think we and everyone else here at Pocket PC Thoughts are the 10% that crave a VGA screen.

Most everyone else will buy what's cheaper and won't want to spend the extra money for a Pocket PC with a VGA screen, because they wouldn't find a use for it. Some people only use their PDAs for basic contact and appointment management. Sure, you might say that they could also benefit from VGA, but I truly don't think they'd spend the extra money for that benefit.

[Kowalski]

as my signiture states, my next device will definatelly be asus a730!!!
yes hp has good products now, but dell , asus and mitac are even better

[rpommier]

I was looking at the Mitac in a magazine, I've never seen one of those for sale in the US though, the Asus either for that matter.

The Mitac definitely looks good, dual slots, BT & WiFi... I'm waiting to see if Dell makes a VGA Axim anytime soon. Although the a730 would do too if it's under $500 US. The days of $500-$600 PDA's are over for me, nothing over $400 dollars.

[Jeff Rutledge]

I will almost definitely be getting a 6310. Quad-band GSM, WiFi and Bluetooth! No VGA, but you can't have it all I guess (yet!) and Phone is more important to me right now.

[Palmguy]

I was looking at the Mitac in a magazine, I've never seen one of those for sale in the US though, the Asus either for that matter.

The Mitac definitely looks good, dual slots, BT & WiFi... I'm waiting to see if Dell makes a VGA Axim anytime soon. Although the a730 would do too if it's under $500 US. The days of $500-$600 PDA's are over for me, nothing over $400 dollars.

The days of a sub $400 VGA PPC aren't here yet, and I'm not quite sure why you said HP wasn't coming out with a VGA iPAQ...

But yes, as soon as the 4700 comes out I'll be picking up my next iPAQ.

[Kowalski]

The days of $500-$600 PDA's are over for me, nothing over $400 dollars.
agree with you. there are excellent devices below 400$ range nowadays.
the more you pay doesnt mean the more quality, you only pay for the brand

[ignar]

Most everyone else will buy what's cheaper and won't want to spend the extra money for a Pocket PC with a VGA screen, because they wouldn't find a use for it. Some people only use their PDAs for basic contact and appointment management. Sure, you might say that they could also benefit from VGA, but I truly don't think they'd spend the extra money for that benefit.

Those people better buy a Zire 21. They don't even need a PocketPC.:lol: But, I can see "average" people get interested in pictures and movies running on VGA screen.

For me, VGA is a must for the next upgrade. I will see what Dell will do about VGA and new offerings from Asus. iPaq Explorer will not be my next purchase if rumored price is true.

[Canuck]

I still haven't seen a VGA screen so I can't say that would be the deciding factor. That said I have so many ipaq accesories that as long as they stay smart and make the connections backward compatible, I will be sticking to an ipaq.

The plan is to stick with my 2210 until the replacement for the as yet unreleased 6300 comes out. What do you think... 2years?

[MagicConch]

I bought a PPC only because there was a unit with keyboard/wifi together (plus can do shoutcast). I'd be fine with a Palm or PocketPC that has the same functionality and the same size screen (the ux50 had too small screen for me)

[carphead]

No my next device won't be a ipaq. I'm on my third ipaq (3630, 3975 & 2215) but I ally want a PPCPE and the 6xxx isn't what I want.

The MPX has it all for me including the QWERTY keyboard as I hate T9 and this stupid keyboard in the OS. But my handwriting is to bad for most recognision programs.

I'm also to lazy to carry 3 devices (Phone, Ipaq and Ipod). I like the idea of being able to combine the first to into one (Don't take away my ipod!!!).

VGA is not a concern for me. I don't want to pay the size premium for the larger screen. For the integrate GGSM and Keyboard Yes but not the screen

[Kowalski]

(Don't take away my ipod!!!).
why not? throw a microdrive in your CF slot and dont you have enough room for your files?

[ignar]

VGA is not a concern for me. I don't want to pay the size premium for the larger screen.

VGA screen is not necessarily larger than current ones though. There are mixed reports about the size of upcoming hx4700. I wish it has 4", but some source says it will have 3.5".

[dh]

My next "PDA" is going to be one of three things:

1. A smartphone - none of the current ones, but maybe a future version of the Treo. I like the integration of the Treo 600, but there are too many things missing to make it really attractive for me. A Symbian smartphone might be a possibility as well. I didn't like the P800, but things do seem to be getting better.

2. An improved Zaurus. There seems to be the chance that a C960 is going to appear with faster processor, 256MB ROM/RAM and BT/WiFi. If that happens, my C860 might be headed to eBay.

3. OQO or (more appealing to me) FlipStart. (I know it's not really a PDA, but for me it could be a PDA and laptop replacement which would be rather nice).

Looks as though there are going to be quite a few interesting devices coming to market over the next 6 - 12 months. I think the last 12 months was pretty boring for new stuff, so it's about time.

[rpommier]

screen size isn't important to me, it's the resolution I would get from a VGA screen that I like. The Tungsten T3 and Clie TH55 screens look wonderful.

The only thing keeping me from Palm is the lack of software. There aren't any NewsReaders and I like Egress RSS reader too much to switch a Palm right about now.

[Don't Panic!]

Dude, I'm getting a Dell! I've always wanted to say that. :rock on dude!:

Don't Panic!
Bobby

[apanther28]

I think that the days of the PDA are numbered. Smartphones are going to take great leaps and the stand alone PDA will be extinct. I get tired now of carrying around a Laptop, PDA, Cellphone and all of the chargers, and accessories for each.

If the prices for PDAs contine the way they're going, I could upgrade my laptop. Why do people pay 500.00 for a portable DVD player when they can get a good laptop for 750.00 after rebates!?. The same debate will follow suit for PDAs. Phones are going to be able to do it all, and not look like small houses, as they do now.

[ignar]

I think that the days of the PDA are numbered. Smartphones are going to take great leaps and the stand alone PDA will be extinct. I get tired now of carrying around a Laptop, PDA, Cellphone and all of the chargers, and accessories for each.


You can argue the other way. I think that the days of the mobile phones are numbered. Smartphones are going to take great leaps and the stand alone phones will be extinct. 8)

Seriously though, I am using a Treo 600 and know the convenience of one device. But, this PDA is dead talk bothers me a lot. I myself consider Treo 600 as a PDA with a phone feature add-on, not the other way around.

[bnycastro]

How do I vote?

Anyway I'll vote yes.

Other ppc's may be cheaper and yes they may have the same specs, but do they have the customer service to back this up? Dell, Asus, Mitac, etc etc may offer good ppc's but their cs just isn't present here in the Philippines. Come to think of it I haven't even seen a DELL PPC here yet... a few Mitacs and an Asus maybe, in one store (I think these are parallel imports) I don't think PPCs are big here... yet.

Even if hp's iPAQs cost more I get the sense of security that my PPC would work and if not they'd replace it (atleast as long as it is in warranty), trust me I've tried it... I bought my iPAQ 2210 in hong kong 7/2003 I had it replaced here in the Philppines 4/2004 because the side grips got broken and a bit fell inside (nothing else is wrong)... I just showed them my reciept and in two days I got a brand new iPAQ... now that is what I call good CS. Which sadly none of the other manufacturers offer here.

[Chris Spera]

I voted no.

Three letters: MPx... :rock on dude!:

[Vidge]

screen size isn't important to me, it's the resolution I would get from a VGA screen that I like. The Tungsten T3 and Clie TH55 screens look wonderful.

The only thing keeping me from Palm is the lack of software. There aren't any NewsReaders and I like Egress RSS reader too much to switch a Palm right about now.

There is a wonderful newsreader - HandRSS - that I use on my T3. I haven't looked at Egress RSS (but I'm off now to track it down) - have been using Pocket RSS on my defective X30 (getting a 4155 tomorrow - the Dell goes back Monday)

[Andrew]

I think Id like a maybe option too - Im not so much worried about having a phone integrated or keyboard to be honest, I most input the bulk of my data via the laptop and on the ipaq itself I mainly just view that information. For the few minor changes I need to make on the go, the keyboard is enough, and for meetings I use transcribe and other than not having much space to write, its ok.
What I really would like in my next device is 128MB Ram, a VGA screen, SD slot, BT and WiFi and a form factor about the size of the 19XX or 4XXX series. I too since the beginning have stuck with hp, Ive had the 3630, 3660, 3870 and now the 5450, but I do have to admit that my eyes are starting to wander when I see some of the current PDAs out there. If I can find one that meets my requirements, then regardless of the manufacturer I will probably get it.

Andrew