Should i buy dell axim x30 at 600MHz or shoud i wait for VGA models?

[gomi]

Question open to anyboby! All welcome ;) I had an ipaq 3850 before, but it's totally broken, so i am wondering if buying an axim x30i or wait a while for new models comming up.

[The Yaz]

A fully loaded X30 is currently listed for under $300USD before taxes and shipping making it tempting from a power and price perspective.

Since you had a 3850 before, I'm assuming you have SD cards for added storage which the X30 can still utilize.

The only factor the X30 does not have is the VGA screen. It's the crux of your question and you're the only one who can answer it. From users who have the Toshiba E800, they rave about the clarity and the ability to gain screen space for web browsing and document reading.

It may be the one factor that makes a new pda worthwile for some users, but you will be paying $100s more for that feature.

If it were up to me, VGA is not a necessity yet. I can do everything on my two-year old Maestro but its weakness is the slower processor and poor battery life. I'm used to seeing everything in QVGA, so I don't miss having a better resolution.

Get me a faster processor and improved battery life at a good price and I'll be happy.

So if you think having the VGA capability is important to you, save your money and wait for them to come out. If not, choosing an X30 is not a bad choice and I think you will be happy with it.

Steve 8)

[maximus]

Well, when VGA is widely available, there will be another new feature on PPCs, like the upcoming 800mhz processor with hyperthreading, megapixel camera with minioptical zoom, etc. The wait will never end. Carpe diem, seize the day, buy things that you wanted today ! (as long as it does not hurt your saving plan, of course) :)

[timmer]

Its not quite as simple as Maximus puts it for some of us.

I too was in a similar position but couldnt wait and bought a IPaq 4150 (didnt need the extra processor power). I have since seen the Toshiba's VGA screen and it has now become a neccessity to have VGA. I dont like the Toshiba but will probably buy the hx4700 or Asus A730 (probably A730 as I'm going off HP). The screen sucks on the 4150 compared to the Toshiba and as I watch films a lot on my PPC this is a big problem.

The problem is that I will lose money on selling the 4150 which means I have effectively spent even more on my VGA PPC. I have also bought screen protectors and extended battery for my 4150 - more money wasted.

I urge you to take a look around at all the available devices. Try and get a look at the Toshiba E800 to get an idea on how important VGA may be to you. Take your time and dont rush in to a decision. I did and I will pay the price (literally).

In the UK the hx4700 will sell for about £400.

The 4150 cost me £239 and I will probably get around £160 for it.
The extended battery cost me £40 and will probably get £20 for it.
The screen protectors cost me £20 - they are all used (as I had trouble getting them on) so probably cant sell them.

Taking all this loss into account, the hx4700 would really be costing me £519

See what I mean. Be very certain of what you want before you buy. Make sure you dont want or need VGA before buying the X30.

[PetiteFlower]

Depends what you want it for I guess. But if you are PDA-less now, I'd say don't wait--lack of organization is a dangerous disorder!

VGA isn't a big deal to me, but maybe if I was going to use it for watching a lot of videos I might think it was more important.

[Kowalski]

i think VGA resolution adds nothing in functionality. just good looking, so if you dont mind the screen to be clear, and the icons be smoother, than go for x30

[Jereboam]

i think VGA resolution adds nothing in functionality. just good looking, so if you dont mind the screen to be clear, and the icons be smoother, than go for x30

Specific functionality no.

But VGA web browsing? Plus. Virtually see the web page as intended.
Document viewing (PDF, Repligo). Plus. Clear sharp, full page text.
eBooks? Plus. Sharper text, more on screen, easier on the eyes.
PIM? Plus. View many more tasks, appointments, contacts simultaneously. Have a full task/appointment on just one line rather that it being truncated or occupying two lines or more...
Video? Plus. Already discussed.

I think VGA is vital, and with a few years all mainstream PPCs will be VGA or better. The choice you have to make is whether to wait for it to become mainstream, or be an early adopter and pay the higher price now...

J'bm