FirstLoox.org: V3.0 Launch! Giveaway! Loox 720 Review!

[marlof]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://firstloox.org/index.php?categoryid=1' target='_blank'>http://firstloox.org/index.php?categoryid=1</a><br /><br /></div>Our friends over at <a href="http://www.firstloox.org">FirstLoox.org</a> today have launched version 3.0 of their excellent site. This wasn't something Duncan carefully planned for a long time, but the benificiary side effect of recovering from an attack by hackers on the old site.<br /><br /><i>"Behind the scenes we have been busy working on a full top-to-toe redesign of the site. The new look of the site is largely due to the sterling graphical work of our resident moderator and logo designer Jorlin. Meanwhile we have a whole set of new sections (a little empty at the moment but not for long) and an upgraded forum."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/marlof-20040813-firstloox30.jpg" /><br /> <br />Next to that, they have a <a href="http://www.firstloox.org/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=30">giveaway</a> where you can win 38 prizes. Ooohhh.... free stuff! And if that isn't enough.... they have a full fledged <a href="http://firstloox.org/index.php?categoryid=8&p2_articleid=25">review</a> of the Fujitsu Siemens Pocket Loox 720. I don't know about you, but of all the newly announced Pocket PCs with a VGA screen, based on the specs alone this was the one I was looking forward to the most. And although Duncan is not afraid to mention the quirks, there's obviously tons of stuff to like. <br /><br /><i>"In a nutshell - I'm impressed. No issues (none of my few niggles are actually dealbreaking issues), no problems, everything has behaved and done exactly as it is supposed to, even the wireless has behaved perfectly. If there are any bugs to be found, they are certainly buried deep."</i><br /><br />Reading the review, so am I (....looks carefully around to see if girlfriend is looking....) I really am. ;)<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/marlof-20040813-loox720.jpg" />

[Wiggster]

Yea, I was browsing this in bed earlier today... definitely has me excited about the new Loox (and I'm trying to find out if Siemens employees will get discounts on them, if so, it's a definite deal). One complaint about the site, though, is that there's no PDA version yet. It's not atrocious on Pocket IE, but it's definitely not friendly.

Thumbs up for FirstLoox.org :clap:

[rzanology]

hmmmm....650 is alot to pay for the new hx4700. How much is this? I might be jumping ship!!!! just need a half a$$ price and im there. Any disadvantages this device has over the 4700?

[Wiggster]

hmmmm....650 is alot to pay for the new hx4700. How much is this? I might be jumping ship!!!! just need a half a$$ price and im there. Any disadvantages this device has over the 4700?

I've been searching, and it seems there's no real official price in USD yet. As far as disadvantages, right now, the only proof would be in numbers, so check out FirstLoox's VGA PPC guide (http://www.firstloox.org/VGAppc.htm). Notice the 4700 has a faster processor and more ROM (less RAM). I think the USB Host of the Loox makes up for that, though...

[jpjehu]

The processor is faster on the 4700 - but does anyone know the benefits of the PXA272 versus the PXA270? Intel makes it sound like the 272 is the stronger unit with some dedicated (?) parts. Also, does anyone have any idea the price, even though there are no USD sites?

[seaflipper]

The processor is faster on the 4700 - but does anyone know the benefits of the PXA272 versus the PXA270? Intel makes it sound like the 272 is the stronger unit with some dedicated (?) parts. Also, does anyone have any idea the price, even though there are no USD sites?

The 720 is going to cost about $720 (funny how that worked). The link posted said it's going to be e579, so thats about $720 if you bought it from Europe.

Fujitsu Siemens might have a different price if they sell in the US directly, but does anyone know if they are going to do that?

[whydidnt]

The Loox would definitely be on the top of my wish list if I thought there was any chance of it being available in the US sometime in the near future.

Big difference between this and the HX4700 is the size. Some will prefer the 4" screen of the HP, while some (like me) will want the smaller form factor of the Loox. The Loox also seems to provide a bit more user accessible memory, even when factoring in the 80 MB file store. However, I'll probably buy the HX4700 since I "think" it will be available sooner. Can always EBay it if I happen upon an opportunity to acquire the Loox.

The new FirstLoox site looks great BTW. :clap:

[marlof]

You might also want to check Expansys. They're probably not very cheap, but they do have their USA store (http://www.expansys-usa.com/d_pocketpc.asp).

[Duncan]

And although Duncan is not afraid to mention the quirks, there's obviously tons of stuff to like.

Ah - an intensive couple of days but yesterday, with three Bluetooth devices connected, listening to stuff being piped into the Loox by my Muvo and from there straight to my BT headset, while connected to the net via BT and GPRS, ActiveSync'ing via BT and downloading a file from the laptop upstairs over WiFi - then just for the hell of it starting to program the remote control and testing the range of the IR... that was just...

Geek paradise...! :D (let's face it - the odds of ever needing to do that in everyday life are slight - but it is so good to know that I *can*).

[Duncan]

The processor is faster on the 4700 - but does anyone know the benefits of the PXA272 versus the PXA270? Intel makes it sound like the 272 is the stronger unit with some dedicated (?) parts. Also, does anyone have any idea the price, even though there are no USD sites?

The 720 is going to cost about $720 (funny how that worked). The link posted said it's going to be e579, so thats about $720 if you bought it from Europe.

Fujitsu Siemens might have a different price if they sell in the US directly, but does anyone know if they are going to do that?

In theory anything bought from Europe (by someone outside of Europe) can be bought without VAT (sales tax of c. 15 - 20%). that would make a dollar equivalent of c. $600

[Jorlin]

Geek paradise...! :D (let's face it - the odds of ever needing to do that in everyday life are slight - but it is so good to know that I *can*).

Really, I am just planning on how I can achieve that state all the time when getting my LOOX... ;)

[SeanH]

The processor is faster on the 4700 - but does anyone know the benefits of the PXA272 versus the PXA270? Intel makes it sound like the 272 is the stronger unit with some dedicated (?) parts. Also, does anyone have any idea the price, even though there are no USD sites?
The PXA270 will run at 312/416/520/624 MHz and it’s a single CPU (one piece of die) in a 365 lead BGA package. The PXA272 is the same CPU used in the PXA270 but it runs at 312/416/520 MHz and has 2 additional pieces of die (2X 256 Mb (64MB total) of Intel StrataFlash) all stacked together in one 336 lead BGA package. I would guess the slower 520MHz is due to the speed of the flash they used in the package.

Intel is stacking die to allow PDA’s and Cell phone to get smaller and smaller. I think it’s a great idea but an easier way is to drop the CF slot for SD/MMC only.

Sean

[johncruise]

I think it’s a great idea but an easier way is to drop the CF slot for SD/MMC only.

They can drop the camera for all I care... but not the CF "for me". A lot of us want dual slot. I don't care if it's both SD or even both CF... but again, "I" want dual slot.

[jpjehu]

I totally agree on the necessity of dual slots, too. I actually prefer a cf n a sd.

[Wiggster]

I can't imagine buying anything except dual slots now. The trouble is, I only have SD cards now. So I might be buying a SD-->CF converter and just use 2 CF cards at once :oops:

[SeanH]

What does everyone use the dual slots for. I can see using one SD/MMC slot for storage, using the built in WiFi for networking and Bluetooth for everthing else. GPS, Modem, Activesync, serial interface, barcode scanner, printer, GPRS internet connection, ect...

I know some people claim they like taking the CF out of ther camera with a 3" screen so they can view the images on there PDA's 4" screen. I do not understand that. All the images on my PDA are resized to 320x240 on the desktop so I can store alot on the SD/MMC card.

The size of the 4150 or smaller is perfect and that can not be done with a CF slot.

Sean

[Duncan]

What does everyone use the dual slots for.

Sean - I seem to recall that you've had this question answered many times before.

I, for example, like to be able to have up to 4GB storage on my device (or even as much as 1GB without have to take out a remortgage to buy an SD card.

Plus - *some* (not all, not by a long chalk) of the things you list can indeed be done with SD - but at greater cost. Also - those of us with dual slots can have one of those peripherals AND extra memory - at the same time...! Then there are the countless thousands of us who still have many CF peripherals that work and do the job...

If you want to prize thinness above functionality - that is your choice - but don't pretend you don't know why others of us have a different view...

[Kati Compton]

What does everyone use the dual slots for. I can see using one SD/MMC slot for storage, using the built in WiFi for networking and Bluetooth for everthing else. GPS, Modem, Activesync, serial interface, barcode scanner, printer, GPRS internet connection, ect...
I use one card for programs (ie, install to the SD card), and that card just stays in the device all the time. The other card is "swappable" (currently my CF card). The "swappable" card is he one that holds MP3s or movies, or other non-critical but desirable entertainment. I made the CF the swappable because it's cheaper to get more space. I currently have a 256MB SD and a 512MB CF. I use the spare area in the SD that isn't used by programs for media/documents I almost always want with me.

I know some people claim they like taking the CF out of ther camera with a 3" screen so they can view the images on there PDA's 4" screen. I do not understand that. All the images on my PDA are resized to 320x240 on the desktop so I can store alot on the SD/MMC card.
My PDA screen is easier to see than my camera's, and running down the batteries in the camera by looking at the pictures is more problematic - I can just plug in the PPC to recharge. My camera uses AA batteries, which has its plusses and minuses.

The size of the 4150 or smaller is perfect and that can not be done with a CF slot.
Although my current camera is CF, I wouldn't object to moving to a dual-*SD* slot device. Since I want a new camera anyway... ;)

If the ROM storage was much bigger (256-512) I could see being okay with the single slot, provided all the I/O things I need are either built-in, or their need is mutually exclusive to my MP3s, etc (ie, I can swap it out and swap in my music).

[johncruise]

What does everyone use the dual slots for.

Same basic reason with Kati.... SD for my programs, CF for my data files.

[SeanH]

Plus - *some* (not all, not by a long chalk) of the things you list can indeed be done with SD - but at greater cost. Also - those of us with dual slots can have one of those peripherals AND extra memory - at the same time...!
My post never mentioned any SD/MMC peripherals. They were all Bluetooth devices that interface with the built in Bluetooth.
Then there are the countless thousands of us who still have many CF peripherals that work and do the job...
There are a lot of examples were people had countless number of devices but had to get rid of the old for newer, smaller, faster, more dense devices. Examples RAM (Fast Page, EDO, SDRAM, DDR1, DDR2), HD (5 ¼ FH, 5 ¼ HH, 3.5, 2.5, 1.8 ), BUS (8 bit ISA, 16bit ISA, VESA Local Bus, PCI, PCI-X, PCI Express), Removable media (5 ¼ floppy (SS, SD, DD) 3.5 floppy, LS-120, CDR, DVDR, USB Thumb drives) Solid State Storage (PCMCI Type I, II, III, CF, SD/MMC, mini SD). I am sure I have thrown a lot of those devices over the years in the garbage because I had to. Change is inevitable with technologies devices like PDAs. Look what happen to cell phones over the last 5 year.

Sean

[SeanH]

Same basic reason with Kati.... SD for my programs, CF for my data files.
As prices continue to drop and densities continue to grow you can combine all your programs and data on to one SD/MMC card. When you want to add MP3’s or video to the card you remove it from the PDA, put it in the PC and transfer the files, then put it back in the PDA. It takes a matter of seconds. You will not be able to run programs while you are transferring the files but again it’s just a few seconds.

Sean

[Kati Compton]

Same basic reason with Kati.... SD for my programs, CF for my data files.
As prices continue to drop and densities continue to grow you can combine all your programs and data on to one SD/MMC card.
Ah, but you forget that the size of programs and the data I need will also expand. I mean, back when people first got their 20MB hard drives, I bet they thought that if they only had two HUNDRED megabytes, they could fit everything they could ever want on the drive. Take a look at games like Gilbert Goodmate - and at some point, there will be bigger programs.

When you want to add MP3’s or video to the card you remove it from the PDA, put it in the PC and transfer the files, then put it back in the PDA. It takes a matter of seconds. You will not be able to run programs while you are transferring the files but again it’s just a few seconds.
And if I'm travelling and don't have the computer with me? Maybe I'd prefer to keep the programs card still in the device, and fit even MORE music or video on the "data" card.

You're still saying why *you* don't think you need dual slot, but I'm afraid you haven't convinced me that *I* don't.

[SeanH]

I am a geek. My laptop is always near by. Even on vacation.

Sean

[Kati Compton]

I am a geek. My laptop is always near by. Even on vacation.
When *travelling*, me too, but swapping a memory card while sitting in coach sandwiched between Mr. Smelly and Mr. Elbows is easier than getting out my laptop, getting out the sync cable, etc etc. Plus, then I'm running down TWO batteries during the transfer.

But even when I'm travelling, I don't take the laptop with me during the day tooling around the city or countryside. I don't (generally) play MP3s off the laptop through a rental car's radio. And if I'm the driver, I can switch cards at a stoplight, but I can't boot up the laptop, plug in my sync cable, etc etc.

[Janak Parekh]

Same basic reason with Kati.... SD for my programs, CF for my data files.
As prices continue to drop and densities continue to grow you can combine all your programs and data on to one SD/MMC card.
Ah, but you forget that the size of programs and the data I need will also expand. I mean, back when people first got their 20MB hard drives, I bet they thought that if they only had two HUNDRED megabytes, they could fit everything they could ever want on the drive. Take a look at games like Gilbert Goodmate - and at some point, there will be bigger programs.
There's never an alternative for Sean. ;)

I agree with you -- note that, for example, we've settled on 3.5" HDs for desktops for many years. 2.5" just hasn't taken off except where space is a premium and we're willing to pay more, i.e., laptops. Similarly, 1.8" hasn't taken off on laptops because 2.5" is an adequate hybrid of size and capacity. We might move to 1.8" sometime in the future, but it's not foreseeable at present.

Despite Sean's arguments, he hasn't made the case (in my opinion) that CF is a non-choice -- I perceive it as a good hybrid. If at some point SD becomes cheaper for the same capacities, then sure, we'll switch over. But we're not there yet.

--janak

[SeanH]

1.8" Did take off. Every Apple iPOD with rotating media has a 1.8" HD in it. I contribute the succes of the iPOD to the 1.8" HD. If it had a 3.5, 2.5 it would have been to large and it would not sell like it did. Smaller is better.

My reference to (HD) was not meant for just desktops. It was all devices that use harddrives. Same with all the other references.

Sean

[Kati Compton]

Despite Sean's arguments, he hasn't made the case (in my opinion) that CF is a non-choice -- I perceive it as a good hybrid. If at some point SD becomes cheaper for the same capacities, then sure, we'll switch over. But we're not there yet.
I'm not even fighting *that* battle, just saying why I want dual slot in my next device.

Even if *someday* I really do have all the program memory I need already included in the device, that day is not today. Until then, dual-slot CF&SD or SD&SD is important to me.

[Janak Parekh]

1.8" Did take off.
Reread my post. It hasn't for laptops. Size is a compromise. CF is obviously too big for small flip phones and Smartphones, but it's debatable for Pocket PCs, especially given the cost-per-MB of SD as it stands today.

--janak

[Jason Lee]

Besides the fact that all my current hardware is CF and it would take more than the price of a second new pocket pc to change some of it over to SD, there are still things that I _need_ for my job that you cannot get in SD yet and probably never will.
The main thing being my 10/100 wired ethernet card. I use my ppc for network and jack testing. With free software I can do what those multi thousand dollar fluke network testers do. There is currently no 10/100 or any wired lan card in SD format. And there probably will never be because wifi is easier.
The second is VGA. I know there are wifi projectors now but I cannot afford one and neither can most places that I have had to borrow one. And usually you have to have the software that came with that projector installed on your device in order for it to work. That can't be done while on the road with your ppc very easily. (I don't take a laptop)
Oh and my digital camera has a 1.8 inch screen so 3.5 is way better for viewing those pictures plus I only have an 8mb CF card in my camera so I copy the files from the CF card to my SD card then can post them to my blog strait from my ppc over bluetooth through my mobile phone.

I personally still need CF. I have been very tempted by many of the new ppcs with only SD, especially the ppcpes.
But in the end I would still want dual slots, one for memory and one for hardware. I install waaaay more apps on my ppc than I probably should but I do use them. There is no ppc on the planet that has enough internal memory for the programs I have installed on my 2215. My internal ram and my 256mb SD card are full now. LOL

But that's just me a ppc power user (maybe even abuser :mrgreen: )

[SeanH]

The main thing being my 10/100 wired ethernet card. I use my ppc for network and jack testing. With free software I can do what those multi thousand dollar fluke network testers do.
Does the software do more then checking the continuity of the 8 wires? If so please post a link for the software. If I installed CAT5+ wire for a living I would own the Fluke test unit that will show how far a short is down the wall. Some of the PHY interfaces from Broadcomm used in Ethernet chip sets offer that functionality but they are not very accurate.

I have seen people post in these groups many times were they claim they use a CF VGA adapter for all there presentations. For a living I give seminars on new semiconductors products from companies like Intel, Mot (Freescale) and TI. Part of my job is to fly out to different locations to train or to be trained. I spend a lot of time at customer sites working with hi tech electrical engineers looking for the latest components for there designs. I also spend time at Intel, Mot, and TI faculties working with Electrical Engineers to learn more about there products. I have been with the company for 15 years doing the same thing. We used to use an over head projector and transparencies when I started. In my entire history working with so many different people I have never seen anyone pull out a PPC with a VGA card and try to give a presentation.

Sean

[Duncan]

I have seen people post in these groups many times were they claim they use a CF VGA adapter for all there presentations. For a living I give seminars on new semiconductors products from companies like Intel, Mot (Freescale) and TI. Part of my job is to fly out to different locations to train or to be trained. I spend a lot of time at customer sites working with hi tech electrical engineers looking for the latest components for there designs. I also spend time at Intel, Mot, and TI faculties working with Electrical Engineers to learn more about there products. I have been with the company for 15 years doing the same thing. We used to use an over head projector and transparencies when I started. In my entire history working with so many different people I have never seen anyone pull out a PPC with a VGA card and try to give a presentation.

Waves hand in the air - I use PPC and CF VGA out card all the time. It is so simple and much less fuss than messing around with a laptop. I can't help how backward/stuck in the mud the people you work with are - I find it rather amusing watching colleagues haul laptops around for the same task, using CD-ROMs and booting up, coming a cropper with the 'wonders' of PowerPoint bloatware in the field, hunting for power sockets - all the time claiming it is 'better'.

Of course by saying: 'were they claim they use a CF VGA adapter for all there presentations' [sic] what you *really* mean is - 'I haven't seen it or done it so other people can't be doing it'... how wrong you are... I like many others use my Pocket PC to improve the work I do and make things easier.

Some people just seem determined to deny the power and capabilities of the current Pocket PCs...! 8)

[SeanH]

What I am saying is I do not work for a low tech company that sells grass seed. I work with Electrical Engineers that often design devices like that PXA270 used in all the new PPC’s along with Win CE. I sit through or give about 10 power point presentations a week. That is about 520 a year and yet to see someone break out a PPC with a VGA card to do it.

I find it rather amusing watching colleagues haul laptops around for the same task, using CD-ROMs and booting up, coming a cropper with the 'wonders' of PowerPoint bloatware in the field, hunting for power sockets - all the time claiming it is 'better'.
You should check out some of the laptops that have been shipping the last few years with Intel Mobile M CPU’s. My IBM T40 is extremly small, it comes out of standby in less then 2 seconds, faster then my iPAQ, with the extened battery and a battery in the DVD drive bay I get over 8 hours of battery life, and best of all it has a 60GB HD to hold all those presentations I have.

Sean

[johncruise]

and best of all it has a 60GB HD to hold all those presentations I have.

Man... don't tell me you have that much presentation to give in one shot?!!! :sleeping:


:rotfl: Just kidding man!

[Duncan]

I find it rather amusing watching colleagues haul laptops around for the same task, using CD-ROMs and booting up, coming a cropper with the 'wonders' of PowerPoint bloatware in the field, hunting for power sockets - all the time claiming it is 'better'.
You should check out some of the laptops that have been shipping the last few years with Intel Mobile M CPU’s. My IBM T40 is extremly small, it comes out of standby in less then 2 seconds, faster then my iPAQ, with the extened battery and a battery in the DVD drive bay I get over 8 hours of battery life, and best of all it has a 60GB HD to hold all those presentations I have.

I don't need to check them out - my main PC is a Fujitsu Lifebook P5020 - one of the smallest around, with a modular DVD drive that can be replaced by a battery. Still I would find it absurd to use that instead of my small, light, extremely portable Pocket PC.

Sean - you seem to assume a lot of stuff - if you don't see it it doesn't happen, if people don't do things your way it must be because they don't know any better, that things are different because of the kind of company you work for etc. I'm telling you that your assumptions are wrong.

Have you tried using a Pocket PC instead of your laptop? Because trust me - even the lightest laptop is no substitute for the sheer convenience, portability, speed etc. of a Pocket PC solution - and I not only have the experience to back that up but I use a Pocket PC in presentation mode c. 20 times a week, 39 weeks a year (that's around 780 a year). Most of my colleagues, even the ones with the latest laptop designs, say doing presentations is too much hassle more than once in a while. Before I started using a Pocket PC I would have agreed with them.

[SeanH]

Have you tried using a Pocket PC instead of your laptop? Because trust me - even the lightest laptop is no substitute for the sheer convenience, portability, speed etc. of a Pocket PC solution - and I not only have the experience to back that up but I use a Pocket PC in presentation mode c. 20 times a week, 39 weeks a year (that's around 780 a year).
That number is amazing. You give 780 presentations a year on your PPC. What type a material do you present?
There is no way possible I could use a PPC for the types of presentations I give. A typical presentation for me would start with an intro of the semiconductor/processor. Often I open software development tools to show the user interface. Then present details on the parts I am presenting. It is very common for me to get questions during a presentation were I have to bring up a .pdf with a data sheet. Or look up how an op code is used on the processor that I am presenting. Adobe acrobat is dog slow on my PPC. A lot of my presentations involve labs that need the performance of a Pentium class machine.
Most of my colleagues, even the ones with the latest laptop designs, say doing presentations is too much hassle more than once in a while.
That is the craziest thing I have ever heard. A lot of the rooms I present in have a DB25 connection sitting on the podium waiting to be plugged into a laptop. So I walk into the room (20 seconds), reach into my leather brief case and put out my laptop (10 seconds), open the lid and it comes on (2 seconds). Then I have to press the display button on the laptop to display on the LCD and the ext VGA connector. After the LCD is powered up I am ready in less then one minute.

I have never used a CF VGA card but I would bet the PPC has to be reset before it switches to the higher res.

Sean

[Kati Compton]

I have seen people post in these groups many times were they claim they use a CF VGA adapter for all there presentations. For a living I give seminars on new semiconductors products from companies like Intel, Mot (Freescale) and TI. Part of my job is to fly out to different locations to train or to be trained. I spend a lot of time at customer sites working with hi tech electrical engineers looking for the latest components for there designs. I also spend time at Intel, Mot, and TI faculties working with Electrical Engineers to learn more about there products. I have been with the company for 15 years doing the same thing. We used to use an over head projector and transparencies when I started. In my entire history working with so many different people I have never seen anyone pull out a PPC with a VGA card and try to give a presentation.
You make it sound like since you haven't seen it, that must mean no one does it. Maybe just none of the people that do it go to your seminars.

[SeanH]

You make it sound like since you haven't seen it, that must mean no one does it. Maybe just none of the people that do it go to your seminars.
That is not what I want it to sound like. I know there are a couple of vendors that make them and I sure they have sold a couple of them. I do think they are extremely rare based on my past experience. When ever I see anyone playing around with the Palm Pilot or PPC I ask them questions. You can get a feel in a matter of second if they are a power user or one that just uses it contacts and appointments. I have meet a lot of people that use there Palm or PPC with a GPS, more then 40 people. I have meet a lot of people that store pictures, video and MP3’s on a memory card. But I have yet to see someone pull one out to give a presentation.

Sean

[Duncan]

Have you tried using a Pocket PC instead of your laptop? Because trust me - even the lightest laptop is no substitute for the sheer convenience, portability, speed etc. of a Pocket PC solution - and I not only have the experience to back that up but I use a Pocket PC in presentation mode c. 20 times a week, 39 weeks a year (that's around 780 a year).
That number is amazing. You give 780 presentations a year on your PPC. What type a material do you present?

I teach and lecture. c.1000 seesions a year - a majority making full use of video and static presentation from my Pocket PC de jour.

There is no way possible I could use a PPC for the types of presentations I give. A typical presentation for me would start with an intro of the semiconductor/processor. Often I open software development tools to show the user interface. Then present details on the parts I am presenting. It is very common for me to get questions during a presentation were I have to bring up a .pdf with a data sheet. Or look up how an op code is used on the processor that I am presenting. Adobe acrobat is dog slow on my PPC. A lot of my presentations involve labs that need the performance of a Pentium class machine.

Ah - now you left that bit out... *Your* very particular needs go beyond simple presentation of data. The majority are not in the same position. For you to extrapolate from your experience to speak on the merits of laptop vs. Pocket PC is truly absurd...!

That is the craziest thing I have ever heard. A lot of the rooms I present in have a DB25 connection sitting on the podium waiting to be plugged into a laptop. So I walk into the room (20 seconds), reach into my leather brief case and put out my laptop (10 seconds), open the lid and it comes on (2 seconds). Then I have to press the display button on the laptop to display on the LCD and the ext VGA connector. After the LCD is powered up I am ready in less then one minute.

You really think that is anything like the norm? It isn't - most of us don't have everything laid out and prepared for us. I can see why you think it is all so easy - for *you* it is made so...!

I have never used a CF VGA card but I would bet the PPC has to be reset before it switches to the higher res.

Heavens no!

The reason you don't see people use Pocket PCs for presentations is because you are in a field where a using a laptop *is* a necessity. I might as well doubt the fact that people sit at desks in offices because that is something I never see in my work...!

[SeanH]

You really think that is anything like the norm? It isn't - most of us don't have everything laid out and prepared for us. I can see why you think it is all so easy - for *you* it is made so...!
I would say it is becoming the norm. Most conference rooms I go to have an LCD projector mounted to the ceiling or somewhere in the room. I gave a seminar at Carnegie Melon in Pittsburgh a few months ago and they had a podium with a VGA cable waiting for a laptop.

Sean

[Kati Compton]

I gave a seminar at Carnegie Melon in Pittsburgh a few months ago and they had a podium with a VGA cable waiting for a laptop.
... or a Pocket PC. :P ;)