My conundrum

[RSIdiot]

Hello. I've been reading over the boards here and you all look to be very helpful. I haven't been able to find anything that pertains exactly to my particular question, so I hope you don't mind me posting it here.

Basically, I would like to get a PDA. However, I really don't have much money at all. I wouldn't really be able to spend more than $200 if possible.

It doesn't have to be a new device, it can be used. I just need to know what I'm looking for before I start looking for things on eBay/Amazon/etc.

So, this is all I need in a PDA:

- Ease of use
- WiFi Capabilities
- Expansion Capabilities

That's it!

All I really want to use this device for is to access a new WiFi connection that I have put into my house. I also have access to other WiFi connections throughout the day and would like to take advantage of those.

I am open to Palm or PocketPC - although PocketPC will probably be cheaper - that's why I'm posting it on a PocketPC board.

If I go with something like a Viewsonic V35 and then get an SD WiFi card, is that a good option? Do WiFi cards generally have range as good as devices with built in WiFi? Would it be easy to swap memory and the WiFi card if I wanted to listen to music instead of use the WiFi?

Would I be better off getting something like an Audiovox Maestro and get a WiFi SD card and then use CF for music? Is the battery life not good on that?

Basically, I am open to any ideas. My preference would be able to have the expansion for music and the WiFi capabilites at the same time, but with my strict budget, I realize that may not be possible. I'm not looking for the latest and greatest, just something that will be good for surfing the web using WiFi with good range and listening to music.

Thank you all for your help and I am grateful for all of your suggestions.

[TopDog]

An external WiFi card has just as good, or better reception than buildtin's, but they usually eat more power, so you'll have less use-time.

It's easy to change SD-cards, just plug in and out. But once you're used to having WiFi on, you'll probably want to have both memory and WiFi at the same time, so if I was you, I would either buy a device with buildt in WiFi or a device with both CF and SD-slots.

If you are looking at buying an used PDA, buy one that you can change batteries on, as the batteries is the week point that will wear out in time.

[surur]

Here's a few e-bay items which will likely not top out at >$200


Toshiba E755 PocketPC 2003 WiFi + 512MB SD + Extra
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27968&item=5734189421&rd=1
currently $167

Toshiba e755 PDA PocketPC Pocket PC Wi-Fi + 24mb CF
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38331&item=5734097154&rd=1
currently $157

Dell Axim X5 PDA with ****$180 BONUS****
Inc. High Capacity Battery ($119.95 value) & Wireless
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38331&item=5734111330&rd=1
currently $150

toshiba e800
toshiba pocket pc e 800
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38332&item=5734171571&rd=1
currently $100

For your purposes you need built-in wifi, to leave your other slots free for memory, to use to play music. Pocketpc's are all equally easy or hard to use :) , but you might want to give some consideration to the size of the unit, and the availability of the expansion options (e.g. keyboard etc) you care about.

Surur

[RSIdiot]

Surur - Wow! Thank you VERY MUCH!!

Just a few add'l questions:

How is the battery life on the Toshiba models? The e755 and the e800?

And the CF WiFi card in that Axim will have good range right?

Thank you both for all your help. I didn't expect you to actually look at auctions for me. Much appreciated.

EDIT: Just out of curiousity, does anyone know if this keyboard (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38332&item=5734892640&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW) will work with the e755? The e755 is looking like a very attractive option. I also like PocketSolutions' "Cover Up" flipcover. The thing that worries me from reading reviews is the battery life...

[RSIdiot]

Well, that first auction ended at almost $300. :lol:

That's okay, though, I might be willing to spend a little more given how much I really seem to like this e755. Still, the battery life worries me a bit, does anyone have one? Is the battery life good?

Also, if anyone has any information on the keyboard in my above post, I'd appreciate it. That guy looks like he's selling a lot of them.

This Cover UP (http://www.thepocketsolution.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PSI-004&Category_Code=TOA740&Product_Count=24) is also something I'd definitely like to get. Can't beat the price.[/url]

[Roosterman]

I've had the Dell X5 for almost 2 years. Been a great unit. With all the extras that are listed, it would be a great deal for $200. I don't have the True mobile wifi card, I bought a linksys. Range is a good 150 feet thru several walls.

Good luck with whatever your decision is.

[rhmorrison]

This Cover UP (http://www.thepocketsolution.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PSI-004&Category_Code=TOA740&Product_Count=24) is also something I'd definitely like to get. Can't beat the price.
Don't you think you should first BUY a PDA before you buy a cover for it. They usually fit better if the case is for the PDA that you bought. :D

[RSIdiot]

Of course I'm going to get a PDA before I order a cover. I was just saying how nice they look. They come in models for all the different PDA's I'm looking at.

For the prices these X5 devices are going at, I am going to look a little more closely at them. I'm disappointed that one ended, especially with the extra batteries, but hopefully I can find some other good ones.

I have my eyes peeled.