New HP 4705 owner needs a guiding hand!

[liu_kuei]

I am getting my new 4705 today / tomorrow after my Sony Clie gave up on me. I am very excited and also a bit apprehensive. I had almost $250 of programs I built up over the years which are useless now. I've been reading Pocket PC magazine to get aquainted with some software, but I'd like to get some real life suggestions as to what I should start off with.
I am going to Florida in 1.5 weeks so I don't have a lot of money to spare ( I know - 'then why did you buy a 4705?' It was a PSP replacement from BB), so some of your best freeware and very low cost software would be appreciated.
2 things I do need before I go which I won't mind buying are a finincial app to keep track of my checkbook that will sync with Microsoft Money 2005, and a mapping app. I was about to buy Streets and Trips 2005 since in came with Pocket Street and Trips, but how does that compare with other non-GPS based map apps?
One more question,sorry. My old CLie could be be connected to my PC and show up as a physical drive that I could just drop files into. Will the 4705 allow me to do that?
Thanks for listening and all the help.

[JeffV]

I believe that the Microsoft Money 2005 CD comes with PocketMoney 2005 already on it, so you should be set for your financial app. Otherwise, head on over to Microsoft's site, and you can get it there.

You can use Activesync to dump files on your PPC (or on a SD or CF card in your PPC), but be warned, it's SLOW. You're better off with a card-reader on your pc.

As for other software, I'd recommend PocketInformant, but I think you get a version of that in ROM with the 4700. Apart from that, it all depends on what you use it for.

Enjoy your new toy! (said with some envy as I'm currently stuck with my old 3970 with PPC2002). Can't even find the CD anywhere to upgrade it to WM2003. :cry:

[liu_kuei]

Thanks. I have another question. I keephearing that some people are going to wait for Windows Mobile 2005. Will I haveto get a new PPC when that come s out to take advantage of the features, or can I install it on my current 4700?

[JeffV]

Sadly, no one knows the answer to that question! To date, the history of OS upgrades for existing models of HPs has been a bit spotty. One would hope that if Magneto was coming out soon, HP would at least arrange for upgrades of its flagship models... I can pretty much guarantee they won't do it for their lower-end models.

EDIT: Keep in mind, though, that a lot of programs are built backwards compatible, and your 4700 will still be very usable regardless.