Your Must-Have Accessories

[Darius Wey]

We all have our must-have software. Now what about our must-have accessories? I have a few essential items in mind that I feel no Pocket PC should be without.<br /><br />The first is <a href="http://www.pocketpctechs.com/main~unit~_No_Unit-0~area~why_writeshield.htm">Pocket PC Techs' WriteSHIELD screen protectors</a>. I always slap one of these on a new Pocket PC before using it. Both the AG or C2 are barely noticeable, reusable, and non-adhesive, so you don't have to worry about the "sticky goo" problem after taking it off.<br /><br />The next is a high-quality leather case. There are many case manufacturers in the market, though for the moment, I've happily settled on one from <a href="http://www.senacases.com/">Sena Cases</a>. The workmanship of each and every case is simply top-notch.<br /><br />Finally, the VGA-out cable for the Dell Axim X50v/X51v works wonders. You can purchase the official one from Dell, or a third-party one from manufacturers such as <a href="http://www.pc-mobile.net/">Pc-Mobile</a>. This cable opens a window of opportunity, from large scale PowerPoint presentations to movies on the big screen.<br /><br />So, that's my list of must-have accessories. Perhaps you have something else in mind. Let it be known in this thread. :)

[Edgar_]

Exactly - PPCTechs Screen protector and my Sena case are required. I bought them within minutes of ordering my 4700. The next is an additional memory card - before it was 128Mb, now its multi gig. I had the PPCTechs memory upgrade added within a month of purchase as well.

For me the others are a car mount - I use Proclipusa and love it.
Extra power cord for my travel bag
Travel synch cable - which also powers (never can have too much sources for power - I once used a guy sitting next to me at the airport USB to recharge my PPC!)


Nice to have but not on day one:
A spare stylus or two
BT GPS unit
More memory cards for movies, music etc
BT headset
Larger Battery or spare regular battery

-Edgar

[felixdd]

IMO, a leather case isn't a must have; just any case in general.

Today I decided to rollerblade instead of drive to run some errands (it's a nice day and I need the exercise). Had a little tumble and my backpack end up hitting the ground hard. First thing I checked was to see if my Ipaq is fine, and it is. But if I had a Sena instead of an aluminum Proporta case, the outcome would likely have been very different.

For me it is:
1) Memory card -- to me it's an accessory since it usually doesn't come with the device.
2) Screen protector (writeshield or any other non-adhesive types).
3) Case (leather or aluminum, depending on your needs -- business or rugged).
4) Spare battery.

[rhelwig]

I'd prefer to not have leather, being a vegetarian, but the only case I could find that was appropriate for my i700 was the Piel Frama case. I really like it, just wish it was nylon or something.

A memory card is a must have.

PPCTech screen protectors rock. I've tried a couple of their competitors and will be going back to them from now on.

I keep thinking about getting a replacement stylus - so I'd always have a pen handy, but I just never seem to get a round toit. :D

[RobrechtV]

A screen protector and my 2GB sd card are absolutely essential.

Next comes my ThinkOutside infrared keyboard that, combined with the infinitely wonderful program TextMaker (you'll be totally blown away when the new version comes out!), enables me to leave my heavy laptop at home 90% of the time.

I always carry some headphones to listen to music as well.

One thing I do own but never use, is an aluminium case. After a whole year of carrying my Qtek 9090 around 'naked' in the side pocket of my pants, I'm pretty confident that I don't need it.

[kimylawson]

A really good case is a must have. I like the kind that allows you to sync without having to remove it from the case. It's of #1 important above and beyond screen protectors. vaja.com has good one's although pricy.

kimy :roll:

[MitchellO]

For me a case, USB charge/sync cable and a memory card are essential. For my current Pocket PC the Axim X50v I have a PDair aluminium case on the way, and I bought a 2Gb CF card to compliment the 512Mb MMC I already have. I grabbed a cheap USB cable on ebay and it works great.

I typically go for a second battery too, this time being an extended 2200mAh battery.

On my smartphone a screen protector was a must. Being in my pocket without a case would just have destroyed that beautiful QVGA screen.

[kcwester]

A GPS system. I would be completely lost without one.

[robert_biggs]

My must-have accessories (and what products I'm currently using):

1. Screen Protector - Boxwave ClearTouch Crystal (http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouchcrystal/cleartouch-crystal-screen-protector-dell-axim-x51v_747.htm)
2. Case - Vaja Vitelino Green Moss leather case (http://www.vajacases.com/images/pda/dell/axim_x50/axim_x50.html)
3. Memory Card(s) - Transcend 2 GB 150x SD, Lexar 1 GB 80x CF
4. Stylus Replacement with Pen - Boxwave Styra stylus (http://www.boxwave.com/products/styraballpointpen/styra-ballpoint-pen-stylus-dell-axim-x51v_747.htm)
5. Extra Battery - 2 extra Dell 1100 mAh batteries
6. Headphones - Boxwave miniBuds headphones (http://www.boxwave.com/products/minibuds/index.htm) (black)

[Gerard]

A screen protector - though I used to use WriteShields, I like the equally durable but thinner and cheaper ones from www.screenpatronus.com better

An extended battery from Mugen; on my old X5 Dell, and now on my Toshiba e800, these provide freedom from AC adapter tyranny. 18+ hours of use (the 5800mAh model), with a Wi-Fi card, is just too nice.

Storage: I used an Accurite 6GB external hard drive starting in 2000, with my old Casio. Worked great through my iPAQ days and on to the Dell, failing only with WM2003 (I upgraded the X5) after 4 years of reliable work. Now I use a 40GB Comstar, thanks to USB hosting on the e800. Access to everything without a PC present is great.

A wireless card - so far I've not had a device with Wi-Fi built in, and the Symbol CF card has been great for 3 years. Best $35 I ever invested.

A folding keyboard is essential for any significant bit of writing. I'm using a stylus for this... but only because I'm posting from a comfy chair and too lazy to go get the Belkin.

[ctmagnus]

Case. Currently, a Vaja iVolution Morpheus IV.

Screen protector. Currently, a PPCTechs WriteShield AG.

Stylus. Currently, a stainless steel model built for the iPaq 5000 line. I bought a sleeve for it so when I retire my current unit, I can still pack it around with me in my pocket. I also have a bullet Space Pen with a stylus cap.

Storage card. 1GB Lexar atm.

Sync and charge cable. PPCTechs again.

[Andy Whiteford]

Currently for my Acer n311:

1. Case - leather from Piel Frama
2. Screeen Protector - Proporta Screen Protector Plus
3. Memory Card - 4GB Adata SD
4. Mains travel charger
5. sync/charge cable

Favourites.
Sena cases leather case
Any anti glare screen protector including Proporta, Brando, Boxwave and Exim.
Spare battery for travelling.
Think Outside Bluetooth Keyboard.

[Phoenix]

My must-have accessories are:


What I always purchase:

1.) Case - Piel Frama Black Crocodile Leather or Vaja Leather Case
2.) Screen Protector - PPC Techs WriteSHIELD AG
3.) Stylii - 3-in-1 Stylus (Qty: 2)
4.) USB Cable - Retractable Sync/Charge USB Cable (More portable than regular cables).
5.) USB AC Adaptor - Joins with USB Cables to create an AC Adaptor. (Qty: 1-3 - One for the Retractable USB Cable, and one for each Desktop Cradle's USB Cable).
6.) Memory Card - SanDisk or Lexar Memory Card (2GB)

And if applicable...

7.) Desktop Sync/Charge Cradle - Makes it easier to plug in and charge my device and depending on how it's made, gets it up off the desk and places it at a nice viewing angle. If applicable, also doubles as a Sync station as well. (Qty: 2 - One for my study, and one for my nightstand; USB Sync/Charge Cables are included).


What I already own and use:

8.) Handsfree Earpiece - Nextlink AX2 Wireless BT Earpiece (I'm also considering the new Jabra JX-10 (with a Nextlink earspring)).


What I'll be purchasing soon:

9.) GPS - GlobalSat BT-338 (or its successor) Wireless BT GPS Transceiver
10.) Headphones - Nextlink Spider Wireless BT Headphones
11.) Keyboard and Mouse - Stowaway Wireless BT Keyboard and Mouse

[BarryB]

I've sworn by screen protectors since I owned my first PDA. I now use the WriteShield from Pocket PC Techs with my X50v.

Case. Must have case. They've saved my PDA from my fumble fingers more than once. Like others, I went with a Sena case. Red and black for me.

I had never owned a USB charger for a PDA, but I broke down and bought a Lil Sync cable from Pocket PC Techs. I really like it and would strongly recommend it. I later picked up the AC travel adapter for it. As a bonus, I think the AC adapter would also recharge my iPod, but I've not tried it yet.

I want the Think Outside BT keyboard, but haven't gotten around to getting it.

[DarkHelmet]

Might be a little off-topic - but...

1 - A working Windows Mobile 5 OS for my Dell Axim x50v!
2 - A firmware image for my Axim x50v that fixes the "problems" with WM5.

Dream on, dream until your dreams come true!

[globaloffice]

I'd prefer to not have leather, being a vegetarian,

I can see where that would be an issue for those days you have to take a nibble of your PPC :devilboy: :devilboy: :devilboy:

[PPCRules]

Compact-Flash Modem. I use it at least daily to update AvantGo.

[bnycastro]

For me it's:
Screen Protector
Memory Card [min 1GB]
Stylus Pen [better balance easier to write]
Case [I usually buy 1 of each silicone, leather and metal and swap between them]

While travelling I bring along my notebook so I leave the charge and bring the USB cable.

[Cybrid]

I've found that custom accessories are expensive. When you switch to a new device...the investment is gone.
As such my must have's is a slowly collected set of...
lan card, modem, gps card, memory cards, a whole host more....

[Clarkster]

Not much new to add...covertec leather case,.sandisk card, martin fields screen protector, Cross stylus refill...

[a4ace]

sena leather case
lexar 4gb cf card
bluetooth gps receiver
a car