Foo Fighter

Hate to sound like a defeatist, but I think this is a growing trend. In fact, I'm finding it harder and harder to convince people to buy any PDA. Most simply don't see them as a necessity. I sincerely hope this is merely a side effect of the slumping economy, but I think there are other issues involved.

Yep. In the past 4 weeks I have converted two Palm users over to the PPC side (now proud Axim owners). But they are what I would label power users or "prosumers" like myself. On the other hand, I have to fight like hell to newbies to jump on the PDA bandwagon. The excuse I get is....."My cell phone does all that"...or..."I don't need all those fancy features". And I was recommending the Sony SJ20: Monochrome screen, basic PIM functions...that's it. Fancy features? 8O

Kati Compton

Foo Fighter

Exactly right. I know the priorities in spending among this community are far different than the rest of our society.

For example, if I offered to give away $300 to anyone here, what would they buy?

Answer...probably a PDA or some some PDA related accessory like SD cards, WiFi hardware, leather case. Something tech.

But if I offered the average teenager that same amount of cash, a PDA would be at the bottom of the list. The first thing they would buy is some stylish clothes...then maybe a console game, or gaming device like a Gameboy Advance. Cell phone [i]maybe[/b]. That's about it.

__________________
Kent Pribbernow
Elitist Snob, Contributing writer for Wired's Cult of Mac

Janak Parekh

You know it. I commute through midtown every day. The really well-dressed people walking around Herald Square has more money invested in the outfit that they have on than I have in all my gadgets combined. 8O

However, talking generally doesn't help us identify the size of the PDA market. For all these people who don't use PDA's, I see a ton of people on the subway now, of all shapes, sizes, and colors, whipping out their Palm's or even iPaq's and either playing games or taking notes. About 2-3 years ago, it was very rare to see this happen. Now, it's very, very commonplace. At least from the NYC standpoint, PDA's are far more common and visible now. I submit to you that, at least in the NY metropolitan area, PDA's have been very successful.

--janak

Jonathon Watkins

Thanks Foo - very kind of you! I'll have a 400Mhz Dell Axim Please. Just send it to the usual address. Cheers. :wink:

__________________
Professional photographer in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire specialising in Wedding photography, Events & Portraits

Will T Smith

A screen cover does not make a ruggedized device. The casing and ability to withstand shocks from drops, throws or being sat upon, that makes it rugged.

iPaq already has one strike against it because it's casing is designed so that expansion packs slide on smoothly. This is great for expansion packs but as MANY have noted it makes the surface of the iPaq analogous to teflon. It slips through your hand.

For a good comparative reference between iPaq and Axim, browse over to PocketPC Passion http://www.pocketpcpassion.com. Dale Coffig(an iPaq user(among others)) really focuses on this area. Specifically, he likens the casing of the Dell to that of a dog toy, tough and rubbery. Just the kind of thing needed to keep it in your hand AND keep it intact should it fall. Too bad they didn't take the natural step further and give it a lid :-)


Regarding TCO:
In some cases where a an uber device is required, the 5450 with integrated everything does make more sense than the Dell Axim. However, I really believe that most people overestimate the relevance of Wi-Fi in a business environment. It's a topic that gives IT managers a serious headache.

For a disconnected "out of office" workforce. Wi-Fi makes no sense at all. For office wanderers, the PDA represents a sattelite to the desktop unit where core PDA functionality is valued most highly. In these scenarios bluetooth makes more sense due to it's ability to connect with cell phones which "remote-enable" data access when a worker is off-site (sales meeting, power lunch, etc...) Obviously bluetooths power requirements are advantageous when compard to the Wi-Fi power-hog.

Wi-Fi makes more sense amongst the "blue-collar" workforce. In that mode PDAs are used to query and update data sources as well as to interact with workflow servers which automates the "work-order" process. These workers typically need the ability to roam over a larger area (like a warehouse, store or construction site) and constantly remain connected.

In either case, the addition of a $50-$100 CF card hardly makes up for the $400-$600 price difference between Dell Axim and iPaq 54xx. Regarding spare inventory, if an iPaq breaks(not a very unlikely scenario considering "teflon" casing" and poor track record) one must replace the device. A broken network card only requires a new card which can be obtained (without inventory) from a local supplier.

iPaq is truly a really cool device. However, it is a bit unpractical. It's like a bit like a Corvette, where an Axim or Jornada would be likened to a Honda Sedan.

BTW, I really love the new iPaq 1910 device. The only thing that truly dissapoints me is the lack of a lid and adherence to iPaq's "teflon" casing.

Timothy Rapson

What a brilliant idea. I was looking at MiniDisc over Christmas and find that they store something like 4 times as much as a mini-CD, cost far less, and play for a LONG time on simple batteries.

A device such as that you describe might unseat Gamboy Advance just as the original PlayStation tromped the SNES.

ux4484

Jonathon Watkins

__________________
Professional photographer in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire specialising in Wedding photography, Events & Portraits