One week with the 210

SonyConvert · 03-07-08, 02:30 PM

I received my 210 on Tuesday (03-04-08) and have been doing a lot of playing. I decided that with all the questions, indecision and negative comments on this device I needed to place a "yea" in with all the "neighs".

My previous pda was the x50V. This was the best pda I have ever used as far as functionality, design and durability. I was starting to see that my needs were changing over the years and it was time to get a new device.

I have been reading the reviews and comments about this device for months, and was getting pretty weary about wether or not to spend this kind of money on a device. Well, in my opinion, it was worth every penny.

I used the online customer service function and ended up not only getting the pda, but got the 3 year warranty. I apparently had to go to the small business section and create an account there to get this. Not sure why though. The representative walked me through every step from account creation to order completion. This was probably the best customer service i have ever received. Hopefully my device is so durable I never have to test the service on the return / Exchange.

UP FRONT: Yes, the touch screen has a "Bubble". This basically means that the edges are easier to use the stylus with than the center, which requires more "push" with the stylus than you are used to. I have gotten used to it, and this leads me to my next point.

SPB mobile Shell. I have been using the demo of this since the second day. on a 4" screen, you should really forget about using the traditional interface and try this out. Stability= perfect so far. This would be my first recommendation when you get this device. You can buy it here:

http://store.aximsite.com/product.as...b-Mobile-Shell

Since I have installed this, I have found that i hardly ever pull out the stylus anymore unless i have to type something. For finger free use, you may want to add tengo. I personally have gone the deluxe route and use the IGO bluetooth keyboard. HP included the drivers for a bluetooth keyboard, but you lose the shortcuts that were included on the driver disk. (you can use the driver disk and install the software on the pda, but i dont know if this would change the stability of the device). So really, this is just the best experience I have had with a pda.

The screen is gorgeous. I think it may even be better than my x50v. Now, a couple things here. 1. Perception may be different because of the larger screen, 2. the fact that i can use my finger instead of the stylus has made the interface so much easier, 3. the newness of it all.

SIZE / Shape - boy is this thing bigger than the X50v. Device is thicker and taller. Certainly not unpocketable, but you better have some baggy pants. Very little space goes unused on the device. The size of the navigator in the center is nice except for the part to click up. it feels a little small compared to the rest of the navigator. buttons are nice and responsive as well.

Response on wakeup for the device is nice and speedy unless you left the wireless on. There is quite a delay if so. So, fast or slow, depends on wireless. Nothing more to see here.

I dont really have anything more to say than wow, glad I bought the device. I almost went for the kaiser, but I think this is the better device for my needs. Hope this helps somebody!

stevenator65 · 03-07-08, 03:10 PM

That was a great post! Can you take side by side photos of the x50v and the HP for comparison? Thanks for taking the time to write your review. Well done.

psionandy · 03-07-08, 03:12 PM

Thanks for that..

..whatever anyone says, there is no such thing as a perfect PDA or phone... The best you can get is what's best for you.

I really like mobile shell as well, but wondered how well it would work on a non phone device. Sounds like its working well :approve:

SonyConvert · 03-07-08, 03:16 PM

I actually sold my X50v to afford this thing. With the pda and the warranty, you are looking at over $650 (included pda, warranty, shipping and taxes. argh) yes, you can get a laptop at that price, but you wont want to carry it all around. A foldable keyboard and pda are my limits size and weight wise since I travel a lot for work. The included PDF viewer in the HP installed software is a plus for me as well. AFA pictures, you can find many pictures of the 210 and the x50v on this site, just do a quick search. I have found that Mobile shell is perfect for use on a traditional pda as well. If I had not been so intrigued by the Ipod touch and I phone, I never would have installed it. Now I cannot see my future pda's without a touch interface. also, while installed on the pda, there are some icons that refer to phone functions, but really who cares?

The usability is what I was after, and to get to information fast. Between SPB Mobile Shell, MS Voice Command 1.6, Tengo and my bluetooth keyboard, I almost never pull out my stylus. I am going to look at registry editors to make the scroll bars a little bigger so they are finger friendly as well. Iphone is cool and so is the Kaiser, but this device matched with the above software makes this thing a pleasure to use. I have had no stability issues thus far, and have not yet had to perform any soft resets going on day 4 now.

Crediting some of the other posters, I decided to order the clear screen protectors from Boxwave and also get one of the leather cases from Ebay. I will take some pictures and attach them to this posting later once I receive them.

03-08-08, 09:42 AM

To me it's a no brainer. IF you want a really good PDA, for the money and with that incredible screen, the 210 is the obvious choice.

03-08-08, 11:00 AM

I ABSOULTELY like the monster
but this is HUGE, however, the big VGA screen is eye candy
the only gripe is HTML browsing, the scrolling is VERY SLOW
I don't really care the headphones jack location as I use wireless headphone most of the time
watching slingplayer in full screen with this monster is simply a dream!
can use HX4700 battery is another plus, currently I have 2 of them, which give me more juice for less
though the data port is incompatible with the old ipaq one, there's a miniUSB, which can do charge and sync

alfstl · 03-08-08, 05:39 PM

Hi
Can IPAQ 210 handle a bluetooth GPS receiver, a bluetooth earphone, and a keyboard at the same time? Has anyone tried that? Is it stable and easy to set up?

I am thinking about using it as a GPS device, but with its weak loud speaker, I probable have to use a blue tooth earphone to listen to turn-by-turn voice instruction if I decide to buy one.

Thanks and looking forward to the answers...

03-08-08, 09:34 PM

I think it should be OK
I listen with wireless headphone while it's tethered with phone to play slingplayer, no hiccup

alfstl · 03-09-08, 06:58 AM

Thank you minkee. I appreciate that information.
Does IPAQ put a limit on how many bluetooth devices it can handle at the same time?

03-09-08, 10:05 AM

most of bt hosts can accept up to 7 connections at a time

alfstl · 03-09-08, 05:48 PM

Tanks again minkee:) I think I will also order one soon.