Any other choice for a high-end PPC?

twfx · 06-08-08, 12:05 AM

I had decided to order a ipaq 210. while, after more and more research on the web, especially on this forum, my confidence is shaked. I am afraid that this purchase might cause lots of troubles for me since so many hardware problems have been reported so far (touch screen, battery, CF interface, speaker...).

So I wonder if there is any other choice for a high-end PPC, and, with good quality control, at this moment? or give me more confidence for this baby?

Thanks.

06-08-08, 02:58 AM

Its not clear exactly what you plan to use the unit for, so it will be hard for someone to give you a more complex and educated answer. Let's just say that these forums are a collection of complaints and attempts to tweak the machine to get to the highest level of function. For many many many people, the machine works well or at least well-enough. Is it going to be a fancy calendar for you? a video game machine? a portable media center? a work platform with access to the internet and running presentations and editing word/excel documents? Each answer is potentially different.

I have the 210 and I really like it. It has some limitations, but in general nothing that would prevent me from enjoying all the aspects that I want/need. Take it for what its worth.

06-08-08, 08:48 AM

I think this is a good question. I have an aging x50v (which still works) which at the time was the most powerful / high-end PPC (fastest CPU, VGA, video coprocessor, etc) minus the crappy battery life.

I use my PPC for almost everything (minus GPS) - games, scheduling (project management), reading, MP3's, movies, RSS feeds, college work, Internet and more. So which PPC that is manufactured right now is the top-end PPC? Which one has the fastest CPU, most internal memory (ram), best screen, thinnest, allows for huge storage cards, long battery life, etc?

twfx · 06-08-08, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Ceril

Its not clear exactly what you plan to use the unit for, so it will be hard for someone to give you a more complex and educated answer. Let's just say that these forums are a collection of complaints and attempts to tweak the machine to get to the highest level of function. For many many many people, the machine works well or at least well-enough. Is it going to be a fancy calendar for you? a video game machine? a portable media center? a work platform with access to the internet and running presentations and editing word/excel documents? Each answer is potentially different.

I have the 210 and I really like it. It has some limitations, but in general nothing that would prevent me from enjoying all the aspects that I want/need. Take it for what its worth.

----------------

I like 210' functions, extensibility, and relatively high-end CPU/RAM/Screen though it misses something I want like VGA output, IR, jog dial, (may plus a camera for scaning or quick catch purpose), and it has some design faults like the positions of the speaker and headphone jack.

What I most care is its quality control and potential hardware failure in a short time (beyond 21 days?).

Another concern is the touch screen issue. Is it easy to draw a draft and take notes with 210?

Last, I would like to know, if I purchase it from an online store in Canada, whether HP will directly give me an exchange if I am not lucky?

Thanks.

06-08-08, 12:34 PM

I own several HX4700 and would recommend them heartily if you can get them on eBay.

I bought my brother a 210, and he has had no issues with it. His main use for it is as a personal organizer. Video is excellent on this device. He has used it with Wifi access in multiple locations, no major issues.

You have to remember that those people who have problems with their units are going to go on line and try to get help and make a noise which is disproportionate to their numbers, while the overwhelming majority of users, who have no problems with this unit, quietly and happily use it.

In Canada, it seems like the place to buy it is Tiger Direct. That's where I bought it for him and the price is excellent at 350$. It's an OK seller, and will do returns fairly painlessly. They also have brick and mortar outlets, if you feel more comfortable with that.

twfx · 06-08-08, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by gylman

In Canada, it seems like the place to buy it is Tiger Direct. That's where I bought it for him and the price is excellent at 350$. It's an OK seller, and will do returns fairly painlessly. They also have brick and mortar outlets, if you feel more comfortable with that.

----
Thank you, gylman.

I would like to know whether HP will handle an exchange directly even if I did not purchase it from HP or an US store since the order seems still 30 bucks cheaper in Canada even considering shipping fee.

06-08-08, 05:06 PM

If you are in Canada, and order from the US, you are getting yourself at risk for all sorts of customs hassles and fees. It CAN'T be worth the few bucks you (might) save.

Islanti · 06-08-08, 11:24 PM

Remember that people who are unhappy post a lot more than people who are happy.

I vastly prefer my 210 to the hx4700 I had previously. I've found the 210 to work very nicely.

dkimak · 06-09-08, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by gylman

In Canada, it seems like the place to buy it is Tiger Direct. That's where I bought it for him and the price is excellent at 350$. It's an OK seller, and will do returns fairly painlessly. They also have brick and mortar outlets, if you feel more comfortable with that.

You may also want to try softmagic.ca. I've never (knock on wood) had to return anything to them but have found thier customer service on other matters to be very good. They had early availability on the 210 when it was first released and the best price. And, no PST if you live outside of Quebec! :D

portchop · 06-16-08, 08:58 AM

I would've bought Sony | For Business | VAIO UX if it weren't that expensive...

06-17-08, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by twfx

----------------

I like 210' functions, extensibility, and relatively high-end CPU/RAM/Screen though it misses something I want like VGA output, IR, jog dial, (may plus a camera for scaning or quick catch purpose), and it has some design faults like the positions of the speaker and headphone jack.

What I most care is its quality control and potential hardware failure in a short time (beyond 21 days?).

Another concern is the touch screen issue. Is it easy to draw a draft and take notes with 210?

Last, I would like to know, if I purchase it from an online store in Canada, whether HP will directly give me an exchange if I am not lucky?

Thanks.

Hi there again,

I am not sure what you mean by the "relatively" high end cpu/ram/screen. Currently for PDAs, this is the highest. No other factory model has this combination. Granted you could "pimp" the PDA a bit and get a memory upgrade, overclock with third party software and get cooked ROMs for the windows 6 or even 6.1 - but I didn't understand that to be your question.

Yes, the headphone jack is a bit inconvenient. Will you be using it? Will you upgrade to A2DP headphones? Yes, the speaker is also inconvenient. Will you be using your PDA as an alarm clock? in a noisy surrounding? Are the modulated sound files acceptible in your usage scheme?

IR and jog dial are obviously not work-aroundable. How importnat are these things to your everyday usage? What do you use your IR for? Keyboard? polar watch data transfer? other?

VGA out is something that is promised but has yet to surface. I heard some rumblings about the mid-summer. Again, is it something that you can't do without?

I don't want to come off as a HP-sympathizer, just if any of the answers to the above questions is that you CANNOT do without - then don't buy it. You are right that the HP has its problems and lacking features. But only you can answer how relevant it is for your needs/uses.

I have used it for notes and have been happy for my usage. I have seen threads here where the digitizer was described as less sensitive to my experience. I will guess that it will an individualized experience. You get used to the screen for sure, so don't be put off by the reports of the "insensitivity". There is a learning curve.

and finally, I saw that others far more knowledgable than I answered you in regards to retailers in Canada.

Good luck in your decision and let us know what you decided

06-17-08, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by portchop

I would've bought Sony | For Business | VAIO UX if it weren't that expensive...

Um....
1.) it's not a PDA
2.) $2500?!?!?!?!?!
3.) 1.1 pounds?!?!?!

I am sorry but I don't see the relevance of this recommendation.

HappyCamper · 06-19-08, 03:57 PM

In addition to Ceril's list of things that might be important, evaluate how important it is to connect via wifi at work...

If your work has multiple access points on a floor with hidden SSID's, the wifi is hit and miss.

I have not had problems with networks with hidden SSID's where only one is in range. I have not had problems where there are multiple access points in range, but the SSID is brodcast (like the guest access network we have at work), but I have problems with connecting where there are multiple access points with hidden SSID's - HP states they are working on it...

If that is a concern, I would not buy.

BTW, Work access was only 30% reason I puchased mine so not having that access is only an inconvenience to me.

Pocketbrain · 06-19-08, 04:49 PM

Nokia N800?

.

06-19-08, 06:50 PM

N800 would not play video usefully, does not have productivity software like PIM, and I suspect would not do what TWFX wants.

It is very good at its intended purpose, which is internet surfing. Better than any WM product. By far.

I had to laugh at the UX recommendation. That thing is a nightmare to use. Screen too small, keys almost unusable. It looks great until you actually get your hands on it.

Actually, I have a Gigabyte U60 which is very nice and I use it frequently, but clearly it is not a pocketable device.