constantine_j_kanavas

Hello,

I am back! Well, I still haven't got a new PDA as I it becomes more and more difficult to make my mind. Logic says hx4700. That's due to the VGA screen, WiFi, cradle, software (man, I have changed three of them and every time of course I was having a new vouchers...I have purchased a couple as well), but mainly for the support. I have a Pavilion laptop and the pins of the plug has melted. Nothing dramatic, but I phoned HP and within two hours they posted a new one!

The other alternative is the Palm Tungsten T5. Many Palm hard core users are very diappointed with it. It doesn't have a cradle (£30 extra), no WiFi, not as fast processor (but many claim that applications work faster due to the OS), not even LEDs for charging and bluetooth. I had a look at one today and I really liked its shape and size. The case is plastic and it feels better that the rx3715, but I wouldn't say that it beats the hx4700. The screen was nice and I tried to compare them side by side, but I didn't notice any significant difference. The lighting in the store didn't help.

In terms of the price, I can get the hx4700 for £415 and the T5 for £275. Price is not such a big issue, especially if you consider that I will have to buy the cradle and perhaps the WiFi card (£80).

For some strange reason, I really liked the Palm OS interface, better than the Windows mobile, despite the fact that I never owned a Palm OS PDA, thus I haven't worked with it for as long as I have with the MS OS.

Most of you will wonder, well what the hell....what is the poit? Ok, has anyone worked with both of them? I know that it comes down to individual needs and tastes. There is a big initial price difference and a completely different OS. I am trying to find out how they compare in real life. Specs are ok, but I want the absolute truth. Which is faster in browsing the internet, playing movies, woking with MS Office docs etc?

Perhaps I am a bit sceptical in the case of the hx4700 after changing them so often....I tried also some Palm forums and I haven't got a clear reply. It seems that there are the two sides, Palm Vs MS, and it is difficult to come across with a subjective answer. Anyway, what I knwo is that I really want to buy a PDA tomorrow....

Thanks

Fortimir

I was a PalmOS boy back in the day when they were pretty new. I used Palm for about three years, and once I went to PocketPC, I never looked back.

If you just want a REALLY simple interface, easy applications that don't rely on external DLLs and stuff like that, and an interface that isn't nearly as graphical and color-based... then checkout Palm.

Windows Mobile, much like Windows XP is a little more advanced and complicated than PalmOS.

__________________


R&R Music Central

CyberGuy

If you ever see the Matrix trailer using beta player on the HX4700, you will not want to get anything else.

Once you get the T5, you may be thinking...

1. ....what the heck, where is Wi-Fi when I need one
2. ....what the heck, the movie display on this unit is not that good
3. ....what the heck, I don't have a lot of choices for GPS
4. ....what the heck, I have a CF card and I cannot even use it

Two roads diverge in the wood, and you chose _____, and that has made all the difference.

Good luck!

constantine_j_kanavas

Thanks mate for your reply. I can see where you are coming from. The hx4700 has all the state of the art features and it is a complete package. The T5 seems poor. Even when you open the box (very small, timy manuals etc) it gives you this impression. CF cards and GPS are not an issue as I don't use either or them.

What about performance in day to day tasks? I will watch movies but this is not the main reason for buying a pda.

I guess what would be ideal for me would be an hx4700 running the Palm OS....

constantine_j_kanavas

Thanks Fortimir for your reply. That's an interesting point. I don't have a problem with complicated inerfaces etc., but somehow the Palm OS seemed better to me. I don't say that it is true, just my impression. What about speed though?

It is very confusing saying which is best as they are different in so many areas. The best would be to have both of them and compare them for say 1-2 weeks As I said, the hx4700 is the logical choice. I went to buy the T5 today, but somehow they could not find the one in stock and I would never buy the display one. So, I think I am going tomorrow for the hx4700.....

imported_Randy_M

I was a rabid Palm guy until a few months ago. I wanted Wifi and more juice. For me, the T5 didn't seem like much of an improvement over my old T2. So, I switched to the 4705. Now, for day to day PIM tasks, I'd give the edge (just slightly) to the Palm. It's just easier (and I can't believe anyone who has used both wouldn't agree). However, the Palm platform is not nearly as robust as the PPC, IMHO. On the other hand, It seems to use memory MUCH more efficiently.

One thing I'm having trouble getting used to on my HP is that programs never seem to give back all the RAM after they are closed (and yes, I use a real task closer). Sure it's easy to soft reset, but I find I do it several times a day to get my memory back. In my Palm days (3+ years), I could count on one hand the number of resets of any kind.

Also, I was disappointed about Palm's hardware quality control recently. Seems to be slipping every month. The HP is built like a battleship.

There are many things to like on both platforms, but right now I like my PPC better.

Cheers

Fortimir

Originally Posted by constantine_j_kanavas

Thanks Fortimir for your reply. That's an interesting point. I don't have a problem with complicated inerfaces etc., but somehow the Palm OS seemed better to me. I don't say that it is true, just my impression. What about speed though? It is very confusing saying which is best as they are different in so many areas. The best would be to have both of them and compare them for say 1-2 weeks As I said, the hx4700 is the logical choice. I went to buy the T5 today, but somehow they could not find the one in stock and I would never buy the display one. So, I think I am going tomorrow for the hx4700.....

The ONLY thing I even remotely miss about PalmOS was the ability to send applications via IR. PalmOS applications are 98% of the time fully inclusive in one "exe"... so you just sent one file, and that was it.

Applications are speedy, but mostly because the coding on PalmOS applications is just not as code-intensive as Windows.

PocketPC just has MUCH better multimedia support. When I was with palm, NO devices even had headphone jacks, speakers, video support... anything. And now the just have headphone jacks and SD card support. whoopdidoo...

PalmOS is just plain... well... plain. ...and some people prefer that. (strict organizing mobile professionals)... but even then, I don't know anymore.

__________________


R&R Music Central

dbman

You might want to go over to http://www.palminfocenter.com and read the comments about the problems T5 owners are reporting. It looks like there are serious OS issues with it. People are even speculating whether it was rushed to market to catch the Xmas selling season.

Yes, I know the hx4705 has its own issues with programs not written for it, but it seems to miles ahead of the T5!

constantine_j_kanavas

Cheers guys. Of course there is not a rule saying that this is better that the other one. I guess it depends when someone buys a PDA as both OS have their strengths and weaknesses. If Palm brings out a new modelw with WiFi, Cobalt, VGA screen etc then it could be better that the hx4700, but then again MS will bring out Win mobile 2005 and knowone knows what HP is working on.

Therefore, the best buy cannot be based on OS "fanatic" views, but on what is available on the market at the moment of purchase. Got the point. I am going to buy the hx4700 again tomorrow. Well, if I don't change my mind again.....

constantine_j_kanavas

Hello dbman,

I have read the problems about the T5 and I agree with you that the hx4700 doesn't have so many issues. Also, I came across with some threads saying that there are two types of screens (Sharp and Sony), which have a small difference in colour definition. I have to admit that I didn't like the idea.

I think that the hx4700 software problems will be shorted out faster. It's like the Spb pocket plus with the new version. But man, I changed three hx4700s already.....ok, I have been really unlucky or at least I hope so :-)

allklrnoflr

It would really depend on what your primary uses are going to be, I see you don't care for CF cards. The one downside to the T5 is that if you want to use WIFI than your SD card is gone. The positive to Palm is that the programs take up very minimal space. WIFI was the biggest reason I got into PPC's, The websurfing with WIFI I'm sure would be similar on both. I use BT to surf from my T3 sometimes and the built in browser is more than adequete. The POS is going to move much faster than WM but there is no true multitasking. I just put my Zodiac 2 on Ebay and still use my T3 sometimes. I wouldn't worry so much about the initial problems with the T5 since I'm sure they will be updated and fixed. The T3 had a similar issue on release that was eventually fixed.

The T5 should come with Documents to go which is a decent program for MS docs and retains more formatting options than Pocket Word/Excel. Try out MM Player with Pocket DVD for your Movies. I have a bunch of Pixar movies for my 4 yr old that play flawless on my T3 and the T5 should do even better. The bottom line is if you like the POS interface and it suits your needs than go for it. You will save some money and the T5 is probably a little smaller.

rmangu

Originally Posted by Randy_M

I was a rabid Palm guy until a few months ago. I wanted Wifi and more juice. For me, the T5 didn't seem like much of an improvement over my old T2. So, I switched to the 4705. Now, for day to day PIM tasks, I'd give the edge (just slightly) to the Palm. It's just easier (and I can't believe anyone who has used both wouldn't agree). However, the Palm platform is not nearly as robust as the PPC, IMHO. On the other hand, It seems to use memory MUCH more efficiently. One thing I'm having trouble getting used to on my HP is that programs never seem to give back all the RAM after they are closed (and yes, I use a real task closer). Sure it's easy to soft reset, but I find I do it several times a day to get my memory back. In my Palm days (3+ years), I could count on one hand the number of resets of any kind. Also, I was disappointed about Palm's hardware quality control recently. Seems to be slipping every month. The HP is built like a battleship. There are many things to like on both platforms, but right now I like my PPC better. Cheers

I have been a palm user since they first came out. When my Vx went down I went six months and then bought the TK. It feels cheap, didn't download much of anything without having to be reset, and overall reminded me of all the things I didn't like about the other palms. Bought the 4700 and couldn't be happier except that I have spent a couple hundred dollars on extra gear and programs. Would never go back to palm.

CyberGuy

constantine_j_kanavas,

After reading your respond, I think that you should not buy the HX4700. Here is why:

1. You don't care much about movie watching, don't need CF slot, and don't even like to use GPS.

So that leave you with several main criteria such as stability and ease of use.

So instead of getting a T5, I suggest you get the Sony Clie TH55

I know that Sony is no longer making PDA outside of Japan, but I think that you can get by without support (their support ends at the end of Dec.). You can visit 1src.com and get much info and help from there.

The TH55 uses Palm system and I believe that Palm OS is more stable than the current PPC OS.

I think the Clie TH55 suits you the best. Use it for several years and then switch to PPC.

constantine_j_kanavas

Hello

allklrnoflr, thanks a lot for your feedback. As I have said, playing movies is of a second priority and I just want something that it fast, reliable and efficient. At the beginning I was really excited by the hx4700, but after all the changes I lost all my enthusiasm. I put a lot of planning, thought and energy in this buy. I want the PDA in order to organise my appointments, contacts, work on MS office docs (mainly work related tasks), as well as accessing the web in airports (I travel frequently) and watching movies (rarely).

To make things more clear, if the Palm OS is faster in day-to-day tasks, then I am not really bothered if it is not as good as the hx4700 in playing movies. Also, despite the fact that the hx4700 comes with more software, it doesn't have simple things like a program for expenses ot a world clock. Ok, I got the Spb Time for free from iPAQ Choice.

Did you find that you had to buy more software for the hx4700 than for your Palms in order to have the same applications?

constantine_j_kanavas

CyperGuy,

thanks for your suggestion. I took a look at the TH55 and I liked it, but support is really important. I travel a lot and sometimes I stay abroad for 2-3 months. This is where the HP scores very high for me. I have owned a few products from HP (laptops, printers) and whenever I had a problem, it was shorted out fast and efficiently.

I have to be honest that I was never in such a difficulty deciding what to buy...