Wife Needs a PDA...and i don't know anything about them

bob332 · 05-29-05, 07:45 PM

first it will need to be simple, and since we don't have any software, i would like to get her the best, easiest to use that there is.

basically it will be used for her contacts, calender, email and would also like to be able to sync to some type of program at home. she currently does not use anything other than yahoo webmail so again, starting from scratch.

what do i need to look for in one? processor speed? ram? do they come with special programs? is there one that is the "standard" like a palm or axim?

where do the palm and axim ones differ and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each? do they have builtin word/excel/powerpoint editor/viewer? what about pdfs? also, do you need a virus program? are these basically just little computers? also, where would one find always on internect connectivity with these, not counting the wifi? how secure are they while using wifi, just like a wifi connected computer or tighter?

the ones that have both the cf and mmc slots like the x50 standard, can you use a 1GB CF kind of like a solid state hdd? say later if she wanted wifi and i opted for a non-wifi model now, how would i add it if i was using the CF slot for extra storage? can you use pcmcia cards with these? also, when in their cradles, can you control them through your pc? kind of like a remote desktop or vnc program?

thanks in advance for all of your input as i would like to get this for her pretty quick ;)

05-29-05, 07:55 PM

WOW... Ok Yes no yes yes no no yes.. just joking.

With all of that you NEVER said why your wife needs one. That will asnwer a lot more of these questions then just flailing around.

Most PPC have work excel and outlook on them. You can add WiFi as a SD or CF card. Yes the CF card has an adamptor to use in a PCMCIA slot but not the otherway around. The cards are to big to fit.

So here is what we need to know to help you.

What does your wife need the PPC for?

jmckeown · 05-29-05, 08:16 PM

I have the X30h, which is 624Mhz processor, wifi, bluettooth and Infared. I use mine for setting appointments and getting on the web. I have my files on SD card and movies on SD card. The nest model up would be the X50v, ut has a better screen but 180.00 more. People here have said the X30h has better WIFI reception. You can sync to the pc with both. I would suggest starting with the X30h it has everything she will want and more. You can store MP3's and i have a camera that plugs into the SD slot. It also comes down to how much you want to spend. But wyou won't gop wrongh with either ther X30H or X50v.

**Frenchy** · 05-29-05, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by bob332

first it will need to be simple, and since we don't have any software, i would like to get her the best, easiest to use that there is.

basically it will be used for her contacts, calender, email and would also like to be able to sync to some type of program at home. she currently does not use anything other than yahoo webmail so again, starting from scratch.

what do i need to look for in one? Depends on what you would like to do with it. processor speed? 624Mhz is the top speed. ram? 64Mb but it can be upgraded to 128 if needed. do they come with special programs? Read the review about the X50 on this site. is there one that is the "standard" like a palm or axim? One what??? The OS is standard and new PPC comes with Windows Mobile 2003 SE
where do the palm and axim ones differ and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each? The Operating System. PPC is more flexible but technically they do the same job with pretty much the same options is the difference do they have builtin word/excel/powerpoint editor/viewer? Yes what about pdfs? Free seperated program to download ans install also, do you need a virus program? Not at this time but make sure taht you have one on you PCthat you sync with. are these basically just little computers? Yes, and more... more powerful than the first PC I had. also, where would one find always on internect connectivity with these, not counting the wifi? Not sure about this question but in your cradle you can access the Internet, Bluetooth is another option to access the internet. how secure are they while using wifi, just like a wifi connected computer or tighter? Like any Computer if you use WEP or Mac Address
the ones that have both the cf and mmc slots like the x50 standard, can you use a 1GB CF kind of like a solid state hdd?Yes it can do it all say later if she wanted wifi and i opted for a non-wifi model now, how would i add it if i was using the CF slot for extra storage?You can use the Sd slot for storage and the CF slot for WiFi but I would by it now so the cost is minimal compare to add another piece to the puzzle can you use pcmcia cards with these? no also, when in their cradles, can you control them through your pc? Yes, with third party software kind of like a remote desktop or vnc program?

thanks in advance for all of your input as i would like to get this for her pretty quick ;)

See my answers in red... Welcome to aximsite :approve:

bob332 · 05-29-05, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by donbmcd

WOW... Ok Yes no yes yes no no yes.. just joking.

With all of that you NEVER said why your wife needs one. That will asnwer a lot more of these questions then just flailing around.

Most PPC have work excel and outlook on them. You can add WiFi as a SD or CF card. Yes the CF card has an adamptor to use in a PCMCIA slot but not the otherway around. The cards are to big to fit.

So here is what we need to know to help you.

What does your wife need the PPC for?

basically it will be used for her contacts, calender, email and would also like to be able to sync to some type of program at home. she currently does not use anything other than yahoo webmail so again, starting from scratch.

bob332 · 05-29-05, 09:04 PM

how much processor speed do you need? her personal computer is a 1GHz Athlon with 384MB ram and serves her fine. my main rig is a 2.8cP4, 1GB of ram, 9800Pro that i use to game on occasionally but built it about 15mos ago when i was doing some video editing. so she does not need a speed demon and would probably rather appreciate battery life over speed.

would the higher up x30 line be better than a lower x50, taking wifi out of the equation?

kind of want to spend no more than $250 without any add-ons, see how she uses it and the go from there.

also, does any store carry these? my wife has small hands and want to make sure it is comfortable in her hand.

**Frenchy** · 05-29-05, 10:57 PM

Dell has outlets in many cities, do a search for outlet on their website. You two PC processor are good enough for the PPC. The X30 High would be a good choice then. The X30 is like the Toshiba models in size. You should be able to find these in your area.

bob332 · 05-30-05, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by Frenchy

Dell has outlets in many cities, do a search for outlet on their website. You two PC processor are good enough for the PPC. The X30 High would be a good choice then. The X30 is like the Toshiba models in size. You should be able to find these in your area.

maybe i am blind but where on the site is a listing of cities? i am in phx,az...... i don't understand the statement "You two PC processor are good enough for the PPC"

just out of curiosity, why the x30high @ $297 instead of the x50low @ $254? i just don't want to drop a bundle in case she doesn't use it a lot and i don't currently have wifi in my house, but my wife will also be probably getting a laptop soon , which then i will install wifi, but i doubt she would use the pda to browse the web, instead just use the laptop.

also, how do the dells compare to other pocket pc powered pda for the price?

one more item, can you use the divx codec on the pocket pcs?

05-30-05, 12:53 AM

Bob,

One. NO ONE pays list price, with coupons and sales I got my X30 for just over $200.

An X30 mid or high will meet your needs. When the PPC is on it's battery in power saver mode they most all run at 200 mhz. So the extra juice you get with the high is only available when it is plugged in.

Choose that unit, and you won't be sorry.

05-30-05, 01:40 AM

Originally Posted by bob332

also, how do the dells compare to other pocket pc powered pda for the price?

one more item, can you use the divx codec on the pocket pcs?

1. With the dell axims you generally get more bang for your buck. They are cheaper and better (hardware speaking) than lots of other companies.

2. Yes you can! You need to install a program called beta player (soon to be tcpmp, the core pocket media player)
There are other divx players, but I find beta player to work the best. NO, there is no codec. You need to install the program...

bob332 · 05-30-05, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by donbmcd

Bob,

One. NO ONE pays list price, with coupons and sales I got my X30 for just over $200.

is there a place with coupons that i can stack on top of the discounts alread applied? the prices i listed are the current sale prices throght 06/01/05 through dell.