nat12

After many hours looking at every variety of PDA on the market, I have decided to buy an Axim and join the thousands of you out there who seem happy with theirs on the whole.

However I was literally seconds from buying one from Dell direct today, when I was told that the model I would have would have the latest 2003 version operating system installed.

However as I was about to buy the standard Axim which as you know is the lower model of the two, made me think will 32MB be enough ROM in which the operating system is installed and RAM when I actually start to use it?

Does anybody know how much I will have left when I actually switch it on and start using it?

I ask because Dell has not altered the technical specs of either model even though a new operating system has been introduced and knowing Microsoft of old, new operating systems usually are more greedy in terms of what they need.

Should I be worried about this or should I continue as planned originally as per when I was expecting 2002 to be installed and buy the standard model or is the advanced model really worth the extra money?

Chrissss

The OS apparently fits within the 32MB ROM, but I don't know how much is left...probably not too much. This isn't really that important right now but might effect whether you could upgrade to a future os (WM2004?).

The 32MB RAM is a restriction and will limit how much software you'll be able to load onto the Ax. You'll probably need to keep at least 20 MB RAM free for running apps meaning you can only load about 12MB of apps in RAM. Many apps can be loaded onto the memory cards but some cannot, or are better placed right in RAM.

If you can swing the Advanced I'd say go for it to get the extra RAM.

Also, down the road you might look at the PPCTechs RAM upgrade to 128MB (I'm really considering it myself). It cannot be done to the Basic unit (32MB).

Chris...

nat12

Thanks Chris - I thought it was a fair point as most of the talk has been about upgrading existing machines and wasn't sure if current users would have a nasty shock or not once 2003 had been installed.

However to be on the safe side I'll probably buy the Advanced version - as like you say - you never know when you may need the extra memory!

ZappCatt

I personally hope that software manufacturers start to take advantage of the larger RAM that is standard on the newer PPCs. I believe that only the low end models are shipping with 32, and that the vast majority are shipping with 64MB or more.

I would go for the advanced, for the speed and RAM.

gunmx

I heard ppc 2002 supposedly supported 128MB, but none of the manufacturers implemented it.

ZappCatt

I believe that the HP 5500 will have 128MB ram.

Chrissss

The next year or two should become VERY interesting for PDA's. As an example, I read that Texas Instruments are producing OMAP processors (which will likely go into Palm's/Sony's/etc.) with wireless ONBOARD the processor AND up to 256MB RAM ON THE PROCESSOR chip itself. Very high speed RAM since it's right there.

Oh, I hope that's true and get's to market quickly... :love:

Chris...

Double-Trinity

Quote:

Originally posted by Chrissss The next year or two should become VERY interesting for PDA's. As an example, I read that Texas Instruments are producing OMAP processors (which will likely go into Palm's/Sony's/etc.) with wireless ONBOARD the processor AND up to 256MB RAM ON THE PROCESSOR chip itself. Very high speed RAM since it's right there. Oh, I hope that's true and get's to market quickly... :love: Chris...

Are OMAPs ARM based? If not, we probabyl won't be seeing them on PPCs, only on Palms and maybe Sharp Zaurus.

commoved

Quote:

will 32MB be enough ROM in which the operating system is installed and RAM when I actually start to use it?

Yes. Dell is offering it, so it will work. But memory is one of those things where more is better.

__________________
The world may not be perfect yet, but the Axim is (almost).

Chrissss

Quote:

Originally posted by Double-Trinity Are OMAPs ARM based? If not, we probabyl won't be seeing them on PPCs, only on Palms and maybe Sharp Zaurus.

Apparently they will be ARM compatible. Here's a link to some info:
http://www.pdalive.com/forums/showth...&threadid=2950

Just in case the link doesn't work... This was posted by Beng Yeow of PDALive on Feb 3/03

"Texas Instruments Incorporated has unveiled five new OMAP processors with on-chip security that are targeted at multimedia applications in advanced wireless handset, smart-phone and PDA designs.

According to TI, applications featuring 2D graphics will run up to 2.5x faster, Java execution performed up to 8x faster, and the enabling Multimedia Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) extensions can provide up to 1.7x performance gain for audio applications such as digital audio playback.

Security algorithms are also processed up to 90x faster while power consumption is reduced, thanks to the OMAP platform's hardware accelerators. In addition, an "extreme deep sleep mode" is also on tap that reduces power consumption to less than 10 micro-Amperes (µA) of current, which is equivalent to a 10x reduction in the standby power drain of previous generation processors, claims the company.

TI's latest OMAP devices are compatible with the Linux, Nucleus, Palm OS, Symbian, Pocket PC and Smart-phone operating systems, as well as backward compatible with TI's OMAP1510, OMAP310 and OMAP710 processors. Three of the new MAP161x series devices, the OMAP1610, OMAP1611 and OMAP1612, can be coupled with chipsets for all cellular standards. The remaining two devices, the OMAP730 and OMAP732, are single chip offerings that integrate a GSM/GPRS modem baseband subsystem with a dedicated application processor.

The OMAP1611 processor features 2MB of internal SRAM (ISRAM), a standard low pin-count, and a dedicated connection 54 Mbit/sec WLAN (802.11g/a/b) technology. The OMAP1612 processor includes all of the OMAP1611's previously mentioned features, together with 256 MB of stacked ultra-low-power, mobile double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic memory (SDRAM).

TI's new OMAP73x series has been integrated into a wireless chipset and reference design that combines a GSM/GPRS Class 12 modem baseband processor and a dedicated application processor on a single chip. The OMAP730 reportedly delivers twice the application performance over the OMAP710 processor while doubling standby time. TI also reports that designs using the new OMAP730 device will require less than half the board space of the previous generation. In addition, the OMAP730 features an internal SRAM frame buffer memory and a dedicated connection to 54 Mbit/sec WLAN (802.11g/a/b) technology. The OMAP732 processor expands upon the abilities of the OMAP730 device by offering to 256 Mb of stacked mobile SDRAM in support of advanced smart-phone and PDA design applications.

Based on TI's 0.13-micron process technology, the OMAP1610, OMAP1611 and OMAP730 devices are expected to begin sampling in 1Q03 while OMAP1612 and OMAP732 devices with stacked memory are scheduled to sample in 2Q03. Production volumes of all five processors are scheduled to be available in the 4Q03.

TI has also announced a new four-chip dual-mode TCS4105 UMTS chipset and reference design that can be combined with one of TI's OMAP application processors to support 3G multimedia applications in 3G wireless handset and PDA designs. Designed in compliance with the 3GPP Release 99 specification for UMTS, the programmable chipset includes TI's new OMAP1610 processor, which supports the Windows CE, PalmOS, Symbian OS and Linux operating systems.

The new chipset's TBB4105 digital baseband processor offers support for WCDMA up to 384kbit/sec, as well as Class12 GSM/GPRS. The device also features TI's TMS320C55x DSP as well as an ARM926 processor.

The chipset's TWL3024 analog baseband processor has been designed to integrate the analog and power management functions of the complete chipset and applications processor into a single device. The TWL3024 also features TI's power management system, which reduces power consumption by partitioning the system as well as placing portions of the handset into low-power standby mode whenever possible to do so. According to the company, the battery life of a 3G mobile device featuring TI's TCS4105 and OMAP1610 processor will enjoy a 2X increase in standby time.

The new UMTS chipset also includes a two-chip RF transceiver subsystem that is designed to enable the chipset's dual-mode GSM/GPRS and WCDMA capabilities. Based on advanced direct conversion (DC) technology, both the TRF6151 GSM/GPRS transceiver and the TRF6301 WCDMA transceiver integrate a number of external devices, including VCOs, LNAs, PLL loop filters, and synthesizers.

TCS4105 UMTS development chipsets have been available since the second quarter of 2002. Availability of TCS4105 commercial samples is expected in 3Q03, while full-scale production of chipset and software is planned for 1H04. In addition, the 1H04 release will include a UMTS chipset reference design that will include a complete bill of materials, communications and multimedia software suite and board design and layout."

Chris...