I have a client for tech help that is a Farrier. (A "Farrier" is a horseshoeing expert and practitioner.) We'll meet soon to go over mobile computing choices. I am an Axim user on WM5, but there are more devices if you can accept WM5 and 6.

He does NOT want a phone combined with his device. Hard to do that these days, I have told him. He feel strongly about this split.

OK, here is what he needs: ability to see and change schedules while on the phone. Reminders. Money issues like affect on cash flow for changes in schedule. Maybe read e-mails. Maybe web access.

We live in a rural area of Hawaii state and there are gaps in cell phone coverage common where he works. There are only a few free (or paid) WiFi spots, so instant updates like MobileMe/Exchange are not practical or needed. However, going back home to sync the day's changes is fine. He'll be a PO e-mail customer always, because he is a one-person company.

I was about to suggest an HP 210 or 211 but I read a lot of angry posts and the likelihood of a new device (240). There is to be no update to further improvements to WM6 for the current crop and promos make it look like they are dumping stock. (There is a trade-inn program that made the 210 pretty tempting, I will tell you, because I had a Palm T3 in my drawer (gathering dust) that they would give me $105 to trade in and reduce the cost of the iPAQ210!)

So my question is almost for him and for me... I find the Axim to be impossible to connect to WiFi so I have less use than I hoped of this good device.

Where are all the good PDA designs? What UMPC will be a substitute for my client? They have to sync to Outlook or similar database.

Thoughts? Thanks, in advance.

Jonathan

the hp 210 is a great device for just what your client needs. ive been using one for a while now and it is durable and powerfull enough for just about everything except anything having to do with hardware acceleration. a umpc would be too much and a bit expensive for his needs. a phone device wouldnt be a bad thing, you can turn the radio off. that may broaden the amount of device you or your client could consider

hope that helps,

jd