Help me choose 300 or 400 Mhz?

SFBayArea · 02-13-03, 06:37 PM

The reasons I need this PPC are:
1. Synchronize MS outlook calendar and emails
2. Ocasionaly use Word or Excell
3. Use it as a wireless internet via cell phone.
4. Use it as a GPS unit with Pharos GPS system
5. Very ocasionaly play some game on it.

So what do you think? Which one should I go for 300 or 400? Money is a big factor to me.

I do intend to buy at least 128 or bigger SD card so 32 or 64 MB does not matter to me. Also Cradle is something that I don't necessarily need also.

yrone · 02-13-03, 07:00 PM

the 400 is plenty fast and even in the powersave mode (200 mhz) it is plenty fast for me. its up to you. if you are eventually going to be getting alot of software, gaming or getting flash stuff the mhz matter.

JakeRich · 02-13-03, 07:16 PM

It's not so much the speed as the memory. The 400 has 64 Meg of storage, plus 22 Meg in Built in storage (leftover ROM). I found most GPS mapping software likes to have some room to work. Mapopolis will work in 32 Meg, but not PocketmapNavigator, for example. And both hold working maps in main storage, so more of that means you can have a larger map space open at the same time for those long trips. The external storage you plan to buy can hold maps and files, but the software will only use what it can pull into main memory at one time.

I don't use Pharos, so maybe someone else can tell you if the suite runs well in 32 Meg.

The rest of the requirements could probably be met by the 32 Meg machine.

JayC · 02-14-03, 07:22 AM

I would go with the 400. I originally had ordered the 300, but changed my mind and re-ordered the 400 and I'm really glad I did. I didn't think I would use the cradle at all, but I leave it at work and love the functionality it provides. -- It makes it easy to install programs and navigate through the storage space (CF or SD). I've got a 256 mb SD card and multiple CF cards - so most of my programs are stored on the SD - mp3's, pictures, etc - can go on the CF. I have some Today Plug-ins stored on the card itself.

Even if I didn't use the cradle as much as I do, I'm mainly glad I went with the 400 for the extra memory. I'm using my AX to hit the internet more than I thought I would - and I think the extra RAM helps performance. I haven't even bumped up the processor of auto - so I don't even know the difference. I have a few games installed and they are very smooth.

I knew I would love my AX, I just didn't realize how much. I'm using it so much, that I feel I've already covered the added cost of going to the 400. (I actually got it for 250 after rebates and coupons - so it was actually a no brainer) I would pay 350 for one now, knowing what I know.

Either way -- enjoy. :D

Cesio · 02-14-03, 09:34 AM

If you can afford it, go for the 400.... with technology, always go for the highest spec you can afford - that way it'll last longer (spec wise) and be able to cope with applications better and for longer.

plazman30 · 02-14-03, 09:36 AM

With more ROM, it's more likely to be upgradable to a newer version of the OS as it comes out. I know older Wince 2.11 machines could not be upgraded because they did not have enough ROM to handle the new OS.

rickh57 · 02-14-03, 12:24 PM

I concur with the 400. It includes the cradle in its price, so that makes the difference in price only $80.

Rick

Caleb Edison · 02-14-03, 12:48 PM

Here's my question... I set up the emulator "PocketSNES" on my new 400Mhz Axim, and my roomate's 206Mhz Audiovox Maestro Pocket PC (32Meg RAM, 32Meg ROM)... I wasn't really expecting the Axim to blow the Maestro away, but as is they both run at almost exactly the same speed... Any ideas as to why this is or how I can optimize my axim? And yes, I've already found the clever "400 Mhz always/auto-adjust/200 Mhz always batterysave" function... And have almost coughed up $10 to get overclock utility. :P

New World Man · 02-14-03, 12:55 PM

I read somewhere that emulators have 'built-in-brakes' so they don't run too fast, like on a desktop...wouldn't the same be true for the speedy 300 or 400 Mhx Ax?

New World Man · 02-14-03, 01:05 PM

...yeah, I just read up on Gens emulator, for all Sega, and it said there is "CPU clock speed" programmed into the emulator...I guess that's for a good reason, assuming the old consoles we originally played them on ran at like 23Mhz...so hey, your roomates AudioVox is lucky that the Ax didn't smoke him...this time...try more up-to-date back-to-back-

VNgo · 02-14-03, 01:12 PM

Unlike everyone else, I'd encourage you to go with the 300 model. There's no real reason to get the 400 other than the larger memory, and you can make up for it with a CF or SD card.

Upgrading to Pocket PC 2003 is a total unknown with either one, since Microsoft has been tight-lipped about the required specs -- there's a good chance that it won't run on EITHER one, and I'm not about to gamble another $100 on that. If Pocket PC 2003 is that much better when it comes out, I'll get a future version of the Axim with it preloaded and give my X5 to my little sister.