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05/30/2005 07:28:15 PM · #1 |
We are looking to buy a palm pilot or similar PDA for an engineering grad. I've never gone that route because I always have my laptop with me. So while I've seen them in action, I've never really used one or shopped for one.
Any advice or suggestions? Specific devices in the $120 - $200 price range?
Thanks in advance. |
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05/31/2005 12:10:58 PM · #2 |
I prefer the Sony Clies myself; I have been using some kind of PDA for years now. I keep a "paper" planner, duplicate it in the desktop software that syncs with the PDA, and then I always have all my info and data with me and everything is backed up. The Clie can also be backed up to the Sony chip. "Docs to Go" can sync Word and Excel docs. If he needs more of a "portable PC", then there are the Windows based pocket PC's. I use mine more for the organizational functions, though.
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05/31/2005 12:16:01 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Kylie:
I prefer the Sony Clies myself; I have been using some kind of PDA for years now. I keep a "paper" planner, duplicate it in the desktop software that syncs with the PDA, and then I always have all my info and data with me and everything is backed up. The Clie can also be backed up to the Sony chip. "Docs to Go" can sync Word and Excel docs. If he needs more of a "portable PC", then there are the Windows based pocket PC's. I use mine more for the organizational functions, though. |
Sony doesn't make the Clie in the US anymore. They got out of the handheld market in the States quite awhile ago.
I would recommend a PocketPC based handheld. The Dell Axim line is good and reasonably priced.
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05/31/2005 12:22:23 PM · #4 |
thumbs up on the Dell Axims. i think the PocketPC line is better than Palm (and i'm kinda anti-microsoft a little), and the devices are pretty durable and priced well.
you could also give the grad the money and let them buy it with their education or new grad discount.
i just looked at dell's site. i think you have to go through the ordering process before the discount comes up, but i'm pretty sure they have a student program. |
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05/31/2005 12:28:18 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by sage:
Originally posted by Kylie:
I prefer the Sony Clies myself; I have been using some kind of PDA for years now. I keep a "paper" planner, duplicate it in the desktop software that syncs with the PDA, and then I always have all my info and data with me and everything is backed up. The Clie can also be backed up to the Sony chip. "Docs to Go" can sync Word and Excel docs. If he needs more of a "portable PC", then there are the Windows based pocket PC's. I use mine more for the organizational functions, though. |
Sony doesn't make the Clie in the US anymore. They got out of the handheld market in the States quite awhile ago.
I would recommend a PocketPC based handheld. The Dell Axim line is good and reasonably priced. |
A friend just bought one two days ago; they are still here.
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05/31/2005 12:30:11 PM · #6 |
Look at the cellphones that run windows mobile. They will do as much as a pda, and also work as a cell phone. Not sure on pricing, can vary on service and location.
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05/31/2005 12:30:11 PM · #7 |
I have an old HP Jornada 548 Pocket PC that I like a lot. I think they replaced them with the iPaq line. Not sure of the price range, but you might can check them out anyway just for kicks.
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05/31/2005 12:34:29 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Kylie:
A friend just bought one two days ago; they are still here. |
You may still be able to buy old stock, but Sony do not manufacture new Clies.
If you can get hold of one, they're fantastic devices. I've had two, both excellent quality and cheaper than the PalmOne equivalents.
As for a cellphone.. I've just spent about ~$500 on a PalmOne Treo 600. I would be wary of cheap cells just because they tend to do an exceptionally poor job at being a PDA.
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05/31/2005 01:55:46 PM · #9 |
I have a first generation Palm Tungsten E. The new one, the Tungsten E2 retails for $250 USD I think. The new one includes bluetooth technology. I like the Tungsten E as I can show off pictures, videos, play games, and listen to MP3s through the SD Expansion card slot.
If you get one as a gift, look into getting some type of case. I have a hard case that has proved invaluble in protecting it.
One problem with the Sony was if the battery died, you lost all you information. Palm apparently has a one week backup system so you won't lose all you information.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Message edited by author 2005-05-31 13:56:26. |
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05/31/2005 01:57:56 PM · #10 |
Some of them have volitile memory. Meaning that if the battery dies so does the memory contents. I believe the E has volitile memory but the E2 doesn't. (Someone may correct me on this)
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05/31/2005 02:06:31 PM · #11 |
I have a Palm Zire 21. It's a lowend one (under $100) so the screen is black and white, but it does everything I could possibly want and more. The included calendar and address book seem good. It syncs with my outlook calendar on my PC. The thing I really like about Palm is the software availability. They've got an online store where you can download every type of software imaginable, so I've got lots of games, an advanced calculator program, even a geologic time scale program (I'm a geology student). It's got a little infrared beam thingy so I can send stuff to other people's Palms and stuff. It doesn't have e-mail capabilities, but I'm guessing you could probably get that in the next step up. Battery life seems good. If I remember correctly it was $89.
Message edited by author 2005-05-31 14:11:48. |
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05/31/2005 02:09:49 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by cpanaioti:
Some of them have volitile memory. Meaning that if the battery dies so does the memory contents. I believe the E has volitile memory but the E2 doesn't. (Someone may correct me on this) |
Oh yeah...I have had this problem with my Zire, but it was only because it sat for months and months without being used at one point. It was pretty easy to restore, since everything is mirrored on my PC. The only minor hassle was that I had to input the activation codes for software I had bought again, but I had those saved on my e-mail so it was just a matter of looking them up. The battery lasts a long time if you don't have it on constantly. |
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05/31/2005 02:11:13 PM · #13 |
| Also, my boyfriend has the really low end Palm Zire. I wouldn't recommend that one because it has very little memory, but on the plus side it was really cheap ($40 I think). |
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05/31/2005 03:18:51 PM · #14 |
| If you have access to Consumer Reports you might want to check the ratings. |
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