New PDA - General Topics

Hi guys,
Well, I am in the market for a pda. My boss has gotten approval for my department to get pda's. I have had desktops, laptops, and an iPhone, but I have no experience in this area. Can anyone give me advice on a good pda. Most of my work involves MS Excel and Word. Need support for pdf, and Access if possible. Need easy to use interface for Excel. Plenty of memory, and decent speed. Any help appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris

cajohnson said:
Hi guys,
Well, I am in the market for a pda. My boss has gotten approval for my department to get pda's. I have had desktops, laptops, and an iPhone, but I have no experience in this area. Can anyone give me advice on a good pda. Most of my work involves MS Excel and Word. Need support for pdf, and Access if possible. Need easy to use interface for Excel. Plenty of memory, and decent speed. Any help appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just google: HTC HD, HTC G1, Touch Pro, Omnia, Xperia
This ones are good choices to have in mind
Good luck

Well firstly, do you need a pda or a pda/phone?

Thanks a lot for the advice. I found the HTC Touch Cruise at http://www.pressdigital.com.au/phones-classic-pdas-accessories/touch-cruise-professional-bundle-p-5789.html. Looks perfect. I primarily need the pda, since I have an iPhone for personal use. But, the video conferencing is a plus. Anyone have any experience with this model?
Thanks again,
Chris

Most of the info you need can be found in the wiki HERE & you can read about the phone in the Polaris forum...

I have the Touch Cruise (Polaris). Its a good compromise between an iPhone and a PDA, but it is a compromise. Seeing that you have an iPhone already, and that you want to edit Office documents, maybe you should look into something with a built in keyboard and a larger screen.
I'd be lying if I told you that dealing with onscreen keyboards on a 2.8" screen is not annoying when you are looking at a spreadsheet. The HTC Athena x7501 is larger, but more much useable for that purpose. It can also do video calls. (However, if you are located in the US, no carrier supports video calling at this time.)
Here's a review link http://www.mobiletechreview.com/HTC-Advantage-X7510.htm

Thanks very much Sonus and Reaper. Great information. Good point about the keyboard. I found a one similar that I am considering - http://www.pressdigital.com.au/phones-classic-pdas-accessories/tytn-hsdpa-phone-bundle-p-5776.html. Anyone have any experience with this one?
Thanks very much,
Chris

The TyTn II is a good business phone phone. Its basically an HTC Touch Cruise with a keyboard, and it is therefore thicker too. Same screen size (2.8"), but the TyTn II is less finger friendly due to its recessed screen, and it doesn't have FM radio like the Touch Cruise. You might want to check out the TyTn II forum or specific device forums for their suggestions also. HTC also released a couple of new phones, browse over to www.htc.com to check them out.
P.S. My suggestion is still the HTC Athena series (x7500, x7501, or x7510 listed from oldest to newest) as long as you don't plan on bringing it everywhere with you and will more than likely keeping it in a brief case vs. in your pants pocket most of the time.
Ohh, and re-reading your first post, the in-built conduit for syncronizing access databases with a PC was done away with the inception of Windows Mobile 6. Furthermore, except for in really old PDAs (devices running Pocket CE 2000 or older), Pocket Access is not available, so you need to go third party for database software. So I would also do some googling and see what the software makers of Windows Mobile database software have to say about syncing database stuff on a WM6 or WM6.1 phone.

Really appreciate your suggestions. I decided to go with the TyTN II. As far as the Access, this is not really a big issue. Access databases are too large anyway when the same data can be used in Excel.
Thanks,
Chris

Related

PDA to XDA help please

Hi guys,
I'm a noobie here as my whopping total of 1 posts indicates. :lol:
I've been reading through the forum over the weekend and have learned a lot from the posts here. Unfortunately its left me more confused over which XDA I should get. So i'm going to take the easy route and ask you guys. :wink:
I've got, and have been happy using an Ipaq H5550 for a couple of years now. Both for work and pleasure, but 'The Powers That Be' now claim I need a mobile as well :?
I've spent a fair bit of time, effort and money on the H5550, what with Accessories, Utils, Apps and Games, which i'd like to keep if possible. So, my question is:
Which XDA would you guys advice as a replacement for my H5550 ?
On spec's my guess is the XDA Exec, but any advice from real world users would be more than welcome.
Thanks ZaForD.
Ah yes the H5550, an oldy but a goody!
Any way, for us to recommend a device we need to know more about your preferences / intended use.
The hottest thing (if you can wait a bit) is the Hermes / TyTN that's about to come out. It's only deficiency is that it is not VGA like the exec.
Personally, I like my Jamin (Prophet) because of connectivity and size and a price that doesn't go through the roof, but some people might say it's a bit slow, and has no keyboard (not that I need one).
And, if you don't mind a big device with a square 240 by 240 screen, there is the HP 6900 that has WiFi BT and GPS (a rare combination in a phone).
As they say to each hi own, so you have to be a bit more specific.
P.S. Welcome to the forum!
Hi levenum,
Oop's, I can see how some info on what features I need/use would be helpful before you give any advice.
Basically, I do mobile repairs, helpdesk/support, for small offices in London. So I need a fairly powerful device to run Network/Daignostic software. WiFi is a must both for connecting to local networks and our office via the Net. BT would be handy for handsfree use, the Ipaq can get pretty heavy when using Skype for a while.
Size isn't really a problem, as i'm used to the H5550. Which from what I gather is bigger than most of the XDA's here. Again the Ipaq has no keyboard so thats not a problem. Neither is GPS, after 10 years as a messenger around London, I think I know my way round. :wink:
I'll check out the Prophet and Hermes, the more options the better.
p.s. Thanks for the welcome.
Well now that I know that your main uses are WiFi and Skype I can tell you that Prophet may not be the device for you after all.
It supports WiFi b and g (where a lot of phones only support b) and it has BT, but from what I've seen on the forums it needs to be overclocked for Skype to work smoothly (although it comes with Skype preinstalled).
I haven't tested this my self though.
One thing I forgot to tell you is that there is a comparison chart in the WiKi for different HTC devices, and there is a nice site www.gsmarena.com that gives specs and user ratings on most GSM phones out there today from different companies.
Check it out.
Thanks for your help levenum,
I checked out GSMarena and came up with a short list of XDA Exec, and Atom Exec there was no real info on the Hermes. But I read alot about it here, so I added it to my list.
After hunting round for most of the afternoon, it turns out that the Atom and the Hermes. Aren't really available yet, so it looks like i'll be getting the XDA Exec. Just gotta see whos got the best deals now.
And start working my way through the Universal forum. :shock:
Welcome to the forum!
Having had xda's for a few years now, (since the 1st one was released) and in my work testing many new devices, im still delighted with my exec, espcially the screen, but mainly the keyboard and connectivity options. For your uses the mini laptop mode the exec on a desk whilst working, in tandem with the keyboard, you will soon wonder how you managed without one!
Down sides to the exec, as a phone its maybe a bit bulky to use as an everyday mobile (pub, days out without the car etc) but not much worse than any other pda phone on the market.
Hope that helps settle your mind to the exec, you wont regret it i reckon!
Cheers,
Bryson
Hi Bryson,
Thanks for the welcome.
I just saw a couple of comments about the 'laptop mode' while getting very confused in the Universal section. :shock:
I have to say I really like the idea of it. I used to use a Thinkpad X21 [lovely little laptop] for work and missed the screen and keyboard when I first swaped over to the H5550. Now it looks like I can have the best of both worlds.
The Exec is around the same size and weight as the H5550, which I usually carry around with me as an MP3 player when not at work. So the bulk shouldn't a problem.
A couple of things i'm still alittle unsure about [due mainly to not having a mobile for years] is how well it works with a BT headset, and is it possible to use it as a phone via the BT headset, while using Terminal Service over WiFi ?
If it can, I may never have to leave the pub.

WM6 on 2125 ?

I am not new to ROM's and updating hardware with them, however my efforts to date have been with windows mobile phones such as my hermes and previous PPC devices.
I have not upgraded a smartphone though. I have a 2125 that has been sitting idle for some time as my hermes become my primary phone. I love the form factor of the 2125 but have always found it lacking, particulary with regards to not having outlook notes and office. I had found some third party tools way back then to satisfy that need at the time but it sucked to have to depend on third party apps for something so basic.
Anyway, I am blabbing. I want to confirm a couple of things with those more knowledgable about these phones.
Correct me if I am wrong but the tornado is the 2125 according to various wiki's and things out there. So I assume that most of these posts in here related to WM6 running on the tornado apply to the 2125 as well?
Does the WM6 for these phones include built in Notes application now which syncs with Outlook as it does for the PPC platform?
Thanks in advanced for any help, appreciate the efforts of all involved.
Yep, heres the Guide to Flash it. http://karhoe.byethost33.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21
Much better phone now with wm 6 on it.
I just got one of these phones for my girlfriend and wanted to upgrade it for her too. That link seems to be gone, anymore information?
warrior420 said:
I just got one of these phones for my girlfriend and wanted to upgrade it for her too. That link seems to be gone, anymore information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sticky: [GUIDE] Step-by-step pictorial guide to upgrade to Windows Mobile 6
Try this one; http://karhoe.net/content/view/21/1/

Got a new WM after a few years, what's changed? Please get me up to speed!

Hi Guys n Girls,
Well I've been a member since '05 but haven't really played with WM's since the Magicians and Alpines. I've had a TyTn but didnt like it and didnt really play with it and then lost an XDA Orbit on the first night down the pub with it. I've been using an N95 lately.
I've just got myself a Polaris and it looks great! I used to love modding my other WM's but it's been a while and I was just wondering what's changed and what's new. I've had a bit of a read but just need some advice on what software to buy and what steps to take.
So here's a few questions I have:
What's the best media player?
I will listen to a lot of music and watch films while on the go. I used to use TcpMP I think. I need one that supports a lot of codecs and don't really wanna use more than one.
What's the best keyboard software?
I had SPB full screen keyboard and it was a lifesaver. Is this the best? I like the zoom fuction on the ipod keyboard.
Is SPB pocket plus still a must?
I felt this package covered bits left out by MS (such as the real 'x' close button etc.) Is it still recomended or are there other ways around things nowadays.
How do I get this touch flow stuff? It looks cool - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=y78EB0rahQA
I love the way things are more fingertip oriented. I think Apple innovated this.
Is there still a program to design themes?
Or where can I get cool themes? I like the dark styles and windows 7 looks nice.
Is ROM flashing still risky?
I've got the o2 branded ROM at the moment. I used to love trying the community's ROMS but I've just started a family and I'm real skint. I bought my Polaris PAYG and really can't afford to brick it. Mind you cooking ROMs was half the fun!
The best PDF reader?
I read a lot of PDF's and remember never finding one up to standard. Ideally it will be fullscreen with no need to scroll along the lines.
What else do you guys recommend I do to get the best out of my HTC device?
I've forgotten loads and feel like a noob again and just need some advice about what you guys consider 'must have steps'. I remember things such as installing the widdicomm BT stack as the MS one is crap. I use bluetooth stereo headphones (motorola S9s) for music.
Hope you guys have some pointers for me and I'm looking forward to playing again!
I'm off to the read the Polaris Wiki
Thanks,
Gareth
p.s. Oh by the way it's great to see this community has gone from strength to strength. It really has grown! It seems to be the HQ of the WM world now. Congrats!
garethsimpsonuk said:
Hi Guys n Girls,
Well I've been a member since '05 but haven't really played with WM's since the Magicians and Alpines. I've had a TyTn but didnt like it and didnt really play with it and then lost an XDA Orbit on the first night down the pub with it. I've been using an N95 lately.
I've just got myself a Polaris and it looks great! I used to love modding my other WM's but it's been a while and I was just wondering what's changed and what's new. I've had a bit of a read but just need some advice on what software to buy and what steps to take.
So here's a few questions I have:
What's the best media player?
I will listen to a lot of music and watch films while on the go. I used to use TcpMP I think. I need one that supports a lot of codecs and don't really wanna use more than one.
What's the best keyboard software?
I had SPB full screen keyboard and it was a lifesaver. Is this the best? I like the zoom fuction on the ipod keyboard.
Is SPB pocket plus still a must?
I felt this package covered bits left out by MS (such as the real 'x' close button etc.) Is it still recomended or are there other ways around things nowadays.
How do I get this touch flow stuff? It looks cool - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=y78EB0rahQA
I love the way things are more fingertip oriented. I think Apple innovated this.
Is there still a program to design themes?
Or where can I get cool themes? I like the dark styles and windows 7 looks nice.
Is ROM flashing still risky?
I've got the o2 branded ROM at the moment. I used to love trying the community's ROMS but I've just started a family and I'm real skint. I bought my Polaris PAYG and really can't afford to brick it. Mind you cooking ROMs was half the fun!
The best PDF reader?
I read a lot of PDF's and remember never finding one up to standard. Ideally it will be fullscreen with no need to scroll along the lines.
What else do you guys recommend I do to get the best out of my HTC device?
I've forgotten loads and feel like a noob again and just need some advice about what you guys consider 'must have steps'. I remember things such as installing the widdicomm BT stack as the MS one is crap. I use bluetooth stereo headphones (motorola S9s) for music.
Hope you guys have some pointers for me and I'm looking forward to playing again!
I'm off to the read the Polaris Wiki
Thanks,
Gareth
p.s. Oh by the way it's great to see this community has gone from strength to strength. It really has grown! It seems to be the HQ of the WM world now. Congrats!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to read my roundups - they give you a definite answer to some of your q's (multimedia, Spb Pocket Plus when it comes to the IEM plug-in, theme management with the latest tools etc.)
Thanks,
I've just bee reading your sticky on browsers and I'm gonna take your advice and use opera mobile and flash package, i'm downloading the cabs from RS now.
I'll have a look for more of your writeups.
Thanks
The iPhone now has more and better apps, thats whats changed. WM app development hasnt progressed much at all..
darthbane2k said:
The iPhone now has more and better apps, thats whats changed. WM app development hasnt progressed much at all..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really true - at least not yet. (Albeit, highly possible, given that at least game development for WinMo has almost entirely ceased in the last half a year....)
It's only at some categories that iPhone is MUCH better than WinMo (with much more SW titles); the most important being games.

PPC / WinMo Preferences

Guys, I've been wondering for quite some time if there is a PPC out there that "completely satisfies" the needs of various users. Therefore, if it isn't too much trouble, would you mind listing:
1) Key features you would like in a PPC
2) Any PPCs currently in the market (or in the soon-to-be market, i.e. Touch Pro 2) that fit the bill?
**Note: I don't necessarilly want you to limit yourself to WinMo phones; Symbian, BlackBerry, Android, Palm, and even Apple (yes I know...) phones are OK.
For example, I own a Touch Pro and would prefer:
- Larger screen
- Capacitive screen
- More responsiveness (most likely due to a faster processor)
- Thinner (to complement the larger screen to make it easier to type)
Anyways, thanks for taking a look and especially if you contribute.
Really, no one is willing to help my research?
So far, I've only had one Voter. Though appreciated, I'm afraid it's simply not enough.
C'mon guys, what have you got to lose? You'll be expressing your opinion on a matter which I'm sure is on most people's minds here at the forum as well as helping out a fellow member.
Maybe this thread was simply overlooked. Therefore, I feel a BUMP is in order.
Two votes now!
you need a catagory 'non of the above' for us WM fans!
btw, there are so many polls around here the last year...maybe some info in them for your research.
orb3000 said:
Two votes now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And one for the Universal from your Sig (despite being a TP user).
galaxys said:
you need a catagory 'non of the above' for us WM fans!
btw, there are so many polls around here the last year...maybe some info in them for your research.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows Mobile is a given considering the forum. If I had that option, nearly 100% of the votes would be WinMo. I just wanted to know what alternatives you guys like AND WHY <= still need info.
Could you direct me to any "current" polls that may be related to this thread?
I first started with the Palm505...got hooked. Then switched to windows mobile 2003- it sucked. Then got me a Tungsten TX-it was better...but then found my dream pda...Tungsten C... there is where I found great apps and used it everyday! Now, I have the HTC Mogul running windows mobile 6.1.... love it.... but once in a while I find myself missing some of Palm's apps... not available on WM6.
I bought my wife a treo 750p... she catches me once in a while admiring the buttons and apps...
BB Storm FTW!!!!
montecristo1 said:
I first started with the Palm505...got hooked. Then switched to windows mobile 2003- it sucked. Then got me a Tungsten TX-it was better...but then found my dream pda...Tungsten C... there is where I found great apps and used it everyday! Now, I have the HTC Mogul running windows mobile 6.1.... love it.... but once in a while I find myself missing some of Palm's apps... not available on WM6.
I bought my wife a treo 750p... she catches me once in a while admiring the buttons and apps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the main reason you like your PPCs is the Apps, right?
TheChampJT said:
BB Storm FTW!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surprise, surprise.
Don't see many Storm lovers around .
WildAce786 said:
I just wanted to know what alternatives you guys like AND WHY <= still need info. Could you direct me to any "current" polls that may be related to this thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a current discussion with a lot of scoop and why info: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=501708

Touch Pro or not to Touch Pro

Hi all,
I have been a fan of the XDA-Dev site for a while now so I know I will get some good advice. I have an opportunity to get the Touch Pro free at an online reseller if I switch to Verizon. I have been using WinMo devices since my Ipaq 3955 and still love the versatlity of the os, given its Idiosyncrasies.
Based on personal experiences would this be a good move? I want the ability to use my own GPS programs and I like being able to flash to "bone rom's" so I can use the apps I want, and durability is a must. I also want a good messageing/multi-media device. The messaging is mainly for the wife's consideration.
Please forgive me if this post is in the wrong place.
Cheers,
Jeff.
the tp is everything you want, and then some

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