Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Toto · 03-16-2003, 07:20 PM

I have decided I need one of those little hand helds. Someone I know claims that it changed his life.

I seem to remember a thread on that a while back, but I can't seem to locate it.

Any recommendations? I tend to be behind the curve on these things.

Shpongle · 03-16-2003, 07:22 PM

First, I'd figure out exactly what you'd need one for. Then, buy the cheapest one that will meet those requirements.

I own a Cassiopeia, but it's probably overkill for most people.

Toto · 03-16-2003, 07:35 PM

I was afraid you would say that. I need one for keeping names addreses and phone numbers of people I meet, keep track of my schedule, etc., but I also need to expand my horizons.

What is overkill about a Cassiopeia?

Shpongle · 03-16-2003, 08:05 PM

If all you mainly need is something to keep track of phone numbers, schedule, etc, then just buy the least expensive Palm out there. It will more than meet your needs.

The Cassiopeia I own (E-125), I mainly bought because I wanted something to do web editing with on the road (code-wise, that is), but smaller than a laptop. It was also the only Pocket PC compatible with Landware's keyboard, which happened to be the particular keyboard that fit my bill. Hence, the E-125 was really the only viable solution that met my needs (outside of an ultra-slim notebook, which would have been about 8x as expensive).

But, it terms of processing power, it can do way more than just take down phone numbers or schedule info. I mean, I can play Quake on the thing, fer cryin' out loud. If that's not overkill, I dunno what is.

MacPrince · 03-16-2003, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Toto
I have decided I need one of those little hand helds. Someone I know claims that it changed his life.

I seem to remember a thread on that a while back, but I can't seem to locate it.

Any recommendations? I tend to be behind the curve on these things.

I would reccomend the Palm Zire

It will do the basic stuff you want it to do (address book, calendar), it will sync with your computer, and since it runs the Palm OS, you can use any of the thousands of Palm OS programs that are out there.

... · 03-17-2003, 03:28 AM

I have/use a Palm m515. Pretty good for what you get.

Silent Dave · 03-17-2003, 04:41 AM

I own and use a Palm m105. As far as PDAs go it's pretty much bargain basement, but it serves my purposes just fine.

Dave

simian · 03-17-2003, 06:59 AM

I have the Palm 505. Probably overkill for what I use it for. I like the color screen, if I get around to putting photos on it, it will be useful.

If I were to purchase a new one now, I would consider the Palm 130 - color screen (which I consider important), but reasonably priced (I think they are below $200 now).

I would strongly suggest a real keyboard for it, if you use it like I do. I frequently use the Palm for typing when I am on the road, pages at a time. Writing by hand would be murder for me. It took me about 3 months to find a keyboard I liked. I could not stand the flimsy, foldup, flat ones. I needed a keyboard that my fingers could fit on, and that had a layout as close as possible to a normal keyboard.

To echo an earlier message, get the least expensive one that fits your needs and anticipated needs.

Simian

lisarea · 03-17-2003, 07:59 AM

I bought my first PDA in a fit of pique on the way home from a job interview I'd almost been late to because I couldn't find the piece of paper I'd written the directions on; and yes, mine changed my life. I no longer have to carry a 40# Daytimer in order to have my addresses and notes and lists and stuff with me. To me, it is the most useful technology I've adopted in twenty years. More useful than my cell phone.

I will also echo the recommendation to get an inexpensive one at first. I do know a few insane freaks who bought PDAs and never got in the habit of using them. Pretty much any Palm OS PDA will do not just the basics, but provide extras as well, and I think you can get the basic models for about a hunnert bucks now.

The only other thing I'd add is make sure you get one with a rechargeable battery. I think most of them have them nowadays, but just in case. It makes a huge difference, not having to take the batteries out and replace them every so often. If you drop a battery or something and end up taking more than two minutes or so to change them, you lose all your data and have to back it up, which can suck if you're not home at the time.

ZiprHead · 03-17-2003, 08:09 AM

Consider getting one with a color screen too. The monochrome screens can be a little difficult to read in certain conditions.

My wife bought one last year from Tiger Direct. Don't know offhand what model it was. Included an 8MB Palm with wireless internet capability, a keyboard, leather case and various other accessories for $150. I think it was the last of the prior years models so they were getting rid of them pretty cheap.

03-16-2003, 07:20 PM	#1
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	Buying a PDA or Palm Pilot I have decided I need one of those little hand helds. Someone I know claims that it changed his life. I seem to remember a thread on that a while back, but I can't seem to locate it. Any recommendations? I tend to be behind the curve on these things.

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03-16-2003, 07:22 PM	#2
Shpongle Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Frozen North Posts: 9,920	First, I'd figure out exactly what you'd need one for. Then, buy the cheapest one that will meet those requirements. I own a Cassiopeia, but it's probably overkill for most people.

03-16-2003, 07:35 PM	#3
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	I was afraid you would say that. I need one for keeping names addreses and phone numbers of people I meet, keep track of my schedule, etc., but I also need to expand my horizons. What is overkill about a Cassiopeia?

03-16-2003, 08:05 PM	#4
Shpongle Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Frozen North Posts: 9,920	If all you mainly need is something to keep track of phone numbers, schedule, etc, then just buy the least expensive Palm out there. It will more than meet your needs. The Cassiopeia I own (E-125), I mainly bought because I wanted something to do web editing with on the road (code-wise, that is), but smaller than a laptop. It was also the only Pocket PC compatible with Landware's keyboard, which happened to be the particular keyboard that fit my bill. Hence, the E-125 was really the only viable solution that met my needs (outside of an ultra-slim notebook, which would have been about 8x as expensive). But, it terms of processing power, it can do way more than just take down phone numbers or schedule info. I mean, I can play Quake on the thing, fer cryin' out loud. If that's not overkill, I dunno what is.

03-17-2003, 03:28 AM	#6
... Regular Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: United States Posts: 229	I have/use a Palm m515. Pretty good for what you get.

03-17-2003, 04:41 AM	#7
Silent Dave Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Bloomington, MN Posts: 2,209	I own and use a Palm m105. As far as PDAs go it's pretty much bargain basement, but it serves my purposes just fine. Dave

03-17-2003, 06:59 AM	#8
simian Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 1,924	I have the Palm 505. Probably overkill for what I use it for. I like the color screen, if I get around to putting photos on it, it will be useful. If I were to purchase a new one now, I would consider the Palm 130 - color screen (which I consider important), but reasonably priced (I think they are below $200 now). I would strongly suggest a real keyboard for it, if you use it like I do. I frequently use the Palm for typing when I am on the road, pages at a time. Writing by hand would be murder for me. It took me about 3 months to find a keyboard I liked. I could not stand the flimsy, foldup, flat ones. I needed a keyboard that my fingers could fit on, and that had a layout as close as possible to a normal keyboard. To echo an earlier message, get the least expensive one that fits your needs and anticipated needs. Simian

03-17-2003, 07:59 AM	#9
lisarea Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Broomfield, Colorado, USA Posts: 5,550	I bought my first PDA in a fit of pique on the way home from a job interview I'd almost been late to because I couldn't find the piece of paper I'd written the directions on; and yes, mine changed my life. I no longer have to carry a 40# Daytimer in order to have my addresses and notes and lists and stuff with me. To me, it is the most useful technology I've adopted in twenty years. More useful than my cell phone. I will also echo the recommendation to get an inexpensive one at first. I do know a few insane freaks who bought PDAs and never got in the habit of using them. Pretty much any Palm OS PDA will do not just the basics, but provide extras as well, and I think you can get the basic models for about a hunnert bucks now. The only other thing I'd add is make sure you get one with a rechargeable battery. I think most of them have them nowadays, but just in case. It makes a huge difference, not having to take the batteries out and replace them every so often. If you drop a battery or something and end up taking more than two minutes or so to change them, you lose all your data and have to back it up, which can suck if you're not home at the time.

03-17-2003, 08:09 AM	#10
ZiprHead Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: SagNasty. Posts: 3,034	Consider getting one with a color screen too. The monochrome screens can be a little difficult to read in certain conditions. My wife bought one last year from Tiger Direct. Don't know offhand what model it was. Included an 8MB Palm with wireless internet capability, a keyboard, leather case and various other accessories for $150. I think it was the last of the prior years models so they were getting rid of them pretty cheap.

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