PDA-Palm Device

[christinew]

Do any of you have a favorite hand held device? There are four I am going to consider:

Visor
Hand Spring
Palm
Compaq

Please give me your thoughts!!

:confused:

[tracey67]

Christine,

I actually review software for the Palm, so I'm pretty familiar with what's out there. Of the four you mentioned, first of all, Visor and Handspring are the same thing. Handspring is the name of the company and Visor is what they call the device. So, you are really only deciding between three.

Of those, I personally own a Palm and am pretty familiar with the Handspring. I don't know much about the Compaq, but I think it's a different operating system than the Palm and Handspring. I think the Compaq runs on Windows CE (for Compact Edition), whereas the P & H both run on the Palm OS (operating system). DH once had a PDA that ran on Windows CE and from comparing his to my Palm, I think the Palm OS is much easier to use than the Windows CE. So...for what I can really help you with, you're down to deciding between either the Palm or the Handspring. And frankly, it all comes down to features and price because both companies are VERY good and both devices are VERY good.

The Handspring company was started by the people who developed the original Palm PDA. Shortly after the Palm was released and became successful, they left to start Handspring. This means that the two devices are VERY similar and you're getting good quality either way. I think that Handspring has been a little more quick to add cool new features to their devices (such as the expansion slot which allows you to turn your PDA into a camera, a phone, an MP3 player, etc.) However, in the past six months, because of Handspring's success, Palm has been pretty aggressive in adding innovative features to their new devices and the newest models now have an expansion slot as well.

In terms of price, I think they're almost equal now, but when the H Visor first came out, it was a little cheaper than the Palm.

Before you buy, think about how you'll be using it. Will it just be a fancy phone book and calendar? Will you want Internet access? Would you like to be able to turn it into a camera, phone, etc.? Do you care about how big and bulky it is? Depending on how you intend to use it -- there's a model that's best for you.

If it's just a fancy phone book - go for one of the cheaper models like the Palm m100 or the standard Visor. If you want Internet access, go for the Palm VII series. If you care about a color display, go for the Palm IIIc or m505, or the Visor Prism. If you want it to be as thin and light as possible, go for the Palm V or the Visor Edge. With all of these features, you're paying more for a selected feature, so if you really don't care about certain features - don't waste your money.

My final piece of advice is this - make sure that whatever model you get, go for 8MB of memory over 2MB or 4MB. There are so many cool programs out these days. Most only use up 50-100 KB, but the really great ones usually use at least 500 KB. If you want to be able to use them, you'll really appreciate having the extra memory. And in most cases, this extra memory will only run you an extra $30 or so.

Check out the Palm and Handspring websites:
www.palm.com
www.handspring.com

Both sites have good comparison charts of the different models. This will make it easy for you to weigh the features you want versus how much you want to pay.

Obviously, I'm happy to talk on this subject (sorry) - so feel free to ask me any other questions. Once you get one, I can definitely guide you towards some of the cooler programs (some are SO cool!) and where to get them to try for free.

tracey

[Ralph]

Well, Tracey said most of what I was going to write!

I have a Visor Deluxe & couldn't be happier with it! I bought it last Spring & chose that model because it had the larger (8MB) memory, has the expansion module, & was priced right for me at the time. DW is now looking at getting a PDA & I went back to Handspring's web-site - they just lowered prices on almost all of their products! Their site also has a good section addressing which type you should get based on what you plan to use it for.

The trendier/more favorable things that are hot today are the slimmer models, those w/color (a must if you want to "carry" around pictures), and those that have multiple functions like internet access, phone, pager, etc.

The only knock I've really heard about Palm brand is that it's apparently a little more difficult to use (speedwise, etc.) than the Visors.

[SusanT]

I had a Handspring and was not happy with it. To use several functions, you had to pound hard on the screen with the stylus.

[Robyncz]

I don't know as much as Tracey, but I do know this--I LOVE my Palm IIIxe. DH (a self-proclaimed pda addict) had been at me for a couple of to give up my paper planner and join the new millenium. I was skeptical, but I finally gave in last Christmas and I'm hooked. I have to admit that I mostly use it as a fancy phone book and calendar, but DH also makes little databases for me to use (I track all my Weight Watchers stuff on it, for exampe). I also sometimes download movie times and other info from the internet.

I think you'll love any model you get!

[christinew]

What great advice! Thanks to Robyn, Susan, Ralph, and Tracey :D

From all I just read I am leaning towards the Palm. Now which model? What is the difference between IIIc and M505? or do I just need the V? (lightweight is a winner with me)

I am an executive in healthcare and will primarily be using it during my travels (weekly) across 10 states. I am hoping I can synch up with my crm (Goldmine) to gain access to my entries etc.

Any ideas? My VP really wanted me to check out Compaq also....but I am not quite sure since I can find a soul who has one.

Tracey, what kind of programs were you speaking of? And yes....maybe I'd like to have a built in camera!:p

Thanks-
Christine

[Gina O]

I have had a Palm 105 since March and really like it. I bought it so that I would not have to carry a calendar and address book with me all the time, and it has been perfect for that. Extremely easy to use, not too high $, and does exactly what I need. I love that Palm has TONS of software that can be downloaded onto it. My SO was doing Weight Watchers and I downloaded software that allowed me to track and calculate points. I bought Tetris for it and play it when I am bored on planes. Gina

[jazzcat]

Tracey, Are you familiar with a device called e-bookman (ASHP)
(A hand held device through the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists that contains drug information) My question is , do you know what "brand" this is . I couldn't tell from the description of the product catalog.

It seems you can get the software separately and that's why I ask since I'm not too familiar with all this technology. TIA

[tracey67]

CHRISTINE - There are two key differences between the m505 and the IIIc: the m505 offers more vivid colors (over 65,000 vs. 256 on the IIIc) and the m505 offers an expansion slot and universal connector so you can attach things like digital cameras. You can still use a digital camera with a IIIc, but on it, you'll have to attach it with a serial cable. Oh - the one other difference, is that the m505 is just as slim as the "V" model (which makes it a little more slim than the IIIc).

So when deciding between them - if price isn't an issue - think about if you'll really be using a camera with it. If you think you WILL, then I say go for the m505 -- it's very light, has a great color screen, and the expansion slot and connector for easy add-ons.

If you think you MIGHT sometime want to use a camera with it, then go for the cheaper IIIc (its only $300 vs.. $450 for the m505). It still has a good color screen, so you'll be able to use it for photographs, but you won't be paying a whole lot extra for some feature you may never use.

OR...if you don't care about a color screen and pictures - go for the Vx -- it's as light and thin as the m505, but it's $150 less ($300, just like the IIIc).

Find out why your VP is asking you to look into Compaq. It's possible that there is some healthcare program you use that only runs on the Compaq and that's why he (she?) is suggesting it.

Once you get your PDA, go to a website called PalmGear:
www.palmgear.com
They have TONS of programs and almost all of them can be tried for free. Most programs let you run them free for 15-30 days. After that point you can either stop using it, or decide to buy it. It's a nice way to check stuff out risk-free.

Look for a program called CompanionLink - it's allows you to synchronize with Goldmine.

For other "cool" programs:

check out Vindigo. This is a travel related one. Say you're visiting New York City...download the Vindigo NYC info and you can then use it to help you find a restaurant, find a movie, look for stores. You can even tell it what intersection you're at and it will give you walking directions for anything you select.

check out AvantGo. This lets you download newspapers and tons of other information. If you're traveling, you can download that days newspaper onto your PDA and then read this on the airplane rather than fighting with a big "actual" newspaper.

the Zagat restaurant guides can also be installed on your PDA.

there's a program called PocketCook that lets you store recipes, plan meals and will even create a shopping list for you.

and then of course, there are tons of fun games - a great way to pass the time while you're flying from city to city for work.

tracey

[tracey67]

JAZZCAT - I'm only a little bit familiar with e-bookman. I'm pretty sure that this is a whole different type of PDA and runs on its own operating system. This means that you won't be able to use any of the "Palm" programs on it (sort of like the difference between a Windows PC and a Macintosh PC). I know that the e-bookman does offer calendar planning and ebooks and other things, but there aren't nearly as many programs for it as there are for Palm OS devices. You may have already checked this website, but if not - here's a link for additional e-bookman details:
http://www.franklin.com/

There ARE some Palm programs that deal with health and drug information. Maybe you can find what you need in the Palm format? check the PalmGear website and do a search for keywords like "drugs" "pharmaceutical" "medical" etc...

tracey

[jazzcat]

Tracey, Thank you so much for the feedback. I'll have to check things out a bit more.

[christinew]

Who knew we'd have such an expert on the board! I love this community for reasons like this.


I am leaning towards the IIIc or the Vx, however color would be nice. Mostly I will be using the PDA for data viewing etc. And the CompanionLink sounds perfect to synch with Goldmine.

I can't thank you enough!!!

[NydiaC]

I've just started thinking about getting one of these, but I'd like to see a demo of how one works. Does anyone know of a store or web site that offers such a service?

[Marian]

Originally posted by NydiaC
I've just started thinking about getting one of these, but I'd like to see a demo of how one works. Does anyone know of a store or web site that offers such a service?

You can go to any of the office stores (Staples, Office Max, etc.) and try them out or Best Buy. My husband got me a Visor Edge for my birthday which I love. I found some software for it that keeps count of my calories, exercise, water, etc.
My husband saw how much I used it and liked it and got himself one yesterday at Staples. They are having a deal, it is $100 off from the original price and you get a free hard case with it, which is normally $40. :D

[KRH122]

I bought a Palm Vx about 2 months ago, mainly because it was the only one that my office tech people said they would do support help for. AND... I love it! It is so handy, easy to use. I haven't even had to ask them for help! I have even loaded software on it myself. Now I can't live without it!

[LeighAnne]

I have both a Palm Vx and a Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC. I was using both for a while, but finally decided I preferred the Palm. My main reason for preferring the Palm was because of the Vindigo application (http://www.vindigo.com/). We use Vindigo all the time to find good restaurants when we are out and about here in Portland Oregon. Also, I just downloaded the Seattle information since we will be visiting there next weekend. Unfortunately, Vindigo does not currently work on the iPAQ.

The one thing I really liked about the iPAQ is the color screen. I take a lot of digital photos and it was neat to be able to use the iPAQ to show off my photos. I gave my iPAQ to my DB, and he is having a great time with it. He has some neat games (http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/games1.asp) for it and he can play MP3 audio files on it using Windows Media Player.

I also recommend the AvantGo application (http://avantgo.com/) - it is a must-have app! I subscribe to news channels, movie showtimes, etc. It's great because I always have something to read no matter where I am. AvantGo will work on either a Palm or iPAQ.