Re: OT/ PDA

Alan S wrote:
Hi All

I know we have a few computer-savvy people here, so a
question for the experts.

I was considering a lap-top for my next trip, but I've
rejected the idea as too heavy and unwieldy to lug around.
However, a friend suggested a PDA.

I know nothing about them or which are good and bad.

My primary use would be to make hotel and similar bookings
via the net. So it would need to be usable as a web-browser
and able to connect to the web by either phone or wifi. On
wifi - about all I know is the term, not how to use it or to
connect with it.

The secondary uses, in order of priority:

email; essential
notepad/word as a diary; essential
GPS; nice but not mandatory
music, video - not needed.

Reasonable battery life, and a multi source power capability
for the charger would also be an advantage.

Hints or advice please?

TIA

Hi Alan

I've been away for a few days and arrived back to a very large number of posts. I'll get through them slowly as time permits.

You might want to consider a BlackBerry.

I have one and I can browse the web, send and receive email (push email - it arrives instantly) and do all the usual smart-phone PIM things like a camera, MP3 player, movie viewer Bluetooth, etc., all in a pocket device. It has all sorts of third party software, spread***, word processor etc., but I don't bother with that, I use a 12" iBook for real computing. They have built in GPS and mapping software, plus you can use the normal Google Earth etc. Some also have a very effective automatic voice recognition system that doesn't need you to jump through hoops to "train" it. They automatically synch with Outlook, etc., and have a number of IM's that let you use Yahoo, Google or MS Messenger to chat to people.

Some have full qwerty keyboards, others a very effective automatic typing system that is nearly as fast as qwerty. They range from the Pearl, a phone that is smaller than many current phones, to a small PDA size device. They use 3G, GPRS or Edge so are pretty compatible with most countries. I have both a Pearl and an 8700 series.

They have add-ons like pocket sized folding keyboards, extra large batteries, and solar re-chargers. The folding keyboard is one accessory that is well worth it if it is your only travelling computer. You can also use them as a "tethered" modem (Google it) so that you can get another computer on-line from anywhere without having WiFi access. I do that quite often. It beats hunting for a HotSpot all the time. The downside of that is the number of people who approach you if they see that you are online in a cafe or restaurant that doesn't have WiFi. Get to meet a lot of new people as you explain though.;)

If necessary I can read and reply to newsgroups using Google, or if I wished to go to the trouble I can set up a newsreader to access directly.

The battery life is such that I recharge about once every five days or so.

I switched to one a while back in order to stay in touch when away from computers and access points.

They are much less expensive than using a WiFI or 3G network, I am paying an extra au$39.00 per month for unlimited email, internet/WEB browsing and SMS to be attached to my normal Optus mobile plan. I can also use Skype over the device but I have a feeling that they will eventually block that on the unlimited plans as more people learn how to do it.

Check out http://www.discoverblackberry.com/

People refer to BlackBerry owners as "CrackBerry" addicts. They are hard to give up, even for a few hours. I can't see many BlackBerry owners even considering the new Apple iPhones - BlackBerrys already have it all. :)


For a comparison of all phones and their features, (not just BlackBerry) try:

http://www.gsmarena.com/


Give me a call if you have any questions.

Regards

David
.