Posted by OluYom
I have always belonged to the one hybrid device camp, but lately I have seen some PDAs that tickle the adventurer in me. However, I love to take informed decisions, so I am asking guys from across the fence (those who use a combination of phone & PDA) to share their experiences, especially the highlights, with me. Thanks in advance from a potential convert! :-D
Posted by ThreeX
In short:
Pros: Everything
Cons: None
seriously, just take a look at the specs of a modern PDA vs a modern phone.. CPU speed is like 3 times as high, display bigger and just as good.. WIFI most often, SD-cards, meaning mucho space..
You can finally buy a phone thatīll fit in a shirts breast pocket without people wondering why you have a brick in your pocket, and just bring your PDA when you need it, which for me is during work hours and on long car drives as GPS navigator.
Posted by masseur
@ThreeX, yep exactly. I know I prattle on in many threads about the JAM but everything you say there is exactly why its my number one phone over the V3 and D500 and even the P900 which I got again a couple of weeks back and then sold again after a week because it just couldn't beat the JAM
I can now only see me giving up the JAM for the JAM successor or perhaps an unbranded version of the MDA IV etc
Posted by OluYom
Good point about processor & memory. Even the top smartphones are so limited. 9500: 150mhz; P910: 156mhz! I have been looking at Pocket PCs & Palms with between 400 & 650 mhz processors & 256mb built-in memory! That wowed me.
Posted by brix25
Was thinking of getting a second-hand BT-enabled PDA for use with my phone.
Posted by masseur
@AYA, you can't just compare mhz, you also have to consider the instruction set of the processor and many other factors
however, without knowing too much about the specifics of that and having had the P900 and P910 certainly the 400mhz of the JAM (for example) does out perform the P series for similar tasks such as avantgo sync, updating worldmate weather and currencies etc and video plays great!
Posted by OluYom
@masseur: I see. There's usually more to it than meets the eye.
@brix25: That makes two of us thinking along this line
Posted by OluYom
So, anyone else here use a phone & PDA combination and wants to share the highlights?
OK, you can also share the lowlights
Tell us how you tried to cope for a while before ditching the 2-device thing...
Posted by steele
I've tried a t68i with a Palm Zire 72 before
Highlights:
1.) Phone is always in my pocket because my Zire functions as my mp3 player, for games, for text messaging through bluetooth.
2.) Battery life is improved for both phone and Palm comparing when you using let's say a P900.
3.) When you lose your smartphone, you actually lost everything. Unlike with 2 devices, if you lose your phone, you still have contacts with you in your PDA.
Lowlights:
1.)You have to think if you have bring both or not. (Hard task huh)
Right now, I'm planning to get a HP IPAQ or MY ASUS to partner with my S700i
_________________
tough times don't last. tough people do.
[ This Message was edited by: steele on 2005-02-15 06:37 ]
Posted by OluYom
@steele: Thanks. That issue of having to decide what to take along is a big one to me. With my P800, I never have to even think about it. And interestingly, I am thinking of the T68i (because of its battery life!) and the Zire 72 as a combination..
Posted by steele
@aya
The 1.3 mp cam of Zire is not that good comparing to s700i pics. Either get a good camphone together with a basic pda with good media capabilties or get a t68i and pair it with a good pda with a 1.3 mp cam (HP Ipaq 3400 series/New Asus MyPal)
Good luck mate
let us know how it goes.
Posted by OluYom
@steele: Thanks for the tips!
Posted by wrecked_porsche
Well, I have been using the
T300 / Ericson R520m + Palm Tungsten T3 for a year now. I almost went for a P900 but decided to get a two device combo instead. Here are a few reasons from the top of my head:
There are times when I want to go out and all I need is my wallet and T300. I dont wanna carry a bulky device around so I leave my T3 at home. For instance if I go to the nearby shop or go clubbing.
The T3 has a far bigger screen, I saw how Microsoft Excell looked on a P900 and ow it looked on a T3... trust me, there is a big difference !
I went for the T3.
There is a HUGE ammount of software out there available for the Palm, more than what is available for the P900 I guess, or at least it was easier to locate.... IMHO at least.
I had a look on the Palm forums to see what a Palm was capable of doing, the programs that was available, etc... It was good. Try KVPUG.org for starters. Then there is also MYPDAcafe.com too if I'm not mistaken.
The T3 has a 400Mhz processor, and it has a lot of firepower for videos and games, however I' not a gaming person, but I tot I'd just let U know, there are some really nice looking games for the Palm. Look for GTS racing(among others) by astraware and look at Warfare Inc. Look at the graphics
The main reason I choose a two device combo was because I use alot of ADOBE Acrobat, Microsoft Word, Excell and Power Point. In my opinion, U cant beat a PDA when it comes to this if u compare a PDA with a smartphone.
If I want to surf the net, hey there is always BT and I can use GPRS from the phone
No problem. I dont need a smart phone for that
So, what I'm sayin' is for ME, the TWO most important reasons why I took the two device path is:
1) I dont want to have a bulky pocket ALL the time.
2) I PDA is the BEST if u use Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excell and Adobe while on the move. I'm a student and I want all my lecture notes and project reports to be at my fingertips when I'm on the move. If ou have a chance, try viewing one of these files on a smartphone and a PDA, then decide
Sorry if that was messy... I told ya, its off the top of my head. Hope it helped
~Jeev~
Edit: I ws once like U.... Look here;
http://www.esato.com/board/viewtopic.php?topic=44126&start=30
Oh and BTW, ONE more thing, the stylus of the P900 is like a toothpick compred to the one on the T3 !!
_________________
Why are we dying to live, if we're just living to die...
They, asked me how I knew, my true love was true... Oh uh ooohhh...
WTF ? [ This Message was edited by: sanjeevjaya on 2005-02-15 10:32 ]
Posted by OluYom
@sanjeevjaya:
You have me cracking there! But yes, you did communicate. I can see what you mean about Word & PDF files on the P-series for example. Awful!Thanks for the info, and if you have more, bring it on.
Posted by OluYom
Any more 2-devices guys out there?
Posted by peeta
i guess this discussion is similar to a lot of others in respect to dual uses in phones be that pda/phone or camara/phone or, more recently, mp3 player/phone. it just depends on whether you don't mind the limiting of the capabilities you get when you merge functions into one handy, always on you, device.
Posted by OluYom
@peeta: Very precise point there. It really is a matter of informed choice.
I basically do not need a camera, Word, Excel,PowerPoint, etc, so I have never been bothered by the cut-down versions of these on most smartphones.
In the final analysis, what I need are:
1. phone
2. capable Web browser
3. mail client
4. notepad-type application
Do I really need all the power and division of labor of a separate PDA & phone combination?
Answer seems obvious... But let's pursue the discussion further.
Posted by absinthebri
I've always used seperate devices. I prefer using two dedicated machines that can be carried seperatey; I feel that should I lose one device, I haven't lost everything. At the end of the day, it's an emotional decision.
Posted by OluYom
@abs: Why did you do this to me?! You just hit the nail on the head. My greatest attraction to the 2 devices camp is the point you raised. One device can go in for repairs/upgrade/whatever and you'd still have the other. Good point
Posted by absinthebri
There's also a cost benefit - I need something that works, not a fashion statement. I still use a T68i and a Palm m505, both or which I bought at under 25% of original price as they were old stock.
Posted by OluYom
@abs: I have done some maths too in the last few days, and - even with new stock - its amazing the great combinations I can walk away with if I do opt for two devices. Plus, it also looks like I will get better performance.
Posted by jplacson
I was one who actually stayed away from the 2 device set-up... all these years... even before the hybrids came out... and I was so happy when the P800 finally arrived. Why?
Yes, the PDA+phone solution is more powerful... you get a stronger PDA... and a smaller phone.
PDA's have more features than hybrids... more memory... faster CPU... bigger screen...etc...etc.
Smaller phones...are well... smaller.
Why I chose to not go that route... even though I recommend it for some of my friends who have asked me what they should get...
1) A good PDA, if left at home... is, a $1000 paper weight. I like having all my info with me... everywhere. Plus, their battery life really sucks. The best ones now can hit about 5 hours only. I can get about 8-9 on my P910.
2) I hate bringing more devices than needed. I used to have 2 phones with me... my P910..and my old T28s (secondary SIM) ... decided to just leave the T28 at home despite it's size.
3) The P-series may not be all-powerful... but it's got 90% of what I'd like... without the bulk of a PDA.
4) Would like WiFi.. but not important on a small device... that's like driving in the Autobahn with a Kia Pride. If I surf WiFi... I'd prefer a laptop.
5) P-series is the LEAST bulky solution... 9xxx series of Nokia is just WAY to big for a phone... (not to mention ugly) ... PDA + phone is too much for me to lug around all day... I hate belt holsters (even though I have 2 of them for my P910...never use them)
Mind you... these are MY reasons for not going the split solution. I did consider it many many times... but in the end... these are MY needs. And like I said earlier... the needs of others are different.
A split solution is a good way to go if you need all the features on the PDA you're eyeing.
I personally would prefer a sub-notebook over a PDA...MAYBE even a Tablet.
Posted by OluYom
@jc: Good to have your input! I definitely do not need all the features of the average PDA. If I can find a PDA dedicated to just Web and email, I might just die and go to heaven right away.
The greatest plus of the hybrid camp - of which I am still a member - is convenience: 1 device; multiple abilities.
I really have tried to approach this enquiry with an open mind, but I still dread the idea of carrying two devices around inspite of some of the good points to it.
Posted by jplacson
Aya... there's nothing wrong with carrying 2 devices. Some people prefer it. I, do not.
It's really personal preference. Some people actually carry MULTIPLE P-series phones (I've seen people here with a P900 and a P910, or a P800 and a P900) ...for what reason... I do not know.
If you're not comfy carrying 2 devices... don't. No one is forcing you to do either one.
In the end... I have one rule... technology is supposed to make YOUR life convenient.
Posted by senninha
like many others have said, while a true PDA can do more than a P-series phone can, it's just too much of a hassle to carry two devices. maybe it's not as much of an issue for women since they can just throw them both into their handbags.
two of the supposed shortcomings of a hybrid tho are pretty easily addressed. in terms of the fear of losing data should you lose your phone, daily syncs/backups can minimize the loss. it would be just the same as with a PDA.
and as for wanting to have a small phone when you don't need the PDA side, i just pop my SIM into my T39/68/630 and the problem is solved.
Posted by steele
@aya
jplacson is right. It really depends on your needs. I was happy with my P900 before but opt to get an s700i because it's way better a camphone than the P900. As for my PDA needs, my P900 was a bit of short in meeting it. I usually use my Palm for it's dictionary, bible (NIV and all other versions), Office Apps, and MP3. MMC and SD are cheaper memory cards too.
Posted by wrecked_porsche
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I agree, I use my T3 for its dictionary, office apps and mp3 most of the time. I do browse the internet when its an emergency. The Palm has a great web browser.
Ok, here is something to make your life easier:
What is it that a PDA can do better than your smartphone?
Now, how often would you use this function(s)?
If you're gonna use this function only once every few days, then I think its better that U get a phone and PDA combo. If you need this function with you all the time then a smartphone is the way to go.
For example, I need to use powerpoint and word. Not often, but when I do use it, I want the best option, so I use a PDA. And on the days I don't need to use Word or Powerpoint, i simply ditch my PDA and bring along my small little
T300
Its true however that I have found myself wishing more than once that I had my T3 with me at that moment. However, there are also times where I'm glad I dont have a huge smartphone in my pocket. Such as when I'm walking really fast(hate the feeling of a huge phone bouncin' in my pants!), rushing to go somewhere, or when I'm going for a night out in town, or at a dinner function.
It all depends on your needs. But IMHO, you're better off with a Smartphone from the needs that you have stated.
I'm currently waiting for the next PXXX series to give Smartphones a go. By that time, it'll be just about the right time for me to look for new phones anyway. I'm thinking about going the way of the smartphone for a change.
Oh, another point, it is true that a PDA + phone combo will be cheaper than a Smartphone. That's one of the things I've got to ponder before I get the next Pxxx series. Is the cost of a smartphone justified?
LoL !
Good luck choosing !!
~Sanjeev~
_________________
Why are we dying to live, if we're just living to die...
WTF ? [ This Message was edited by: sanjeevjaya on 2005-02-17 16:36 ]
Posted by shithappens
i'm a 2 device guy myself for the same reasons quoted earlier in the thread....
Posted by YEOPK
@AYA
I'm like you. Going for a 2 devive combi. Now I'm using T610 and seriously looking into O2 XDA II mini (surprisingly, none of you using one). The Xda II mini will outperform any of the P series and most of the pdas in the market. Later when SE launch it K600, I'll be trading in my T610 for it.
Pros: Xda II mini can still fit in my pocket or easy to just carry in my hand. Features packed pda, with FREE 256mb memory card.
Cons: Can't think of any.
I'll just carry whichever I like for daily or business use. Cheers!
Posted by OluYom
Aah! This is why I love esato. Everyone pitching in with a tip here and another there.
I am yet to decide, but I feel confident I won't have to regret any decision I finally make. Thanks y'all
Posted by Cycovision
sanjeevjaya brougt up an interesting point: The cost...
The main reason I went for a smartphone rather than a PDA+smartphone was because I could get the phone very cheaply on a contract. I know most people on here hate branded phones but at the end of the day, the smartphone does everything that I need it to do and it worked out far cheaper (even taking the monthly contrct charges into account) than buying a decent unbranded phone and a PDA.
Plus I get the option to upgrade cheaply at the end of the year if something better comes out. Like I said though, I don't need the full functionality of a PDA so it wouldn't work for all people but if like me you're on a budget, it's well worth shopping around for a good deal on a good smartphone.
Posted by steele
The price is really not important. It's the perception of value that is. That's the main reason why people buy even the expensive smartphones, PDA, or whatever.
Posted by Residentevil
Personally I prefer a mp camera and a P900. If I need a good picture I whip out my Sony 5.1mp camera out and shoot. I use it at work mostly. Then I use my P900 to move the pic around. I need mostly the phone function/MMS/SMS/BT/Internet/MP4 and light PDA functionality with Handy Dates. I only want one memory format (MS), so I stick with the Sony format. Sony discontinued the Clie in the US, so that avenue is dead.
When I go out I ditch those two altogether and slide my T630 in my pocket.
Posted by OluYom
@ResidentEvil: You are the first 3-device guy I know of
Posted by jenbones
3 phones!! WOW!!
Posted by OluYom
OK. Anyone used the Palm Zire 72 before? If you have, kindly give a brief review here (please give more details about email and Web browsing on it). I've got my eyes on that one.
Posted by govigov
Good to read especially since i'm seriously lookin at the P800!
Posted by OluYom
Well, here is my verdict after listening to you all, digging around a little and looking at the availability (and support) of devices in my country: I will be staying in the one-device camp for now. My vote is for the 9300! Thanks everyone!!
Posted by wrecked_porsche
Your welcome. Glad we could help
Hope you enjoy your new "toy" ...
Posted by OluYom
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I am sure I will, thanks to the input of yourself and everyone else on this thread
Posted by OluYom
Did I say my vote was for the 9300? Ooops!
I got me a 9500 instead! And I'm loving it!