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What's It Like Using a PDA & Phone Combination? |
peeta
Joined: Apr 14, 2003
Posts: 147
From: Scotland
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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. |
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OluYom
Joined: Oct 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Nigeria
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@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.
PS: I used to be known as AYA |
absinthebri
Joined: Feb 11, 2004
Posts: 476
From: London, UK
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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.
This message was posted from a T68i |
OluYom
Joined: Oct 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Nigeria
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@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
PS: I used to be known as AYA |
absinthebri
Joined: Feb 11, 2004
Posts: 476
From: London, UK
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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.
This message was posted from a T68i |
OluYom
Joined: Oct 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Nigeria
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@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.
PS: I used to be known as AYA |
jplacson
Joined: Apr 21, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Philippines
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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.
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OluYom
Joined: Oct 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Nigeria
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@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.
PS: I used to be known as AYA |
jplacson
Joined: Apr 21, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Philippines
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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.
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senninha
Joined: Jan 05, 2003
Posts: > 500
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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.
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steele
Joined: Dec 27, 2003
Posts: 329
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@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.
[addsig] |
wrecked_porsche
Joined: Jul 01, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: I'm not telling u !
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Quote:
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On 2005-02-16 08:05:35, steele wrote:
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.
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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 ] |
shithappens
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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i'm a 2 device guy myself for the same reasons quoted earlier in the thread.... 
True Bravery is arriving home late after a boys' nite out, wife waiting with the broom & u ask: "Are u still cleaning or are u flying somewhere" |
YEOPK
Joined: Jul 30, 2004
Posts: 182
From: Malaysia
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@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!
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OluYom
Joined: Oct 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Nigeria
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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
PS: I used to be known as AYA |
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Posted: 2005-02-16 01:25
