Is there a $300 or less PDA with WiFi that rocks ?

[ChefJoe]

I've been looking and looking and looking. I looked at the Dell X5 and thought it was just a bit bulky.

I also think that multimedia on most of these PDAs is overrated so I figured palm would be fine (supposed to be quicker for accessing/using professional things like contact info and data). I love the whole m515 form factor for the Tungsten E but, after tons of promises for WiFi cards, nothing's out yet. I'm ready to buy. I figure I'd like a palm with a good display, umm the ability to avoid windows products/reboots, easy text entry, wifi so I can do IM and, most important for me, I want to be able to use it for the interweb (paying $5/mo for PCS wireless web is just stupid and useless). The E would be great if not for the lack of actual 802.11b support.

Am I destined to get a Dell X3i in this price range or is there something I'm overlooking ?

priorities - small, nice color display, no extra bulky keyboards or covers that prevent me from just pulling out the device and entering data (no sliding covers like the T2), not sluggish

Things I couldn't care less about - storage space, mp3s, watching movies

Any advice AT ?

 

[Ionizer86]

Something small with wifi? Probably not, except the more expensive 4155 or a 2215 with a CF wifi card.

The X5 is big, but it's cheap, and it has a CF slot. Another choice would be a used e740 or maybe a used e755.

 

[Soulkeeper]

i would like to have one too
you can get wireless internet access on them right ??
they should be able to run java apps on websites right ?

also ameritrade is giving away wi-fi pda's if you open an account with them with a 5k min

 

[WobbleWobble]

ChefJoe, so there aren't any 802.11b SDIO cards yet? Bummer.

I was hoping to look for one to use in my Tungesten-E

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
ChefJoe, so there aren't any 802.11b SDIO cards yet? Bummer.

I was hoping to look for one to use in my Tungesten-E

Both Sandisk and one Socket have SDIO WiFi cards out...they've been out for a while now.

 

[Ionizer86]

They cost tons though, whereas CF 802.11b cards are about $30 when on sale. Yes, you can get wireless internet through wifi, though I'm not too sure about Java (I run Pocket PC2002; the browser is much less capable than Windows Mobile 2003's browser). If you look up Win Mobile 2k3, you can learn more about its browser though.

 

[ChefJoe]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
ChefJoe, so there aren't any 802.11b SDIO cards yet? Bummer.

I was hoping to look for one to use in my Tungesten-E

They're out but no Palm drivers. Just drivers for PocketPC. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,8778236~mode=flat

http://palmtops.about.com/b/a/2003_12_12.htm

 

[ChefJoe]

Hell, you look up SD's version and they're saying support by Q2 now... not even the Q1 many articles talk about. http://www.sandisk.com/retail_sdwifi.html

You'd think palm would be all over getting this thing to market though... it and the lack of the universal connector keep the Tungsten E from being what I'd view as a killer PDA.

 

[WobbleWobble]

I just ran into this, SyChip Announces Low Power Wi-Fi SD Card

Stupid question, but with SDIO cards, do they usually have another slot to piggyback a SD data card?

 

[TechnoPro]

I just bought the Axim X3i and have been thrilled with it so far. My other top choice was the Toshiba e755. I ruled out the e740 as they have had their share of issues and I didn't want to deal with that.

The WiFi works incredibly well. See this thread.

As for Java applets, I tried breifly to see if an applet would load, and it could not. Doesn't mean it can't be done, it's just not important for me.

The screen is bright and sharp in all lighting.

And the best part was the price... Delivered for under $300.

 

[aka1nas]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
I just ran into this, SyChip Announces Low Power Wi-Fi SD Card

Stupid question, but with SDIO cards, do they usually have another slot to piggyback a SD data card?

No, you usually lose your slot for data when using the wifi card. However, they may have a card that has wifi as well as 128Mb of flash on it. They already make this in CF size I believe.