pda or laptop?

[smokewarlock]

is there a pda that is very close to really being a pocket pc? is there one with ports for keyboard and mouse? or have a cd-rom of some sort? and is there software for them such as microsoft office? looking to purchase a laptop for mobility of course but have been looking at the pdas or pocket pc...have the "pocket pcs"come along far enough to truely be called a pocket pc? or is it somewhat around the corner? i have been holding out on getting a laptop because of the new tech confusion on the mobility market( tech available but manufactures not putting them into play until the sell enough of the old tech they have purchased and placed into thier product) would appreciate some input and cites i can look into as well. thanks for the help in advance.

 

[SSibalNom]

the PPC's do have MS office on em, "pocket office" and it can handle the normal office files just fine, and they do have keyboards, buyt iono about mouses, im in the same dillema, im not exactly sure what to get, just need something for typing, someone guide us!

 

[vegetation]

Short answer: No.
Long answer: Depends on what you want to use the PDA for.

Modern PDAs are a lot better than before but they still don't come close to a real PC. The factor is simple ergonomics -- You just can't fit a 1024x768 screen in a tiny PDA. There is no room for a usable keyboard. Extensive storage options are difficult and expensive to implement. Battery life will always suck on a PDA because it's supposed to weigh very little by its very nature. Now this may all change one day, I'm sure it will but surely not within the next few years. Right now, if you want a large screen and be able to type, you need to get a laptop. If you can "make do" with a tiny 320x320 screen viewing web pages, then that's great -- I do so with my Palm Tungsten C and it's very much readable but definitely not a replacement for a PC.

 

[smokewarlock]

the for the input veg ..appreciate it

 

[preslove]

If all you want to do is take notes in class or at a meeting, or check your email and do a little web browsing at a hotspot, then a pda with a folding keyboard might satisfy you. The major advantage beyond price and the cool features of pdas is that the pda and keyboard will maybe weigh a pound and will easily fit in any bag you carry.
If you want anything beyond that you should get a laptop.

 

[Wuzup101]

You might check out the IBM X31, Sony TR2, or Fujitsu 5020 lifebooks if you are considering a small "sub" notebook. The sony and the fugi both have integrated dvd-rom/cd-rd drives, get great batt life, have loads of nice features, and have very crisp 10.6 high resolution 15:9 widescrean displays (make great DVD players also). The IBM is a bit cheaper but a great overall computer if you dont' need an integrated optical drive. Personally I would take a look at the lifebook, they look great... (www.newegg.com sells all 3)