PocketPC vs Palm benefits/drawbacks of either one? I need help deciding on a PDA.

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bcterps

Platinum Member
Aug 31, 2000
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I'm in the market for a PDA, now a while ago I had a Palm III which I enjoyed, but later sold. I never got one after that, back then I felt that PocketPCs were overpriced and I didnt need a color unit, so a Palm device worked out well for me. Things have changed now, PocketPC 2002 is out, and the new units are lighter and better than before. Basically I'm looking for a good organizer , a device that plays MP3s, and I'd like it to be color. I'm willing to spend between $400-$500 or so. I've basically narrowed it down to 2 devices, the Sony CLIE PEG-N760C or the IPAQ 3760.

I am leaning towards the Sony CLIE because of the higher resolution screen, MP3 playback, jog dial, etc. I can also find it for less than the IPAQ, but I'm not sure whether PocketPC 2002 gives me more features that I would like. In terms of expandability, Memory Sticks are coming down in price, especially since there will be other manufacturers besides Sony making them. For the IPAQ, I'd have to buy an expansion pack of some sort.

I'm relatively familiar with the Palm OS, so I'm really looking for opinions on those that have used PocketPC devices, but both are more than welcome.

--Ben
 
RossMAN

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,942
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This is like comparing an automatic to a manual transmission, they're two totally different operating systems aimed at different types of users.

My vote goes for the Compaq iPaq H3670 which you could have bought for $299.
 
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Redwingsguy

Diamond Member
Jan 6, 2000
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I used to be a visor user, but ever since I got my iPAQ 3635, I wouldnt dream of going back! There is just so much more you can do with it, most people would tell you that if you want to get organized, then get a palmos, if you want to do everything, then get a ppc, but I feel that I am even more organized with my ppc, and it is a great time killer! with Microsoft reader and LOTR
 
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Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
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The best way to compare the two is to find out for yourself. I've used both the Palm OS and PPC extensively and in terms of OS, for me PPC wins hands down.

What you should do is buy the ipaq at a place with a good return policy and try it out. If you like it, you have a keeper.
 
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ShadowHunter

Banned
Aug 27, 2001
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The parents bought me a Ipaq 3765 for x-mas (I choose it, which is beyond rare in my family). I was using one in a store. Way bitchin' compared to Palm or other little guys.
 
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Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
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palms are toys compared to ppc, the ipaq in my opinion is the finest ppc there is.
 
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bcterps

Platinum Member
Aug 31, 2000
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So what is it about the PPC that you guys love so much? Is it the interface? The functionality? What things can you do on a PPC that you cant do with PalmOS? Microsoft Reader lets you dload books to read right? Is there something similar for Palm devices?

--Ben
 
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Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
1
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<< palms are toys compared to ppc >>



Hahahaha, to be brutally honest, that's exactly how I feel. I can't use my 3xe without thinking, "toy organizer"



<< So what is it about the PPC that you guys love so much? >>



Multitasking, heavier hardware, no graffiti area, transcriber, better file compatibility and connectivity with desktops, ability to use CF, true networking via ethernet, more customization options, file explorer, standard multimedia playback. There are more but that's off the top of my head. It's just like a little computer with PIM abilities.

Nothing like an intel cpu running windows :D ;)
 
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HansXP

Diamond Member
Jun 1, 2001
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<< So what is it about the PPC that you guys love so much? Is it the interface? The functionality? What things can you do on a PPC that you cant do with PalmOS? Microsoft Reader lets you dload books to read right? Is there something similar for Palm devices?

--Ben >>



Superior interface design
Superior native resolution (if you see a Palm with more than 160x160 then its mostly advertising, whereas with a PPC it's real)
Superior graphics
More useful programs included - Pocket Outlook, Word, Excel, Money, Reader, Internet Explorer...)
Audio & Video capabilities
Ability to work with CF and PCMCIA cards.
 
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ShadowHunter

Banned
Aug 27, 2001
1,793
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<< So what is it about the PPC that you guys love so much? Is it the interface? The functionality? What things can you do on a PPC that you cant do with PalmOS? Microsoft Reader lets you dload books to read right? Is there something similar for Palm devices?

--Ben >>



Lot's of reasons. The biggest one being the yuppie syndrom. my dick is bigger then yours attitude. thats all.

j/k of course
 
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bcterps

Platinum Member
Aug 31, 2000
2,795
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<< Superior native resolution (if you see a Palm with more than 160x160 then its mostly advertising, whereas with a PPC it's real)
Superior graphics
More useful programs included - Pocket Outlook, Word, Excel, Money, Reader, Internet Explorer...)
Audio & Video capabilities
Ability to work with CF and PCMCIA cards. >>



Hmm, well the Sony CLIE PEG-N760C has a 320X320 resolution which is actually better than any PocketPC out there, I've looked at the unit next to others, and you can see the difference, before PalmOS 4.0, it was kind of useless, but now that it's out, you can really see the difference in the displays. I really like the IPAQ screens (who doesn't), but having compared the two, the Sony CLIE stands up quite well to it, not quite as bright, but definitely better than any other Palm based device out there.

Also the Sony CLIE can also playback MP3s, and from the reviews I have been reading, they sound just as good as they would on the IPAQ -- however full motion video is supposed to be pretty sucky on the CLIE.

Well, yes the IPAQ can use CF and PCMCIA cards, but only with an expansion pack which does add significant weight and size to the unit. The Sony CLIE is extremely slim and can use Memory Stick media without any attachments. The issue of size may not matter to all, but I would like something that is "pocketable" and an IPAQ with the expansion pack is definitely not "pocketable". I most likely will need an expansion slot of somekind if I'm going to use this as an MP3 player, I doubt I would be able to fit many MP3s onto either device without it being on a memory card of some sort.

That being said, I think the most useful programs to use on a PPC device for me would be Microsoft Reader and IE, the Palm syncs pretty well with MS Outlook if I recall, so I dont think there is a problem there.

If I had an unlimited budget, I would go for the IPAQ 3850 since it has a SD slot, but at $600, it is a bit too much to spend for a handheld device.

--Ben
 
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RoninRXN

Golden Member
Sep 19, 2001
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I think it really depends on what you need. I wouldn't buy something that didn't have the features I need or had extra features I don't.

For example, I have a Song PEG-S320 which is the entry level PDA from Sony and it suits me perfectly. I just keep my schedule on it, play a few games, read some stuff and news in boring lectures and crap.

I totally don't need FMV or MP3 or even color since I'm getting a notebook (looking for a really small on like the Sharp Muramasa) which I'll carry around in my bag around campus.

BTW...Palm is not a "little guy". They still have a larger market share than PocketPC (70/30 I believe) but yes, PPC has more features.

In your case, however, I'd go with the iPaq if you can find it cheaper. I like slim, small PDAs but the Ipaq has some cool stuff and does it better than the 760. If you were to ask me about the S320 and the mono iPaq though...I'd go with the Palm.
 
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potatosalad

Banned
Nov 5, 2001
116
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0
One set of batteries will last 2 months on a Palm.

One set of batteries will last 3 hours on a Pocket PC. (IF YOU ARE LUCKY)

The point of a PDA is to stay with you at all times and be available at all times. If I wanted something that would run out of power in 3 hours, I would get a notebook!
 
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ehaught

Member
Oct 14, 2001
107
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I would definitely get the iPAQ Pocket PC. I have an iPAQ 3135 and a Handspring Visor Deluxe. I use the iPAQ all the time, and use the Visor only at work. The only I reason I use the Visor is because I am a nurse and there is like 10X more medical programs for the Palm OS than the Pocket PC OS. Otherwise, I'd just use the iPAQ.
 
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PowerMac4Ever

Banned
Dec 9, 2000
5,246
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Man, the Sony 760 is one fiiiiine handheld. That would definitely be my first choice. What's cool about the 760 is that it has the memory stick built right into the unit. With the iPaq, you need that jacket in order to add Compact Flash expansion. It depends on what you want to use the device for. If you can get the 3670 for $300, then it's definitely worth it.
 
NFS4

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91


<< One set of batteries will last 2 months on a Palm.

One set of batteries will last 3 hours on a Pocket PC. (IF YOU ARE LUCKY)

The point of a PDA is to stay with you at all times and be available at all times. If I wanted something that would run out of power in 3 hours, I would get a notebook! >>


Someone show this man the door b/c he doesn't know what the hell he is talking about. The Jornada gets 14 hours of continuous use, the iPAQ gets 12 hours. My iPAQ 3700 can go all day long (doing my daily routine: Solitaire, Calender/Task stuff, Avantgo, ets.) with minimal backlight or no backlight and have 80% charge left at the end of the day.

Considering that a person doesn't run their PDA ALL DAY LONG and that is sits in the cradle for the rest of the day should obliterate this stupid "battery life" crap that Palm folks LOVE to bring up. Why don't you grow up!

That being said, the iPAQ 3670 is currently the best buy out there as you can get it for under $300 and it comes with 64MB of RAM. And you can get the PocketPC 2002 upgrade for $30 from Compaq.


<< Hmm, well the Sony CLIE PEG-N760C has a 320X320 resolution which is actually better than any PocketPC out there, I've looked at the unit next to others, and you can see the difference, before PalmOS 4.0, it was kind of useless, but now that it's out, you can really see the difference in the displays. I really like the IPAQ screens (who doesn't), but having compared the two, the Sony CLIE stands up quite well to it, not quite as bright, but definitely better than any other Palm based device out there. >>


Do you know how SMALL the screen is on PalmOS devices, not to mention the the Grafiti area eats into that as well. 320x320 doesn't mean jack squat if the screen is smaller than 5 Tootsie Rolls Midgets lined up side by side.

For your information, the iPAQ (along with other PocketPC's) can do these resolutions with Jimmy Landscape:

320x240 landscape
240x320
480x320 landscape
320x480
640x480 landscape
480x640

So much for 320x320 :)

And when it comes down to video playback, there is no comparison. The Sony just plain SUCKS at video playback. THAT'S A FACT.
 
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Czar

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
28,510
0
0
nfs4, oh yeah ;) totaly the best game ever released on any pda's.

Next on my wishlist is that they release civ for the ipaq, that would blow away simcity :)
 
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Redwingsguy

Diamond Member
Jan 6, 2000
3,967
0
0
Bah Turjah, hearts and Gameboy roms are the way to go!!

Hey Czar what fps did you get for Futurama? and what did you use to play it? Whenever I put my DV cam stuff on my ipaq I only get about 10fps with pockettv



<< One set of batteries will last 2 months on a Palm.

One set of batteries will last 3 hours on a Pocket PC. (IF YOU ARE LUCKY)

The point of a PDA is to stay with you at all times and be available at all times. If I wanted something that would run out of power in 3 hours, I would get a notebook! >>



if I do happen to run low on batteries(say a 3 day trip without my cradle or adapter) I can just pull out the handy dandy solar charger, find a bright light or the sun, and I'm set!

 
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OS

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
1
76


<< One set of batteries will last 2 months on a Palm.

One set of batteries will last 3 hours on a Pocket PC. (IF YOU ARE LUCKY) >>



Ok, you can stop flapping your butt cheeks now. Let me ask you, how many PPCs have you actually owned and extensively used? There are so many palm zealots out there who bash PPCs and have never owned and used a PPC.

My palm goes a week on nimhs under normal usage. My ipaq goes up to 8 hours playing mp3s straight. My friend who also owns an ipaq and uses it only for PIM goes a week between charges.
 
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potatosalad

Banned
Nov 5, 2001
116
0
0


<< There are so many palm zealots out there who bash PPCs and have never owned and used a PPC. >>



I have owned two Palm PC's / Pocket PC's / Whatever else Microsoft is calling their product these days, and two Palms.

The battery life of Palm is unparallelled by any Microsoft contraption.

I have had the Microsoft contraptions CRASH on me DAY AFTER DAY. I lost track of how many times I had to hard reboot. I have never had a Palm crash on me, ever.

If you want to watch videos on the road, TAKE YOUR NOTEBOOK WITH YOU. A PDA was never meant to watch videos on! It doesn't have enough storage, screen real estate, nor CPU! You will get a tiny postage stamp 5 frames per second mess!
 
NFS4

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91


<<

<< There are so many palm zealots out there who bash PPCs and have never owned and used a PPC. >>



I have owned two Palm PC's / Pocket PC's / Whatever else Microsoft is calling their product these days, and two Palms.

The battery life of Palm is unparallelled by any Microsoft contraption.

I have had the Microsoft contraptions CRASH on me DAY AFTER DAY. I lost track of how many times I had to hard reboot. I have never had a Palm crash on me, ever.

If you want to watch videos on the road, TAKE YOUR NOTEBOOK WITH YOU. A PDA was never meant to watch videos on! It doesn't have enough storage, screen real estate, nor CPU! You will get a tiny postage stamp 5 frames per second mess! >>


Well duh! Of course PocketPC's have less battery life than Palms. Any chimp with half a brain can understand that a 206MHz Intel StrongARM processor + large, beautiful, color side-lit TFT screens + 64MB memory + the ability to do a sh!tload of stuff does NOT equal the same battery life of a Palm @ 33MHz with a porthole screen.

It's not rocket science, GET OVER IT. But the battery life issue SHOULDN'T be an issue, and I'll tell you why. Here's my typical day.

1) Wake up at 7:00 AM
2) Place iPAQ in sync cradle to update PocketMoney 2002, files, and Avantgo while CHARGING!!!!!!!!!!!
3) Go to class at either 9:10 or 8:05 depending on the day.
4) Read Avantgo before/during class (whichever is more boring/slow).
5) Take down notes/assignment due dates while in class
6) Come back to the room after class (or after lunch) and place iPAQ in cradle so that in can sync with Avantgo and CHARGE
7) Go back to class, and yadda yadda.
8) Come back to room after my day is over and throw iPAQ back in the cradle where it syncs and CHARGES
9) Before finally going to sleep, I'll sit in bed and read articles/avantgo

GET THE IDEA???????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I didn't sit my iPAQ in the cradle everytime I came back to my room, it hovers at about 80% at the end of the day.

I also have a sync cradle on the computer at home so that I can charge/sync my iPAQ when I go home for the weekends/holidays.

If you have your PocketPC crash on you day after day, then there is something wrong with the USER, not the PDA. I have an iPAQ and it NEVER crashes on me. Even when I underclock it to 162MHz or overclock it to 236MHz.
 
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