Wife Needs a PDA...

[bob4432]

first it will need to be simple, and since we don't have any software, i would like to get her the best, easiest to use that there is.

basically it will be used for her contacts, calender, email and would also like to be able to sync to some type of program at home. she currently does not use anything other than yahoo webmail so again, starting from scratch.

 

[everman]

My vote goes for a Dell Axim, been using an X3i for about 1.5 years with no problems, great wifi support.

 

[Chode Messiah]

Get a blackberry. Not a true PDA, but very user friendly, and you can send emails, go online, etc. Doubles up as a phone if you have a service provider.

 

[Chode Messiah]

Originally posted by: everman
My vote goes for a Dell Axim, been using an X3i for about 1.5 years with no problems, great wifi support.

The Dell X5v is sweet.

 

[Don66]

Axim x50v Awsome little handheld!

 

[bob4432]

do these come with a program to sync it with a program on the computer? also, can you get internet access for them when not connected via wifi?

 

[bob4432]

also, what do i need to look for in one? processor speed? ram? do they come with special programs? is there one that is the "standard" like a palm or axim?

 

[SilentZero]

Bought my wife a Dell X50v axim a little bit ago and it seems to be an all around solution for anything she needs to do on it.

I have the same one myself, and its by far the best PDA I have ever used or owned. I highly recommend them.

 

[LBmtb]

Dell Axim x3i has been good to me EXCEPT . . . now I use linux and there's no real easy way to sync now (because of mobile windows). Palm would be a lot easier now . . .

 

[bob4432]

where do the palm and axim ones differ and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each? is there a website for pda noobs? do they have builtin word/excel/powerpoint editor/viewer? what about pdfs? also, do you need a virus program? $400 for the axim seems high for the contact and schedules. are these basically just little computers? also, where would one find always on internect connectivity with these, not counting the wifi? how secure are they while using wifi, just like a wifi connected computer or tighter?

 

[bob4432]

anyother input?

 

[mshan]

I am also interested in a budget, Palm OS based PDA.

What models do others recommend? (can I get one with a reasonably up to date OS for $50?)

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: SilentZero
Bought my wife a Dell X50v axim a little bit ago and it seems to be an all around solution for anything she needs to do on it.

I have the same one myself, and its by far the best PDA I have ever used or owned. I highly recommend them.

which others have you used? and are these good for pda noobs?

 

[getbush]

I have an Axim X30. I would reccomend this for her. There are 3 levels, high medium and low @ $297 $279 and $199. I would say get the cheapest one. The main thing it lacks from the other two is wireless. I have the high, but never really use the wireless anyway, and the extra processing horsepower isn't really needed anyway and just drains the battery faster. Dell Axims represent the best value out there right now. As far as ease of use, if she is used to windows on the PC it won't be hard to figure out the mobile windows on the axim. There are many sites about pdas, just google it up.

edit: for specific questions

1. I believe pocket word and excel is included in the mobile windows, check the specs
2. check the adobe site for a mobile pdf viewer
3. no on virus program
4. no need to buy the $400 axim - $199 if you don't need wireless, 279 if you do on the X30
5. Yes they are little computers
6. You wouldn't find always on internet not including the wifi because how else would you connect?
7. Wifi is basically as secure as desktops etc. uses the same wep encryption

edit #2 just go here, they have a lot of articles and a large forum community http://www.aximsite.com/

 

[anarchyreigns]

It's not budget, but Palm just came out with the Life Drive model which includes a four gig hard drive, and built in bluetooth and wifi among other things.

http://www.palmone.com/us/products/mobilemanagers/lifedrive/

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: getbush
I have an Axim X30. I would reccomend this for her. There are 3 levels, high medium and low @ $297 $279 and $199. I would say get the cheapest one. The main thing it lacks from the other two is wireless. I have the high, but never really use the wireless anyway, and the extra processing horsepower isn't really needed anyway and just drains the battery faster. Dell Axims represent the best value out there right now. As far as ease of use, if she is used to windows on the PC it won't be hard to figure out the mobile windows on the axim. There are many sites about pdas, just google it up.

edit: for specific questions

1. I believe pocket word and excel is included in the mobile windows, check the specs
2. check the adobe site for a mobile pdf viewer
3. no on virus program
4. no need to buy the $400 axim - $199 if you don't need wireless, 279 if you do on the X30
5. Yes they are little computers
6. You wouldn't find always on internet not including the wifi because how else would you connect?
7. Wifi is basically as secure as desktops etc. uses the same wep encryption

edit #2 just go here, they have a lot of articles and a large forum community http://www.aximsite.com/

thanks for the excellent response, now, the ones that have both the cf and mmc slots like the x50 standard, can you use a 1GB CF kind of like a solid state hdd? and yes, i did find the pdf viewer on adobe. say later if she wanted wifi and i opted for a non-wifi model now, how would i add it if i was using the CF slot for extra storage? can you use pcmcia cards with these? also, when in their cradles, can you control them through your pc?