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Well, it appears my poor Ipaq has passed on and now I have to decide what, if anything, I want to replace it with.
I'm assuming I'll stick with a PocketPC device, but I'm willing to listen to arguments for Palm (not that I suspect there will be a lot of Palm adherents here).
I don't want to spend a lot of cash on it, and from the little looking around I've done I've come across a couple of units that look decent at the lower end of the price spectrum. They are the Dell Axim X51, and the HP RX1955. Can anyone give any feedback on either, or something else in the $300 (or lower) price range that would be better?
I have a micro keyboard for my current Ipaq (1915 or 2215 - same model depending on where you get it). Is there any chance it would fit on the RX1955?
I have to admit, I DO like of like the GPS addon you can get for the Dell for about $130.
Edit -
I guess another thing to consider is a PDA phone, except I hate to give up my Razr. Do the pda phones have all the same functionality of a regular PDA?
I have to admit, I DO like of like the GPS addon you can get for the Dell for about $130.
Edit -
I guess another thing to consider is a PDA phone, except I hate to give up my Razr. Do the pda phones have all the same functionality of a regular PDA?
Not sure what Dell GPS add-on is; however, you can buy a good GPS bluetooth receiver for less than $90 now; of course you also need maps.
The PDA/phones not only have the same functionality w/ PDA, but also have much more features on phone side e.g blocking selected callers on specific time, surfing internet on the road, talking via VoIP.
Cons (on most popular devices): battery life; little less powerful CPU and wifi chipset. If you want a high-end powerful PDA/Phone, search for HTC-Universal or Atom Life.
I just thought I'd say about battery life as mentioned in the previous post, that I've read in a cnet review that the Cingular 8125 (HTC wizard, t-mobile MDA, etc..) got 10 hours of pure talk time before the low battery warning came on.
I would say battery life isn't a big issue if you only occasionally use the extra functions, and charge it every (couple) nights. When I get my 8125, that's probably how I'll be using it.
I also read somewhere that if you're looking for a phone that doubles as a PDA (as in pda features occasionally), you should get something like the 8125 or 8525, but if you're looking for a PDA that doubles as a phone (PDA functions being a priority over phone functions), it may not be the best idea.
Go into your wireless provider store, and try the phones they have out. If you'd rather stick with your RAZR after that, then just go out and get a new PDA. It's all pretty much personal preference. I personally don't want to carry around a cellphone and a PDA at the same time, so the 8125 is practical for my uses.
I did see that Cingular had a good deal on the 8125, but heard some folks say that it's not that great compared to the 8525, but that one is more than I want to spend.
I was able to ressurect my Ipaq, so my need isn't as critical but one device instead of two would be nice.
I was in the same position as you twelve months ago when my 2215 went to the electrical graveyard. I chose to go the joint option and NEVER looked back. I now rely on the device more than ever.
If you used the 1915 on a regular basis, and still carry a phone around, serious consideration of a PDA phone would be very strongly urged from myself, and I'm sure a lot of other users. I am currently using a K-Jam (HTC Wizard, etc) and I will never go back to the two device situation again. The only thing I would suggest is to make sure you don't forget to check the processor speed, as I did, and you will not be disappointed.
As for the question you had about the ability of the PDA to match your phone functions, I was using a Nokia 6230 at the time I made my decision, a phone which I believe matched most of your Razr functions, and I am confident, other than carrier related functions (eg 3G etc), that a PDA phone will match your phone functionality with a few little tweaks from programs like WMA Phone Profiles to give you different profiles.
You also have the bonus of never forgetting one of the devices when you walk out the door. Admit it - it is annoying when it happens. In an office of 14 people, we now have over half of us that are using PDA phones after seeing the benefits. Just my opinion from somebody in your position twelve months ago. I am not a high end phone user, but a high end PDA user if this helps you with your decision compared to my position also. Hopefully it will help you to make a decision.
__________________ Tack My time is coming... one day I will get it right first time... hopefully.
I can honestly say don't expect 10 hours of pure talk time out of an 8125 but will last a solid 5 or 6 doing most anything without using the wifi of course.. Also for phone purposes i find it a little bulky but is still useable when I am not using my bluetooth headset. I never had a pda but the idea of surfing the web and checking from the road sounded awesome. So I made the leap and will never go back to a plain cell phone. The phone I had before this was a razor. If you go through cingular you can get a refurbed 8125 for 80 bucks. Grab a 2g card off of neweeg for 20 and you have a very capable machine. Grab a better case as I have almost lost my phone twice with the one that came with it. But in my opinion go for it. I love my 8125 to death.
__________________ I don't mess up I suceed at figuring out what doesn't work.
1995 Eagle Talon TSI modded
Cingular 8125
I'm also not sure I want to pay the extra $20 a month for the data package. Does anyone have any clue how much e-mail checking I could do for less than that at the per GB price?
I'm also not sure I want to pay the extra $20 a month for the data package. Does anyone have any clue how much e-mail checking I could do for less than that at the per GB price?
Just use wifi hotspots for free. If you truly need it available anywhere, then a data plan would probably be the cheapest route.
I really want an 8125, but I'm worried about the whole not putting it in your pocket thing. I despise belt clips, and doubt it would go anywhere other than my pocket. Is this really that much of an issue, where I would have to constantly recalibrate the screen?
No screen protector, just a thin un-padded silicon case that I think does a good job of protecting the phone. I found the case on ebay. Check out the case here.
I didn't think I would have a problem with the screen (from previous sony clie experience with and without a case), but a fellow member insisted that a case was necessary to make sure that the alignment doesn't go way off.
Now I must decide for myself: Cingular 8125 or LG CU500
Two totally different classes of phones. I'm not sure which way to go, but the 8125 does have a huge array of free features, and easily installable programs. The CU500 is slim. That's about it. Well, that and customizable ringtones.
Offspring - don't know who has been giving you the run down on the K-Jam (8125, MDA, Wizard, etc) about screen alignment, but as stated in my previous post, I have had this thing for nearly one year.
The only time I have performed a screen alignment is when changing ROM's - and this is by choice. I carry the phone in my pocket, in a side case, and have dropped it numerous times on carpet, and a couple of concrete/bitumen which should cause a screen problem if anything is gonna do it.
A screen alignment problem should be coverred by warranty. I have only heard a few problems with this through forums, including imate user forum, and these are not regular. Do some research yourself if you want to find out, but I hadn't heard of many when I bought the device, and even now I'm upgrading I am looking at a similar device due to the lack of problems I have experienced.
__________________ Tack My time is coming... one day I will get it right first time... hopefully.
Just use wifi hotspots for free. If you truly need it available anywhere, then a data plan would probably be the cheapest route.
Unfortunately the place I would most like to use it to check e-mail is at work, where the firewall won't let me access my personal e-mail. And also where the hotspots are behind the same firewall.
Any clue how expensive not having the data plan and just occasinally checking an e-mail or short surfing would be?
Quote:
Originally Posted by evq.003
I've been carrying my 8525 in my pocket for about 6 months now, and never had to re-calibrate my screen.
Will it fit comfortably in either a pants pocket or a shirt breast pocket? I need to get to a store and check one of these out - I don't even know how you dial and whatnot.
Ok - one more thing: Any idea how the 8125 compares to the Nokia E62 or Samsung Blackjack? Those are the other two that are in my cheapskate price range.
Girevik - in relation to the size of the Cingular 8125 (K-Jam, etc) the width is narrower than your old ipaq, it is slightly shorter than your ipaq, however it is thicker than your ipaq. The size you get used to VERY quickly, and I use a BT headset most of the time anyway, which alleviates even having to hold the handset.
I carry mine in my pants pockets and shirt pockets wihtout any dramas. My highest recommendation but is don't bend over in a T-Shirt with it in your top pocket. Mine has the scars to prove the fact that I don't have the reflexes I used to.
The PPC PDA/Phone devices (8125, 8525) that you are considering each have a touch screen, when you hit the green dial button a program lauches that brings up a touch pad on the screen which replaces your number pad from your phone, which allows for greater screen space to use for viewing movies, typing messages, Word/Excel documents, PowerPoint files, Music programs to replace your mp3 player etc. You then use the touch pad as a replacement to dial, or there are programs which allow you to have quickdial, just like your phone, or programs for voice dialing, just like your phone.
I can't comment on the data packages as I don't use them myself due to the closed network I have for work, which a Fish couldn't squeeze it's business through, but once you have taken the plunge these devices keep on finding new uses if you can get the programs to do what you want. If you're considering money, there are a lot of freeware programs out there which do most of what the expensive programs do, without the pretty bells and whistles, which to me I don't really mind. The good thing if you stick with WM5 for the moment, is that most of the programs you had for your ipaq will go straight onto your PPC, which has to be a good thing. May be the case for WM6 also if somebody can comment on this, I haven't flashed the ROM yet to try it out.
Always consider that if you don't like it, for some strange reason, ebay is an easy place to sell with people waiting to buy them.
__________________ Tack My time is coming... one day I will get it right first time... hopefully.
The good thing if you stick with WM5 for the moment, is that most of the programs you had for your ipaq will go straight onto your PPC, which has to be a good thing. May be the case for WM6 also if somebody can comment on this, I haven't flashed the ROM yet to try it out.
Really? I had suspected to have to repurchase my software. The only thing I really use that isn't freeware is Laridian Bible reader and a few books for it - it would be awsome if I could carry that over (or find freeware to match).
I lied, I have another question (honestly, now - who didn't see THAT comming). My last couple phones have been flip phones because the last open faced phone I had was always getting buttons pushed or dialed while on my belt, so I had to lock the keypad which became annoying.
How is the 8125 in that regard? Does it have a problem with buttons or the touch screen getting pressed when it's in a pocket, and if so what do you need to do in order to lock and unlock it?
I've never had an issue carrying mine in my pocket and the buttons or screen getting pressed. I do use the lock feature that comes with the phone. I have a shortcut on the Today screen (home sceen) for the device lock. I also have it set to lock all buttons except the power button. So what I'll do is tap the "device unlocked" shortcut to lock the phone, then press the power button the put the phone in standby/sleep mode. This will turn the screen and buttons off but you can still receive calls, texts, email, etc... Then if you want to access the phone press the power button to wake it from standby/sleep mode, then press the "unlock" softkey then tap the floating "unlock" button. The chance of all of this happenning in your pocket is slim to none.
PS
When pressing the power button to place your phone in standby/sleep mode, just press and release. If you press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds you'll be prompted to shutdown the phone (completely powered off).
The 8525 is the best PPC I've every owned. I've had mine for 2 months and have not needed to reboot (other than routine backups). Furthermore, the phone can be purchased from Cingular VIA AMAZON for $199. with 2 y aggreement if you are not currently a Cingular customer. This is the make or break for you. If you're only spending $200 for the baddest m/fing PPC then it's a deal. However, if you do not qualify for this discount, it would not be worth your money without ponying up for data plan.
+ Cingular will be offering Windows Mobile 6 upgrade around June/July
+ 3G Network is currently the fastest wireless
+ Phone is crafted well and extremely durable
+ Phone is the perfect size
+ Has great WiFi ability (I use this at home w/ my Linksys WRT56G)
+ Has all the 'neat' gadgets you could ask for
-Cell phone IS expensive unless you're a new Cingular cust.
-Locked in for 2 year contract
-Data Plan is costly, not exactly priced for occassional use
Also, you could check with the business or company you work for any additional discounts. My employer (I prefer not to metion them by name, so please don't ask) has a deal with cingular where as an employee, I can get 50% off any phone and/or accessories and 25% off my monthly voice plan (data plans excluded). Of course proof of employment is required, but with these kind of savings, I had no reservations about springing for the unlimited data plan.
I am a cigular customer, but my contract is about up so they'll tread me like a new one. Probably can't get the deal through Amazon, though. I think the 8525 will be a bit more than I want to spend for a fancy toy.
As for the locking, do you have to unlock the phone to answer a call, and does it automatically lock it's self back if it was locked when a call came in?
No, you don't have to unlock the phone to answer a call. One soft key will change to "Answer" and the other will change to "Ignore" when you have an incomming call... or you could use the "Talk" and "End" buttons.
And if you miss or choose to ignore the call, the phone returns to the locked mode.
How much web browsing can you do on the 1 MB and 5 MB plans? I probably wouldn't use it a lot, but it might be nice to have. Then again, I don't have it now and it hasn't seemed to kill me yet.
Girevik - It is the same as your computer with the surfing being that it depends on the size of the pages you are looking at. If you look at a lot of high end pages with real flash graphics etc all day then your surfing dollar isn't going to go as far because each page has a lot of info on it, where as if you surf basic pages for PPC design etc so less info you will get more bang for your buck.
And further on the programs - I now download stuff for the K-Jam (8125) and then put it on the ipaq because I had it refurbished for designated nabigation in my car. Great combo. Some programs will obviously not work depending on their specs. There are quite a few free readers out there also, that may do the job if your loader doesn't load onto WM5, however most quality programs do load without hassle I've found.
__________________ Tack My time is coming... one day I will get it right first time... hopefully.
I know the ammount is going to vary based on the sites, but I was just looking for a ballpark. I'd probably mostly be checking e-mail or maybe my fantasy league on yahoo.
Tack 
Linear Mode
