Looking for a PDA

BuuBox · 14th December 2006, 11:07 AM

I posted this in the "what to buy" forum, but I realised it'll be much better served in here.

I'm after a basic PDA, actually for my sister, for around the $400 mark. The basic Dell model is looking pretty good, but having wireless built in would be a plus... and the 15% deal ends today. I'm hoping I can call up and order, bargining with 'em to a degree (same as the 15% off).

Any suggestions? Heaps of options, but they're just confusing.

STIK79 · 14th December 2006, 11:51 AM

I think a list of requirements would be a good start

I've just bought a mitac mio p350 (same as p550 - wireless - BT) with buillt in GPS - It's really well built for the price - and so far has been stable as. And with the right software is instamatically turned into a GPS navigator (handy - girls can't read maps

) however it might be too chunky if you don't want GPS capabilities - and you'd definitely want to get one with BT if you don't get GPS built in just in case you want to later on.

ZeonX · 14th December 2006, 1:04 PM

What would be the main purpose for the PDA? Music/movies, email, notes, sufing the net on couch, games?

There are alot of PDA's out there, but if you can explain what she will be using it for mainly then we can suggest suitable models.

BuuBox · 14th December 2006, 1:34 PM

Sorry for the lack of specifics!

She's after something mostly for appointments and the like, but also for occasional movies, music and maybe the internet.

The biggest limitation will be price - $400 at the most.

Edit: I think MITAC MIO P550 GPS PDA w/WIFI, BLUTOOTH (WITHOUT MIO MAP SOFTWARE) for $429 is a winner.

STIK79 · 14th December 2006, 3:57 PM

just beware that because of the built in GPS it's slightly thicker/heavier than a "normal" PDA (only slightly)

but yeah - one very flexible unit - just add nav software in the future for a complete unit (well except for phone/camera but... :P)

ed - the p350/550 are good too because they come with 512MB ram as averse to the normal 64/128, means you can get away without buying a memory card for a while

ZeonX · 14th December 2006, 4:21 PM

The expensive part of using your PDA for GPS nav is the software/map cost. Depending on the use it could work out better getting a GPS with software seperatly if you think you need it (from what you've said it doesn't sound like your sister will really use GPS anyway).

Check out the HP iPaqs there are alot of them but some you can pick up fairly cheap now.

BuuBox · 14th December 2006, 5:57 PM

No stock no ETA on the P550. Dammit!

Pluscorp is (kindly) chasing something up for me...

Edit: Dell just released a new deal on their PDA's... the mid range one for $479 looks good. Might just go for that unless Pluscorp can chase up something else.

BuuBox · 15th December 2006, 2:36 PM

Went to Dicksmith and got a HP iPAQ rx1950 for $298. Nice and compact, decent features and a nice price.

Hopefully she'll be happy...

14th December 2006, 11:07 AM	#1
BuuBox Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Melbourne Posts: 3,021	Looking for a PDA I posted this in the "what to buy" forum, but I realised it'll be much better served in here. I'm after a basic PDA, actually for my sister, for around the $400 mark. The basic Dell model is looking pretty good, but having wireless built in would be a plus... and the 15% deal ends today. I'm hoping I can call up and order, bargining with 'em to a degree (same as the 15% off). Any suggestions? Heaps of options, but they're just confusing.

14th December 2006, 11:51 AM	#2
STIK79 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,000	I think a list of requirements would be a good start I've just bought a mitac mio p350 (same as p550 - wireless - BT) with buillt in GPS - It's really well built for the price - and so far has been stable as. And with the right software is instamatically turned into a GPS navigator (handy - girls can't read maps ) however it might be too chunky if you don't want GPS capabilities - and you'd definitely want to get one with BT if you don't get GPS built in just in case you want to later on. __________________ 8k5a2 2100+(AUIHB 0306)@2470 (190x13) powered by H20 contained by home made (ghetto) MDF

14th December 2006, 1:04 PM	#3
ZeonX Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Vic Posts: 1,582	What would be the main purpose for the PDA? Music/movies, email, notes, sufing the net on couch, games? There are alot of PDA's out there, but if you can explain what she will be using it for mainly then we can suggest suitable models. __________________ Got Boxen in a Distributed Computing project? Is it in the OCAU Boxen Database? Current System: JasJam - 2GB microSD - 200mb Telstra Datapack - ThinkOutside BT Keyboard & Mouse. Successful Trades

14th December 2006, 1:34 PM	#4
BuuBox Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Melbourne Posts: 3,021	Sorry for the lack of specifics! She's after something mostly for appointments and the like, but also for occasional movies, music and maybe the internet. The biggest limitation will be price - $400 at the most. Edit: I think MITAC MIO P550 GPS PDA w/WIFI, BLUTOOTH (WITHOUT MIO MAP SOFTWARE) for $429 is a winner. Last edited by BuuBox; 14th December 2006 at 3:18 PM.

14th December 2006, 3:57 PM	#5
STIK79 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,000	just beware that because of the built in GPS it's slightly thicker/heavier than a "normal" PDA (only slightly) but yeah - one very flexible unit - just add nav software in the future for a complete unit (well except for phone/camera but... :P) ed - the p350/550 are good too because they come with 512MB ram as averse to the normal 64/128, means you can get away without buying a memory card for a while __________________ 8k5a2 2100+(AUIHB 0306)@2470 (190x13) powered by H20 contained by home made (ghetto) MDF

14th December 2006, 4:21 PM	#6
ZeonX Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Vic Posts: 1,582	The expensive part of using your PDA for GPS nav is the software/map cost. Depending on the use it could work out better getting a GPS with software seperatly if you think you need it (from what you've said it doesn't sound like your sister will really use GPS anyway). Check out the HP iPaqs there are alot of them but some you can pick up fairly cheap now. __________________ Got Boxen in a Distributed Computing project? Is it in the OCAU Boxen Database? Current System: JasJam - 2GB microSD - 200mb Telstra Datapack - ThinkOutside BT Keyboard & Mouse. Successful Trades

14th December 2006, 5:57 PM	#7
BuuBox Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Melbourne Posts: 3,021	No stock no ETA on the P550. Dammit! Pluscorp is (kindly) chasing something up for me... Edit: Dell just released a new deal on their PDA's... the mid range one for $479 looks good. Might just go for that unless Pluscorp can chase up something else. Last edited by BuuBox; 14th December 2006 at 11:50 PM.

15th December 2006, 2:36 PM	#8
BuuBox Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Melbourne Posts: 3,021	Went to Dicksmith and got a HP iPAQ rx1950 for $298. Nice and compact, decent features and a nice price. Hopefully she'll be happy...