Questions about PDA's and Wifi?

[jacatone]

I need a device that I could use at wifi hotspots like the library, Starbucks, etc. to surf the web and download rather large files (a gig or more). Then transfer these files to my desktop at home either through a USB 2.0 connection or some other flash drive. Are PDA's capable of doing this? I thought about buying a laptop, but I really don't need or want another full blown computer. Any advice would be appreciated as I'm totally ignorant on PDAs. Thanks.

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, some PDAs can do this. The Palm LifeDrive is one of them: WiFi, USB, and a 4 GB hard drive. Sounds like it would be perfect for you.

[rspassey]

Certainly look into the Life Drive. I personally think it is a little clunky (or was when I saw the model when it was first released). The palm TX is less clunky (similar to the E2 I have for myself). It has built in blue tooth and wifi - meaning you can sych with your computer's bluetooth or your cell phone... This is cool, I just sych with my cell and leave it in my backpack... when I get a call, it shows up on my palm and I communicate with it. They also have the ability to play music and all that jazz through SD cards. (my version of the E2 didn't support a 2GB card, so keep that in mind.)

[glc]

You are going to aggravate the hotspot operators downloading files of that size. Why don't you just get broadband at home?

[mattaggie]

also look into nokia n800 or n810. It is classed as a internet tablet. It runs linux, which keeps the price down. it doesnt come with much drive space, something like 256mb, but it has two slots for SD cards, so you can put 2, 32GB cards for a 64gb capacity.

[jacatone]

I looked into broadband, but it's expensive. The telecoms and cable companies do their darn dist to retain their lock on the broadband market. There's an interesting battle of the titans going on between them and the White Space Coalition over making wifi broadband more competitive and possibly free. You can read more at the link below. You might even want to sign the petition.

http://www.freetheairwaves.com/about.html