Non-smartphone PDA

[mknabster]

I'm looking to purchase a PDA for myself, that is NOT a smartphone, because I have absolutely no use for it, and can't afford the monthly payments that I am already paying on my current plan. I noticed that HP and Palm has ones, but I was wondering if they were Mac compatible, but what exactly does that mean? Like what can I do with it with my Mac? That's mainly the decision factor with going with either. I'm looking for one I can sync with Microsoft Outlook/Entourage, contacts and calendar, and it would be nice to have Microsoft Word on it, or at least a variation of that. Of course bluetooth and wi-fi is a must, and the availability to hook up keyboards and accessories if need be. Can anyone recommend some good ones, that won't break the bank?

[XenaWP]

Keep in mind, you can buy a smartphone PDA and simply not put a Sim card in / use it as a phone.

Documents to Go is a great alternative to native MS Office.

[mknabster]

Originally Posted by XenaWP Keep in mind, you can buy a smartphone PDA and simply not put a Sim card in / use it as a phone. Documents to Go is a great alternative to native MS Office.

Can you recommend ones that have the option to do that?

[XenaWP]

I removed the Sim from a Samsung Epix and used it as a PDA for a while. Eventually I sold it. The Windows Mobile touchscreen OS (Pocket PC) functions fully as a PDA OS. It's essentially the same as other Windows Mobile PDAs on non-phone devices (HP, Dell, etc.).

You can pick up some slightly older PocketPC (touchscreen) phones for a song on Ebay, even Dell and Overstock have unused but older inventory at great prices. I'd look for an "unlocked" phone to be absolutely sure it isn't going to be missing mommy's network.

The touchscreen Windows Mobile devices (PocketPC or Windows Mobile Professional) are going to work much better than the non-touchscreen (Smartphone, or Windows Mobile Standard) devices for PDA use.

[mknabster]

I actually found this one true PDS that has everything I would ever want in one, the Socket SoMo 650: http://ww1.socketmobile.com/products...ech-specs.aspx. I just need to find the best price, since that retails for $800.

[pam123]

Have you considered using an iPod Touch as a PDA ?
That happens to be one of the things I use it for and it "talks" to MS Exchange so that's not a problem. The Calendar and Contacts get a lot of use as well.
You can view Office Docs on the iPod but not edit them and, of course, it won't have any trouble syncing to a MAC.
There are also apps, like Syncbook and Omnifocus that can expand on business uses for a MAC/Touch combo that you should check out though I don't use them ( I have a win7 comp.).

With all that you may be able to ditch the cell phone plan for something cheaper ( And the Touch would also be a lot cheaper than that PDA. ) and catch the occasional tv show during your lunch break as well.

[mknabster]

MY sister has a touch, and I personally think I need something more durable as well. I don't like the screen on it, I'm a fan of a stylus, not constantly using my fingers, and I like the option of hooking up a keyboard as well to it. Yes I was thinking about it, but I think the Touch personally has too much to deter me from doing my work.

[mknabster]

Well, I spoke with the IT guy at work who uses the Socket, and he said they're not that great after all. So my question has changed a bit, ipod Touch vs HP iPaq 210? I'm mainly looking for Outlook syncronization, a way to track my bank accounts, write notes, etc.

[glc]

For best compatibility, I'd look at Windows Mobile devices.

[pam123]

Go here and download the iPod Touch User Guide : http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/...User_Guide.pdf

Yes it syncs to Outlook.
Notes and voice recording are there is you wish to use them.
I can't say anything about tracking bank accounts since I don't use my iPod Touch for that.

Next month the 4.0 software comes out and new models of the Touch debut in September.

[mknabster]

Originally Posted by pam123 Go here and download the iPod Touch User Guide : http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/...User_Guide.pdf Yes it syncs to Outlook. Notes and voice recording are there is you wish to use them. I can't say anything about tracking bank accounts since I don't use my iPod Touch for that. Next month the 4.0 software comes out and new models of the Touch debut in September.

Ooo, I might wait them for September then, see if the new updates are worth it. Thanks, I'll have a look at that guide