My dream PDA
Teddy is holding my new PDA -- Dell x50v, upgraded from my old HP iPaq 2215. But neither of them are my dream PDAs. Dream PDA means I am dying to have, but not available for certain very reallistic reasons.
I will first talk about my Old PDA and then my new PDA, finally, "My Dream PDA".
Motivation of upgrade:
I am generally happy with my HP ipaq 2215. Actually this gadget has become an indispensable part of my everyday life. I used it mainly for GPS, Calendar, Contact, Excel (expense & loans), Notes. But I did find myslef in trouble sometimes.
Problems of iPaq 2215:
1. Small mem / Slow CPU
The PDA makers always appear to be very frugal on memory. But software like GPS does need large chunk of mem for its maps. And it also demands high CPU power, especially when it attempts to calculate new route in real time. Things are relatively smooth when I only load the maps of NYC and Long Island area. But when I add more maps, say I am making a trip to Washington DC, my PDA will start to slow down. When you leave the pre-selected track, and the PDA tries to recalculate the route, it will just go nuts, disconnect your bluetooth, freezing your PDA.
2. External Wireless
HP 2215 has internal bluetooth, which is great. But it doesn't include wireless (WIFI). I bought a compact flash (CF) wireless card, and it does work. But I found later, I am reluctant to bring the extra card with me or have a protruded stuff on my PDA.
3. Small screen for internet
The screen is too small for internet browse, while it works fine for other applications, which doesn't need large area of display.
Dell x50v
1. VGA (480x640) screen
2. 624MHZ CPU
3. 64MB(RAM) + 128MB(ROM)
4. Build-in wireless (WIFI)
5. Cheap price ($300 with second battery)
The above numbers mean larger (screen/mem), faster (cpu), easier (WIFI).
The screen is true VGA among the few available, while the traditional display is only QVGA (quarter of VGA, 240x320). The physical size of the screen stays small but the resolution is definitely different. It offers more details in Maps.
Faster CPU and larger memory help the software run more smoothly, without worrying about freeze or reset.
I have to say, this PDA (x50v) is above my expectation, after viewing lots of soso comments. The bottom-line is that it worths every penny you spend on it.
Ok, so if Dell v50x keeps me happy, why do I still want a "Dream PDA"? The difference is between Functional and Elegant.
My dream PDA is Sharp Zaurus 6000L, a rugged PDA powered by Linux.