HP iPAQ hw6500: New rounder

You can, technically admiration for it, the all-rounders which you can call, communicate, video calling and getting around, but stuffs it too much and often underutilized features in one device like the HP iPAQhw6500 Pocket PC, also called referred to as the "Mobile Messenger". You can really everything, it's a PC in your pocket, but also an Internet terminal, organizer and of course a mobile phone. But when something is just "too" much, if you sink away in the options, gadgets and never used menus? When is a "converged device" or "PDA / Phone hybrid really a useful thing, a workhorse and not a swiss army knife that you have with you but never really used?

Presenting the new iPAQ became especially clear that the distinction between all these portable things like PDAs, Pocket PC, Smart Phone, GPS navigation unit and mobile phone is fading. Even Microsoft is talking about "mobile" and leave the terms Pocket PC and Smartphone fall. The technique allows to combine all that and it's the marketing that needs to estimate the optimal combination. The HP hw6500 leader aims for the business user and the only concession they do in terms of functionality that a model version without a camera, because many companies today no longer allow their field.

For the rest it is a wonderful thing loaded. A use test should also decide how far everything is working properly, but we can not assume that HP has become a leader in this segment by selling junk. Where we have reports that point to the iPAQ In 6315 clearly showed the U.S. growing pains, but people there also quickly responded. HP has for the h6300 series is a ROM update that fixes problems. For European h6340 has since February 14 a ROM update available (SoftPaq SP29511; English at www.hp.com / support).

History

HP is renowned as the company that introduced the first pocket calculators, such as the famous Model 35 at the time that each student and used whole series of useful carriers afterwards. HP was also one of the first releases of the organizers or PDAs like the HP 95LX, 100LX and 200LX palmtop computers, and run DOS-based HP Personal Productivity software like eg calendar and email and third party software such as Lotus 123. In addition, HP has the "Jornada" Handheld PCs running Windows PocketPC successes but also after the merge with Compaq iPAQs continuing with, which had gained a larger market share.

The world was introduced to computers by that pocket a handy and easy to use digital assistant with many possibilities for both business and personal use. Now, in 2005, HP claims another important milestone in the development of the PDA to have achieved by rapid mobile data communications, telephony, navigation, high performance and broad functionality, integrated into one handy device. No universal solution, it remains a compromise, but with an emphasis on what the business user demands for mobility, communication and productivity. Who wants to go to communicate, report, or find the way information is organized with the iPAQ 6500 from the feet.

Changing work styles

The press conference for the new iPaq was in "Living Tomorrow", a model home / office of the future in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost. Impressive, but you have inadvertently think Chriet Titulaer and how his dreams of robots and automated houses are not really true. And if you look out the window and see how many offices there are giants in the neighborhood are empty and for rent, you realize that particularly beautiful visions, planning and foresight sometimes be overtaken by the reality. Maybe all these vacancies in the economy, but there's much truth in the view of the changing work style, which was propagated HP Kees Verton.

Mobility is increasing, in particular a mobile work style multinationals will adopt. Knowledge workers spend 70% of the time, collaborative or outside of their formal work. It will be increasingly moving towards an integrated planned workplace where personnel, support services, equipment, communication, ergonomics and technology converge. It plays a major role in the virtual workplace, they want productive and accessible in the car, the train, the customer, anywhere and therefore are not only handy devices needed, but also its integration across business operations. Synchronization, data exchange and access, but also security.

HP sees a great future for its products, but the estimate is that some Heliview against. Of all employees in the Netherlands with 22% regularly active outside, these are more than 1.5 million employees. Despite this large number and the fact that over 2.2 million employees using corporate mobile telephony market is still hesitant about the adoption of mobile data communications solutions. The added value of mobile data communications solutions for 39% of companies still insufficient at this time to invest, says research Heliview. Providers of mobile data solutions will have to convince the end user the added value of these applications.

Market Shift

The pure PDA with stylus and touchscreen, and especially organizational and calendar functions also begins to lose ground. In 2004, 13% less than PDAs sold in 2003. They want more communication now,smartphones are strong and there are also functions well in the PDA. It is therefore not surprising that HP is strong in the wireless communications and convergence with mobile targets.

Much choice in iPAQs

The series iPAQ Pocket PCs from HP includes a large number of models, which have in common that they work with Microsoft Windows Mobile, an operating system that matches both in interface and so for most Windows users easy to learn. This is also a wide range of software available. The choice between the various models is not easy, you really have to study what all the models in the rz, rx, hx, h, hwseries and now all can. The differences are all in the geometry, size and quality of the display, storage, map options in the wireless connectivity, biometric fingerprint scanner, camera, GPS navigation or multimedia skills, but also in the price. The iPAQ can be found from around 200 euros to 500 euros, the latest model is the hw6500 and it comes at premium price, HP will not dump her latest toy. The Internet is the place to find out where this model is cheap to get and because of the GSM / GPRS / Edge capabilities will also probably in the bundles of the telco providers.

Hw6500 specifications

Of course we can all rows of the details, but it is understandable if we say that this device is similar to the HX range, but with 1.3 MP Camera, MP3, quad-band phone and GPS navigation (TomTom). Slightly narrower, nice rounded corners, a little thicker, more square and slightly smaller 3 " 240x240 display (but a mini keyboard), a relatively slow (312 MHz) processor and not excessive memory (128 MB).There is a lot (to power) protected memory (8MB) that the IPAQ File Store is called. The battery is 1200 mAh firm for the processor, but given the number of applications for the hw6500 maybe on the tight side. The connectivity and the included software bundle is very broad and it is clear that with this model, competitors like the Blueberry-like PDAs parries.

You could say that the trend of recent iPAQs, all more or less had a strong hand, such as in mobile communications or the h6340 rx3715 terms of multimedia, has now left and make a rounder. That will be a part of the users may release too expensive, but the target market is, if we Kees Verton well understood, not as price sensitive and tippelt especially on the applications. In the HP iPAQ hw6500 is theoperating system Windows Mobile (TM) 2003 Second Edition available. This included Windows Media Player version 10 for Windows Mobile. Version 10 provides mainly for DRM (Digital RightsManagement).

The iPAQ hw6500 is also supported by Microsoft Exchange. For wireless receiving mail in MS Exchange 2003 all the functionality available to

to make this possible. MS Exchange 2000, Microsoft added a needed: Microsoft Mobile Information Server (MIS). For Exchange 5.5 and Lotus Notes or Novell Groupwise, it is possible to use software from third parties, including wireless email and send to

received by the HP iPAQ hw6500 or other PDAs with MS Windows Mobile.

This third party software may also allow more functionality and / or provide better manageability of a large number of PDAs in the field.

Other messaging options are of course that with the Outlook Mobile inbox in the HP iPAQ hw6500 also can send and receive email wirelessly using your services, your private internet service provider,without interfering with the same messages that you have on your home PC receive. You can also MSNmail, Hotmail or other webmail read through Windows Explorer Mobile.

Almost complete

As a user you can think of few features that do not sit up, really is just that there is no WiFi ride. A strange omission, especially when you think of VoIP applications that strong rise, other models in the range that hx, maybe that has something to do with the 6315 software problems in the U.S., where there is WiFi.

And the fine grinders, you can also put them no coffee, no digital terrestrial TV receiving them, for video telephony is EDGE just is not fast enough and the screen is rather small.

Or it could perch Media Player 10 is also at HP still uncertain. Who does not want to mess around with those small keys or the stylus and the 5-way navigation button, a separate Bluetooth keyboard use and of course there are many accessories available.

Edge Broadband

One of the special features of the new iPAQ is supporting a

fast, new form of mobile data communication, called EDGE. This new standard for data communication this spring by Telfort in the Netherlands launched. Speed ​​data communication over GSM EDGE speeds (200 kbps effective), which comes close to UMTS and is suitable for most applications, including video streaming.

Competition

With the service options, this device actually compete with such models of Dell Axim risen. They have also Bluetooth and WiFi, but just good call can (still) not easy.

PalmOne Treo with the models (especially the 650) or a similar offer, even though that model has no WiFi. The 650 has a slightly better 320x320 display, show a little less in terms of pixels, but light sensitive camera chip, flash memory, not integrated navigation, will cost 699 euro including sets and also about the price for the HP hw6500.

The BlackBerry devices from RIM (Research in Motion) is another competitor for the HP 6500. Particularly in the corporate market there with the Blackberry models fun applications developed as Novell Groupwise, they work with dedicated servers for coordination and synchronization, and there , for KPN, good support. The Blackberry Internet Service through BASE (KPN subsidiary) provides a machine-specific service. The Blackberry 7290 offers not only quad-band Bluetooth, a 240x160 display and costs $ 499 incl

Comparable, especially in brief, very difficult, but we think that the first opinion:

Stand-alone performance Integration with external Communications Ease of Use

Treo 650 4 5 7 5

Blueberry 9270 3 6 5 5

iPAQ hw6500 5 4 5 7

However, there comes an extensive test in future issues of Mobile Info

Distribution

The new iPAQ is also sold and brings us to the distribution of the iPaq line. Collaboration with operators such as Telfort allows the consumer to handle and channel funding through the leverage to reach new customer groups. Business customers and particularly larger organizations such PDAs in their organization to integrate HP's own approach, and further we use the existing IT distribution channels and dealers to the iPaq in the market. There is no special emphasis on hip applications like video streaming, for the business market that has interesting applications in certain situations, but Kees Verton does not see this as a great gadget for people who want to watch videos on the train.

LS

April 4 04/04/2005

Dell Axim X3i and Packard Bell pocketgear 3025 Handy Pocket PCs

Dell and Packard Bell bring very compact and lightweight Pocket PC 2003 on the market.

We wore them a few days in our pocket.
HP last year, took first with a Pocket PC in a manageable format, similar to what Palm users have long been accustomed. The iPaq h1940/1945 fits easily into a pocket or pocket. Weighing 125 grams, the Pocket PC h1940 is the lightest we tested so far. Both Dell and Packard Bell recently introduced Pocket PC's that are similar in size, but slightly heavier than the h1940. With 127 grams, the pocketgear 3025 Packard Bell is hardly worse than HP. This device has about the same size (11.5 x 7.3 inches), but its almost a centimeter to inch thinner than the h1940. The Dell Axim X3i weighs 137 grams with a little more, but is still very portable. The dimensions (11.7 x 7.2 cm) are similar to the HP and Packard Bell, and the thickness of about 1.22 inches between them in both. Weight and size are not everything. What about the capabilities of both newcomers?

Dell Axim X3i
With the Dell Axim X3i is immediately compact Wi-Fi antenna. It is currently on the market the cheapest PDA with built-in Wi-Fi. You can use the Axim X3i 802.11b wireless networking and internet via hotspots and / or access points. We encountered no problems to the X3i 802.11b access point to link to us. Incomprehensible that no X3i Bluetooth connectivity, while technically not a problem should make. Now you're nominated for connectivity to other devices on the USB cradle or on the (relatively slow) 115 Kbps infrared port.

Meer lezen: http://www.diskidee.be/2004/02/13/handzame-pocket-pcs/4738/#ixzz1PatdzXg4

Is it Linux, PocketPC or PalmOS? File handhelds

Affordable and complete PocketPC: Dell Axim X5 Advanced

Now Dell to interfere in the market for handhelds, will many a manufacturer with sweaty palms cast a glance at the future. There is enough reason, because the research firm Gartner expects Dell to the end of this year, a quarter of all PDAs supplies, so the company in terms of market share after the Palm would take second place. The takeover is initially made ​​possible by the prices of Dell, which considerably below the usual level. Interestingly enough, the specifications of the Axim Advanced, with a 400 MHz XScale processor and 64 MB of RAM, more or less similar to competing models with a higher price. On the device offers both an SD and a CompactFlash II slot. The so-called "transflective" TFT screen does little inferior to that of the iPAQ 3950 or the Sony Clie NR series. The battery life is excellent, and there is even a possibility for a small backup battery to apply. Actually the only drawback of this PDA is less than the weight of 195 grams. The software bundle is a bit meager, but we can not spoil the fun. Dell provides for the incredibly low amount of 299 euros a stripped down "basic" version of the Axim, which features a 300 MHz processor and only 32 MB of RAM. In addition, this model without the cradle, there is only a sync cable. We therefore recommend something deeper in your pockets and choose Advanced.Without more, this device is a perfect choice. Who portability and design high on the priority list already, may be better to wait for the HP iPAQ 1915, an upgraded version of the only available in America iPAQ 1910 . With its 120 grams is the lightest Pocket PC, in the second quarter of 2003 in Europe, the market will appear.

Verdict: • • • •
Price: € 415, -
www.dell.nl

The first PDA with Palm OS 5: Tungsten T

For the company, the Palm Tungsten are considered most important innovation since the introduction of the Palm V. In appearance jumps above the slider in the eye, which the Graffiti area is hidden and the unit takes up less space. Useful is the large round "Navigator button" on Pocket PC handhelds to find that navigating in the standard application requires fewer steps than before. The nice 320x320 pixel TFT screen is bright and contrasty, both indoors and outdoors.
An important innovation is the built-in Bluetooth 1.1, which wirelessly contact can be made ​​with eg mobile phones or printers. Little has changed in the cradle. The universal connector ensures compatibility with accessories for the M500 series. The Tungsten has 16 MB of RAM and runs on a 144 MHz ARM processor from Texas Instruments, a considerable improvement over the 33 MHz Dragonball the m515. For legacy applications, this barely gain speed as precious processing power is lost through software emulation of the older PalmOS. Only programs written specifically for OS 5 benefit from the new hardware. It is worrying that some applications, such as TomTom Route Planner, Quartus Benchmark 2.0 and Netmite Audio Player, inevitably lead to a system crash on our test model. In this case you will have to hope that the vendor an update on the market. It pays to get a lot of software on the Tungsten try before acquiring them.
Finally PalmOS provides support for wave and MP3 files. Such an application is not supplied. However you can use "Voice Memo" spoken messages or record interviews.We are waiting for the RealOne Mobile Player is launched around Christmas. Existing Audio Player Plus has now also been adapted for the Tungsten, but it plays the converted wave files quickly and may need to be further streamlined. The company is developing a Kinoma video player, which unfortunately was not available at the time of writing.
Who the PalmOS because of the ease of a warm heart, will certainly not be disappointed by the Tungsten. Whether he actually able to challenge PocketPC in multimedia, will become clear in the coming months. Currently the software is far gets the most from Palms new handheld.

Verdict: • • •
Price: € 600, -
www.palm.com

Motherboard Manufacturer embarks on PDA market: Asus MyPal 600

In addition to 'invisible' products such as motherboards and graphics cards ASUS introduces now have a product that can be seen: a PocketPC handheld, with a 400 MHz XScale processor and 64 MB of memory. The most striking feature of the MyPal is the size and weight. He is just as heavy as the Palm m515, a feat for PocketPC concepts. Asus has expanded the device power-management features given. You can put it in economical, standard or turbo mode run, which conveniently uses the advanced capabilities of the XScale. In economy mode Asus claims a battery life of approximately 15 hours, but unfortunately at the expense of performance. The program shows that the MyPal VOBenchmark nearly four times as slow as in turbo mode. The device can be extended with SD / MMC cards. An optional cradle for connecting to the larger CompactFlash cards now available. The standard Microsoft software is included, of course, but Asus bundles an extra CD with some (mostly graphical) programs the company IA Style.
One problematic aspect of the MyPal is in our eyes the TFT screen, which has more than average movements of reflection and disturbing pattern. The iPaq 3950 is hardly expensive, but this handheld in terms of sound and superior user experience. The Fujitsu Siemens Toshiba e740 PocketLoox and kinder to your eyes.
Conclusion: if in doubt about buying a Pocket PC because of the size of the device and the short battery life, the MyPal is a winner in hands. But the quality of the display is unfortunately not too good, so we can "firstborn" of Asus therefore not recommend.

Verdict: • •
Price: € 650, -
www.asus.com

Stylish Linux PDA: GMAT Yopy

The one and a half years ago has finally announced Yopy available for the consumer.Samsung has been a prominent factor in the development of this device, but leave the honor of the release (and thus the startup problems) on the GMAT business. In time, Samsung will likely be branded a clone Yopy release. Hardware makes this PDA a solid impression. The StrongARM 206 MHz processor and display with 65,000 colors are the same specifications of the latest Pocket PC 2002 handhelds. The lovely thin TFT screen, only a few millimeters smaller than normal screens, we do not have backlight (backlit). In dark rooms, the Yopy more or less useless. This criticism was heeded by GMAT, the next model will have backlight according to the manufacturer to be applied. Another drawback is the placement of the thick stylus, which are 'sloppy' hanging on a string. Usually disappears in the device itself. Although the reaction may be desired, feels the Yopy pleasant. It is regrettable that such a beautiful piece of hardware hampered by the control software. Both a desktop PC running Windows 98 as a laptop computer running Windows 2000, communicated with the rough Yopy.Synchronization was difficult and "Yopy Desktop" is not an example of convenience.The roguish penguin icons for the PIM applications to do even more confusing. Who primarily in the Linux functions of a PDA is interested, will however little value. The Yopy you extremely beautiful and powerful tool in the hands. One of the few alternatives with color screen, the iPAQ with the PIM software "Qtopia" on Linux systems. The iPAQ lacks a keyboard and is much heavier. Well, he better expandable via a CompactFlash slot. While the Yopy without backlight is provided, the iPAQ is a better choice anyway.

(Thanks to Melle Sprenger)

Verdict: • • •
Price: € 500, -
www.gmate.com

Thick handheld with GSM functionality: Siemens SX45

The SX45 is a combination of mobile phones and PocketPC PDAs, Casio Cassiopeia based on the E-125. Via the GSM network, you can make calls, send SMS and internet through a WAP browser or the 'normal' browser, Pocket Internet Explorer. He can also be configured to remotely access a LAN or intranet, also through Internet Explorer.Unfortunately you only call if the supplied earphone is connected, it is not possible for the device against your ear like the O2 xda is the case. Admittedly, the sound is very good and clear (even at the party), but it remains awkward to call for any cable to connect to. Compact Flash and SD / MMC expansion slot offering generous. The device also features 32 MB of RAM and a TFT display that more than 65,000 colors on the screen magically.
PocketPC 2002 will not run on the SX45, due to the presence of a MIPS processor.Only the StrongARM is suitable. A flaw in the older PocketPC is you do not act through a program to shut down, the well-known cross is missing from most windows. Thus, the first soft keyboard open, then 'Control' and then 'q' are printed. Is quite cumbersome. A GPRS version of the SX45 will be around the time you read this available. It is possible to older hardware models to upgrade to GPRS. You will be above 150 euros to set aside. Siemens SX45 with an interesting product put on the market, but it is actually a year late. It weighs less than 300 grams, so the term 'mobile' is a bit misplaced.

Verdict: • •
Price: € 800, -
www.siemens.com

The finest and most expensive Palm-clone: ​​Sony Clie N770C

Even Sony now offers a PDA with Palm OS 4 on board. The N770C has a nice 16-bit color 320x320 pixels, twice as much as the Visor Prism and the Palm m505. Sony Clie seems particularly as multimedia handheld positioning. Standard in the main have an audio player for MP3 files and gMovie which movies can be played. Music should be heard through the included headphones because the speaker produces only beep sounds. For serious use of audiovisual applications is also a big memory card. As with many other devices made ​​by Sony MemStick modules can be placed in the N770C, which are more expensive than SD or MMC cards for the Palm 500 series. In the box you will find a MemStick 8 MB. The program PowerRUN you can manage and launch applications from a memory. Moreover, this Clie 4 MB Flash ROM and 8 MB ​​of RAM. A 33 MHz Dragonball VZ processor is the heart of the N770C. With a score of 212 in Benchmark 2.0, he seems faster than the Palm m505, but it is very slow switching applications because the high resolution screen delivers more work for the processor.An additional disadvantage of the beautiful screen, the life of a rechargeable battery.Fortunately, Sony has added a handy icon, which the brightness can be adjusted.Also on the lowest setting, the information on screen is clearly readable. A "jog dial" dial on the device allows information to be used without the stylus. For synchronizing Office applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint you can go to 'Documents to Go, "the company DataViz.
The Clie N770C is a full featured PDA that looks very nice. Given the price and functionality it competes less with the more expensive Palmtops, but especially with the cheaper PocketPC handhelds.

Verdict: • • • •
Price: € 520, -
www.sony-europe.com

Pocket PC 2002 in its infancy: Casio Cassiopeia E-200

Now Psion has disappeared from the scene, there are only two major players in the field of PDA operating systems: Palm and PocketPC. Anyone who considers a handheld broad agenda, will have more than enough of the opportunities the Palm platform.PocketPC is better suited for 'heavy' multimedia applications. The first PDA we got the newly geïntroduceeerde PocketPC 2002, Casio. The Cassiopeia E-200 is equipped with 206 MHz StrongARM processor and 64 MB of memory. In addition, the device holds 32 MB of flash ROM, making the whole system in the future will be replaced. The E-200 also has a pleasant 16-bit color display of 240x320 pixels. The holder is a USB port that the device easy access to printers, keyboards or cameras.
It seems that for some optimization requires PocketPC 2002. Thus was the first day of testing the E-200 about ten times be treated to a 'hard reset'. An upgrade of the Cassiopeia Pocket PC with Update1 (a sort of service pack from Microsoft) to no avail.Especially the synchronization software, ActiveSync to feel unstable. Transferring large files in some cases led to crashes. In addition, the performance of the Media Player 8 downright disappointing. Only videos suitable for 56K modems play it smoothly. A bitrate of 100 Kb / s or higher leads to stuttering images. Fortunately, there are other applications available, such PocketTV and Picture Viewer, for example, MPEG files (a format that does not support media player) to play smoothly.

Verdict: • • •
Price: € 680, -
www.casio.com

Ultimate combination of mobile phone and PDA: O2 xda Telfort

At the first meeting, during the introduction of PocketPC 2002 in October 2001, interest was immediately aroused. Four months later, we finally O2 xda an afternoon on the tooth feel, albeit under the guidance of program manager Telfort Rutger Walbeek. Not without reason, as the model tested is not 'finished'. The final version will appear sometime in the second quarter of 2002. There is currently working hard on optimizing the software and drivers.
Like other PDAs with PocketPC 2002, the xda has a 206 MHz StrongARM processor, an Intel. He also has 32 ​​MB of RAM and 32 MB Flash ROM, where the operating system is available. The xda can be expanded via an SD slot, for example memory cards.Through "SD Backup creates a rate of roughly 1 MB per minute backup the entire system. The brightness of the TFT can unfortunately only two values ​​are set: 'backlight' on or off. This is a screen of 240x320 pixels with up to 4096 colors. That sounds small compared to the number from 65,000 in the Cassiopeia E-200 or the Sony Clie N770C, but for such a small device seems like overkill amount of temporary color. Synchronization with a desktop PC is via ActiveSync 3.5 from Microsoft.Virtually any kind of document from Microsoft Office can be transferred to the xda.Moreover, it functions as a handheld 'remote' for your desktop system in a way that the PC Anywhere program, reminds.
As you may know, the xda will use the GPRS network for data transmission, you're always online at no extra cost. Very comfortable, such as checking email. GPRS peaking at 50 kilobits per second, but in practice the throughput is about half lie, Van Walbeek. This compares to a 28.8 modem. Speeds are also dependent on how close the number of GPRS users in your area, that the tower should be shared. If you like the xda phone, GSM network enabled. This gives you strange enough for a device with two different subscriptions Telfort, one for voice and one for data traffic. The average user is expected to opt for 180 minutes (25 euros) and 5 MB of data traffic (20 euros) per month. This brings the total cost of 45 euros per month, in addition to 650 euros for the device itself. Whoever exceeds the data limit should be proportionate pay. The wait is on websites that deliver customized content as often unnecessary images present that slurp up bandwidth. To give an example: loading Macworld took no less than 150 Kb. Online activities are tracked by the comprehensive Traffic Counter, you can guard against excessive and expensive traffic.
Big question is: should you buy O2 xda, when it becomes available? We think so, although on the basis of this initial test is actually no final assessment can be passed.So there were a few minor bugs to the surface. An incoming text message was not accompanied by sounds and vibrations, while there was set. Also broke the GPRS connection occasionally, after a soft-reset solution had to offer. The final version will be immune from this problem. You can of course focus on UMTS arrows, a technique that is still at least one year overdue. The O2 xda remove an innovative device in the house, both for business and leisure can be used. It is also the first PDA phone that is actually unnecessary.

Verdict: • • • • •
Price: € 600, - / € 800, - (depending on subscription)
www.telfort.nl

Handspring Visor Edge Palm-killer?

The red, blue or silver color available Visor Edge can be regarded as a 'cat died' Visor Platinum, since these two models differ little hardware. The Edge offers PalmOS version 3.52 and syncing is done via the USB bus. Besides the new design brought Handspring minor functional changes. For example, the Edge has a silent alarm, in the form of a flashing LED. Fast Lookup offers an improved search for Address Book, you can search for contacts without using the reading pen. Unlike the Platinum Edge rechargeable batteries. Charging takes place when the device is put into the cradle.But the most striking change is the position of the reading pen. Instead of "disappearing" in the handheld, is the metal pin on the right side of the Edge. This is a rather awkward construction, especially for left handed users. The touch screen of our test model did not work properly. Especially small buttons at the bottom of the screen, for example in the Date Book application, reacted slowly or not at all.Springboard modules can not be connected directly to the Edge. This requires a special connector (standard), at the top of the device is attached. You will need first to remove the protective cover. So you soon have your hands full with attributes, when a Springboard module to make changes. Be expected however, that future Springboard modules in the smaller format will be Edge. Hopefully Handspring suggests a connector available for the older Visors.
If we compare the Edge with the now three years old Palm V, then we must conclude that there is hardly progress. The Edge is a bit faster, uses the USB port for syncing and has a Springboard slot. Despite these advantages, the Palm V pleasant to work with. Do not buy them, so it is considered, despite the relatively low price.

Verdict: • •
Price: € 280, -
www.handspring.com

The T625C PDA functions except as a remote control for TV and VCR

"Barebone" version of the N770C Sony Clie T625C The T625C Sony is priced moves slowly downwards on the market for Palm. The latest model runs on PalmOS 4.1 and Sony has 16 MB internal memory. Effectively, this amount equals the N770C, which has 8 MB ​​of available and comes with an 8 MB ​​MemoryStick. Hardware, there are also hardly any differences to be found. Both devices have a 320x320 pixel color screen and a Motorola Dragonball VZ processor, running at 33 MHz. The main difference is that the N770C T625C no playback for MP3 music.Also lacks a headphone output. Instead, Sony offers enhanced MIDI features with a reasonable sounding geluidenset of 256 Mb, and Yamaha software for simple MIDI files to convert. In itself not a bad idea, given the small size of MIDI files (typically 50 times smaller than an MP3 file) and the high prices of memory cards. You can even use your favorite MIDI music as an alarm set. Small design fault we find also that the speaker on the back of the unit. A new feature on PDA is the ability to field the T625C a remote control for TV and VCR to work. Even with equipment from other manufacturers such as Philips and JVC, this works fine. It does take more concentration than we used to with a "normal" remote. A basic model, we can hardly call T625C, given the price of 465 euros. Main competitor in this price range, the Palm m505. It has a 160x160 pixel screen only, but also a wider supports SD / MMC slot for any extensions.Our preference will be given to the aesthetic appeal N770C, slightly more expensive and (with a big memory stick) as a full MP3 player can be used. Verdict: • • • Price: € 465, - www.sony-europe.com

The lightweight Palm: m500 & m505

These beautiful and slim PDAs are the successors to the Palm Vx. The glass display is replaced with a plastic model. Synchronization is done via the USB port, a serial cradle (holder) is sold separately for about 50 euros. There may be tiny SD cards (Secure Digital Card) and MMC cards (MultiMedia Card) are connected. Such a SD / MMC slot is also available on some digital cameras and MP3 players. To date, only storage modules available, up to 128 MB. With software like Powerrun (actually intended for the Sony Clie) McFile or you can easily manage files stored in a manner reminiscent of Windows Explorer. Interesting attributes such as modems, cameras or GPS modules will unfortunately not soon be available in SD or MMC format. The m500 m505 and (with a color screen), the first Palmtops using PalmOS 4. The new system contains little dramatic improvements over version 3.5. The alarm now has six different riedeltjes. Additionally, you can trill or a flashing light and alarm setting. MemoPad application is extended with Notepad, which without the use of the Graffiti writing language berichjes brief on-screen drawing. A useful new feature is that when entering text, the virtual keyboard and Graffiti can be used simultaneously. PalmOS 4 also provides improved encryption for personal documents. Palm provides an additional CD with which 'Mobile Connectivity Software "is available. This includes an email client, a program for sending text messages and an application that allows Office documents to be exchanged.
A 33 MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ processor, which now almost all Palm PDAs are equipped, is the heart of the m500. He performs strangely rather disappointing in the benchmark test of Quartus and stabbing remains at 154, where the Visor Edge a score of 244 down. With most software, the m500 feels hardly slow down. If you are not satisfied with the speed, you can always try to overclock the device. This is partly possible with the programs and FastCPU Afterburner. Some users have succeeded in the m500 to screw to 45 MHz, unfortunately with negative effects on battery power and stability of the handheld.
Once accustomed to the rapidly declining prices of desktop computers, comes with the Palm platform disappointed. The processor speed was two years time 'only' increased from 20 MHz to 33 MHz, and the available RAM is the same (at that time even though the Palm Vx with 8 MB ​​of memory). By comparison, in the past two years, prices for SDRAM dropped by a factor of 5. The biggest innovation of the m500 lies in the expandability in the form of the SD / MMC slot. This format is currently only available memory modules. And what is worth extensibility for Palmtops and existing attributes can not be connected? For owners of older model can be a legitimate reason not to upgrade to the m500.

Verdict: • • •
Prices: € 489, - (m505) / € 400, - (m500)
www.palm.com

Palm m125: ugly, but a lot of money for your PDA

The m125, Palm handhelds, the range of neatly boarded up. For each stock, the company offers a suitable PDA. The new model settles in price between the M105 and M500, but in terms of specifications, he is closer to the m500. We find the new Palm OS 4 on the m125 as well as a slot for SD cards. The design is, as its name suggests, similar to other models in the 100 series (which unfortunately like a toilet seat). A vertical light blue strip to ensure a 'sophisticated' look. Under the hood is a 33 MHz processor, same as the M500 and M505. Applications run smoothly so nice. Also present the smaller HotSync connector, allowing extensions to the m500 can also be words connected to the m125. All in all, this device offers great value for money. Who wants all the functionality of the m500, but not counting down to 1000 guilders, may have a good selection of the m125. You will have to be content with a relatively small display and a pretty thick PDA.

Verdict: • • •
Price: € 290, -
www.palm.com

Linux in black and white: Agenda Computing VR3

The VR3 VR runs Linux operating system, designed specifically for the NEC VR processors. It is a variant of Red Hat Linux 6.0 with kernel 2.4.0 and XFree86 version 4. Except that many applications can be transferred easily, this also means that potential VR3 software is easy to test on a desktop system. With a 66 MHz processor, this handheld theory holds twice as much power as the current Palmtops, but he feels a lot slower on. Agenda Computing VR3 will still be considerably optimized. Our test model had 16 MB of Flash ROM and 8 MB ​​of RAM. The flash ROM contains the complete Linux distribution, including kernel, applications and user data stored. As with normal computers, the data in the ordinary RAM memory is erased when you shut down the VR3. Striking feature of the device is the presence of a 10-bit sound chip and headphone jack. Er is al software beschikbaar voor het afspelen van mp3-bestanden (Madplay) en Fasttracker modules (Mikmod). Synchronisatie vindt plaats met Korganizer of Gnome PIM, via de seriële of infrarode poort. De VR3 ondersteunt PPP via de seriële poort, waarmee volledige IP-toegang tot (web)servers wordt verkregen. Sinds kort kunnen ook Windows-applicaties zoals Outlook, Act! en Notes worden gesynchroniseerd met behulp van QuickSync. Tot de standaard PIM-applicaties behoren de Calculator, Contacts, Expense, Notes, Scheduler, To Do List en World Clock. Handschriftherkenning lijkt enigszins op Grafitti, maar is iets lastiger onder de knie te krijgen. Aangekondigde extra's zijn een extern 56K-modem, een ethernet adapter en een kabeltje dat als USB-adapter dienst doet. De Agenda VR3 is een interessant product voor Linux-freaks en ontwikkelaars. Het apparaat wordt gekoesterd door een actieve en behulpzame gebruikersgemeenschap. Van de andere kant reageert de VR3 vrij traag en is de kwaliteit van het beeldscherm ondermaats. De Yopy van GMate biedt meer perspectieven, voor wie per se een Linux PDA wil aanschaffen.

Oordeel: ••
Prijs: € 340,-
www.agendacomputing.com

Weinig nieuws onder de zon: Palm m130 en m515

Liefst twee nieuwe PDA's werden recent door Palm geïntroduceerd. Beide draaien op PalmOS 4.1, een besturingssysteem dat ook als upgrade verkrijgbaar is voor oudere Palmtops.
De m130 kan worden beschouwd als een prijsknaller in de markt voor handhelds met een kleurenscherm. Voor slechts 399 euro beschikt u over 65.000 kleuren. De m130 is bovendien het eerste oplaadbare model van de m100-serie. Nadelen zijn het vrij kleine scherm en de goedkope vormgeving. Jammer genoeg ontbreekt het Flash-ROM, zodat een eventuele upgrade naar PalmOS 5 niet mogelijk zal zijn.
De m515 vervangt de m505 en heeft volgens Palm een spectaculair verbeterd TFT-scherm. Deze claim ten spijt oogt het beeldscherm teleurstellend in vergelijking met de displays van de Clié T625C en N770C. Er zijn duidelijk rastertjes zichtbaar, vanwege de lage resolutie van 160x160 pixels. Behalve het nieuwe scherm biedt de m515 een geheugenruimte van 16 MB. Maar wezenlijke vernieuwingen blijven uit. De m515 is 'meer van hetzelfde': een uitgekristalliseerde Palm V.
Er schijnt bij Palm een nieuw scherm van 320x320 pixels in ontwikkeling te zijn, maar over de toekomst doet het bedrijf weinig uitspraken. Begrijpelijk, want de consument dient direct te kopen, in plaats van met de armen gekruisd het moois af te wachten dat komen gaat. Voorlopig constateren we dat Palm het onderspit delft tegen 'leerling' Sony, die de mogelijkheden van PalmOS beter weet te benutten.

Oordeel Palm m130: •• •
Prijs: € 399,-
Oordeel Palm m515: •• •
Prijs: € 519,-
www.palm.com



Sony verlegt grenzen PalmOS opnieuw: Clié NR70V

De Clié NR70V is de eerste Palm PDA met een 66 MHz processor. Hij beschikt over 8 MB flash ROM en 16 MB RAM en draait op PalmOS 4.1. Zoals we ondertussen gewend zijn van Sony heeft deze flink uit de kluiten gewassen handheld een aantal innovatieve features. Wellicht de meest opzienbarende functie van het apparaat is dat hij op twee verschillende manieren kan worden gehanteerd.
Nadat de beschermingsklep is geopend, verschijnen een beeldscherm aan de bovenkant en een minuscuul toetsenbordje aan de onderkant. De vier hardwarebuttons bevinden zich vlak boven het toetsenbord. Het invoeren van tekst geschiedt met de duim. Doorgewinterde Graffity-addicts zullen hier vraagtekens bij plaatsen, maar feit is wel dat de invoer van tekst via het toetsenbord zeker niet langzamer gaat. Wie al deze toetsen niet nodig heeft en zich beperkt tot Graffity, kan het scherm 180 graden draaien en terugklappen. Met deze 'tablet-modus' maakt u het apparaat in feite dubbel zo klein.
De NR70V beschikt, evenals de andere Cliés, over Jog Dial en een MemoryStick Slot. Daarnaast is hij voorzien van een digitale camera, die foto's kan maken tot een resolutie van 320x240 pixels. De lens roteert liefst 300 graden, zodat u vanuit alle gewenste hoeken plaatjes kunt schieten. De kwaliteit van de camera valt niet tegen, hoewel de maximale resolutie eigenlijk te gering is voor gedetailleerde opnames.
Een andere vernieuwing betreft het beeldscherm van 320x480 pixels. Het Graffity-gedeelte wordt softwarematig verzorgd. Als u Graffity gebruikt, verschijnen de lijntjes direct op het scherm waar u de styluspen beroert. Maar de Graffity-ruimte kan ook worden verborgen, zodat extra ruimte vrijkomt. De standaardapplicaties maken gebruik van de normale hi-res modus van 320x320 pixels, alsmede de verbeterde fonts. Spelletjes of andere grafische toepassingen zijn aangewezen op de low-resolution modus en verdubbelen het aantal pixels voor fullscreen weergave. Het wachten is op speciale software die de hoge resolutie ondersteunt.
Een DSP (Digital Signal Processor) draagt zorg voor het afspelen van mp3-bestanden, zodat u de handheld ook kunt gebruiken tijdens het afspelen van muziek. Daarvoor is wel een flinke Memstick noodzakelijk, want mp3's kunnen niet in het RAM-geheugen worden geplaatst. Met behulp van de applicatie MS Import verplaatst u eenvoudigweg bestanden van de pc naar de 'programs/msaudio-directory' van de NR70V. Een prima koptelefoon wordt meegeleverd. Jammer genoeg bezit het apparaat geen mogelijkheden om geluid op te nemen, u kunt hem dus niet als voice-recorder gebruiken.
De NR70V 'schreeuwt' om draadloze uitbreidingen, die niet standaard aanwezig zijn, al is het alleen maar om foto's te kunnen versturen. Begin maart kondigde Sony de PEGA-MSB1 Bluetooth module aan. Het is niet duidelijk wanneer deze Memstick verkrijgbaar zal zijn in Europa, maar hij kan wel alvast in Hong Kong worden besteld . Wie bijvoorbeeld een T68 van Ericsson bezit, kan via Bluetooth en GPRS internetten en e-mailen met de NR70V.
Het concept van deze PDA is bewonderenswaardig, maar wat hebt u er in de praktijk aan? Om te beginnen is de NR70V zeker geen vedergewicht, hij laat zich niet gemakkelijk meetorsen. Het innovatieve design en hi-res scherm worden min of meer afgeremd door een niet al te vernieuwend OS. Er bestaan nauwelijks applicaties die van alle beschikbare pixels gebruikmaken. Bovendien biedt Sony nog altijd geen ondersteuning voor MacOS en Linux. Anderzijds zullen de meeste mensen die het apparaat aanschouwen stijl achteroverslaan van verbazing en bewondering. Dat is natuurlijk ook wat waard.

Oordeel: •••
Prijs: € 675,-

Dell Axim X5 - HP iPaq H1915 - ViewSonic V3

Dell Axim X5 - HP iPaq H1915 - ViewSonic V3

It seems like every computer manufacturer, a PDA based on Microsoft's Pocket PC will have the range.Alongside established names like HP, we now also PDAs with brand temples of Dell and ViewSonic.Disc idea considered which of these three brands for the best PDA 400 euros based on the Pocket PC operating system delivers.

Dell Axim X5
Dell is among the select group of the world's largest PC makers and is not shy PCs bottom prices. For some time, however, also moves the brand on the market for PDAs and the Dell Axim should give it a good market share. On paper you get with the Axim X5 already great value for money: with a 400 MHz Xscale processor exceeds the Axim submissions from HP and ViewSonic and also in terms of support for memory cards, the Dell an edge. The Axim is doted with two separate slots which can either CompactFlash or SD / MMC memory cards can store. Very useful, but unfortunately also means that the Dell Axim as a chubby through life needs. We were not pleased with the flat stylus Dell evert flour, because this is really bad in the hand. The semi-transparent USB cradle provides space for two seemingly devices: put the Axim and the front right behind you an extra (optional) battery lost. That Dell for less than 400 euros a PDA can build such a well-specified, must of course have an impact on anything. We find the Axim - especially when compared to the HP iPaq h1930 - remarkably large and quite heavy so it much less portable. On the other hand side, and well above the Axim securely in your hand. The plastic-like casing which makes cheap, but still stronger than it appears at first glance you might think.
The specific benchmarks PDA Axim X5 shows two different faces. On the one hand the Axim with a minimum (!) Autonomy of up to 5.5 hours to hold out much longer than the devices of the competition. Clever! There is firstly the extra powerful 1440 mAh lithium-polymer battery charge, but also the slightly less high brightness of the screen plays a role. On the other hand, we find that a 400 MHz Dell PDA it does very poorly on the test processor and occasionally even lower scores than the iPaq from HP 200 MHz processor. The graphic shows control again very quickly and work with files, the Dell well.

Dell impresses with a well-specified and complete PDA mainly due to its impressive high autonomy chance. Especially the higher weight and size play tricks on the Axim X5.

HP iPaq H1915
HP is abandoning the name "Jornada" and opts resolutely for 'iPaq' to denote their PDA series. We got the H1915 face at the time you read this, gradually will be replaced by H1930. The probability is high that you can get slightly cheaper H1915 than the above price. And that's good, because to go straight to the door down to business: the iPaq h1915 is one of the sexiest PDAs we've got to face. The thin screen edges, the flashy and ultra compact housing design to us again and again and make your mouth water even remember the popular Palm V PDA. With eleven to seven inches, the iPaq H1915 is also one of the few Pocket PC PDAs that you can easily store in the inside pocket of your jacket or pocket. This iPaq also weighs only 125 grams and that too is a pleasurable sensation - or rather 'no sensation' because you feel it just sitting. The only disadvantage is that the keys are very small and stuurpad failed and some trashy feel. Probably the biggest disappointment is that the iPaq comes standard without a cradle. You must therefore make a simple USB sync cable, and does little justice to these flashy PDA. Nice weather, however, that HP has an earplug flour evert. On a technical level we are not disappointed with a sparkling TFT color screen, SD / MMC memory card reader and 64 MB of RAM. The processor is an Intel Xscale as expected, that his piece at 200 MHz as the successor H1930 - remarkably enough - have a Samsung 203 MHz processor. According to HP, the powerful Samsung processor. Not that you hear us complaining about the working speed of the H1915, but for example the ViewSonic V35 is still noticeable rapper. We were especially disappointed in the autonomy: the fact that HP is exactly three hours and half hours that is less than the ViewSonic V35 and up to 2.5 hours less than the Dell Axim.

The HP iPaq h1930 is without doubt one of the most portable PDA's of the moment and a real attention grabber. I regret only that the autonomy is inadequate and that a cradle on the option list.

ViewSonic V35
ViewSonic also entered the market for PDAs and does so with a product type, the V35. The V35 is a surprisingly lightweight PDA (it weighs as much as the HP H1915) in a discreet design all in all. The build quality is pretty solid as well as to the TFT screen can tempt with sufficient clarity and good visibility. Under the hood we find a 300 MHz Xscale processor back that guarantees a good responsitiviteit of Pocket PC 2002. For the rest, we note the classic features with 64 MB of RAM, a slot for SD / MMC, an audio output and a shortcut key to start voice recording functionality. The bottom is nice and big and stuurpad works exactly. As with the Dell Axim V35 also has a scroll wheel for navigating through the various menu screens.Unfortunately, it takes work best so unpleasant because the teeth of the scroll wheel too thin and therefore the skin of your finger and thumb quickly get irritated. We note also that the V35 does not have a removable and replaceable battery, which would mainly the 'heavy user' to deter.
ViewSonic brings this to our autonomy test score of 204 minutes. Not bad, but still a long way from what the Dell Axim X5 dishes up for us. Note that the V35 in the default high performance mode and so there is still a stretch here would use different settings. Speed-wise the ViewSonic V35 shows a device should not be underestimated, even though something very relative to a PDA. Only whom many in the media will back with a faster processor and more memory appreciate. The 300 MHz XScale processor in the ViewSonic does its job properly and only the disappointing scores for graphs keep him from really high end.

ViewSonic delivers on a gray mouse, the V35 is no just a little star, but really do for the competition he does not. When it comes to design, this is even duller one of the devices. Its low weight of 125 grams makes it a lot good.

Conclusion
In terms of functionality and software are little or no difference to note between the Pocket PC PDAs. More can we say about the look, weight and size of the aircraft and the extra features. Nevertheless, the differences between the scores was very small and another exciting battle. The HP iPaq H1915 is a handsome appearance and most portable PDA device of the three. Still, we prefer the Dell Axim X5, what autonomy is concerned, this is by far the best, you get unlike the iPaq is a cradle and the Axim is also slightly cheaper than the competition.

MSRP
Dell Axim X5: € 373.89;
HP iPaq: € 399;
Viewsonic V35: € 399.

Dell launches Axim X5 PDA in Europe

The first PDA from Dell since yesterday on sale in Europe. The Axim X5 Pocket PC is controlled via the Dutch website sold.

Expectations are high, because the PDAs Dell captured in the United States, a considerable share of the PDA market. According to Michael Dell has since November last year, even 10 percent of the total number of PDAs sold in the U.S., a copy of Dell. The attractive price, Dell's traditional strength, there is probably to blame. Compared with other Pocket PC handhelds ruled the Axim X5 is indeed a lot cheaper.

The Axim X5 is available from 299 euros (including VAT) and consists of a Basic' model and a Advanced' model, both equipped with the Pocket PC 2002 software from Microsoft. The base model is powered by an Intel X-Scale 300MHz processor to go, and includes 32MB SDRAM and 32MB Memory Intel StrataFlash ROM memory. In the 'Advanced' version of the Axim X5 is a 400MHz processor, 64MB SDRAM and 48MB ROM memory storage.

Dell hopes to hand computertjes not to sell only to consumers but to businesses of all sizes and public sector.

Axim Market Size Solterra

A few months ago the game was launched as a demo Market Solterra.
This game is specially designed to provide all capabilities of the Intel 2700g video processor to use in the Axim X50v is used. This game is officially released.

Solterra of Blacksmith Studios is a science fiction game for 3D shooting enthusiasts among us.
Mobile gamers can now enjoy stunning 3D graphics combined with an old fashioned shooter on the Dell Axim X50v.

After the breakup of an alliance is the planet Solterra suddenly attacked.
As the only pilot from Solterra's Interstellar Combat Element, you must save the planet from destruction.

Solterra use all the video capabilities of the Dell Axim X50v and it looks really beautiful.
Axim X50v owners: You're almost obligated to play it a try!

Developer / Author: unknown
File Size: 4.6 Mb
Trial: Yes.
Price: $ 24.95

Other Article :"

Axim Spesification Market Size