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jmjii · 07-04-2008, 12:08 AM

What a nightmare as this response was begun early this morning after stevetaz posted but nearly lost many times due to a few rather rude signal interruptions (Sprint/PDANet/Treo 650/mountains). Some quick browser dancing fortunately allowed me to retrieve and save it. After some much needed sleep, viewing the latest responses and a few major tweaks, it hopefully addresses the latest posts by chris and benjie as well.

In speaking directly to many on the question of what we know is currently available or about to be on the market, their personal experiences etc., there are obviously very strong opinions on what one uses personally be it particular platform or device. Therefore, according to "normal" human nature and behavior, most are unwilling or unable to provide an unbiased opinion. On occasion someone will own up to the fact that they wish their device would do this or that but it won't. Even rarer is when I run across an individual who admits that they may have simply made the wrong choice.

The reason for creating this thread is not only to personally elicit responses from those who have used many, if not most all of the platforms and devices on the market, but to simply generate a topic of discussion. Those with nothing to gain or the need to "save face" can be very helpful to one looking to make an investment and/or move to the next generation.

I am constantly asking questions, searching/researching the marketplace and have been personally involved in the wireless industry since its inception. As these devices get "smarter," it appears that there are more problems and/or they become less durable. An exception to the rule would be the newest devices made for the military which are rather expensive, hard to procure and/or provide fewer of the required functions.

Recently I began researching micro or mini tablet type computers that appear as if they are only slightly larger than a PSP. Everything seems to be there in an often neatly presented rugged package on a proven platform that is fully customizable, upgradeable and integrated with both hardware and software currently on the market. Though they are more expensive, larger and heavier than a Smartphone which fits into a small holster or pocket, the extra cost may be worth it for both current and future needs. In this instance, downgrading to a standard low end device for more immediate or formal occasions and using a VOIP account such as Skype on the new device connected to the wireless network seems plausible. This would provide the ability to do ALL that is both wanted and required though one may be seen carrying such a device in a "murse." (EXAMPLE: http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9976948-1.html)

In my humble opinion the whole industry owes much to Palm for its original foresight and innovation. Unfortunately, it appears as if they decided to take a break somewhere along the line and allowed others to surpass their achievements. Even the media neglects to mention Palm in most if not all of their reporting. Some of my Treos, for example, have been through hell and back yet remain in perfect working condition. Others, however, are in mint condition yet have had unresolved issues since purchase. Many have been replaced several times only to have the same or completely new and unforeseen issues (see my earliest posts).

Overall I will admit to being rather pleased and satisfied with my Palm arsenal. It is worth taking a long look at the Treo 800, evaluating WM6 and not going overboard with the changeover in devices such as the tablet notion above. However, change is in the near future for me, my associates and clients for which I must be fully prepared.

I am definitely not one to look for what's new, hot, "iCandy," or where the grass is greener at any given moment. Many of us simply want and/or need a single solution that will provide FULL access to what is available on the market and the web (i.e. Video conferencing, streaming media, play a game of choice, take a 5 MP photo, Wi-Fi, drag and drop, fully sync with Outlook, decent screen resolution, international access etc...). Those are the "modern conveniences" of which I spoke in my original post. If someone would only take the Palm, iPhone, Instinct and Blackberry to merge the best of the best together we would have a workable solution for ALL. And yes, lest I forget to add a little of what is known about the "American way" on this most glorious of weekends, I WANT IT NOW!

Many thanks to all respondents and enjoy a nice long holiday.

07-04-2008, 12:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
jmjii Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ, U.S.A., Terra Posts: 160 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	What a nightmare as this response was begun early this morning after stevetaz posted but nearly lost many times due to a few rather rude signal interruptions (Sprint/PDANet/Treo 650/mountains). Some quick browser dancing fortunately allowed me to retrieve and save it. After some much needed sleep, viewing the latest responses and a few major tweaks, it hopefully addresses the latest posts by chris and benjie as well. In speaking directly to many on the question of what we know is currently available or about to be on the market, their personal experiences etc., there are obviously very strong opinions on what one uses personally be it particular platform or device. Therefore, according to "normal" human nature and behavior, most are unwilling or unable to provide an unbiased opinion. On occasion someone will own up to the fact that they wish their device would do this or that but it won't. Even rarer is when I run across an individual who admits that they may have simply made the wrong choice. The reason for creating this thread is not only to personally elicit responses from those who have used many, if not most all of the platforms and devices on the market, but to simply generate a topic of discussion. Those with nothing to gain or the need to "save face" can be very helpful to one looking to make an investment and/or move to the next generation. I am constantly asking questions, searching/researching the marketplace and have been personally involved in the wireless industry since its inception. As these devices get "smarter," it appears that there are more problems and/or they become less durable. An exception to the rule would be the newest devices made for the military which are rather expensive, hard to procure and/or provide fewer of the required functions. Recently I began researching micro or mini tablet type computers that appear as if they are only slightly larger than a PSP. Everything seems to be there in an often neatly presented rugged package on a proven platform that is fully customizable, upgradeable and integrated with both hardware and software currently on the market. Though they are more expensive, larger and heavier than a Smartphone which fits into a small holster or pocket, the extra cost may be worth it for both current and future needs. In this instance, downgrading to a standard low end device for more immediate or formal occasions and using a VOIP account such as Skype on the new device connected to the wireless network seems plausible. This would provide the ability to do ALL that is both wanted and required though one may be seen carrying such a device in a "murse." (EXAMPLE: http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9976948-1.html) In my humble opinion the whole industry owes much to Palm for its original foresight and innovation. Unfortunately, it appears as if they decided to take a break somewhere along the line and allowed others to surpass their achievements. Even the media neglects to mention Palm in most if not all of their reporting. Some of my Treos, for example, have been through hell and back yet remain in perfect working condition. Others, however, are in mint condition yet have had unresolved issues since purchase. Many have been replaced several times only to have the same or completely new and unforeseen issues (see my earliest posts). Overall I will admit to being rather pleased and satisfied with my Palm arsenal. It is worth taking a long look at the Treo 800, evaluating WM6 and not going overboard with the changeover in devices such as the tablet notion above. However, change is in the near future for me, my associates and clients for which I must be fully prepared. I am definitely not one to look for what's new, hot, "iCandy," or where the grass is greener at any given moment. Many of us simply want and/or need a single solution that will provide FULL access to what is available on the market and the web (i.e. Video conferencing, streaming media, play a game of choice, take a 5 MP photo, Wi-Fi, drag and drop, fully sync with Outlook, decent screen resolution, international access etc...). Those are the "modern conveniences" of which I spoke in my original post. If someone would only take the Palm, iPhone, Instinct and Blackberry to merge the best of the best together we would have a workable solution for ALL. And yes, lest I forget to add a little of what is known about the "American way" on this most glorious of weekends, I WANT IT NOW! Many thanks to all respondents and enjoy a nice long holiday. __________________ JMJ Last edited by jmjii; 07-04-2008 at 12:16 AM.