As opposed to the footheld model?
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Posted on 02/06/2005 10:37:07 AM PST by taxcontrol
Folks, I'm tired of lugging my laptop around and having to go to the doc for pain in my shoulder and back. I'm thinking about a handheld PC to do most of my "road work". I need recommendations and advice as this is a new area for me. Educational URLs are most appreciated.
Requirements: (I MUST have these, without them the solution would not be viable)
Sync with Lotus Notes
WiFi and 56k modem capable
Able to handle large complex spreadsheets
Able to handle large PowerPoint files
Able to browse the web
VGA output for presentations (plug into projector @ 800X600 or 600X480)
Keyboard input (USB preferred 'cause airplanes don't like bluetooth)
AC power option
Docking station
10/100 Ethernet option
Nice to have:
802.11g support
X term support
IPSec VPN tunnel capable
long battery life
GPS capable
Car adaptor
Work with my existing cell phone service (Verizon)
I've looked a T5 but it seems a little weak on the inputs, particularly the keyboard. Zaurus SL-6000 is another one that I've been looking at.
I have a new Dell X50v handheld that does much of what you need, but I'd get cranky if I had to do my serious work on it.
Honestly, perhaps physical therapy followed by some strength training. That's a tall order for a handheld. The Dell Axim's have (I think all of) the features you are seeking, but it's hard to replace a laptop totally with a handheld, at least that's what I've found.
I don't think any handheld will handle "large complex spreadsheets" to anybody's satisfaction. The display is jut too small (no way to get around it).
ping
You might look at the new "Tablet PCs".
I don't have any experience with them, but they have a larger display than handhelds, and are lighter then notebooks.
bttt
A sony ultra light from bestbuy is about 1/2 the size and wt of a laptop, has a fabulous screen, is a fully configured "laptop", is about 5x10x1/2, might weigh 3 lbs.
Trying to type on a slimline portable keyboard is likely to give you unpleasant hand and finger injuries which will probably be worse than what you started out with.
I believe Sony makes a tiny Vaio that's probably the best answer for you on the Windows end. I seem to remember that for something like $1,600 you can get a 1.6 pound Vaio which might suit you well.
I'm usually a pretty strong Mac advocate, but it looks like their lightest machine is the PowerBook G4 12" at 4.6 pounds. That's probably too heavy to meet your requirements.
Hope that helps.
D
I second the notion of checking out tablet PCs, but I'd first look at the current generation of very-light notebooks.
I have a Sony Clie PDA that I love, and it can handle my Excel spreadsheets, but I only use it to transport/backup said spreadsheets between home and work - actually using it to even view (much less modify) the 'sheets is more trouble than it's worth and I do it only when absolutely necessary. Screen's too small, processor is too slow for real work.
Wrong Question / Wrong Board. Go too "Hardforum.com" ask the geeks this question and I guarantee an in depth answer awaits you.
go here
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1097580487197&skuId=6923804&productCategoryId=cat01174&type=product
2.8 lbs. full featured sharp laptop 1700 dollars
If you can't carry 3 lbs. you need to go to an er room.
As opposed to the footheld model?
Sorry, couldn't resist.
The practical manual (under $14 at Amazon) is Claire Davies's The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief.
With this book and a firm tennis ball, you can do more good than a doctor and a chiropractor could do with your whole bank account.
I recently bought 2.
The HP iPAQ H5550 Good on RAM (128MB), lots of accessories that you can buy, biometric authentication is cool, has WiFi. about $450
The Dell AXIM X30 has a faster processor, only 64MB RAM, but also has WiFi for about $350
I presume the higher-end Dells can give you more RAM etc.
All in all.....I'd go with the Dell. The software is MUCH more professionally integrated than the HP and "just works" luckily that's the one I gave my wife.
In fact the difference in integration is so stark, I really can't believe it. I'd call the HP less-than-stable, and requires a much higher level of technical competence to keep working. If you don't mind having to putz with it, it might be a better way if the add-on accessories are more important to you.
I haven't tried hooking up either to an external display, supposedly it supports it. Pocket word is OK, but don't plan on doing any heavy duty work on it without an external keyboard, and even then, transferring between versions tends to leave out some advanced formatting.
I wouldn't even try to create/edit powerpoint on it. I only have a powerpoint viewer that works pretty well - and should be sufficient for presentations.
Excel seems ok, I've run some complex stuff on it, but it is difficult to efficiently navigate on such a small screen size.
My 2 cents......
I am in love with my Palm tungsten T3, with its ultra-sharp half-VGA screen, bluetooth and wifi. The T5 uses too much batteries too fast. With Docs-to-Go and a wireless keyboard, its like having an fast laptop with MS Office that fits in your coat. With a 2GB SD card it also double as a half-iPod capacity MP3 which plays in the background while I work or surf. I can listen to MP3s, IM and surf at the same time. Rocks!
The Vaio U101 looks cool.
Have you tried using it?
Check out Asus (http://www.asus.com/) laptops.. I have one that's 3.1 pounds and its sweet.. Great value. They also have a 2.8 lb version..
http://usa.asus.com/products/notebook/s5series/s5200n/s5200n_overview.htm
Good luck!
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