Thinking of getting a new Pocket PC soon. I need inputs on which device to get. Rest assured I've searched the forum thoroughly but I still need some advice.

1. Windows Mobile 5.0 (WM2005) can I say that new handhelds would receive the upgrade? Handhelds on my list are Acer N50, Dell X50v and HP 6515.

2. I've used a pocket pc(O2 XDA II mini) before and I can sympathize with those who have problems with storage memory being too little. That's why the Acer N50 is on my list for having 128MB RAM. Moreover, I'm getting it a student rate($519 bef gst). However, as we all know Acer being a Taiwanese brand, I do somewhat question the quality of the service and support that would be provided in an event my set fails. I've also called Acer and they are not sure about the WM2005 upgrade. Any users of Acer products care to share their experiences?

3. Is the HP6515 a device many unseen problems? I've seen people selling it days or even a week after purchasing it.

4. X50v owners(especially Symphony) any gripes or grievances about it? I'm 60% sure of getting it.

Hope to hear replies soon as the Dell promotion ends on Friday(05/08).

1) No, usually the upgrade is not free even if it is available. Fujitsu-Siemens will be providing the upgrade free for Pocket Loxx 7xx. HP will be providing the upgrade for some selected iPAQs, but most likely not free. Dell is providing the upgrade free for new purchases of X50/X50V in US. otherwise, the upgrade for X50/X50V also comes at a fee. ETEN will also be providing the upgrade for M500, but whether it is free or chargeable is still uncertain. other hardware vendor have not announced any plans to provide the upgrade.

2) Acer n50 is running on WM2003SE so the 128MB RAM proves to be useful. however, i don't think Windows Mobile 5 upgrade will be available.

3) actually i feel the only problem with iPAQ hw6515 is the square screen. other than it, such a Pocket PC-Phone with built-in GPS is very useful for drivers.

Hi,

My two cents worth as follows:

1. Acer N50 is quite good in its spec. But I don't recommend it. Basing on the article on the types of memory (RAM, ROM, BIS, Persistent storage), 128 RAM is bad news for battery power. You are correct on backup support.

2. HP 6515 -- unless you like convergent devices, it should be okay. Remember that the more built in gadgets, the more power it consumes. The square screen is definitely a problem. HP accessories are way too expensive, though easier to buy. ( eg: HP battery goes in the region of hundred, while others like Dell's battery will cost something like 20+)

3. The Dell Axim X50v is definite value for money, especially if you get it during the promotion. No problems using it so far. Too be fair, VERY HAPPY with it so far.

Have fun deciding.

Dell is selling at $649. Promotion ends tomorrow. I'm not sure if it's a good buy considering that the RAM is only 64MB. But the + point is that it has a VGA screen and it's 624MHz. How's dell's service and support?

Also checked the spare battery for Acer is around S$90.

one thing to note that Dell will be providing the Windows Mobile 5 upgrade. that's where the 128MB ROM will come in very handy. ROM size will be more impt than RAM size in Windows Mobile 5, since the RAM will no longer be used for installing programs. for after-sales service/support, what do u think of 1-to-1 exchange service at your doorsteps?

You made my life much more easier. So am I right to say that the 64MB RAM will be free? Gonna place an order soon!

the RAM will be used for running of programs in Windows Mobile 5, i.e. Program Memory. the RAM might probably (hopefully) be used for temp files as well.

I was thinking the only difference between the X50 and X50v is the VGA screen and processor speed. Is it worth paying 100 for that? I changed the cradle for the USB sync cable so that cut my price quite significantly. I guess for me so long i can sync it's OK but I don't know if the VGA is really worth it.

btw, X50 is only using a 3.5" screen while X50V is using a 3.7" screen. and both models have the same size. since the size is the same, a larger screen is nicer furthermore, VGA is great for viewing photos & videos

Frankly speaking, if you later want to sell your PDA to upgrade to other, the x50v is better choice.

Cheers
John

If u re not sure about VGA, go down to the Dell booth at Suntec city to have a look at the x50V.

Before I buy, I went down to the booth to try out Excel spreadsheet, photos and movies.
Fonts (even small ones) are real sharp so Excel is now really useable.
Also others application like ebook reader, bible, Word, etc looks much better.
Internet browsing (cannot try at the booth as no connection) is great at landscape, real VGA mode as can see more and less scrolling around.
Well, the fonts can be too small for long usage but then I can really surf with VGA screen. Try that with QVGA PDA.

However, whether VGA is worth $100 is really up to u.
For me, it is worth it and I think so for many of the VGA PDA users.

Aiya, no need to think so much lah. Go for the x50v. If you go for the x50, you will sure to "drip siliva" when you see a VGA screen. Then, you think of upgrading, then you realize you are losing more instead of saving.

But....till the end, the decision is really yours.

It is sitting next to me and boy it looks good!

Enjoy your new toy. Remember to install following freeware/utlities/accessories

1: X50vMixer
2: X50 Gapi Tweak
3: SE_VGA Lite freeware version for true VGA switching
4: Install MFSP asap
5: Install High Quality Audio Bluetooth Patch for mp3 streaming to stereo BT Headset (HT820 or Clip S)
6: Install Fastclean to clean junk files
7: Install TCPMP Media Player

What is item (3) & (4)? Any links?

Item 3 Link
http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=14679

Item 4
MFSP: Martin Fields Screen Protector

Now I understand the REAL VGA that you people were marketing to me previously! NOW i won't go back to QVGA! Surfing in fullscreen in VGA mode makes a real difference...Thanks

Hi Symphony,
Where can I get High Quality Audio Bluetooth Patch for mp3 streaming with Clip S? I have both X50v and hx4700. Previously I tried a patch on X50v and the music stops for a while every 10 sec or so, does it happen to you? And the patch does not work at all on hx4700. Thanks for any info.

SL

Quite true but not as bad as you say, if my processor is at auto mode and using TCPMP or WMP. But the trick is this:

1. Set X50v Settings-->Power--->Processor---> Set Processor Speed to Maximum
2. Us GSPLayer to play your mp3

I hv played 3.5 minutes 320 kbps mp3 and 3 mins 128 kbps mp3 with it without a single skip

The High Quality Audio Bluetooth Profile is very demanding on PPC resource that is why skipping happens

Thanks for giving me the heads up and telling me about the Dell booth in Suntec. My mind was set upon playing with the set!

Thanks for the info. I purchased the 3.5mm bluetooth dongle to use with S clip and it works really well without any skipping, fyi.

Cool! What is the brand name? How much and which shop you bought it?

Hi is it possible to share what is item 1,2 & 6 for? can post link too? cant find leh... thanx..

It is also from iTech, I bought it from Song Brother 2nd floor at Sim Lim Square. It is called "iTech BlueCon35" (Bluetooth V1.2 Hi-Fi Dongle), bought it with the S Clip together at the shop for $200. Cannot remember how much it cost alone, probably around $70.

Thanks. As Clip S is S$119, looks like BT 1.2 dongle alone cost S$81? Actually using GSPlayer to play mp3 can also avoid skipping, very effective. Sound quality is excellent.

Sorry .. but what is this blue tooth dongle thingy that you guys are talking abt ?

I tot can just use the ITECH with the PPC ?

pls advise ... thanks

BT Dongle refers to a BT adapter (usually USB) we plug into the PC so that it allows connections to other BT devices, e.g. for transferring files to Pocket PC or BT ActiveSync, etc

oh i know la... i tot got any new toys for my PPC... thanks for ur clarification bro