Looking for/need PDA help

[milk]

I'm looking to get a PDA but have no idea what model has/is/does what. What I primarily will be using it for is storing/reading MS Word and text documents, keeping an address/phone book and keeping low quality photos (preferably in colour). Older or refurb models don't matter to me since this would be for work and travel and I won't need a powerhouse, but Best Buy and etc. seem to only stock PDAs at $300+ now.

What PDAs out there should I be looking for?

[rai_dei]

you could either be looking at a Dell Axim X30Low or get one of the Axims off someone on the forums.
Or you could pick up a Clie off someone as well, they have the best screens.
Battery life is just about the same on both Palms and PPCs.

Keep in mind that Palms will be easier to use and more stable, but PPCs will be more compatible with your documents.
If you're going to buy a Palm thou, look for one with a removable battery and an expansion slot, as all PPCs come with both in the first place.

[Zippity]

Bought a clie off eBay, not a scratch on the thing.

Works amazingly - simple, CHEAP, and great for reading texts.

320x320 still is horrible to view pictures, but it looks great for text.

[that_staples_guy]

I've got an NX80v, you can have it if the price is right.

[that_staples_guy]

Payed $630 for it back in February 2003.

[Mcp]

U need a Dell Axim X50v

[rai_dei]

Nx80v is a bit of an overkill just for text-editing-on-the-go, but if the price is right, its one hell of a machine.

Axim X50v is a bit out of the 300$ price range, but good PPC nontheless, with a built in grafix chip and VGA screen.

[wstam]

If you like to have wireless WiFi to browse Internet on the PDA, you should get a PPC. The WiFi support on Palm is carp.

If you don't need WiFi, Palm is pretty good. The Palm Tungsten E2 is only $269.95 at Staples and you can apply the $30 coupon.

I do not suggest the cheaper Palm Zire 31 because the screen is only 160x160.

Any PPC with WiFi will cost near $400. I would wait for the special on Dell for the PDA.

[sauga79]

Consider a used ipaq h4355. I use it for the same reasons you mentioned but also use the thumboard to write docs on the bus. Makes a great PDF reader too and I watch movies/shows that were encoded for Windows Media Player 9 and store it on card.

I got mines for about $300.

This PPC is feature rich will you will very easily grow into.



Palm really missed the boat by not making BlueTooth readily available and wifi hogging the sd slot is a joke.

[jerryhung]

I'm selling a brand new Dell Axim x30 which fits your need
Can read Word & Excel (built-in readers)
Has Wi-Fi
Has Bluetooth
Color Screen

see my signature

[sfu_lifer]

Spring for a VGA PDA (x50v). You will love it thanks to the increased screen real estate and the lack of a need for excessive scrolling of the screen. Best for surfing web pages as well. Great for wifi.

[fuhreal]

I disagree with the earlier statement, wifi works fine on the T5 AND it comes with it now instead of the xtra $$$ ....

I have a T5 and I love it.. however its my first PDA.

If you have alot to spend ... Get the Sharp Zaurus sl-6000