>On 5/12/02 @ 3:28 PM, Ermin Mistica wrote:
>
>My dear fellow Newtonians,
>
>For the longest time I have considered switching over to a different
>platform, either Palm or Pocket PC. Oh wait those are the only two platfor=
ms
>left!!! I forget myself. I use my eMate for notetaking in classes, my MP
>2100 for everything else. What has made me start thinking of the Dark Side=
?
>I just need full compatibility with my PC or Mac. I love the fact that my =
MP
>2100 can stand along but am just scared that one day it=EDll conk. When Ap=
ple
>finally comes out with something, I=EDll be first in line but until then, =
I
>can=EDt chance losing the over 300 notes, 1400 names, and months of
>appointments on the Newton which does not readily transfer over in its
>entirety to my computer for backup. What shall I do? I defer to the
>Newtonian Council for guidance.
Here are a few options to consider:
- You can get another Newt 2100 as a backup. They are cheap these days.
Check eBay.
- You can use your Mac as a backup. Not sync. Just for backup. Then if
and when your Newt croaks, you get another Newt 2100 and restore. Or get
one now to be extra safe.
- You can export your information from your Newt to the Mac/PC. There
have been numerous messages on this list as to how to do that. Some are
easier than others. But there are ways to get your Newt information into
your Mac/PC.
BTW, I am not all that familiar with the eMate, so these options have
been offered without taking the eMate into consideration. It's a good
device, I just don't know the particulars with it. Others on the list do
like Stephanie whom I am sure will add her comments for your
consideration.
Anyhow, if after looking at these options, you still feel that you must
switch, then look at the www.oqo.com web site.
IMHO, the Pocket PC will be dead in a few years. I mean, why would you
want a limited device, when you can have a full PC running XP in your
hand? No more import/export/sync issues. No more limited display. Or
limited OS -- some would challenge me on this! ;-)
Basically, you will have a desktop OS running the full apps in your hand
with this device.
...and remember, this is their first go at it. Two years from now, more
than likely others will enter the market.
One more point to ponder, is that Toshiba, the maker of the 1.8 inch HD's
used in the iPod and other devices such as the OQO device, have a 20GB
(two platter) version available today. Note, a year ago, they had a
2.5GB offering. One year to go from 2.5GB (single platter) to 20GB (dual
platter). Not bad at all!
My guess is that Apple will follow suit with Pen X (Just look at the new
X and see the Ink addition. It doesn't take a big leap to see where they
are going down the road).
Of course that leaves a Palm OS device. IMHO, these will remain for
quite some time for those who want a smaller device, where the batteries
last a long time, and you can still do a lot but mainly focus on
schedule/contact/todo and reference information. Sony's new offerings in
this arena show us that. But with the Palm, you will be limited in
desktop applications. But it's workable. The price you pay for a small
size/footprint.
Please note, that if you choose the Pocket PC, Palm OS, or a new OQO
device, you are going to pay a lot more than you would for another Newt
2100 used as a backup.
As someone who strayed from the pack a few years ago, and is now back, I
would suggest that you stick with the Newt if you like it. Spend a few $
on another Newt 2100 for backup, then your set for a while.
Down the road when Apple comes out with a new device, or you see
something else that you want, then cross that bridge.
In the meantime you can enjoy using your Newt and be happy!
Sushi
-- Read the List FAQ/Etiquette: http://www.newtontalk.net/faq.html Read the Newton FAQ: http://www.guns-media.com/mirrors/newton/faq/ This is the NewtonTalk mailing list - http://www.newtontalk.net
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.2 : Wed Jun 12 2002 - 20:02:14 EDT