As I currently have a Palm based Sony, an iPaq Pocket PC and a Newton, let
me chime in on this one.
I actually use both platforms based on my needs. For my basic PIM needs, I
prefer to use the Palm as I like the cheap machines and the long battery
life. The issue on moving to Palm is that the OS is up for a major
revision in the next year. That makes the Palm platform in its current
format a short time solution. The current Palm machines are easy to use,
have good battery life and do what they do very well.
Pros
Easy to use
Inexpensive
Great battery life
Cons
Limited use
Limited expandability
For the more detailed office applications, I prefer the PocketPC platorm
and it office compatibility. The iPaq I use seems to be a distant relation
to my Newton machines. I can be used standalone (I backup to a CF card),
it has the Transcriber handwriting engine, wireless access, etc.
Pros
Great office applications
Strong expansion choices
some "Newton Like" features
Standalone
Cons
Expensive
Lower Battery life (charge daily with heavy use)
OS still based on Keyboard machines (not as easy as Palm)
Bottom line,
I would recommend grabbing a used machine in either OS, as the cost will be
down, and big changes are due on both platforms soon. You would probably
be able to use a Pocket PC for all of your Newton uses. The Palm would
probably not be a good option if note taking is important.
A nice Palm VX costs about 100.00 on Ebay and runs all current Palm Apps
A nice iPaq 3635 or Casio E125 runs around 125-150 on ebay.
Good luck,
Kevin
>>
>>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
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