I solicited comments on PDAs a few posts back and I’m getting some responses.
http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/pdas/pocket-pc/index.php#krome-spy-minipda-112172
Kane writes:
NO. PDAs blow donkeys. If someone made one that didn’t break every time I fell on my arse after 10 pints, I’d have one. It would need a screen that was immune to sharp, pointy things too.
Sam writes:
hell yes! I have a Tapwave Zodiac II and it is a killer.
Jeb writes:
YES. It cost less and takes up less resources (space, power requirements, cost) than a
laptop while providing most of the functionality that I’d want a laptop to provide.
Long pithy comment after the jump.
UPDATE – We have GOT to get a commenting system. More comments. Thanks for the input. I’m still wavering though.
Kerry writes:
For whatever reason I feel like speaking up on this. I’ve been
carrying a PDA for about 6 years, I currently use a Sony Clie TH55.
There’s some part of my brain that knows the PDA isn’t really required
equipment for me anymore, but I still carry it everywhere. Yeah, it’s
a little less convenient to look up numbers in there and then dial
them on my cell, but I can also fit more contacts and more information
for each of those contacts in the PDA. I’ve also hated the datebook
software on every phone I’ve had, and couldn’t fathom not using the
fancy PIM software I’ve become accustomed to over the years.
But mostly? eBooks. I couldn’t go back to paper, I just couldn’t. I
carry a few dozen books on my Clie, which fits nicely in a pocket in
my purse, everywhere. I always have reading material. I can’t
comfortably or conveniently read eBooks on my cell phone or my laptop,
and until somebody makes an inexpensive, small (preferably foldable),
e-ink dedicated eBook device, my PDA will be completely indespensible.
I could probably figure out how to get by without the PIM stuff,
without the reference materials and games, but I simply can’t fathom
life without eBooks.
There are also about a dozen little things (like the aforementioned
games and reference materials) that I love on my PDA and simply don’t
work as well on the cell or the laptop. PDAs are still relevant and
compelling, just on a much smaller scale than was originally
anticipated. They still fill a need, it’s just that it’s not a need
everyone has.
Alden writes:
n answer to your question, the main reason I carry my trusty Tungsten C
instead of a cell phone is that I work in IT support, so I spend my day
around lots of computers and telephones. Why in heavens name would I
want to carry around a device which reaches out and sucks me in during
my off hours?
Josh writes:
However, my life got less meeting orientated and I got a cell phone.
I no longer needed the PDA to remember all my scurious appointments
and the cell phone kept all my numbers. For a while, I kept both
because I had internet on the Palm … but after that seemed costly
and silly it was just the phone.
However, I just ordered a Sharp Zaurus over eBay. The rationale is
that I’ve got wifi at home and the desire to access various files like
music, movies, etc. in a handy way. That’s why I’m guessing the new
divergence will be smart phones and devices like Palm’s LifeDrive.
catmoran writes:
I have a formerly-known-as-Compaq Ipaq. While either my cellphone or iPod could take care of my notes, contacts, etc; their screens are too small for reading books. At any given time, I have between six and twelve books loaded on my Ipaq. Carrying all of my books on my PDA has lightened my purse by at least two paperbacks, while giving me a better chance of making it all the way through a trans-Atlantic flight. Don’t look for me to be giving up my PDA anytime soon.
Christof writes:
I haven’t carried a PDA until last September, a Sony Clie; a rather attractive instrument. Never did I think I would ever do such a nerdy thing, however, is was just prior to that that I was diagnosed with ADHD, and my psychiatrist prescribed 40mg of Ritalin per day, and a PDA. “These two are the most powerful tools we have in treating the disorder.” My live has been very easy since then…
What keeps all our gadgets’ technology squarely in the latter decades of the twentieth century are the century-old battery chemistries they are all using. Because of that I can’t afford to have the digital camera steal power from my phone, or my phone to steal power from my PDA, and I rely more heavily on my PDA than on the phone. And I need my MP3 player (the iPod) to have a separate power source, so it doesn’t disable all other instruments after it successfully kept me company all night on my ultra marathon bicycle rides.
Mark writes:
The PDA is still relevant to my life. I’m involved in the justice system, and my schedule is more complicated than a cell phone calendar can handle, plus having a cradle and syncing it frequently gives me a backup of my data, which is critical.
Jeff writes:
I’m always confused by the “PDAs are dead” talk, and I
end up shrugging it off as “super tech geeks toting
mini laptops around 24×7”.
When did the need for phone, address, note, scheduling/alarm
information die off? Nobody clued me in!
John writes:
Not until the phone/PDA combos are more affordable… Like a treo 650 for $99 or something… Until then I don’t need to carry something else in my pockets! And maybe when they are that affordable I’ll pay for the expensive one that’ll also replace my 20gig iPod.
