Lincoln,
Regarding CE devices, It all depends on what you are after... (and how much
you are willing to spend)
If you want the absolute in portability, go for the "Palm-Style" or
"PocketPC" model. Try and get the PocketPC version (CE version 3.0) since
Microsoft has made some really good improvements in regards to usability and
stability. If that is too expensive, then get one that is running CE 2.11.
Since PocketPC is new, they don't go very cheap. You can, however, get a
Compaq Aero 1500 series (B&W, small, good battery life) that has been
upgraded to the PocketPC CE 3.0. (As well as getting them running the CE
2.11 version, if it doesn't say it's been upgraded, it's running 2.11) The
Aero 15xx units go for around $200 or less on Ebay.
If you need to be able to do some typing but still want small, go for the
1/2 VGA units (HPC/Pro) - they aren't very good for serious typing but are
better than using a stylus. (The HPC units run CE version 2.0, the HPC/Pro
run 2.11) Unfortunately, these units don't go for "cheap".
If you want a laptop size unit, get the full VGA HPC/Pro units. They are
usually still smaller than a laptop, have MUCH better battery life (8-12
hours), have a full size keyboard, and are cheaper than the 1/2 VGA size
units. (And they are "instant-on" unlike a laptop) I have an IBM Z50 and
love the little guy. You should be able to get them for about 200-250 on
Ebay. (And they are color)
There are many over brands, I have a partial list at:
http://www.northernhillssoftware.com/pgeniedown.htm
You can also get info on all CE devices (specifications and reviews?) at
http://www.cewindows.net/
Try and get one with as much memory as possible. (16Mb minimum if possible)
Although almost all of the devices take "CompactFlash" cards which act like
file storage, the CF Cards can't be used for "program" memory. In other
words, you can put the program executables and files on the CF cards, but
when it comes time to run the programs, the memory the program needs to
operate MUST come out of the "built-in" memory. You also can store programs
and files in the "built-in" memory as well if you don't have a CF card.
Depending on the device and the version of the operating system, the units
may come with one or more of the following ... Microsoft "Word", "Excel",
"PowerPoint", "Access", "Fax", "Internet Explorer", "Mail", etc. They
really can be amazing devices.
When buying off eBay, make sure the unit comes with a docking cradle or
connection cord so that you can connect to your desktop. (And an AC
adapter) Check or ask if the screen has any scratches. (They do scratch
easily) Some scratches are probably unavoidable, but you don't want one
that is in bad shape. I'd also send an email to the seller to have them
verify that the unit is fully functional with no broken components.
If you are going for as low a cost as possible, just about any of the CE
2.11 or CE 3.0 devices are good.
Just to add a little balance, the advantage of a laptop is that it runs the
same software that you have on your desktop machine, and has a hard drive so
you can store lots of "stuff" and genealogy data.
Hope this helps and feel free to email me directly if you have any
questions.
Kevin R. Phillips
Northern Hills Software
[Web Site] http://www.NorthernHillsSoftware.com
[Email] mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[Email Group] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Pocket_Genealogist
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Lincoln
Mulkey
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2001 5:03 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [LegacyUG] palm devices vs Laptops
Novice needs help! Can anyone recommend a Pocket PC or a Laptop to be used
solely or primarily for genealogy work away from the desktop PC? B&W units
preferably because of lesser cost. Many deals at the auction sites, but
confusing.
Lincoln
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