Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 11:32:18 -0400
From: David Griffin [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: libretto sucessor?
What I was specifically noting in the design of the Toshiba handheld was the
storage space that, using the 1GB microdrive, was approaching a practical
and useful amount.
I'm an old Zaurus fan myself, and no lover of Windows CE. Yet I use a CE
handheld because I don't want to bother with tweaking various proprietary
sync systems.
For me, the instant on is the single biggest factor for CE or other handheld
OS's: I just don't have time for a boot sequence on the road. So as
handhelds approach laptop specs in terms of processor speed, RAM, and
storage space, a successor to the Libretto will only be better by virtue of
having instant on, even if I have to accept Windows CE as the price. (I'd
sure like just a FEW slightly useful apps, though!)
Alas, no proprietary device is likely to even have a chance unless it can
demonstrate vast superiority in some area: portable information appliances
are going to be appendages of some home-based unit, at least until wireless
becomes a real force. My old Zaurus does almost as much as the Mako seems
to, and while the Rex is a neat form factor, I can never get one to reliably
sync (doubtless my incompetence), and the extremely limited ability to input
data takes it out of contention as a useful device, for me.
The ultimate goal is a pocketable widget with instant on, full and total
duplication of any and all of my information and apps(or immediate access
thereto), acceptable battery life (which is why I don't like color screens,
at this point) and wireless full internet access. Someday, we can hope.
Griffin
David said:
Not a Libretto successor, just another boring Windows CE palmtop.
1GB microdrives in a palmtop have already been done on the Palms.
The Sharp Zaurus (Japanese version) provides far more features and
functionality if you're to buy a japanese pda. In the USA, simply buy a
Palm
OS palmtop - they've taken up 80% of the market share, have more programs
and
support and accessories than any other platform, and can simply be
considered
the 'standard'. Too many dead WinCE palmtops from the past not used anymore
to
bother with any WinCE device.
Beyond that?
Diamond Mako, clearning out at outpost.com and tigerdirect.com for $99.
16MB,
keyboard, grayscale LCD, word processing, spreadsheet, optional modem and
Opera
Internet web browser. One of the few devices smaller than a Libretto with
very
good web browser compatiblity with the majority of sites out there today,
but
even I'd just go Palm or Libretto instead (L50 goes for $200-300 on ebay, so
why bother with a grayscale screen?).
Xircom Rex. My REX Pro 3 runs happily. PCMCIA Type II card form factor,
and
you can download all of your appointments and addressses into this device.
Much handier than a Palm for me since it has limited functionality on just
the
basics. (the Palm? Nothing but playing PocketChess all day ;)
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