Pocket computer or PDA - what's your experience?

[frankfriend]

Real mobile computing as I see it, will often require being able to get to:
1] regular applications [word processing, spreadsheets, databases]
2]email
3]internet access
4]messaging & calendars etc
5] wifi access

6] possibly telephpne - tho I am quite happy for it to be separate

The real problem is that most of the PDA's have such small screens and keyboard facilties that I just can't see them being that great.

Besides which the PDA class seems to be dying off.

I am therefore considering the pocket computer or ultra small laptop class. The Asus EEE seeme to be about the right target size, tho smaller would be even better. They seem to be about the affordable price level.

What is your experience of using these classes of equipment, and do you have any recommendations.

The `key criteria as I see them are:

a] small & light
b] large color screen so you can see the internet
c] a decent keyboard

If only the Psion series had kept going!!!!

What do you think?

Best regards

Frankfriend

[Sohail]

I prefer pocket computers as they're more professional and easier to use...

[iholla]

PDA is out for me. Due to obvious reasons. I am more for pocket computers cause the screens are bigger and they have a lot more functionality, compatibility and software available.

However, since compact means you want to have as much power as possible in a small enough gadget, then from pocket pc, I'd say the communicator is the best option.

With it you get all pocket computer power and functionality. screen size, gps, camera plus smartphone. This helps you get rid of yet another gadget...the smartphone.

Since what we are looking for in pocket pcs is portability, production capability and communication services, I'd say first choice Communicator, second Pocket PC. PDA...nah ah!

if my post was useful, add it to my reputation, thanks

[satheesh]

I have Pocket PC.
Really Nice.

[frankfriend]

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. iholla, I guess you mean the Nokia Communicator series? Interestingly that uses the Symbian OS, which I think is the 'heir' to the Psion o/s of some years ago.

Best Regards

[cstamper]

I use a Palm PDA. Like it very much.

:-)

[iholla]

iholla, I guess you mean the Nokia Communicator series? Interestingly that uses the Symbian OS, which I think is the 'heir' to the Psion o/s of some years ago.

I actually meant pocket pc with in-built phone functionality. The Nokia communicators are greatly limited in functionality and processor speeds.

I know QTEK have a PS2 or something. Its a pocket pc with phone functionality. A Communicator. If your pocket pc can make calls, send sms, e.t.c then its a communicator.

[callumacrae]

I hear that the Hp iPaq series is really good.

[easykey]

I have an HP IPAQ 2790. Brilliant - easy to write using the stylus so no keyboard. Since its Microsoft Mobile OS theres lots of free applications for it.

I would prefer built in internet access e.g 3g or something but otherwise I have no complaints. I connect to my phone with bluetooth so no real problems.

The newer smartphones are OK but I hate the idea of having a big, chunky phone and also I often write on my IPAQ while talking on the phone...

[mattspec]

how much have you got to spend?

this is a brilliant phone/computer

http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=640

i currently use the blackberry curve, also a very nice phone but very expensive plans.