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Archiver > TMG > 2007-09 > 1189360151


From: "DeAnna Burghart" <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] PDA question
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 10:49:11 -0700
References: <mailman.66805.1189319044.7286.tmg@rootsweb.com><6.2.3.4.2.20070909164259.02346ec8@mail.westnet.com.au>
In-Reply-To: <6.2.3.4.2.20070909164259.02346ec8@mail.westnet.com.au>


Kate asked:

>>Can somebody on the list recommend a good PDA
that is compatible with the "Pocket Genealogist"
and has the same features as the Palm TX -- TX?<<

Kevin has already pointed out that pretty much any PocketPC device will do
what you want. This is coming from a devoted Palm user who is still married
to her LifeDrive, but I have to admit ... it's getting harder and harder to
recommend Palm-based devices. The company is floundering, the OS is dated at
best, and the hardware hasn't been innovative in a good six or seven years
now. /sigh.

I have heard very good things about the iPAQs from everyone who has ever
owned one.

One caveat: Do not allow yourself to be too overwhelmed by the feature
claims. Take a deep breath and objectively consider how you will use the
device. I am a true gizmo fanatic, and my LifeDrive acts as a desktop
replacement. For me, features like WiFi and 3rd party software capability (I
won't say compatibility <snark snark>) are absolutely mandatory. I use my
device for things like collecting email, document review and editing, and
remote server access to run SQL queries. (And, of course, reviewing my
genealogy findings.) I use my voice memo fairly frequently, and watch movies
on the plane while commuting. I do *not* use it to listen to MP3s anymore --
the battery life tradeoff is unacceptable, and besides, I have an iPod.

My husband, on the other hand, is a wanna-be gizmo freak who really doesn't
use or like them all that much. We originally bought the LD for him, and he
eventually gave it to me. He has no use for the voice memo, doesn't care
about doing document editing, has no need for remote server access, and no
interest in watching movies and the like because he rarely travels. All he
wanted was a calendar and email device. Anything else was simply overkill. A
simple PocketPC device (he uses Outlook) with a thumb keyboard would have
suited him just fine.

Moral of the story: Consider what you're likely to actually use the device
for, where and when you'd most likely use it, and things you're interested
in trying. Use that as your foundation to describe a feature set, then
figure out what comes close.

DeAnna


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DeAnna Burghart
TMG Shortcuts, Variables and Report Cheat Sheets (Word and PDF)
http://members.cox.net/danieleb765/genealogy/




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