PDA/Router choice
 

My other half is thinking of buying me a PDA thingy for Christmas (yay), but I've no experience with them.

What I'm hoping for is a handheld that will allow me to surf the net and access my mail when I'm away from the computer (via the wifi network we'll have by then).

I've looked at this one from Dell, it seems to do all I want and if we buy it at the same time as his new computer then I can get it for £199 (which is about my limit, don't want to be too cheeky ;) )

I was wondering if this would be the best buy, and would it do everything I want?

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/pr...=uk&l=en&s=dhs

Re: PDA choice
 

Do you mean this one

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/pr...=uk&l=en&s=dhs

Yes it would do what you describe above. Personaly I dislike win ce handhelds and prefer Palm OS based machines - but the wifi ones are few and expensive at the moment (when will there be a T3 with built in wireless ? - my dream pda)

Another thing to remember with pda and wifi is that wifi hammers battery life.

(the 300mhz processor machine, stand alone + wifi comes in at 227 inc VAT and to be honest you will be v hard pushed to find a wifi able machine for under this,imo)

Re: PDA choice
 

I would have to agree with erol (I knew I would sooner or later ;) ) ... beware of Pocket PC / Win CE devices. They are not the package they appear to be at first. Think about what you actually need a handheld to do and how often you want to do it before you buy anything. When you've done that, you'll find that an OS designed for handheld devices - i.e. Palm OS - is much better suited than an OS that was designed for a desktop and then scaled down (i.e. Windows).

Also bear in mind that in the realm of handhelds, M$ are not the market leader, so if you want the best and widest selection of apps (especially freeware), it's on Palm OS, not Pocket PC.

As for hardware, as erol says beware of battery life and be sure you need WiFi badly enough to put up with the power drain. AFAIK Bluetooth is less power hungry ... most Palm, Handspring and Sony devices (all Palm OS) either have Bluetooth built in or can take a Bluetooth expansion card, so this option plus a compatible mobile phone may be better for you.

Pocket PC devices appear to me to be somewhat bulkier than comparable Palm OS handhelds (especially compared to the delicious Palm Tungsten-T3) And finally, don't be fooled into thinking you're getting more hardware for your cash with a Pocket PC ... they apparently have more RAM, but what they don't tell you is that they need twice as much RAM as a comparable Palm OS device because the Windows OS is so bloated.

Best buy is prolly the Palm Tungsten T and the best price I could find via Kelkoo was £249.99 with £6.99 delivery.

Re: PDA choice
 

Go and get this month's PC-Pro magazine. It has a huge review of loads of machines.

Re: PDA choice
 

Cheers guys, I'll have to do some surfing and have a look ;)

Re: PDA choice
 

Have a look around they have some pretty nice ones.Here

Re: PDA choice
 

Cheers WNA, but have you seen the prices?? :eeek:

My limit is about £200 and from the look of the sites I've visited I think the one I've linked to above is the best I'm going to get.

Taking on board what the others have said I think I'll buy the extended battery (3100mA??), but as ling as it does what I want for the money I'll be happy ;)

Re: PDA choice
 

Just a thought but did you try going to Dell?

Re: PDA choice
 

;)

Re: PDA choice
 

The Axim X3 has just been released by DELL last Wednesday. So may wish to wait for a bit longer for it.

Here's a link

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topi...=us&l=en&s=gen

You may agree it does look a bit better than the Axim X5.

The Tungsten T3 can be bought for £285 but it does not have bluetooth. It looks good and is very good value at the price. However, my preference is probably the HPs, they can also be used as a TV remote control as well. I think the HP4155 will be the model to go for. Built in WiFi and Bluetooth.

Re: PDA choice
 

I've got the O2 PDA with all the toys Sat Nav phone, SMS Messaging service built in etc etc, it's good when I'm sat in the Taxi bored I can surf the web. Just had my bill for the last 7 weeks a whopping £20 :drunk: Mine cost me £250 with the Tom Tom navigator charger the lot. They are well good I'd recomend one to anybody.

Re: PDA choice
 

Actually I think you'll find that PocketPC was designed from the ground up. It just looks like Windows. From what I've seen on the iPaqs that a lot of people where I work use it's a pretty good OS

The latest iPaq models (the HP branded ones) seem to have a pretty good battery life. Someone I know has the high-end one (the one with built-in Bluetooth, WiFi and the fingerprint scanner (which works very well)) uses his all day for web browsing via Bluetooth to his GPRS mobile and has no complaints about batter life.

Re: PDA choice
 

I've seen the latest IPAQs 2210 & 5550 on ebay (Depends if you're bothered about being new) - I use a 2210 personnally and would highly recommend it to anyone. battery life is excellent especially compared to my older 39xx model.

Re: PDA choice
 

That may be, but the assumptions behind its development are those of an organisation with a culture of over-written code ... end result, a pocket-sized OS with a desktop-sized mentality. Why else would a PocketPC device require twice the RAM of a comparable PalmOS device to perform essentially the same set of tasks?

Re: PDA choice
 

Small point. The T3 does have bluetooth built in. It does not have wifi built in however and without a cf slot, just an sd one, wifi is hard to add atm. There is a SD based wifi expansion card but I do not think it currently supports Palm OS, but that it should do in comming months.

Re: PDA choice
 

Having a quick look and a read of some reviews, I think this one might be the one for me. Just a quick question, will it connect to our ad-hoc wifi network (IEEE 802.11b) without any problems?

Re: PDA choice
 

Yes it should connect to both an AP in infratructure mode, or to other client cards in 'ad hoc' mode.

Re: PDA choice
 

Well I took delivery of my shiny new Dell Axim, X30 today :d :d :d :d

I've fallen in love with it already. Still haven't managed to get it to connect to my wireless network, but I'm sure a call to dell will fix that.

Once I've had a proper look at it tomorrow I'll post proper review :)

Re: PDA choice
 

I have the X3i and it connects to my wireles really well - what WAP do you have - maybe I can help you get it working...

Re: PDA choice
 

Thanks for the offer Zovat. I'm having trouble getting it to pull any pages up in IE. Its connecting to the network properly, or so it says, and it takes the password for the network but when I take it out of the cradle it just says "the page you are looking for is unavailable".

I'm running an ad-hock network with D-link wireless cards, like I said it seems to see the network and connect but won't sync or surf. :(

Re: PDA choice
 

when you have the wireless on - tap the little signal inicator in the bottom left and look at the status - does it have a valid IP etc ?

Re: PDA choice
 

yer, 169.254.128.167 :confused:

Re: PDA choice
 

Is that on the same subnet (169.254.128.XXX) as the other wireless device its connecting to?
If you are doing it adhoc then are you setting the IP addresses manually?

Re: PDA choice
 

I've got it set to "Use server assigned ip address" Do I need to set it manually? If so what do I put in the

- Ip address box
- Subnet mask
- Default Gateway
- DNS
- Alt DNS
- WINS
- Alt WINS

:confused:

Bear in mind it took me two days and a load of advice from stuartbe to get my network running, I really am rather dumb when it comes to this sort of thing :blush:

Re: PDA choice
 

What are you using to connect the PDA to? A computer card or an Wireless Access Point?

Re: PDA choice
 

A D link PCI card, ther eis one in each of my computers.

Re: PDA choice
 

You can only connect two devices together using Adhoc, if the two computers are already connected via the wireless then you cannot add the PDA to the link.
You either need to shut down one of the wireless cards/PC's, or look at adding a Wireless Access Point.

Re: PDA choice
 

Ah, that may explain the situation then. :blush:

I'll have to have a look for an ADSL wireless router then :(

Re: PDA choice
 

spot on :(

set the IP address manually to something in the same range as your other cards, then shutdown the wireless link on one machine (preferably the one without the activesync software on it) and try switching on the wireless on the Axim at that point..

Re: PDA choice
 

I'll have a bash at that and let you know how I get on.

Can any of you recommend a (cheap) ADSL router thats compatible with my two D-link DWL-510 cards? They are 802.11b

Re: PDA choice
 

The linksys ADSL router (WRT54G) is the one I use, it is compatable with 802.11b and 802.11g, has 4 100Mb rj45 ports, and is about 60 quid.

Netgear make one at a similar price and spec, belkin make a really cheap one, but personally I wouldn't use belkin kit... :angel:

HTH

(oh and they are all available at: dabs, overclockers, etc,etc

Re: PDA choice
 

Is that just a router, I'm going to need one that'll act as an ADSL modem too as mines currently an internal one :(

Re: PDA choice
 

No its wireless if its 802.11b and g compatible.

EDIT : Sorry Dellwear didn't read it properly. I don't think it is an ADSL modem.

Re: PDA choice
 

Sorry I wasn't very clear (After reading back my comment) I'm looking for a combined wireless router and Adsl modem, as my modem's internal and I guess I won't be able to use it with a wireless router. Or have I got it completely messed up?

I know that one Zovat recomended is a wireless router, but does it have an internal ADSL modem?

:confused: :confused:

Re: PDA choice
 

D-Link DSL-604+
That's what I use with ADSL

Re: PDA choice
 

http://www.dsl-warehouse.co.uk/produ...804WBRA&pm=877

This will do it. I can't recommend it I just looked for a wireless router ADSL modem.

I actually have the Green Frog ADSL Modem, a four port Router, and a Wireless AP, all seperate.

Re: PDA choice
 

and also the ones I mentioned have ADSL modem versions - but they are about £20-30 more expensive than the ones without...
:angel:

Re: PDA choice
 

I've had a look around and I cant seem to find the d-link one that Xac recommended. Although I'd rather have a d-link one I've come across this one :
http://www.dabs.com/uk/channels/hard...quicklinx=2RSW

What do you all think?

Re: PDA choice
 

That doesn't have an ADSL modem built in. Its for use with an ADSL or cable modem.

Re: PDA choice
 

Bugger, they don't make it easy for you to see which ones are which do they?


I've found the one Xac was on about, I'll probably order it tomorrow, I just hope its o.k. with my cards.

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=60242

Thanks for all the help guys :)

Re: PDA choice
 

I've got a Belkin 11g access point, two centrino laptops, one Netgear USB card, a belkin 54G PCMCIA card, an IPAQ (5550), and a D link Compact Flash card for use with an IPAQ 3850.
They all work fine. The 11b and 11g are standards which means good compatibility.


EDIT : I forgot the two Netgear MP101 wireless MP3 devices!!!

Re: PDA choice
 

Nope, sorry. The WRT54G is just a normal wireless router - no inbuilt ADSL modem. It's more suited for a cable connection, unless you get a seperate ADSL modem with an ethernet port.

Re: PDA choice
 

Well I took the plunge and bought the D-Link DSL-604+ that Xac recommended, it'll arrive on Monday. Wonder if it'll include any cat 5 cables?

So looks like I'll not be spending much time with my new PDA until then :(

Re: PDA choice
 

most come with at least 1 cat5 cable...

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

:tu:

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Well i'm sat here surfing the net from my axim. I can't believe how easy i set up the new router! WHOO HOOOOO

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Great isn't it :)

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Well it was until I went to try and access files on PC1 from PC2. The router seems to be letting me access the net from them both, but I cant see the hard disks and files. I've re-run the network setup wizard but I still cant access the files :(

Any suggestions guys?

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

u will need to share some files - i presume u want to access them locally not from the web?

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Well I've been sharing them up until I installed the router, I had an ad-hoc network, and both computers could see each other and share files. Now they cant see each other, I've re-run the network setup wizard in XP but it still doesn't like it :(

EDIT - Well I think I've narrowed it down to the router, as both PCs can ping the router and the net, but not each other. Just got to figure out what to do about it. :erm:

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Anyone??


Where Xaccers when you need him? :(

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Not Xaccers - but maybe I can help...

Sorry for the delay - I have been setting up WEP on my WLAN :naughty:

Blasted Axim only supports 64bit WEP :(

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

I hope so.....

An update.......... I've got all three systems (PC1, PC2 and Axim) connected tot he router o.k. with no security set. They all see the router, and the router can see them. I couldn't ping from one to the other, but I've managed to get that to work now.

The main problem is I still can't access files on PC1 from PC2 or the other way around. I've re-run the windows network wizard, and tried all sorts of different permutations, but it still says "\PC1 is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. The network path was not found."

Now I've had to revert both back to a backup I took the other day as I completely lost the internet on the PC's after trying to fiddle with the network wizard, and following tips from the net. :(

I'm so confused, the network must be working, otherwise they wouldn't be getting the internet. I'm guessing its down to an XP problem, but how I'm going to sort it I really don't know. HELP :confused: :confused: :confused:

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Sorry - just got back from watching the match :D


can you check if the firewall is set on the XP interface, this is most often the cause of these things...

IIRC this is in the properties for the network interface.

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

There's no firewalls on either at the moment. I've managed to get it to work a couple of times, but if I reboot it stops again and starts when it feels like it.

I just can't understand it :(

And now the one connected with a wireless card cant even see the Internet :(

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

very strange - I'll PM you my MSN to save using up the thread :)

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

scratch that - just added you to my buddy list - blow - you're offline :(

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Thanks Z, I've only just got back on line properly, but I've managed to get most of my problems sorted (but thank you VERY much for the offers of help :) ). I've got my computers talking again, and they can access files on each other again, what I did to fix it I couldn't honestly tell you, although I've made a quick backup so hopefully I'll never need to do it again.

The only issues I have left are that I still haven't figured out how Mac filtering and WEP work with this new router, and I can't work out hot to sync my Axim via Wi-fi, but I'm going to leave that until tomorrow.

And I thought it was all going so well at 3pm!! :erm:

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

The Axim only supports 64 bit WEP, and I configured that ok last night - And also syncing via the wireless..
Let me know when you are going to try and I'll try to be online ;)

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Thanks Zovat, it'll probably be about 5ish :)

I feel distinctly uneasy with no security, how people manage to live like it permanently I don't know. :Yikes:

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

don't suppose your online now?

gonna have to shoot off just before 5 - work getting in the way of life again :( :angel:

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Sorry, it looks like we've missed each other agin :(

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

you there now mate ?

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

Sorry, we seem to keep missing each other.

Just to keep you updated, I've managed to get MAC filtering to work so I feel a little less open. ;)

I'll keep my eye out for you. :)

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

cool - just for info - the Axim only seems to suppotr 64bit WEP - not 128...

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

I'll give you a shout when I get a worknig AXIM :(

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...123#post242123

Re: PDA/Router choice
 

looks like a bit of a swine...

Once you have it working, it is pretty good though - I have not tried the X30 mind you - I have the X3i (same thing but a bit older)