Re: Need PDA, and GPS, and cell phone, complete package - suggestions please

From: Todd All*** (elecconnec_at_aol.com)
Date: 02/09/04 

Date: 9 Feb 2004 06:56:06 -0800

"M Valdivia" <mowermanSPAMSOMEONEELSE@mail.com> wrote in message news:<wqxVb.30107$2h.26245@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com>...
> My wife and I are going to be spending the next year living out of an 18
> wheeler, and we are looking for a powerful PDA over a lap-top to save both
> money and space in the truck.

Keep in mind that a PDA may be a false economy in your case, since
neither Palm or Pocket PC units can use desktop computer software or
most PC peripherals.

So if you already have, for example, GPS and software for your PC,
rebuying them in PDA versions might "tip the scales" towards a laptop.
 (GPS units that connect via USB tend not to work in many PDAs, and
serial units are problems for others!)
 
> Here is a list of the critical or must-have functions:
>
> ***On-line banking compatibility (bank says: Internet Explorer 4.0 or
> Netscape 4.5 or greater; 800 x 600 pixel setting on display; 128 bit
> encryption; Unable to work on Macintosh )

PDAs have problems with many banking sites. Even with third party
(purchased) software, I can only access three of the four banking
sites I regularly use.
TRY before you buy! The web browsers in PDAs tend to choke on secure
banking sites.

> *** E-mail on several different servers (POP3, SMTP, and web based)

Doable. I access my POP3 e-mail with my PocketPC, and also web-based.

> ***Can be connected to a GPS receiver/antenna and use mapping software

Most PDAs can connect to a GPS of some sort. A GPS/software package
for PPCs can run $200+, however.

> ***Can be connected to cell phone for Internet access.

This is a kettle of fish way beyond the scope of a single newsgroup
post. Yes, PDAs will connect to cellphones, either wired (data cable)
or wirelessly (infra-red, bluetooth) depending on the phone. HOWEVER,
most cell carriers only provide data services in their native markets
(i.e., when roaming, data connections may not be available, even if
you have voice service in a particular roaming area.)

Come hang around alt.cellular.data, or let us know who your cell
carrier is for more on this.

> ***Can be powered from both an AC and 12v DC source

Not a problem, but DC cords cost extra.

> Secondary concerns:
>
> *** Large easy to read display

Like "jumbo shrimp", I might take issue with any PDA claiming to have
a "large" display! ;-)

> *** Factory or after market vehicle mounts available

Plenty.

> *** Built-in or after market keyboard available

Available for virtually all popular models.

> *** Factory or after market 'ruggedizing' options

Ruggedized PPCs cost more than many laptops!

> Have been considering:
>
> ***Sony UX50 CLIÉ Handheld PEGUX50 - Palm OS 5
> ***Garmin iQue 3600 - Palm OS 5

Sorry, I'm not a Palm user, but last time I investigated, (over a year
ago and with OS4) there were no decent GPS solutions (no Voice
navigation, no routing software that didn't rely on creating the
routes on a PC and downloading to the Palm.) I assume that's changed
with the advent of Palm devices with more memory and faster CPUs...

> ***Dell Axim X5 - WindowsCE

I have the Dell. To price out your needed system, the Dell runs about
$250 refurbished, my GPS and software (included vehicle mount and DC
cord) set me back $250 (Pharos GPS), my browser software (NetFront3)
was $30, 128mb memory SD card $50, bluetooth CF card $50 (to connect
to cell phone)and although I don't use a keyboard, they run about $50.

> ***HP iPAQ h5555 - WindowsCE
> ***Toshiba e800/e805 - WindowsCE

Very expensive PPCs. You'll be in the price range of a cheap laptop
by the time you add the peripherals.

> Any thoughts on which of these, if any, would be well suited for our
> critical needs?

As long as the PPC has two expansion slots (CF and SD) to accomodate
both memory and I/O peripherals (modem, GPS, etc.) you should be fine.

> Any suggestions for a brand/model of cell phone connected to a PDA that
> would work especially well in this application?

The largest problem is the carrier's data network. Modern cellphones
are digital, so they don't support analog modems like home phones.
Instead, your computer or PDA connects to the phone by cable, IR or
bluetooth (a short-range radio link) and the data is sent digitally to
and fro the cell company who makes an analog modem connection for you
to connect you to your ISP or directly to the internet.

The catch is that not all cell carriers support data, or else they
charge horrible rates for it.

In a nutshell, here's the quick skinny on cell data-

T-Mobile and Sprint- cheap data, but no data "off network" leaving you
data-less outside metro areas.

AT&T- avoid like the plague for your situation. AT&T runs two
incompatible networks- their old TDMA network provides voice coverage
almost everywhere, but no data at all, their newer GSM network has
less coverage, but charges for all data by the kb ($0.006 to $0.03 per
kb) depending on plan.

Cingular- supports slow speed (9.6kbps) data on most of their network
(like AT&T they are converting from TDMA to GSM) but a special phone
is needed to access both networks, and some major cities and
surrounding areas have no data (but have voice coverage) since they
are covered by Cingular's roaming partners.

Verizon- while I don't use them myself (the priciest provider), I
probably would if I were RVing cross-country. Verizon has the largest
native coverage are(area not relying on roaming partners) and offers
both slow speed (14.4k) data for free (uses your voice minutes) in
all native Verizon digal areas, plus a much faster "express network"
in major metro areas (for extra charge.)

Be warned, however, no cellular provider will give you the ability to
access e-mail or surf the web everywhere.

Good luck, and come by alt.cellular and alt.cellular.data to see what
you're up against when travelling...