Newbie, looking to buy a PDA

Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice. I am a student looking to invest in a new PDA. Its probably best if i say what i'd like to use it for:

• Syncing Outlook XP on my laptop with PDA (e-mails on both system)
• Preferably Wi-fi not a must though
• Would like to connect to my centrino laptop for file sharing, no bluetooth but i have a usb bluetooth dongle
• Must be able to play videos either mpeg/avi's/mov's etc because i record tv using tv card in laptop and would transfer to sd card or equivilant and watch whilst on train bored etc.
• Pocket versions of word/powerpoint etc would be useful
• Above all very cheap, have looked at Mio's

Cheers
Mattpower

As you've mentioned Mio have a look at the Mio 168 here on this site http://www.totalpda.co.uk/Mio-168-GPS-Pocket-PC.aspx

They also have bundles with destinator or Mio mapping. TomTom appears to be the most popular. If you decide on TomTom there are two sets of CD's, make sure you get the one marked FULL software and European mapping + GB.

If you don't need Street level maps in Europe you could go for the GB maps plus Major Roads of Europe. However, should you need say France and Spain, it's cheaper tp purchase the full software as mentioned above.

If your car has an athermic windscreen, you may find the Mio A201 is better, although can be a bit fiddly to get TomTom working.

I have the Mio 168, as does my son and a friend, two of us have athermic windscreens and find it's best to get a lock on the satellites whilst standing outside the car before setting up inside. It will lock on sitting in the car but takes much longer.

You should get MS Activesync with your Mio CD but may need to download from MS for you Desk/laptop. When connected Calendar/Contacts/Tasks etc will be updated between the two.

Don't forget to take into account something like a 1GIG SD Card so there is plenty of room for music/pics etc.

[Martin Laverty]

The PDA's below would do what your looking for. They would all connect directly to PC/Laptop via usb and synchronise and all them would play videos and have versions of word and excel.

http://www.totalpda.co.uk/HP-iPAQ-rx1950-NEW.aspx
this has wifi but no bluetooth

http://www.totalpda.co.uk/Dell-X51-416MHz.aspx
this has bluetooth but no wifi

http://www.totalpda.co.uk/Palm-Tungs...Promotion.aspx
This has both wifi and bluetooth.
The mio 168 border collie mentioned is a good PDA but it doesnt have Wifi or bluetooth if you really want to use them.

If you need any more info give me a call on the number below.

Originally Posted by mattpower3000

Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice. I am a student looking to invest in a new PDA. Its probably best if i say what i'd like to use it for:

• Syncing Outlook XP on my laptop with PDA (e-mails on both system)
• Preferably Wi-fi not a must though
• Would like to connect to my centrino laptop for file sharing, no bluetooth but i have a usb bluetooth dongle
• Must be able to play videos either mpeg/avi's/mov's etc because i record tv using tv card in laptop and would transfer to sd card or equivilant and watch whilst on train bored etc.
• Pocket versions of word/powerpoint etc would be useful
• Above all very cheap, have looked at Mio's

Cheers
Mattpower

I'd recommend the Acer N50 Premium.
It'll do everything you want above and more. Bluetooth, Wifi, IRDA, SD and CF cards at the same time, 512 processor, pocket word and excel.
I get mine from Argos for £199, but if you're quick, they have them on clearance for £134.99 - http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...er/6701451.htm

You can't go wrong!!