what is the best pocket pc under $300?

[orange300]

hi, i am new and want to get into the world of pocket pcs, but i don't need it to be a phone device.

what's the best one out there right now for under $300. i need something with wifi, and bluetooth would be nice. :D

[Pony99CA]

Originally posted by orange300
hi, i am new and want to get into the world of pocket pcs, but i don't need it to be a phone device.

what's the best one out there right now for under $300. i need something with wifi, and bluetooth would be nice. :D
Under $300 with WiFi? With stackable coupons, you might be able to get one of the Dell Axims (http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/pda?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs) with WiFi under $300 (it would also have Bluetooth). Otherwise, you might try the HP iPAQ rx1955 (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/store_access.do?template_type=storefronts&category=handhelds&aoid=1462).

If you don't mind a used Pocket PC, have you tried eBay? You might have a bigger selection of fully-featured older Pocket PCs there.

Steve

[Gerard]

There are a few stores on eBay selling new EU-model Toshiba e800 devices. I bought mine in November for USD$270, which included the USB 'Presentation Pack' and the 2460mAh extended battery. Nice device. I upgraded it to WM2003SE through the German Toshiba site, free, and like it better, especially running OzVGA for full VGA resolution In all programs. Mine's Bluetooth, and I use a Symbol CF 802.11b card for Wi-Fi. The e800 has been as low as $249 some weeks. A wireless card can be had for $30 or more.

[Pony99CA]

Originally posted by Gerard
There are a few stores on eBay selling new EU-model Toshiba e800 devices. I bought mine in November for USD$270, which included the USB 'Presentation Pack' and the 2460mAh extended battery. Nice device. I upgraded it to WM2003SE through the German Toshiba site, free, and like it better, especially running OzVGA for full VGA resolution In all programs. Mine's Bluetooth, and I use a Symbol CF 802.11b card for Wi-Fi. The e800 has been as low as $249 some weeks. A wireless card can be had for $30 or more.
That's a decent recommendation, although a WiFi card will probably stick up a bit. Here's a link to the Bluetooth e800 on uBid (http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=901160556) for $239 (it's a purchase link, not an auction link).

I looked around uBid a bit more, and found an iPAQ rx3115 (http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10641455) for $199. That runs Windows Mobile 2003 SE and has both Bluetooth and WiFi built-in.

Note that both of these models are not current, so don't expect any upgrades. Both links I posted above were to current models from Dell and HP, so they have the latest Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system and should have full support.

Worse, if orange300 is in the U.S., Toshiba isn't selling Pocket PCs in the U.S. anymore, so I wouldn't expect any support from them. They may still support their older models, but I don't know.

Steve

[orange300]

yeah i was looking at the e800 and the support issue made me a bit hesistant.

the rx3115 seems like a good fit, i like that. i'll keep an eye out for dell stackable coupons because i'd love to get an x51 or better yet a x51v for my price range.

thanks for the input

[Pony99CA]

Originally posted by orange300
yeah i was looking at the e800 and the support issue made me a bit hesistant.

the rx3115 seems like a good fit, i like that. i'll keep an eye out for dell stackable coupons because i'd love to get an x51 or better yet a x51v for my price range.
I really doubt you'll be able to get the Axim x51v for under $300, but good luck. When I checked the Dell site, it was only $374.25, which seems like a fair deal if you're willing to spend 25% more than your target. That's even less than the x51!

You should also check some of the deal sites (FatWallet, Tech Bargains, etc.) for stackable coupon notifications. Dell seems to have them fairly often. For example, coupon code QGM7T0C1C2TVVD will get you an additional $20 off any order of $150 or more. I just tried it, and it dropped the price down to $354.25 (before tax).

Steve

[orange300]

well $354 is pretty close... i think i'll go with that.

[DavesPPC]

A little late, but here's my reply anyways :)

A ipaq h2215 $100 +/-
WiFi card $30 +/-

Exactly what I bought from ebay less then a month ago. $130 total (shipped).