New blog template

I am trying out a new blog template so feel free to let me know what you think. I am trying to find something that I am real happy with and still need to get a mobile version/layout put together.

Opera coming to Windows Mobile!

I woke up today with a press release from Opera in my email inbox stating that Opera was coming to the Windows Mobile platform and had to go to their site to verify that someone wasn't playing a sick joke on me. One of the primary reasons I kept picking up Zaurus devices was the Opera mobile browser and I can now stop buying and then selling them. Opera will becoming to WM Smartphones first and then hopefully to the Pocket PC design devices. Opera on my Nokia 3650 Smartphone ROCKS and is one of the reasons I keep the 3650 in my collection. Needless to say, I am extremely excited about this announcement and will definitely write a review as soon as it is released.

Toshiba e805 is sold in a couple hours

Wow, the Toshiba sold quickly as a result of the Brighthand forums. George M from Silver Slider fame ended up buying it and I will be shipping it out tomorrow. My PayPal account again has some funds in it for future mobile devices. You know I really should save up for an iBook or Powerbook so I can get some real work done, and may actually do that after creating another iteration of my gadget inventory spreadsheet.

Toshiba e805 up for sale, UX50 going for the record, rumored PDAs

Well I decided to get rid of the Toshiba e805 package already since it is getting a bit crowded in my PDA bag and I am keeping the Axim X30 even though it has the low res display. The X30 with Bluetooth is a bonus since I just received the Dell Bluetooth keyboard to review, which so far is quite incredible. The e805 display is absolutely gorgeous, but I am going to wait for the other VGA units with integrated Bluetooth and faster processors to come out in a month or two. Surfing on the e805 is a breath of fresh air on PDAs and I am sure someone will enjoy the unit. I would really like to see the rumored MDA IV with VGA since I keep going back to using my MDA II Phone Edition device.

This weekend I used my UX50 most of the time and really do like these models and just wish there was more RAM since I do have to manage where I install things and how I use some programs. It has almost been a year since I started using my original UX50 and this model is quickly approaching the record held by my Jornada 568 device of 14 months.

There are rumors of a Tungsten T5 with high resolution display, no slider, Cobalt OS, and integrated WiFi with some serious RAM. I will wait to pass judgement on this model, but it may be a possible future Palm Powered device for me. However, the Treo 650 looks like a great fit with the high res display and phone functionality. Then again, it looks like there is no WiFi or ability to add it to the Treo 650 and I actually use my mobile devices with WiFi quite a bit at home.

There are going to be many decisions coming up before Christmas so you may see more of my devices headed out the door with new models coming in.

Day with Mal, PSHUG swap meet results, thoughts on new devices

My girls are always asking me to take them to the Pocket PC user group meetings and I take my oldest two about twice a year. Danika came with me a couple months ago so it was Mal's turn yesterday. We went to my work early and then left at noon to head on up to Pike Place Market for lunch and some great pastries. We then hit the Seattle Aquarium for about 30 minutes using our 1 year pass. We then went to Bellevue Square to visit the bookstore and the Apple Store. If I ever get a laptop, it will be an iBook or Powerbook because they are absolutely beautiful! Harry Potter 3 was next on our agenda and we both enjoyed the movie. At last we headed to the PSHUG meeting in the cafeteria of Building 117.

Food was provided from Qdoba and was actually quite good. It was my first time trying their food and it was fresh and tasty. I was disappointed in the turnout of probably only 20 people and expected more like our 50 or so turnouts, especially with free food. Mal stated she wanted to see if anyone was selling a color Pocket PC or laptop that she could buy and I told her not to expect too much. I sold my Abacus SPOT watch, I am keeping the Dick Tracy model for myself, and then spotted a color Compaq Aero 2100. We bought it for Mal for $30 and she was very excited to get home and charge it up. I also picked up a NEC MobilePro 880 Handheld PC for $20 that works well and only has a slight screen flicker. If it bothers me too much then I may take it apart to see if there is a loose wire. The 880 is the same as my 780 with a much larger display and works very well for mobile writing.

Jeff also brought some new devices along to try out, including the Orange SPV C500 Smartphone, Motorola MPx220 Smartphone and iPAQ 6315 Pocket PC Phone Edition. I was very surprised at the larger display on the C500, compared to other MS Smartphones, and am now much more impressed than when I read about it online. It seems like a very nice Smartphone and my only concerns are the use of mini SD cards under the battery and the directional/joystick controller. The size wasn't as small as I thought, which is a good thing. It felt very professional and I can see people buying this over the E200 for size compared to other cheap cell phones.

The MPx220 did not impress me even though it was a flip form factor and I still like the MPx200 design better. The screen was very unimpressive compared side-by-side to the C500. I don't think bumping the camera up to 1.2 megapixel is really much of an improvement and think cameras on phone are really a novelty that wears off. I do use if sometimes for quick snapshots, but primarily used it within the first 3 weeks of ownership as I suspect most people do.

The 6315 did not have power so I couldn't see it slow processor in action (or is that inaction:). The benchmark testing looks very poor on this device, but that is the sacrifice that was made for a reportedly very long battery life. However, the type of people that buy Phone Edition devices should be data centric and the phone functionality should be a secondary priority so I am not sure that hampering the performance of the PDA with a 200MHz processor follows the logic of the Phone Edition design. While it is nice to see a newer Phone Edition on the market in the U.S., the $450 to $600 cost is a bit much for the lack of memory and processor speed. In my opinion, the XDA/MDA II is a super device that blows away the 6315 and if it was a product sold in the U.S. I think consumers and enthusiasts would flip over the fast processor, ample memory (128MB RAM and 32MB ROM), great speaker and decent speakerphone, and outstanding quality (rarely have to reset it).

e805 VGA is awesome, Agendus Mail, PSHUG swap meet

I used my Toshiba e805 in landscape mode with my Think Outside IR keyboard last night to write up 3 mini-reviews at my oldest daughter's soccer practice and the VGA display is an absolute pleasure to use. Text appears almost sharper than even paper and I am getting very spoiled by it. The fonts on my UX devices are similar, but the e805 has a much larger display and is brighter. I think I will have to pick up the Mugen 2000 mAh battery from tmann (the guy I traded to get the e805) though since the high res display does seems to use up the battery quite quickly. I want to try out the USB hosting function with the cradle to see if it is worth getting the optional $20 cable to use a mouse or keyboard too.

iambic just released Agendus Mail with support for IMAP accounts, beating SnapperMail to market with their solution. SnapperMail 2.0 is still in the beta stages, but offers quite a bit of functionality as well. I am reviewing Agendus Mail on my UX devices and love the IMAP support. Now I just hope that Mailblocks will still be a solution for me when the AOL transition is completed, but my hopes are not that high that there will still be a separate service.

My daughters is at work with me today and we are going out to lunch, then a movie, then the local Pocket PC/PDA user group meeting where they are having the swap meet. I have a couple small items to try to sell or trade, but hope to see some new iPAQ devices and the Motorola MPx220. My daughters are always asking to come to the meetings and since they will be starting school soon this should be a good one to attend.

UX40 arrived, e805 VGA is pretty sweet

Well, the UX40 package arrived and is in perfect condition! The color of the device is a bit different than the UX50 and is actually quite nice. I am now thinking that I will pass these UX devices down to my daughters as they get older since they are like mini laptops with a cool camera, wireless functionality, lighted keyboard, etc. I now have to keep my eye out for one more good deal on a UX40 or UX50.

The UX devices are now the only Palm Powered devices in my arsenal since I traded my wonderful Tungsten T3 for the Toshiba e805 on Saturday morning. I traded with tmann from the Brighthand and Pocket PC Thoughts forums who is a very nice guy that I met at Starbucks on Saturday. The e805 he passed to me is in excellent condition and connected to my home WiFi network in a matter of seconds. The device was preloaded with WM2003 Second Edition and a VGA hack that helps to turn everything into VGA mode. The font is quick small, but the display is beautiful like the Sharp Zaurus SL-C760 I had. I tried Word and Excel and can definitely see this device adequately replacing my Handheld PC. I now need to load it up with TextMaker and lots of other apps. This may become my new home Pocket PC and the Axim X30 may be a future goner. The X30 does have Bluetooth, but with my Phone Edition and Smartphone I do not use the X30 for BT at all. The X30 also does not have a CF slot like the e805 and I like using that for cheap memory expansion.

We are having a geek garage sale at our local user group meeting tomorrow and I plan on trying to get rid of my Abacus Fossil SPOT watch (I love my Dick Tracy model), Ambicom USB Bluetooth dongle, sunglass/headphones, Fonix software, and other items that I can find in my collection. I also hope to see some of the new iPAQ devices and the Motorola MPx220 Smartphone.

T3 e805 trade, UX40 hopefully here soon too

I have been wanting to try out a VGA device because I thought that one of them combined with my IR keyboard would be a good Handheld PC replacement. I stumbled upon a Brighthand forum ad where a guy wanted to trade his Toshiba e805 for a Tungsten T3 or sell it outright. We worked out a deal last night where I give him my MINT T3, Sena case, and Targus IR keyboard along with $50 for the e805 and a Covertec case. He actually lives here in Washington so we are going to make a face-to-face trade of the gear. I can't wait to try out the 4" VGA display running WM2003 Second Edition since the iPAQ 4700 is way too high priced for my blood. The Toshiba looks to be one of the top models in VGA to me since it comes with a whopping 128MB RAM and also supports USB host functionality. This could truly be a Handheld PC replacement with a USB keyboard and mouse connected to it. The only thing missing is Bluetooth, but I have enough other devices to get me connected on the road that this isn't an issue now. I could always add the Socket BT CF card too.

I was primarily using the T3 for navigation with TomTom, but will now go back to Mapopolis on my devices. I wasn't using the T3 for much else, but have to admit the display is quite nice and the speed and memory are impressive. Hopefully, an improved T4 is really coming down the pike from palmOne.

I have been getting a few emails from the UX40 seller and also numbers from a USPS receipt so I am hopeful the package will arrive today or tomorrow. The package includes a rare EB40 UX extended battery that I saw was going for over $200 on ebay. I plan on keeping the UX40 and UX50 for my daughters when they get older since these mini-laptops would serve them well.

Dutch Harbor trip and back to civilization

It has now been a week since I updated my blog and I apologize for the long delay. I was busy with my regular day job last week and then had a business trip to Dutch Harbor, Alaska. I found out that I could not get a cell signal and there was no internet access at the hotel or anywhere else. I could have gotten online with my ISPs 800 number, but didn't take my ZOOM Bluetooth 56k modem since I thought I was only going to be there for one day. Well, the fog ended that hope and kept me there an extra day and half and I just finally arrived home yesterday. There are some rather large mountains going into Dutch Harbor airport so any fog stops inbound traffic. There ended up being about 35 standby passengers lying around the airport waiting for a flight out. I finally ended up on a plane that was planned for cargo with 12 other people. This was one of those two seat wide plans with propellers that makes you ensure you are right with God before going up in the air. We stopped in Cold Bay, Alaska for fuel and I finally arrived in Anchorage at just after midnight yesterday. I caught a flight to Seattle at 1:30 am and went to bed as soon as I arrived at home. The barge inspection itself went well and we found it was not made with the bad aluminum so that is good news. You can check out my TextAmerica multimedia blog for some pics of my trip.

Many of my reviews have been going up on PDAGeek and I still have several to write. I was able to write a couple using my Think Outside IR keyboard and Dell Axim X30 up in Alaska. There is nothing new for me as far as devices go, but I did buy another UX40 and extended battery, along with a WiFi Memory Stick, for a good deal. However, it hasn't arrived yet and I am a bit worried I may have been stiffed by the seller. This time though I received his work phone number first so I have faith the unit will arrive in a couple days.

Voice Command press release, HP turns away enthusiasts

Microsoft included a quote from me in their Voice Command retail press release. Cool! I do love using Voice Command on my Phone Edition, especially because it is so much more difficult to dial than a Smartphone.

I have now received my funds from selling devices and sent them all off to their new homes. I am going to pass on the new crop of iPAQ devices and really the only device that interests me right now is the new Treo 610. I have been visiting TreoCentral a lot and almost jumped on a Treo 600 for $350, but restrained myself because the Treo 610/Ace should be so much better with a nice display and Bluetooth. Rumors are flying about a release date, but I imagine the October estimate is probably right.

I would also go for a VGA Dell device because I am sure it would be reasonably priced and the fact that HTC is making the Axims now pleases me. I have been happy with HTC quality in previous iPAQ devices and my MDA II.

HP has really turned me off with their new crop of funky looking devices priced way too high and with limited specs along with their snub of so many enthusiast sites while not enforcing their own policy on sites like Dave's iPAQ who had rumors posted in the discussion forum and was still able to get review units. Quite an uproar in the community has been generated and HP is only hurting themselves. They may sell to the corporate world who doesn't care about these things, but the enthusiasts will probably not be supporting them as much anymore. ASUS, Loox, and Toshiba also have nice VGA units coming out with better specs and if I go with a VGA device then I will look to them before HP. It really is a shame that HP released such ugly devices because their previous generation of products like the 4100, 4300, and 2200 series were actually very nicely designed with some great form factors and specifications for that generation of devices.

D-Link router and gadget plans

I received a call from my D-Link contact and the firewall is automatically turned on in the router so there is no separate setting to turn it on like the SMC had. I then removed ZoneAlarm since I don't need another program slowing things down.

I finally received final payment for the book I wrote and decided to pay off another credit card instead of building up my PDA funds. Thus they are quite depleted and that is fine since there is nothing really compelling yet available and I am happy with what I have. I am getting the X30 loaded with Pocket PC Magazing software to judge this week.

I am also the new Review Geek for PDAGeek and am creating a database for reviews in either HandDBase or MobileDB so I can use it on my Palm and Pocket PC/WM devices. I have to see which one I like better first though.

Linda does not have cancer!

Thank you all for your prayers for our church friend Linda. Praise the Lord for the good news we heard at church today. Linda's nodules are not lung cancer as originally diagnosed, but are a disorder known as Sarcoidosis and it is something that can be treated with medications. Needless to say, the church was very excited and everyone let out a collective sigh of relief and praise.

D-Link router tests, laptop or PDA?, voting has begun

I am reviewing the new D-Link 802.11g SuperG wireless router and found it extremely easy to setup initially. The range actually seems to be a bit less than my 2 year old SMC Barricade 802.11b router when tested with the Axim X30H. I did pick up a neighbors NetGear router so I am exploring ways to lock down my network a bit. I tried WPA (WM2003 Second Edition devices support this) and WEP and the utilities showed that I was connected, yet I could not get email or surf on the device. I need to check the settings some more to see what is going on. I also have a 802.11g PC WiFi card that I want to test with the D-Link router to see how fast G is, but have to wait for a laptop to become available at work since they are now all taken.

My SMC allowed me to use one button to configure a firewall, but this D-Link router has all kinds of customization options. However, I can't seem to find the simple Turn Firewall On feature so I had to install ZoneAlarm for a while until I get it figured out.

Judging for the Pocket PC Magazine Software awards starts today so I will be busy evaluating several categories over the next month while also trying to conduct reviews and coach my daughter's soccer team.

I considered picking up an Apple iBook or inexpensive laptop today since my PDA fund has grown quite a bit lately, but then changed my mind as I have to evaluate why I need or could use more than what my PDAs can do. Then again, it would be pretty nice to just use a Smartphone to connect a laptop via Bluetooth and not have to try typing on a foldout keyboard with a small disply. I'll take a look at it more this weekend.

What is the story with T-Mobile's data plans?

There has been some long and varied discussions going on over at the www.howardforums.com boards and at Pocket PC Thoughts regarding access to T-Mobile's data network. I personally bought the $20 data plan back in 2002 with my Sidekick and then kept the $20 plan with my resulting Nokia 3650. Last fall (at least that is when I think I switched), I heard GPRS was free (with limited open ports) so I cancelled my $20 plan and used it for about 8 months for free. I could not access secure sites or use MSN Messenger, but I could get POP/IMAP email and browse most sites. Last Friday on vacation, my free GPRS access through wap.voicestream.com stopped working. I called up and ordered the $20 plan and was zooming away within an hour. The nice thing was that I could finally access my work Groupwise web access site (it is a https site) and use MSN Messenger.

Today, my Geek.com boss in Boston (I am in the Seattle/Tacoma area) told me his $4.99 T-Zones plan didn't block any ports. So I called up this morning and switched from the $19.99 plan to the $4.99 T-Zones plan. I can now use MSN Messenger, access my work secure Groupwise web access site, etc. using only the $4.99 plan. I think the $20 plan is an excellent deal, but $5 is even better and I am willing to pay this for reliable access.

My loss of free GPRS access may have been a temporary deal, but I don't mind paying $5 to gain MSN Messenger and secure access. You will read a lot of various opinions and stories about what works and what doesn't work and I just recommend you do like I did and try out the different services yourself. You can switch around these data plans without any penalties. What has been your personal experience?

I use about 30-40MB of data a month and even though GPRS is slower than CDMA, you can't beat the rates and my coverage has been excellent everywhere but at my house. I received a flyer from T-Mobile the other day stating they are adding towers and it has gotten a bit better at home.

Jornada 720 sold

Wow, that was quick! I sold the 720 with the WiFi card. So now my Z and 720 are sold and I am down to the X30, MDA II, T3, UX50, E200, and Nokia 3650. I am still considering the UX50, but don't think I can give it up even with its limited memory and small size.

The new Treo really intrigues me now that the Axim X30 is a solid Pocket PC with a huge battery and classy case. I am also hopeful of another Mobius invite that may bring a new WM device my way:)

With no more further ado, the 720 is now available

I played with the 720 a bit more today and decided to give it up. It really is a very nice writing platform, but I need it to access my work secure site and it won't with the version of Internet Explorer so I am putting it up for sale. I will sell the unit with the cradle, AC adapter, cables, and neoprene case for only $210. If the Ambicom WiFi CF card and PC card adapter is included then I will sell the complete kit for $250.

I also have a new Socket Bluetooth card that may be going to Susan, but if she doesn't want it then I will sell it for $50. I did not use it much and it comes with the original box, etc.

Email me at palmsoloATgeekDOTcom if you are interested.

Is T-Mobile free access really gone?

Pocket PC Thoughts posted that the access was gone last Tuesday, but I was still able to use it up until Friday. While on my trip to the ocean with my girls I could no longer check email or surf via the free access. I had it for about 8 months so I was happy with it and found I used it quite a bit. I called up and ordered the unlimited $19.99 plan and within about 15 minutes I was up with full access. The nice thing about the paid plan is I can check my work Groupwise account via the web interface and also use MSN Messenger on my device. I'll check again to see if the free access really is gone, but I don't mind paying the $20 for unlimited data and the reliability that goes along with paid service.

Z 760 up for sale, Jornada staying a while longer

Well, I received the Z back on Thursday and it seems to charge fine through the USB sync cable while it is powered on, but only charges for about 15 minutes when it is off. I can't figure out what the heck is up with the charging of this unit and don't have the time to monkey with it or Linux. It works extremely well if you use the external charger and the 1700 mAh battery lasts at least a couple hours with WiFi running and the LCD backlight on. I picked up a Linksys WiFi CF card to test out since the Ambicom one wasn't working and the Linksys one worked out of the box without even having to put in a SSID. It sure was nice browsing via Opera and NetFront on the Z, but I just can't spend the time playing with it so I am offering it up for a good deal online.

I tried the Ambicom CF WiFi card in my Jornada 720 and it works fine there so I guess it just doesn't like to play with the Z. I am keeping the 720, Ambicom WiFi, and Socket BT card for a while now because I just can't give up this excellent unit. I am a bit disappointed in myself for getting rid of all the extended batteries so soon, but the standard one still provides a nice amount of usage time.

My Mugen Power extended battey for the X30 and Piel Frama leather case arrived on Thursday as well and the X30 is now tricked out. I am still debating about the hx4700, but must resist HP and their high priced units:)