Smartphones?

[Lowrider717]

Whats your take on using a smart phone with Windows Mobile, for things like Pilot Logbook, Web Browsing or Scheduling Interface. I'm looking at these new phones from t mobile (sda, mda), Anyone got any experience with this?

 

[Lowrider717]

Maybe I should retitle the thread "Smartphone Explodes in Pilots Pocket causing Crash" ...

 

[Lowrider717]

or "Smartphones linked to Legacy Bankruptcies"

 

[dtfl]

I have a Treo 650. I like it a lot. I dont "love it", because, many companies write apps in the Palm OS and they dont test them enough - even the Log Book pro palm app causes problems in my Treo at times. A buddy is a software designer - he says Palm OS is very stable but folks that write apps don't write them correctly.

The Windows CE Treo 700 is new....but there are some sketchy reviews.

If you are interested in a treo - check out Treocentral.com or CNET.com reviews.

 

[Jonny Sacko]

I've got the 650 with T Mobile. It works great at most airports. It has descent internet speed. The "Tmobile internet" is only $20 bones, which is much less than many other carriers, so I can deal with the speed. Besides, sometimes the thing seems like a rocket and other times like a brick. It's a crap shoot. It is the best device I've found yet. It does more than another I've found. I just flew with a guy that returned his 700, he said it kept locking up and re starting. I'd recommend it. Don't expect anything, and you'll love it. I have used APDL log book since it came out. I doesn't freak my machine out ever.

Hope it helps. Good Luck/

PS Don't do the 600 (I've got one in my office sitting quietly). It's just too slow.

 

[FurloughedTwice]

I have the Treo 650 as well and I love it. Cingular is my provider and I'm sure they are a little more expensive then some of the other providers but it works great all over the world. (Fewest dropped calls , ) I also use Log Book Pro and I haven't had any problems with it.

I use it for my Schedule, Email, Airline time table, MP3 Player, Logbook, Camera, World Clock, Games, Internet, Alarm Clock and obviously, Phone.

There is a great program called Express that keeps track of Stocks, Sports, Movies, News, Directions and 411 information all in one program that updates everyday.

I don't think you will go wrong if you get the Treo 650.
Good Luck!!

 

[AC560]

Big pocket PC fan myself (using Ipaq HX4700) which I prefer due to the flexibility. I have a a bluetooth GPS, CF 8 gig hard drive, and it has a great VGA screen for movies. Can't say anything bad about it other then the battery life leaves a bit to be desired but there are a lot of compact recharging options available to you.

I use a Nokia phone on the T-Mobile $20 unlimited internet plan in conjunction with it (bluetooth connection) so while you have to carry a phone and the PDA it isn't that much more and I think you get a lot more flexibility then a Treo set up (my opinion anyways).

 

[Neubyfly]

I just bought a sprint PPC-6700. It is a bit of a learning curve but I'm getting there. I previously owned a Treo 600 that totaly crapped out. When the treo worked it was pretty good but did not even come close to the flexability of the Windows pocket PC smartphone. I love being able to quickly connect to WiFi, bluetooth, or dial up sprint automatically when I launch Explorer. I have had a few too many soft resets on the ppc-6700 but I have been loading a lot of sofware and file lately. Even when it does freeze and need a reset it is a freindlier reset then the Treo. NO LOST DATA!

AS for Logbook Pro APDL, good program but make sure you plan on sticking with the OS that you choose (ie Palm, Windows). APDL does not allow you to switch without paying FULL PRICE...AGAIN!

 

[Zephyrhills]

T-Mobile MDA (Vario) Pocket PC is the way to go. I use APDL, and have never had a problem. It has Wi-Fi, BT, IR, and every other abbreviation you can get on a Pocket PC. It's nice to use to get onto the Internet at the few airports that have free Wi-Fi.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1918697,00.asp

 

[rtmcfi]

Check out howardforums.com, lots of info there.

 

[Lowrider717]

Thanks. Anyone used both Tmobile and Cingular (or Verizon)and have any comparitive thoughts on service with these devices.

 

[BVT94]

Anyone been able to access Southwest CWA with any of these? If so, what kind was it?

 

[maxpwrset]

Anyone been able to access Southwest CWA with any of these? If so, what kind was it?

The Nokia internet tablet supposedly can, but it lacks phone capability. To the best of my knowledge, none of the smart phones can access CWA. Some can get on swalife, but fail when trying to go to CWA. If there was one known to work, I'd own it.