I need a PDA.
[ Posted by Dan on November 13, 2003 | 5 Comments ]

This is the acceptable form factor I have been waiting for when it comes to cell-phone/PDA combo units. I hate to say it, but holding a N-Gage, Sidekick or a Treo 300 to your head just looks dumb, and for some pathetic reason, that matters to me.

Just recently I have discovered the need/utility of a PDA and how it can help me out at work. This is a pretty big jump for me, because i have always considered an electronic note pad and phone book to be pretty useless, but there's certainly more to it than that, right? These days I have the need to know many more phone numbers, who they are attached to, and what tasks those people are currently working on, and what's coming up next. that screams out for a PDA.

Unfortunately, I have few limbs left with thumbs that can carry and manipulate devices. They are currently juggling an iPod, a cell phone, a Gameboy Advance and a digital camera (all of which I carry with me to work every day in what my mother-in law-calls my "carry all"). Adding a PDA to that mix is unattractive, especially when going to meetings, which is why I have some pretty severe techno lust going on over the Samsung SPH-i500. One of the big reasons is that it combines two devices I need (want?) into one device that doesn't make me look like a dork when I use it (I don't need any help on looking dorky, thank you).

Too bad the unit costs $600! The un-dorky form factor is probably worth an extra $75 to me, and the PDA is worth $150 to me, all over the typical $150 I usually pay when I do a handset upgrade. That's only $375.

 

		#1 reason to own a PDA: Look busy in meetings while actually reading a book. -Posted by kevin white on November 13, 2003 05:32 PM

		This phone is kind of funny because it looks comically large next to all the tiny phones in the cabinet these days. I personally think it resembles those ones they sell at the convenience store filled with candy. I personally am waiting for a PDA/Phone/mp3 player in the $500 range that has a keyboard and a touchscreen and doesn't involve "side-talkin". I find that grafitti is a huge barrier to some kinds of communication (like IM) even after you are proficient in it. However navigating a schedule with a keyboard or jog wheel is also pretty cumbersome. -Posted by Eric on November 13, 2003 06:17 PM

		I'm currently using my iPod to play Breakout during meetings. When I tire of that, I move onto Solitaire, and then on to the Notes I've put on there. :) -Posted by Dan on November 14, 2003 10:38 AM

		Eric, keep an eye out for the SE p900. It may just meet your needs. I suspect the initial price will be closer to $600 though. -Posted by kevin white on November 14, 2003 12:51 PM

		I've heard a number of tales of people having their PDA/phone confiscated on flights even though just using as a PDA. Attendants aren't experts, are busy and just know you're not supposed to be using phones. Be warned if you need to fly and use your PDA! -Posted by Andy Dent on January 9, 2004 01:28 AM

Comment posting has been turned off because I don't have enough time and will to deal with the constant comment spamming. I'm very sorry and will fix this sometime soon (soon = before 2004 ends).