After reading the “How many of you actually NEED PDAs” thread, I’ve begun to consider how invaluable a piece of technology like a PDA could be in a large city (i.e. New York), especially one like the Clie UX50 which has built in Wifi and a truly usable keyboard.  I really like the idea of having one of these, AND, I managed to find them through Froogle for $170.  New.  That’s an unbelievable deal considering the MSRP is $599.  This hurts me, I feel like I’d be an idiot NOT to purchase one.  Anyone have any experience with this PDA?  Cause I’ve got an itchy credit card finger that could use a good dose of common sense.  :wink:

—smashedapart

*GAH*  :x I knew there was a catch!  Oh well, cest la vie.  If it’s too good to be true, and all that.  But, I’ve still found other very good deals.  This doesn’t deter me - once I see a gadget I want, not much can change my mind.

—smashedapart

I’ve used my UX50 since October and for checking and writing e-mail it is great.  For surfing though, the screen is too small IMHO.  Too much scrolling and tiny fonts.  I also have the extended battery which is invaluable… although it loses much of its sexiness.  The battery life without it is dismal. :(  If it truly is only $170 someone else would have to talk you out of it… my UX is probably worth $400 to me.  BTW the camera is worthless to me.

*ouch*  Not a good endorsement.  While we’re at it, then, does anyone have any suggestions for a PDA that doesn’t suck?  haha   Seriously, though.  I’m open to all PDA suggestions as I’ve never owned one before.  Thanks for the heads up, dogstar.

—smashedapart

Give us details on what you will use it for. Do you have an OS preference? (Palm vs PPC/WM vs Linux) Wireless connectivity requirements? Need for an integrated phone? Programs you absolutely must have or must sync with?

I was looking seriously at the UX50 to replace my NX60.  The reasons I wanted it Built in WiFi; Built in Bluetooth; Memory Stick Pro compatible.  The reasons I didn’t buy it The screen is smaller than my NX60; I was able to add a WiFi card to my NX60; I was able to use a Bluetooth memory stick on my NX60; I was able to upgrade the driver to support the Mem Stick Pro on my NX60 and I was able to keep the larger display.  A lot of complaints with regard to the Clie line are centered around the relatively small available memory.  There are solution (Jack Flash) which allows previously unusable memory to be tapped.  The memory stick itself can actually be used with a lot of programs as though it were internal memory… I will be keeping my NX60 until a more worthy contender appears on the scene.

I also thought to dump my NX80 for a UX50…after seeing the screen size I changed my mind.

Erik

All very pertinent questions!  I’m sorry I haven’t already answered them.    For an OS, I would probably stick with something using PalmOS.  Linux is too robust, and I need interoperability between a Mac and a PC.  PalmOS provides this, although I understand I’ll need a copy of Missing Sync for my Mac if I purchase a Clie.

Wireless features are critical.  They would be the reason for the purchase.  As I’m moving to New York soon, I’d like to do as one person suggested and carry a subway map on my PDA, as well as have the ability to connect to hotspots around town to get information about where I’m at and/or where I’m trying to go.  I think that using it as a guide to help me get around the city would make the device invaluable to everyday life.  Other hardware that I would like to have access too (but don’t necessarily need) would be Memory Sticks, and a qwerty-style keyboard.

An integrated phone would be nice, but it isn’t too important.  As far as programs are concerned, I would like to be able to keep a register for my checking account on my PDA, view documents, and do the standard PIM-type stuff.

Here’s the deal:
I currently use my iPod and iBook with iCal (that’s a lot of “i"s) to keep track of my exam schedules, homework due dates, etc, at the moment.  The problem that I’m running into is that the school I’m transferring to requires the use of a PC (which is why I’m buying a TR soon), so using an entirely Mac-based setup to manage my calendars, address books, and all of that, is going to be difficult, especially if I want to keep everything in sync on both the Mac, which will stay at home, and the PC, which will come with me to school every day.  I figured a PDA would be a good conduit between the two.  This plan isn’t completely organized in my head yet, and it still appears to be a bit convoluted at the moment.

So uh…yeah.  Any suggestions?  haha   :D

—smashedapart

Sounds like the Sony Clie TH55 would be the best fit. The UX50 has a keyboard but is tiny and expensive, but would work. Look at the PalmOne Tungsten C as well, but it only has a 320x320 screen and no Flash application (that the NYC subway map is in). Your best bet would be to check the devices out in person and go to ClieSource and PalmOne City for more info and discussion about the devices. Both have Mac-specific forums as well.

I would recommend the UK version of the TH-55 since it has bluetooth & WiFi.  Cliesource is definately the place for info as Drachen said.

Granted, but that’s a lot of extra expense considering that he doesn’t really seem to need Bluetooth.

Not yet!  :wink:

Now that I have a BT TR I am looking into either a BT MS or a new Clie…

Erik

I was able to upgrade my Clie (NX60) to Bluetooth…BUT…I have to use the memory stick slot when I want to use BT.  It is better than not having the capability.  I like to be able to sync with my notebooks without having to plug anything in.  It works great and the screen is much better than the UX50.

True, however, my need for Bluetooth depends on whether or not the next update to the TR line includes internal Bluetooth capabilities.    (I’ll probably add it in anyway by hand if need be)  Thanks a lot for the links.  I plan to do a great deal of homework on this before I make a decision.  These sites will definitely help.  The TH55 is looking rather attractive at the moment.

Thanks again for all the help!

—smashedapart