Pda-phone With Good Sync To Apple

[lotus eater]

I have an ibook, an ipod, a palm and a mobile. I'd like to get a replacement that combines as much as possible of these functions in one device.

I need only the most minimal of phone functions.

Pda functions I need are: contacts, memos, calendar - and a keyboard (actual rather than virtual); a jotter would be nice.

The pda data must be seamlessly isync-able to my ibook or future apple computor, as I'm really not at all savvy about getting around these sorts of difficulty.

It won't be a big problem if the ipod's functions can't be combined - I'm content to continue to use it separately.

I'd be very grateful for suggestions.

Is the iphone the obvious and only possibility? But does it have much pda capability? And it doesn't have the keyboard. I see also the ipod touch - but does it have any pda capabilities?

[percy2]

I have an ibook, an ipod, a palm and a mobile. I'd like to get a replacement that combines as much as possible of these functions in one device.

I need only the most minimal of phone functions.

Pda functions I need are: contacts, memos, calendar - and a keyboard (actual rather than virtual); a jotter would be nice.

The pda data must be seamlessly isync-able to my ibook or future apple computor, as I'm really not at all savvy about getting around these sorts of difficulty.

It won't be a big problem if the ipod's functions can't be combined - I'm content to continue to use it separately.

I'd be very grateful for suggestions.

Is the iphone the obvious and only possibility? But does it have much pda capability? And it doesn't have the keyboard. I see also the ipod touch - but does it have any pda capabilities?

I'm using an iphone.

You can type very quickly with the virtual keyboard.

The biggest problems I have with it are not being able to view Excel and Word files.

Very easy to fall in love with the interface.

Cheers

[tjo o tjim]

A Blackberry Curve is the least-hassle solution. The iPhone is cool, but contact management is nothing special, and there are plenty of challenges to every day use.

But the Blackberry is much more expensive in the long-run than an iPhone with data plans.

How much do you use it-- is it mostly an accessory, or do you need it for every day use?

[nikster]

iPhone is probably the best compromise. Blackberry is probably worth a look - I hear the sync with the mac is pretty good.

Biggest problem with the iPhone is that you'll have to get an unlocked one so software updates probably won't be for you. However - once the SDK is out, I imagine 3rd party apps will totally explode. It's amazing how many 3rd party apps are already out there, considering there is no official documentation for the device nor a software development kit.

The iPhone keyboard is just fine for me, I type really fast with two fingers and ignore errors b/c the clever software corrects them 99%.

Often the most obvious is the best...

[percy2]

I type really fast with two fingers

Show off!

Cheers

[lotus eater]

So it's between the iphone and the blackberry. Though I use the phone and (especially) pda every day, they are used in their simplest functions. The blackberry I think is known for its internet / email facilities - and such mobile internet bells and whistles are not needed by me. (I had wondered whether there was something else that was an acceptable cheaper alternative - made by a korean/japanese/european manufacturer.)

If the typing with 2 fingers (or thumbs?) on the iphone virtual keyboard is as good as on the blackberry's actual keyboard, that for me is an important piece of info.

A simple, fool proof sync with an Apple remains another vital requirement for me.

But how are the iphone's basic pda functions - contacts (with phone no, addrss etc), memos/notepad, calendar? Is there a website that gives me info on these?

A recent BBC progr said that a new iphone this year is a certainty. Would it be safe to assume that it'll add new functions/gizmos rather than simplify/re-design the device? Are there any teething problems worth noting - which presumably will be ironed out in the new iphone?

Can I pick up an unlocked one in Singapore? (Or get someone to bring me one from Europe?) Will there be worthwhile technical/user advantages to one eventually/officially available at Apple Thailand? Chiang Mai Apple said it shouldn't be too long before they get it.

[kash]

HTC TyTn II - way to go : ) Even use it as a GPS Map Reader in your car.

[percy2]

So it's between the iphone and the blackberry. Though I use the phone and (especially) pda every day, they are used in their simplest functions. The blackberry I think is known for its internet / email facilities - and such mobile internet bells and whistles are not needed by me. (I had wondered whether there was something else that was an acceptable cheaper alternative - made by a korean/japanese/european manufacturer.)

If the typing with 2 fingers (or thumbs?) on the iphone virtual keyboard is as good as on the blackberry's actual keyboard, that for me is an important piece of info.

A simple, fool proof sync with an Apple remains another vital requirement for me.

But how are the iphone's basic pda functions - contacts (with phone no, addrss etc), memos/notepad, calendar? Is there a website that gives me info on these?

A recent BBC progr said that a new iphone this year is a certainty. Would it be safe to assume that it'll add new functions/gizmos rather than simplify/re-design the device? Are there any teething problems worth noting - which presumably will be ironed out in the new iphone?

Can I pick up an unlocked one in Singapore? (Or get someone to bring me one from Europe?) Will there be worthwhile technical/user advantages to one eventually/officially available at Apple Thailand? Chiang Mai Apple said it shouldn't be too long before they get it.

All the features you want work very well on the iPhone , I would dare to say that it is better than blackberry for internet use. If you want pushmail which is what Blackberry is famous for , you can get it on the iphone.

You can pick an unlocked one up in BKK.

When it officially arrives in Thailand you will get support and it will be substantially cheaper.

When will that happen , I'm sure Chiang Mai Apple doesn't know, hopefully soon.

Cheers

PS the HTC is cool

[bkkperson]

HTC TyTn II - way to go : ) Even use it as a GPS Map Reader in your car.

Ill second that a windows mobile phone is by far the best PDA, i have a XDA II mini S which is a full slide out keyboard, very good although on a standard battery you have to re charge every day

[Abrak]

The iphone is the best compromise - it synchs with the ibook, it is a good mobile and it is the best ipod ever. Keep the palm as you might notbe totally happy with the iphone's pda functions at first but it is only a matter of time until the software improves and you prefer the iphone's pda functions to the palm.

Buy an iphone, you wont be disappointed....

[lotus eater]

HTC TyTn II - way to go : ) Even use it as a GPS Map Reader in your car.

Ill second that a windows mobile phone is by far the best PDA, i have a XDA II mini S which is a full slide out keyboard, very good although on a standard battery you have to re charge every day

The keyboard feature is appealing; but since you don't comment on it, should I assume that the sync with apple is not easy or even possible?

The iphone is the best compromise - it synchs with the ibook, it is a good mobile and it is the best ipod ever. Keep the palm as you might notbe totally happy with the iphone's pda functions at first but it is only a matter of time until the software improves and you prefer the iphone's pda functions to the palm.

Buy an iphone, you wont be disappointed....

When the its pda software improves I presume I'll be able to just download it online ? In the meantime does its pda have the basic contacts (with the same detail as the ibook), memo/notes, calendar/appointments functions?

Will the unlocked iphone pose problems for me vs the legit ones - when the latter arrive - for exmple with future improved software?

Sorry if these questions are naive or partially non sensical - I am not technically minded in these areas.

[DamianMavis]

I used an o2 xda 2 pda phone for 3 years and loved it, because that was all I knew... now I have an iphone and cant imagine using anything else... its fast and fluid while the pda is choppy and sluggish and slow. I do like the variety of pda programs but iphone keeps coming out with new programs EVERY DAY. NOTHING beats the ipod music, photo and video functions of the iphone, NOTHING, and it is also the best internet browser phone on the market right now, VERY easy to use and navigate and simple to move from up to 8 open pages at once. At first typing seemed more difficult, but after one week I was wipping through text no problem.

Damian

[DamianMavis]

When the its pda software improves I presume I'll be able to just download it online ? In the meantime does its pda have the basic contacts (with the same detail as the ibook), memo/notes, calendar/appointments functions?

Iphone is made by apple so it should be even easier to use for mac users, its fine on pc. You can download programs straight from the iphone, unlocked phones (the ones usable in Thailand) all have the installer program on your main screen. You connect to the internet and click the installer, it brings you to a page with a long list of programs all free to download, some of them are MUST HAVES, others are just for fun. Its very simple and fast to install these programs, my grandmother could do it with one hand tied behind her back. The pda functions are great, contacts sync with mac or pc outlook contacts, same with calendar and all that.

Will the unlocked iphone pose problems for me vs the legit ones - when the latter arrive - for exmple with future improved software?

The only problem with the unlocked iphones is you have to NOT upgrade the firmware until they have learned to unlock the new firmware. This is only an issue if the new firmware upgrade has something really kool and new that you really want. If so then you have to be patient and wait for some smart guy to unlock that firmware, then you can upgrade and reunlock it. But the firmwares will always eventually be unlocked and you can get the new software.

Sorry if these questions are naive or partially non sensical - I am not technically minded in these areas.

Damian

Edited January 18, 2008 by DamianMavis