ASUS A730W Review
PDABuyersGuide has reviewed the Asus A730W VGA Pocket PC. The A730 is identical to the earlier A730 apart from the addition of Wi-Fi and the upgrading of the RAM from 64MB to 128MB.
They liked the compact size, bright sisplay, removable battery, camera, wi-fi, and USB host capabilities, but didn't like the poor battery life and photo quality.
PDA for Tourists in Japan
Japan's ministry of tourism has announced a new program for visitors to Japan to address the problems many non-Japanese speakers/readers have in the country.
Starting in February they will have 100 PDAs available for free loan at Tokyo Narita airport, the PDAs will act as a voice translator, tourism guide, web browser, and phone, and will offer free phone calls and unlimited internet access.
All you need to do is answer a questionnaire when you leave the country (so make sure you get to the Airport at least 2 hours before your flight!)
More from Australia's ABC news
Piel Frama Leather Case for Axim X50/X50v
Piel Frama have announced a leather case for the Dell Axim X50 and X50v series Pocket PCs.
The Piel Frama case for X50 and X50v features snap closure, sync port access, removable belt clip, 2 MMC slots, 3 credit card slots, money pocket, and soft leather lining.
The Piel Frama case comes in 4 colors, takes 20 days to make, and costs 60 Euros (including shipping, approx $80).
More from Piel Frama (via PocketPCThoughts)
Vaja Leather Case for Axim X50/X50v
Vaja has announced a high-quality leather case for the Dell Axim X50 and X50v series Pocket PC.
The case is custom made and features access to all functions, snap closure, sync port access, optional CF cutout, and optional ultraclip.
The Vaja case for Dell Axim X50 and X50v series starts at $74.90, is available in 29 color combinations, and takes 25 days to make.
Vaja Leather Case for hx4700
Vaja has announced a high-quality leather case for the HP iPAQ hx4700 series VGA Pocket PC.
The case is custom made and features access to all functions, snap closure, sync port access, record button access, optional CF cutout, and optional ultraclip.
The Vaja case for HP iPAQ hx4700 series starts at $74.90, is available in 29 color combinations, and takes 25 days to make.
Sena X50/X50v Case
Sena has announced a new leather case for the Axim X50 and X50v.
The case features:
Slim Design
Magnetic closure
2 SD card slots
ULTRA belt-clip (optional)
1 Multi-purpose pocket
3 Business Card Slots
Headphone jack opening
Easy access to all buttons
Easy access to reset
Top Quality full grain leather
Hot-sync thru cradle
The case comes in 5 color combinations: black, tan, black & blue, black & red, and red & camel, and will cost $44 without the belt clip or 47 with the clip.
Sena is also offering a 20% discount for pre-ordering.
Goamo VGA SIP Keyboard
Goamo Software writes:
"I thought your readers may be interested in a new SIP keyboard that displays full size when in true VGA mode (enabled by SE_VGA or OzVGA). The default system keyboard is very small in this mode and difficult to use as each key is the width of the stylus. This new VGA aware keyboard displays as if it were in QVGA mode and makes entering URLs and data much easier.
It is available at Pocket Gear for $5.95 and is only for ARM (XScale) processors and Windows Mobile 2003 SE."
PocketGear Software Page for Goamo VGA SIP Keyboard
HP iPAQ hx4705 10% off
Another Thanksgiving special: CompUSA has 10% off all PDAs (including the iPAQ hx4705 Pocket PC with coupon code stuffing10, you also get penny shipping.
The stuffing10 code is valid 11/25 only, and brings the price of the hx4705 down to $584.99.
Axim X50v for $374.15
Here's a great deal for those of you who have waited to order an X50v (or who like me got screwed on their original order and cancelled): they are currently 15% off and that discount is stackable with a one-day only $50 off $450 coupon for a final price of $374.15 with free shipping and no tax in many states (for some reason it also gave me free next day shipping).
All you have to do is click on the link below, add to your cart, and apply coupon code WMP04MKN92KZ09 when you checkout. The coupon is limited to 1500 uses and expires at 11.59pm CST 11/25/2004.
624 MHz Axim X50v Handheld with 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support
Also, I don't know how accurate it currently is but the Dell site is claiming the X50v usually ships in 1 or 2 days.
I just ordered an X50v at this price, lets see if I actually receive it this time.
Dell Bluetooth Keyboard - Not for X50 or X50v
My frustration with Dell grows.
While researching why my Axim X50v has been delayed yet again I discovered that the bluetooth keyboard I ordered at the same time has had it's description updated.
It used to read "Executive Keyboard for Dell Axim Handhelds (Requires Bluetooth enabled PDA)", now it reads "Executive Keyboard for Dell Axim Handhelds (Not compatible with Axim X50/X50v; requires Bluetooth enabled PDA)".
Here is a hint for Dell: Why not contact customers who ordered both the X50 and the keyboard and tell them they won't work together instead of waiting until the product ships and you get all the returns.
Dell Axim X50v Delayed Again (Until 12-06-04)
"We have reviewed your order. Although we had anticipated being able to ship your order sooner, we are experiencing an unexpected delay with your order and will not be able to ship this order and any associated orders until on or before 12-06-2004.
Please be aware that due to Federal Trade Commission rules, we must have your consent to continue with the order despite the delay. If you do not contact us by 7:00pm Central Standard Time on 11-24-2004, your order will automatically be cancelled.
Please inform us of your decision to consent or cancel your order by emailing the Dell Notification team at US_Dell_Notify@dell.com or by calling us at 1-877-868-3355.
Please include your customer number or order number with any correspondence.
We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause you."
Is it just me or is everyone experiencing this delay?
Axim X50v 128MB Memory Upgrade
One of the few areas where the Dell Axim X50v trails the competition is in RAM, the X50v only has 64MB RAM where some other VGA Pocket PCs have 128MB.
If this is a concern for you then PocketPCTechs have a solution: a 128MB RAM upgrade.
"Upgrade your Dell Axim X50v series internal RAM from 64MB to 128MB with our upgrade service. During the upgrade process we remove the existing 64MB and install 128MB. This memory upgrade does NOT require our proprietary driver and is fully recognized by the OS (125.74MB Available). This unit uses low voltage hi-speed BGA memory, so stacking is not available and 128MB will be the maximum capacity."
(via pocketpcthoughts)
Dell Axim X50v Delayed
Looks like Dell may be having problems getting the X50v out on time. I ordered in the first 30 minutes of the X50v being offered for sale, got a ship date of 11/19, which later changed to 11/17, but now I have received an email telling me of a delay of a week:
"We have reviewed your order. Although we had anticipated being able to ship your order sooner, we are experiencing an unexpected delay with your order and will not be able to ship this order and any associated orders until on or before 11-24-2004.
No action is required to proceed with the new date, however, if you do not wish to wait, you may cancel your order.
If you wish to cancel your order or if you have any questions, please go to www.support.dell.com or contact us at 1-800-624-9897, extension (66966)."
Dell X50v Lowest Price: $404.10
Here's a great deal for those of you who have waited to order an X50v: they are currently 10% off and that discount is stackable with a one-day only $45 off $425 coupon for a final price of $404.10 with free shipping and no tax in many states.
All you have to do is click on the link below, add to your cart, and apply coupon code GCBMDDS79ZD?F8 when you checkout. The coupon is limited to 1500 uses and expires at 11.59pm CST 11/12/2004.
624 MHz Axim X50v Handheld with 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service and 1-Year Tech Support
Also, I don't know how accurate it is but the Dell site is claiming the X50v usually ships in 1 or 2 days.
HP iPAQ 4700 RAM Upgrade Review
"With that in mind, I did what many women will try to do when they are in a relationship with someone that is just slightly less than perfect - I decided to "change him" for the better. Luckily for me, this would not be hard to do."
The Gadgeteer got an iPAQ 4700 and decided that size (of RAM) was important... her new iPAQ was lacking in that department so she sent him off for some major surgery.
Pros:
Doubled internal RAM
Increased performance in many areas
No decrease to battery life - mine has actually increased
Cons:
Voids factory warranty
It's not cheap
Full Review (via pocketpcthoughts)
