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Fujitsu Announces XScale PDA
Andrew Slough writes: "Fujitsu has announced the world's first PDA based on Intel's XScale architecture, making this the fastest ARM PDA in the world! Stories also at at Infosync and The Register. Pictures at PocketNow."
Can't *one* of these PocketPC-driven PDAs have a decent sized screen at 480@320? Or does the PocketPC spec require 320@240? Anyone know?
You can still have a small-enough device with a slightly bigger screen. But with one, you can potentially raise the usefulness of it. Am I the only one that uses a PDA for more than a datebook? Am I the only one who reads a lot of text, or takes a substantial amount of actual notes (not just quick jots)?
Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
Since I am in the market to replace my Vx, here's what I like about the Loox: SD and CF card slots (instead of just CF like HP, or just SD like Palm/Compaq or MemoryStick like Sony), jog dial (only Sony and Handspring), Color QVGA screen (only PocketPC), integrated Bluetooth (only Compaq).
However, the most serious spec is missing: size. I like the iPaq, but it's too big for carrying around everywhere. If this thing is close to the T- or N- series Clie in size, I'll be first in line to get one.
I've never run it myself for an extended period of time, but played with it on my own and other iPAQs. I wasn't impressed. I could get an entire distro, sure, but what does that get me? It was designed for running on a PDA, and it shows. It does do the extra things that software running on a PDA should, to make the experience more coherent. It's an expensive toy. A fun one for many people, I do not doubt it. Because of this, I'm working on my own PDA environment (Dynapad) this summer. If may not be what you want, but it's what I want. out of a PDA. A software system that is personal and dynamic for a PDA, not just a port from the desktop, with the addition of a floating soft-keyboard.
Having character recognition like on Palm OS isn't *real* HWR. Graffiti and xscribble are *character (or glyph) recognition* schemes not handwriting recognition.
Real HWR is the HWR that can be found on the Newton, or WinCE devices using Transcriber or CalliGrapher. That is, I write on the screen in my real handwriting and it translates it to text. It's quite a bit faster and more natural than using a CR scheme like Graffiti. And Linux doesn't have it, making it a waste of time for a PDA platform for me.
Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
My Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 has real handwriting recognition, whereas Micro$oft Winblows CE (note clever use of subliminal imagery) does not.
Except for the fact that there is free software available from Microsoft called Transcriber (or Calligrapher) that does give you true handwriting recognition on the Pocket PC
My Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 has a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slot for easy expansion, whereas those dolts at "Fu" "jitsu" didn't put one in to their so-called "innovative" "PDA." Nice try, guys. While you're listening to "digital music", I'll be surfing the Internet using a real web browser and getting e-mail on a large screen.
Most Pocket PCs include a Compact Flash Type I/II slot which means that we can add wireless NICs, modems, digital cameras, micro-drives, etc., just in a slightly different (smaller) format that what you use.
I am boycotting Micro$oft, but I am not boycotting Apple. Another plus for me!
Well good for you...
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing -- Emo Phillips