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Pager-like Handheld for Textual Input?
Mike Hizgaard asks: "My good old RIM 950 has suddenly died on me. This tiny, 'thumb-typing' machine was my favorite text-entry device ever, especially because I could keep it in my pocket for more than one week without recharging/replacing the battery, and then upload all my notes into a computer using an RS232 connection. Now I am looking for a replacement, and would like to get something that uses either USB, IR or Bluetooth (since my laptop doesn't have a serial port), while retaining the tiny dimensions and thumb-typing as an input method. What are my options? (I never really made use of the email functionality, which was touted as the 950's main purpose.)" Please note that USB->Serial converters do exist, so if there are any serial devices that might also work, they are still valid options. Are there any decent RIM 950 replacements out there?
I recommend picking up another RIM 950 from ebay. You know it works for you and good condition 950s seem to cost less than $25.
I use the Siemens SX66 PDA-phone (also known as the XDAIII, XDA IIs, MDAIII, PDA2k, Harrier, VX6600, etc). It's a Windows Mobile 2003SE device [start the flamewar here] with a blackberry-like slide out keyboard decked out with power: 400mhz XScale, 128mb RAM, 64mb ROM, SD card slot, WiFi+Bluetooth, oh and don't forget the fully functional quad-band GSM+GPRS PHONE and 640x480 camera on some models.
I liked the interface of PalmOS 3-4 better, but there's something I didn't like about PalmOS5 and the Treo 650 that I'm not remembering, so I went with this one instead.
The capabilities of this thing are amazing: one device and I have my phone, PDA, MP3 player, portable Internet browser, IR remote control, 802.11b scanner... The battery lasts longer than you'd think, and it's interchangeable so you can always have 1 in the charger and switch them out when it gets low, aside from constantly charging whenever it's in the cradle.
The only downside is that it's $500+. Every once in a while you can find one on eBay for $400 or so.
I have clearly had the opposite experience with a Blackberry 7100 and Treo 600. The Treo outdistances the Blackberry by at least a factor of 2 when it comes to battery life. The Blackberry doesn't even come close. My experience is based upon usage and upon non-use standby.
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Motorola has several two-way pagers. The pagewriter 2000x and the timeport 950 are practually the same. They've been around for a number of years, but the basic functionality is still perfect for what is needed. (I think the 950 has a newer OS, but the 2000x can be upgraded to the same, and they both have the same CPU & ram).
They have basic email functionality, plus a bunch of PIM type applications. PC hookup is done via an infra-red port. You can also get a dev kit and create your own aplications via a java-like language and an ide. Applications include a couple of games, notepad, email, alert-tone editor, etc.
How's about a Zipit device? They're designed as a portable wifi box, but they run Linux and can be flashed with arbitrary code. They're cheap as chips, and you can edit your notes in your favorite editor and then trivially transfer them over Wifi. The only thing to watch out for is the keyboard - it's kinda cheap and the soft rubber keys aren't to everyone's liking, so have a look at it first.
I really like my Nokia 6820 for exactly that purpose. It has a flip out keyboard that is very thumbable and has good note entry software.
Someone mentioned the Nokia 9300, but that's a little too large for my tastes...
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While the Treo 650 can certainly do a *lot* more than what it might be replacing, I think you'll find it has many of the same great qualities. It's small (easily slipped into the front pocket of jeans) and my battery lasts easily 4 days with moderate use. 30 minutes of topping off every other day or so (just sit it in a cradle while you're at your PC) will keep it full and happy. I believe (but don't quote me) that the connector on the Treo 650 is dual-mode (USB and serial) so your connection spec should be satisfied as well. Give it a look...I think you'll be impressed (everyone I know who has one would rather give up one of their kids than go back to their previous handheld/phone).