I've been considering - slightly - the idea of upgrading my PDA. I don't use it for much other than entertainment on the commute, carrying documents, reading books etc. I use a Palm Tungsten E, which is ok.

Basically, I hate using a stylus for typing in long task notes and such. It just takes so damned long in a meeting where people are making comments, and a keyboard is just much better. I *can* get keyboards for my PDA, but if I upgrade, I might just go with other options - such as one that COMES WITH a keyboard.

Does anyone have one they prefer? And for what reasons? Me, personally, I could care less if I have Bluetooth, Wireless or Internet. I just want ease of use and battery life, but I'd like to hear how other people use theirs.

I use a Dell Axim X51, but i've had one flavor of PocketPC for about 10 years now. after "learning" to write so transcriber can understand, its become second nature.

But i do know some of the "Smart" phones, have a slide out keyboard. i dont believe any of the (non-Phone) PDA's come with one anymore.

My wife had two Treo's - and then just went with a different phone altogether. Biggest reason I'm not keen on a Treo is, that tiny keypad? I'd rather type with a stylus.

I guess I haven't seen a keyboard I'd want to use that it THAT small. My dad used to own one of those tiny computers about six years ago that looked like an eyeglass case. THAT had a usable keyboard.

Maybe what I need is a REALLY small laptop.

Ever consider a tablet pc? :shrug:

Ever consider a tablet pc? :shrug:

Thought about it. They're pricey, aren't they?

I've never actually SEEN one. I don't think the big companies make them.

Thought about it. They're pricey, aren't they?

I've never actually SEEN one. I don't think the big companies make them.


Dell has some starting from about 1k.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0669887

I may go with this (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/smartphone/details.mspx?id=d8224ED7F-614E-4a1b-B1F9-70AC619D6595&backUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.microsoft.com%2fwindowsmobile%2fsmartphone%2fdefault.mspx%3ff_carrier%3dVerizon%2bWireless%26f_qwertyKb%3dQWERTY) next time i have to renew verizon
That's what I have. I like it. The keyboard is actually very easy to use with your thumbs. My biggest problem is that I can't sync it with my work computer, but that's a problem with any piece of hardware.

BTW, I'm holding out for a flash-based ruggedized UMPC...or just a rugged UMPC. I'll change the hard drive over to flash on my own if I have to.