When will I get this kind of convergence?
There are many PDAs out there with Telephony services, a camera, and other features, but they are always lacking something: like integrated GPS, VGA, or sufficient base RAM memory.
When will some company create a PDA with these features?
- Cellular (GSM & 3G) plus Data (GPRS/UMTS/Edge).
- 4″ VGA (640×480 minimum) screen.
- Faster Processor (624Mhz PXA270 or better).
- More SDRAM (128MB minimum, 256MB preferred).
- SiRFstar III GPS (AGPS would be cool).
- 3MP Camera, + 1MP front-facing Video Conference
- Wireless WiFi b & g, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR.
- SDIO or MicroSD (SDHC compatible).
- Barcode scanner & Inventory Software.
So far, the Psion Teklogix “iKôn” PDA Phone that Breley alerted us to last week is the closest match to date, but even the iKôn is lacking in a few areas, namely a 2MP camera instead of a 3MP camera, no front-facing camera for Video Conferencing, no AGPS (minor actually), no 3G capabilities, and a 3.7″ screen. Also, it appears the Barcode scanner/imager is “optional”, so it looks like it may be an “add-on” module.
Next closest is the E-TEN Glofiish X500+, but it too lacks a lot: 2.8″ screen, 64MB of SDRAM, no front-facing camera for Video Conferencing, and no Barcode Scanner.
Can anyone else suggest a device that comes close to offering these same specifications. I’ll draw the line at UMPCs because I’m still looking for a regular PocketPC.
Written by Elrendhel · Filed Under Rants
Tagged:
Did you like this post?
Share your vote!
(No Ratings Yet)
You can also participate in other conversation in our active forums with 200,000 other Members. It only takes 2 minutes to 
Does HTC Advantage meets those needs very closely ?
I love the advantage but it is out of my price range.All I can do is wish santa gives me that this christmas :-)
If you want 3G, you’re going to have to pay for it. Its very expensive for the modems.
The HTC Advantage and Nokia E90 are your closest matches. E90 has AGPS now. Not VGA but wide-screen (800px)
Steve.
If you carry the HTC 7500 (the Advantage 7501 lacks the front camera) as a slate without the keyboard, I think you would be surprised at its portability. With 8G microdrive and a mini SDHC slot, GPS, 3 megapixel camera, it really answers all your requests.
I think once you get into the realm of your dream device, you have to give up the idea of carrier subsidy. The average consumer just doesn’t need what we need and they will be happy with whatever their carrier offers, so there is no reason for the carriers to offer more subsidized choices. I left Verizon because I couldn’t bear their draconian control over my handset choice, and have enjoyed the freedom of being able to get my hands on the best devices wherever in the world they may be. Since the trend in PPCs has been toward smaller, I would be surprised to see a 4 inch screen, but we can hope!