Comment PocketPC PDA? (Score 1) 390
Fearing the backlash of criticism from Slashdotters, I begin...
I have a Windows PocketPC-based PDA, the Dell Axim to be precise. I've been using Microsoft Reader and Adobe Reader for some time now to catch up on some reading. Besides the usual bitching about Microsoft, it's not a bad solution.
Resolution: It's good resolution. Antialiasing is ok. Screen is quite clear. Viewing in outdoor light is not so great. All in all, better than the Palm III I had before.
Storage: unbeatable - I have CF and SD ports, so I can store tons of books.
Portability: Great. Battery is rechargable and lasts quite a while.
Usability: Microsoft Reader is ok. I've had some problems opening larger books (takes quite a while) but I haven't been able to compare on a newer Dell Axim to see if it's my PDA or MS Reader. One interesting feature is with MS Reader you can license your books for up to 6 machines. So, I have reader installed on my laptop and desktop too.
Extensibility: I haven't researched other reader formats (e.g. Gutenberg, etc.) so I don't know if there's software out there for PocketPC that uses these formats. I have looked into the PocketPC developer's kit (free from MS) so it could be done.
All in all, I can read books, do other generic PDA functions, plus listen to MP3s, watch videos etc. And, you can get refurb Axims from Dell for a considerably lower price than new.
I have a Windows PocketPC-based PDA, the Dell Axim to be precise. I've been using Microsoft Reader and Adobe Reader for some time now to catch up on some reading. Besides the usual bitching about Microsoft, it's not a bad solution.
Resolution: It's good resolution. Antialiasing is ok. Screen is quite clear. Viewing in outdoor light is not so great. All in all, better than the Palm III I had before.
Storage: unbeatable - I have CF and SD ports, so I can store tons of books.
Portability: Great. Battery is rechargable and lasts quite a while.
Usability: Microsoft Reader is ok. I've had some problems opening larger books (takes quite a while) but I haven't been able to compare on a newer Dell Axim to see if it's my PDA or MS Reader. One interesting feature is with MS Reader you can license your books for up to 6 machines. So, I have reader installed on my laptop and desktop too.
Extensibility: I haven't researched other reader formats (e.g. Gutenberg, etc.) so I don't know if there's software out there for PocketPC that uses these formats. I have looked into the PocketPC developer's kit (free from MS) so it could be done.
All in all, I can read books, do other generic PDA functions, plus listen to MP3s, watch videos etc. And, you can get refurb Axims from Dell for a considerably lower price than new.
