I am around though doubt if I'll get chance to do much reviewing of my own!
I am around though doubt if I'll get chance to do much reviewing of my own!
Member since:27.06.2004
Reviews:39
Members who trust:64
Many of you may be wondering what a PDA actually is. Well, the best description I can come up with is that it is a 21st century filofax. However, its functions go far beyond anything a filofax could ever conjure. I received this particular PDA, PALM Tungsten E, as a birthday present. To be honest, I had very little clue as to what they could do but the more I have used mine over the last week, the more useful it has become. I believe it will be of even greater use next year when I go to university.
This model is actually a very good one in the sense that it offers a lot of the same features as more expensive PDAs but at a relatively low price. You can do all sorts with it. I suppose in many ways they are just like handheld computers. They have colour screens and in fact they are touch screen. This model comes with a pen in order to write on the screen with out damaging it. Its basic specifications are:
· Dimensions: 7.9cm x 1.2cm x 11.4cm · Weight: 131g · 32 MB of RAM (this stands for random access memory and the quantity of the particular PDA isn’t bad in comparison to the rest. Basically, if you were looking at buying a PDA
you would want this number to be high, if you want a high memory capacity.) · Uses PALM OS 5.2.1 (this is the system the PDA runs on. This is basically the same thing as Windows but for the PDA. That particular program is not made by Microsoft like Windows is; however, you can buy PDAs that run on Microsoft Windows.)
As you can see they are very much like a mini- computer and the parallels do not just stop at the specifications. More of which I shall come to later. If I was to have one criticism of the PDA it would be the packaging within which I received it. Firstly, the packaging didn’t seem particularly protective and secondly it was extremely hard to open! It wasn’t in a box, it in fact came in one of the moulded plastic cases that are kind of vacuum formed around the object. The plastic gave no point of entry at all so it took some nifty scissor work to get them open.
Anyway, when you finally get the thing open, inside there is the PDA (shock horror!), a charger, a CD-ROM, instruction manual with a year warranty and a USB cable. The CD-ROM is an essential thing if you want to make the most of the PDA. It contains all the extra software, which allows you to make the PDA into a life saving device in terms of convenience! Your computer will need Windows 98 or higher in order to run the CD-ROM. There is also an Apple Mac disc enclosed.
The PDA is very user-friendly. This is illustrated straight away by the ease with which you can set it up. You need merely to plug in the charger and the leave the PDA on charge for three hours and then it will be ready and raring to go. Furthermore as part of the set-up you need to install certain programs and perform what is known as a ‘Hot Sync’. In order to perform this, you need to plug the USB cable into your PC and PDA, and then run the CD-ROM, which will sort out the settings for the ‘Hot Sync’.
Contained on the actual PDA itself when you switch it on, there are in fact already some programs on there. The calendar function is already installed, as is the calculator, contacts, memos, note pad, tasks and the world clock. These are the basic functions of the actual PDA. These of course are extremely useful particularly in a job where you meet lots of people and accordingly have lots of contacts you need to store. Also, in busy jobs or if you are at School/ College, you can easily plan your work and put it into a task folder so they are available to you simply at the click of a button.
However, to really get the benefit of the PDA, you need to install the programs you receive on the disk that comes with the PDA. Amongst others, there is Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Adobe acrobat reader and REAL One audio player. The Word, Excel and PowerPoint function is probably on of the most useful. Basically they are controlled on the PDA by a program called ‘Documents to Go’. This program also installs itself on your PC. If you have a document from for example Word that you need to have handy, you just add the program to your PDA and press the Hot Sync key and it will be there straight away and you can edit it then on the PDA itself. It is that simple to be with your more valuable Word documents. The PDA also will install a SMS function. This enables you to send text messages via infrared from you mobile to whomever you want. Of course this means that you must have an infrared enabled phone. Another great program, particularly if you have a digital camera is the Photo option. The PDA has scope for SD card expansion- i.e. you can put a memory card in it and it will read it. This program will display your photos from your memory card on the screen of the PDA. Amongst other things, you can also create databases and upload your email. Furthermore it has the capability to play MP3s and short movies.
Obviously for anyone on the move, the ability to carry with you important Word documents is critical and I don’t think there is an easier way to do it other than a floppy disk. However, of course this is an editing device too. I can’t wait to use this next year when I’m at university, as it will prove extremely useful! The calendar function is also superb for keeping all things in order. This is especially good also for those who can be a little forgetful sometimes!
I would say that the PDA is reasonably easy to use. However, I would not go as far to say that it is really easy because I really like new technologies like this one and never take long to get used to them. However with the PDA it did take me a couple of days until I was fully au fait with its workings. For those who have a limited amount of technological knowledge be prepared for some serious learning to get used to it. However, if you are good with a computer, it will not take you long before the PDA is your second brain!
In terms of looks, also, I would say the PDA is very stylish and cool! This particular model is silver around the outside with a big colour screen in the middle. It has four buttons on its casing and then the others are touch screen ones. The PDA also uses ‘Graffiti 2’ writing style, which enables you to physically write the letters in to whatever you are typing. This can be frustrating at first but is quicker once you get used to it. Sometimes though, the character recognition doesn’t work and you end up with a ‘m’ instead of a ‘n’. The PDA, as I said comes with a slide away pen and also you can slide a silver cover down the other side in order to protect the screen from dust and scratches.
I think I have pretty much covered everything I need to in respect to this PDA. Personally, I think it is a great model and I would recommend it to anybody. The Tungsten E looks great, is fast and a good size for carrying around. I would reiterate again that this is a particularly good model for its price; however, I would shop around first before I bought anything. Indeed, if I were you, however, I would give the PALM Tungsten E some serious consideration.
Thanks for reading!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Handheld - 128 MB RAM - Screen: 4 in inch - Display: TFT active matrix - CPU: XScale PXA310 - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi - Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0, Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Classic
A neat machine. Very sleek yet robust.Good review.
mrsxopher 26.09.2004 23:27
Im suprised that they have yet to incorporate the palm pilot type gadgets with the mobile phone! I am sure they have only delayed in doing this, as there is so much more money to be made by having two separate gadgets! Nice review.
china_wolf 25.09.2004 11:28
very good review, uses a different approach to my review of this product but it still rocks!
To create your decorative sticker, we print your photo on an innovative and very high ... more
quality material. Custom made and perfectly adapted to the shape of your PalmOne Tungsten E! Extremely resistant, the manufacturing process guarantees an extreme ease of application. Simple: You can apply it and remove it without leaving any trace. Your new skin is delivered ready to use. All you have to do is apply it by following the enclosed instructions. Shown visuals are only examples. It is up to you to personalize your device with the photo of your choice!
Protect your Palm Tungsten T5, TX, E2 while keeping it in view and concentrate on driving ... more
with the Carcomm powered PDA mount. Ready for connection to a GPS receiver, the PDA cradle uses the manufacturer\'s original cradle connector, ensuring a perfect fit
Postage & Packaging:refer to website Availability:refer to website
4 pieces strong screen protectorThe Screen Protector (HIGH PERFORMANCE LAMINATE) comes ... more
directly from the wide-format digital printing and is designed to withstand high stress and protect digital prints from external influences. This HIGH-TECH PRODUCTS from the advertising we are doing our advantage to offer you the perfect screen protector too. The Screen Protectors are extremely durable and highly scratch-resistant.This makes the the film is very conformable and extensible, it is well suited for curved (also about 2 axles) displays or reverse.This laminate is different from all others by its LONGEVITY.The films are tailored-fit.
Postage & Packaging:£2.50 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
Mirror Screen Protector FoilMirror Screen Protector Foil with excellent mirror effect.If ... more
your display is turned off you will enjoy a qualitative mirror effect.No thin foil with bad mirror effect, as with many other providers.If you activate the display, the foil becomes transparent and allows anunresticted view of the display.100% accurate cutting - including the pull tabEasy fitting - Optimized for touch screensResidue-free removalDelivery including detailed and easily understandable instructionsPackaging unit:1 foil1 cleaning cloth1 Application GuideAdvantages:Free shipping within Germanyincreases the resale value of your applianceDelivery time within Germany: 1-2 business daysDelivery time within Europe: 1-3 business days30-day right of withdrawalInvoice including VAT
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
We only use the best at Proporta - the Proporta Crystal Case is made from the same type of ... more
durable and scratch resistant polycarbonate plastic that's used to make protective eyewear no less. If it's good enough for your peepers, then it's good enough for us (and of course your device too).Perfect for docking in your vehicle using the Proporta
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Ideal for when travelling, the Proporta HotSync and Charge Cable means you can connect ... more
your Palm Tungsten E to your USB Port and not have to worry about your cradle. Leave your cradle at home and stay connected wherever you are - perfect for people who HotSync to more than one machine.
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Slim, large screen, portable, sexy, like a super model turned into a PDA Disadvantages: Battery life, ugly interface, sounds like a dying giraffe sometimes
china_wolf 05.09.2004 (05.09.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Palm Tungsten E
Advantages: Screen good in all light, Lightning Fast, Works with Outlook and Office apps, Palm Reader makes ebooks very easy to read, can fit a huge ammount of information in 32Mb Disadvantages: The lack of a cradle and case are the only cons, but at this price you can't complain too much.
peterrogers 17.01.2004 (17.01.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Palm Tungsten E
Advantages: Slim, large screen, portable, sexy, like a super model turned into a PDA Disadvantages: Battery life, ugly interface, sounds like a dying giraffe sometimes
china_wolf 05.09.2004 (05.09.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Palm Tungsten E
Advantages: Screen good in all light, Lightning Fast, Works with Outlook and Office apps, Palm Reader makes ebooks very easy to read, can fit a huge ammount of information in 32Mb Disadvantages: The lack of a cradle and case are the only cons, but at this price you can't complain too much.
peterrogers 17.01.2004 (17.01.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Palm Tungsten E
Aug 1st, 2004
(Aug 2nd, 2004)
very helpful by (90%):
helpful by (10%):
