Toshiba e800 - what do you think?

[wumpi]

I just read a review on the new Toshiba e800 PPC. Its screen (480 x 640 pixels) looks just fantastic!

Does anyone of you own a e800?

I am thinking of buying this PDA as my future eBook reader.

[PPC Fanatic]

I don't really care for the Toshiba line all that much, but this one doesn't look half bad. Myself, I would sink down another 150.00 bucks and buy the IPAQ 5555.

There is a great review at this link.

What makes you want the Toshiba versus some of the other units out there?

--Kristin

[wumpi]

Well, is there any other PDA available with a screen comparable to this Toshiba?

[PPC Fanatic]

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I don't think I've ever come across one that is made quite like this screenwise. I think the Toshiba is a newcomer to this.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of "views" on this PPC board, so you may not get a lot of opinions on it.

[cbarnett]

I've never seen one, but I frequent a (ahem) few forums, and the general consensus seems to be very positive, though many moan the lack of support for the higher resolution in applications. I believe there is some utility available that helps get around this limitation, but (just IMHO) I'd have to agree with PPC Fanatic, and wait for the next version of Windows Mobile, which should properly support resolutions like this (an then buy the ipaq :P )

Craig.

[Alexander Turcic]

On my recent visit to Tokyo I was able to play with the e800. The screen is excellent (at least with those apps that support the new high resolution)! My Sony Clie has a 2.1 inches screen - compare that to the 4 inches screen of the e800!!! I know, it has the devil in it (PPC), but my eyes would be thankful for a bigger screen....

[radleyp]

Alexander, the T3 has a screen of similar size. The drawback of this unit for me - were I interested in using a PPC which I'm not - is the size. It's a lot larger than your 615 or my T3, and begs the whole question of what is pocket-sized. If you are willing to carry something in your hands, I suppose it would do. Philippe Radley

Originally Posted by Alexander

On my recent visit to Tokyo I was able to play with the e800. The screen is excellent (at least with those apps that support the new high resolution)! My Sony Clie has a 2.1 inches screen - compare that to the 4 inches screen of the e800!!! I know, it has the devil in it (PPC), but my eyes would be thankful for a bigger screen....

[cbarnett]

That all depends on the particular PPC you're talking about. The current batch of ipaqs, for example, are _tiny_! My 1930 is thinner and slimmer than my t615 by a long shot. It's much easier to carry around, in fact. Having said that, there are some models which are larger of course, but as you said Philippe, it depends on what you want and what you consider pocket sized

Craig.

[radleyp]

Well, judging from the stated dimensions, I don't consider the E800 pocketsized. Do you? I've seen the 1930 and it is very slim, though if I remember correctly it is wider than the 615. No matter, those are both clearly pocketsized. For me this is a critical issue: I simply will not buy a unit that does not go comfortably into a jacket, shirt or front pants pocket. BTW, are you not worried about bending or even cracking the 1930's thin frame? Philippe Radley

Originally Posted by cbarnett

That all depends on the particular PPC you're talking about. The current batch of ipaqs, for example, are _tiny_! My 1930 is thinner and slimmer than my t615 by a long shot. It's much easier to carry around, in fact. Having said that, there are some models which are larger of course, but as you said Philippe, it depends on what you want and what you consider pocket sized

Craig.

[cbarnett]

Originally Posted by radleyp

Well, judging from the stated dimensions, I don't consider the E800 pocketsized. Do you? I've seen the 1930 and it is very slim, though if I remember correctly it is wider than the 615. No matter, those are both clearly pocketsized. For me this is a critical issue: I simply will not buy a unit that does not go comfortably into a jacket, shirt or front pants pocket. BTW, are you not worried about bending or even cracking the 1930's thin frame? Philippe Radley

You have a point there, Philippe, but you also have to remember the screen _is_ 640x480, and there's only so small you can make screens with that sort of resolution and keep it readable, I guess. The e800 is really a prototype unit, too, so I think we can expect the size to improve in further models as they appear.

I just sat my ipaq on the T615, and they are close enough to be exactly the same width. The ipaq is about one cm shorter, and noticeably thinner. It still feels very robust, though, and I've never been afraid of bending it. I _am_ nervous about cracking the screen, as I would be about any device like that that sits in my pocket, so if I'm going out or doing anything that might be hazardous (to the PDA, not me ), I slip it into the leather case I have for it. That makes it a little thicker, but I can live with that

Craig.

[wumpi]

Well, looks like PPC takes the lead in screen quality now... now also Asus announced its VGA-capable PPC (Asus MyPal A730). Read a short preview: here.

The stats:
Display: 3.7 inch VGA TFT LCD
Memory: 64MB Flash ROM 128/64MB SDRAM
Expansion: CompactFlash and SecureDigital (SDIO)
Processor: New generation Intel 520 MHz X
Operating System: Windows Mobile 2003 with “Ozone” update to support VGA switch and landscape mode.
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11b, Bluetooth, IrDA with remote control support for CE
Camera: 1.3MP CMOS camera, with flash, with video recording ability (up to 8 minutes of video supported)
Size: 73 mm x 113 mm x 16.8 mm
Weight: Less than 190g
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Price: ~ $599
Availability: April/May 2004

Below is a picture of the Asus MyPal A730 in VGA mode, the screen is aligned in landscape mode for wider viewing perspective -- switching to VGA will be built into the new Windows Ozone update.

[Alexander Turcic]

The Asus will have a smaller screen than the Toshiba. MSMobiles.com did a comparison.

[cbarnett]

I want.....