<strong>How about the sidekick?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The Hiptop is definitely a communicator rather than a palmtop computer, though. It's certainly interesting, but I'd like something a little more flexible.
On a related note - considering the Hiptop is being targeted at cell phone toting teenagers, it seems criminal that it doesn't support SMS text messaging. AIM is fine, but I guess a lot of your friends will still be using SMS on their cells.
The Hiptop is definitely a communicator rather than a palmtop computer, though. It's certainly interesting, but I'd like something a little more flexible.
On a related note - considering the Hiptop is being targeted at cell phone toting teenagers, it seems criminal that it doesn't support SMS text messaging. AIM is fine, but I guess a lot of your friends will still be using SMS on their cells.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Oh but it does. If you look through their Flash presentation, click on the AIM button and roll you mouse over the last point on the lower left hand corner it says: Send and Receive SMS messages.
And also the only thing the blackberry has over it is a bigger price and the ability to sync with your desktop (and Exchange).
<strong>I even prefer my new ThinkPad to my iBook (And my PowerBook G4 before that). I know, it's sacrilege.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Ah, Belle. But what about the Operating System? Hardware is important but not everything. Whenever I'm about ready to buy some nice Wintel subnotebook, I remember that I won't be able to run OS X and all of my favorite Mac apps.
Me likey! I love my iBook dearly, but as many of you know I'm still itching for something significantly lighter. I honestly think that a Sony Picturebook (or even the 3 lbs SRX) or the Toshiba Libretto L5/080TNKW (the one with built-in WiFi) would be significantly better than a PocketPC. Whenever I crave a PDA more powerful than my Palm, and think about a Pocket PC, I realize that I do not want to run anything but the full-blown version of any particular app. Of course, that may be different in your case.
Belle, the bottom line is this: Can you really live (or at least work) without a real keyboard? I know I couldn't.
I don't think that it's the hardware Belle prefers, rather the way the software works, especially for e-mail (if that's your pref Belle)
With a little tweaking you can minimize your interaction with Windows. Once you get down to the apps you use, it really makes no difference what platform you're on. Add to that some of the typical FUD, which is not as mac users like to pretend 100% fiction -- there are quite a few aspects of mac ownership that can be a pain in the a$$ -- and Windows doesn't automatically disqualify thinkpads in the least. Having used thinkpads I've found them to be sturdy, fast, cool, have good battery life, even with such things as P4M's inside. Expensive, but good.
Are they in good working order? Point me there, I'll take one just for the heck of it, that is if they're cheap enough to muck around with. No more than 150 for a dead platform, maxx.
This is the thing, I guess. At one time I was interested in the intricacies of the software, did a little coding and such. But now, to be honest, my role at work is much less hands-on in that respect, and at home I just don't play around with the OS or anything anymore.
I write stuff in Word, I do my e-mail, I browse a little. I burn CDs. Pretty much the only obvious interaction I have with the OS is saving and loading files, all of which I can organize through dialogs.
Beyond this, I need to transfer photos from my digital camera (Which is, despite what Janie Porche says, a piece of cake), and manage my iPod (Which is now possible, though I have to say <a href="http://www.nomadworld.com/products/jukebox_zen/"; target="_blank">this</a> looks interesting).
The software really doesn't matter. I actually much prefer Word for Windows to the Mac version. An e-mail app is an e-mail app. And Eudora is available for both OSes.
And though it's perhaps a personal feeling, Word seems so much more responsive on my assistant's 800MHz PIII than it ever does under OS X, no matter what the hardware.
I feel terribly sad to have to say this, but looking at palmtops has also made me realize one of the biggest issues that still exists with the Mac: I'd have to make my choice of palmtop with respect to the software available for Mac. I know that Palm and Handspring provide Mac software. Other than that, if I want a Clie or Toshiba or iPaq, I'm going to run into trouble.
My only hope is that Apple is working incredibly hard on ensuring maximum coverage with iSync (Fingers crossed!).
So it comes down to the hardware, and Apple just doesn't make the hardware that suits my current needs.
Anyway, all a little off-topic.
Did I hear right that both Palm and Compaq are introducing the new Tungstens/iPaqs October 28?
[quote]Originally posted by Escher:
<strong>Belle, the bottom line is this: Can you really live (or at least work) without a real keyboard? I know I couldn't.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Sigh. Probably not, Escher. As I said, I started this thread in the hope the the new generation of palmtops might offer something a little more usable.
I'm going to be in Tokyo for a conference in December, health willing, and it's going to be very hard to keep my Visa (It's got a mind of its own, you know) buying me a PictureBook or Libretto. <a href="http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/PCG-C1MZX/"; target="_blank">This</a> page makes me giddy.
<strong>...They run slower too. Even on a '400mhz' proc....
</strong><hr></blockquote>
I seem to recall reading a few months back that MS didn't/isn't going to tune PocketPC to take advantage of the 400MHZ. I'll try to dig it up if I have the time.
<strong>But now, to be honest, my role at work is much less hands-on in that respect, and at home I just don't play around with the OS or anything anymore.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I guess we all have to grow up sooner or later and realize that getting work done is more important than playing with any OS.
[quote]Originally posted by Matsu:
<strong>I don't think that it's the hardware Belle prefers, rather the way the software works, especially for e-mail (if that's your pref Belle).
With a little tweaking you can minimize your interaction with Windows. Once you get down to the apps you use, it really makes no difference what platform you're on.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Matsu makes a good point here. In the end we just want to get things done. As long as the OS doesn't get in the way too much, it is the apps that get things done for us.
[quote]Originally posted by Belle:
<strong>I write stuff in Word, I do my e-mail, I browse a little. I burn CDs. Pretty much the only obvious interaction I have with the OS is saving and loading files, all of which I can organize through dialogs.
I actually much prefer Word for Windows to the Mac version. An e-mail app is an e-mail app. And Eudora is available for both OSes. </strong><hr></blockquote>
I had completely forgotten that Eudora is available for Windows as well. That would certainly make any migration in my house much easier.
[quote]Originally posted by Belle:
<strong>looking at palmtops has also made me realize one of the biggest issues that still exists with the Mac: I'd have to make my choice of palmtop with respect to the software available for Mac... So it comes down to the hardware, and Apple just doesn't make the hardware that suits my current needs.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I guess I've just adjusted my current needs (i.e. small, light and long battery life, but no OS junior) so that I can keep using Mac OS on my iBook. If I didn't have to switch operating systems, I would really like a notebook that is half the iBook's weight.
On the hardware end, it still bothers me that all tiny Wintel subnotebooks (e.g. Picturebook) don't have any good built-in ports. I don't mind an external optical drive. But I do mind external port replicators. Built-in WiFi may change that in the medium term. But in the short term, I still want to be able to hook into an Ethernet network or dial-up via modem on the road.
[quote]Originally posted by Belle:
<strong>Sigh. Probably not, Escher. As I said, I started this thread in the hope the the new generation of palmtops might offer something a little more usable.
I'm going to be in Tokyo for a conference in December, health willing, and it's going to be very hard to keep my Visa (It's got a mind of its own, you know) buying me a PictureBook or Libretto. <a href="http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/PCG-C1MZX/"; target="_blank">This</a> page makes me giddy. </strong><hr></blockquote>
Belle: We've know this for a long time. There's no way around the keyboard in the near future. I don't see a viable alternative to the traditional keyboard anywhere. Considering that you need to carry your iBook along with you at least part, if not most, of the time, I have no doubt that a Picturebook, Libretto or similar 2 lbs subnotebook is the right choice for you. Do I read correctly that the PCG-C1MZX that you linked to comes with a DVD burner, aka SuperDrive? I hope your health concerns are not serious. <img src="graemlins/hmmm.gif" border="0" alt="[Hmmm]" /> I wish you good health in any case.
<strong>I guess we all have to grow up sooner or later and realize that getting work done is more important than playing with any OS.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Bah. Growing up. It's true, though. It's really all about productivity.
[quote]<strong>On the hardware end, it still bothers me that all tiny Wintel subnotebooks (e.g. Picturebook) don't have any good built-in ports. I don't mind an external optical drive. But I do mind external port replicators. Built-in WiFi may change that in the medium term. But in the short term, I still want to be able to hook into an Ethernet network or dial-up via modem on the road.</strong><hr></blockquote>
This is the biggest issue. Ideally, I'd like USB, modem, ethernet, some kind of video-out, audio-out, a microphone, Bluetooth, 802.11b, and a PCMCIA slot.
I don't think any of the current subs offer this combination. The PictureBook has ethernet, but requires the replicator to use it, though the external optical drive is FireWire, leaving the PCMCIA slot free for one of the new Bluetooth/802.11b combo cards. The Libretto only has an external USB CD-ROM option.
The battery life on the PictureBook is abysmal (1.0-2.5 hours, according to the specs), so you need one of those ugly, heavy external things.
Damn, I'm sure Apple could do such a good job of making one of these things.
[quote]<strong>Belle: We've know this for a long time. There's no way around the keyboard in the near future. I don't see a viable alternative to the traditional keyboard anywhere. Considering that you need to carry your iBook along with you at least part, if not most, of the time, I have no doubt that a Picturebook, Libretto or similar 2 lbs subnotebook is the right choice for you. Do I read correctly that the PCG-C1MZX that you linked to comes with a DVD burner, aka SuperDrive? I hope your health concerns are not serious. I wish you good health in any case.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I guess this is the case. I'll have to go and play with the new Palms and iPaqs when they arrive, see if I can use them. Anyone know where I can go to meet one of the new Librettos in person?
And yeah, you can get an external DVD-R, though I'm not certain the PictureBook is the ideal video-editing machine. I'll still be sticking with an Apple video-editing machine, I love Final Cut Pro too much to leave it.
The health thing is fine. I'm currently in remission, but need my interval between transfusions of blood and platelets to be a little longer so I can get away. It's currently around 2-3 days. I'm also to get breathing tests, because radiotherapy reduces lung capacity, and it's a concern on long haul flights, apparently.
My 2.8 pound and under and inch thick PC sub notebook (Dell X200) has plenty of ports. On the left side I have:
1 PCMCIA Slot (unused)
A/C Connector
1 FireWire (powered) with bootable FireWire CD Rom Drive
1 USB
Mic Jack
HeadPhone Jack
Internal Ethernet Port
Internal 56K Modem port
On the right side there is:
1 USB
1 VGA Out Port
...in addition to that, I have a built in Mini PCI card with 802.11 Wireless (the internal antenna wraps all around the inside of the display bezel for optimum reception. I also have the new fast (and extremely quiet) 5400rpm 40GB notebook hardrive.
There are no cards sticking out of my PCMCIA slot!
<strong>The health thing is fine. I'm currently in remission, but need my interval between transfusions of blood and platelets to be a little longer so I can get away. It's currently around 2-3 days. I'm also to get breathing tests, because radiotherapy reduces lung capacity, and it's a concern on long haul flights, apparently.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Wow! Belle. You are obviously a strong character, which has undoubtedly helped you to get back up to where you are. Does your cancer predate your move East? At least NYC has some excellent medical professionals and facilities. Not to mention some great electronics shopping. I hope you are stable enough to make it to Tokyo.
[quote]Originally posted by Patchouli:
<strong>My 2.8 pound and under and inch thick PC sub notebook (Dell X200) has plenty of ports.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Patchouli: I hate to admit it, but that Dell X200 sounds absolutely perfect. If only Jobs was willing to follow Dell for a change. But only in the subnotebook arena. I'm having that "it's time to assimilate and go Wintel" feeling again.
Yes Escher, I am actually extremely pleased with it. Considering it only cost $1800 shipped, I think it's a nice little package. It's fast and very stable. I haven't had a bomb or a crash since I got it (thanks to XP Pro). All of my (12) USB and FireWire devices plug into it with no problems and no headache. It's so lightweight and has really good wireless range. Anywhere is my house has either 'very good' to 'excellent' reception to the access point.
One of the things I love the most is that it is an extremely quiet notebook. Like I said, the HD is silent and the internal cooling fan is also silent. You feel the breeze coming out of the side air vent when it's on, but you don't hear it!
Actually, Samsung made this model for Dell. The entire thing was made by Samsung (so it of course has a brilliant Samsung display). The only thing Dell did was change some cosmetic features (to magnesium alloy) with the unit and the matching silver accessories and put their brand and support on it.
But I am with you, I'd kill for an Apple ultra light. I've been wanting one since the TiBook was launched. Basically, I want them to just take the TiBook and shrink it!
<strong>Yes Escher, I am actually extremely pleased with it. Considering it only cost $1800 shipped, I think it's a nice little package... I am with you, I'd kill for an Apple ultra light. I've been wanting one since the TiBook was launched. Basically, I want them to just take the TiBook and shrink it!</strong><hr></blockquote>
That X200 really is reasonably affordable and certainly very versatile. I guess I'd have to get used to the little "nipple" pointer. How's the battery life? I suspect that's one point where the iBook would win hands down.
The iBook (dual USB) barely saved me from going Wintel. I'm curious to see what will be available when it's time to replace it. I certainly would love an X200-sized TiBook. I know Apple could do it even better, if only they would.
Finally, I apologize for turning this Palm OS 5 vs. Pocket PC thread into a subnotebook thread. I just can't help it.
The standard battery lasts for about 2 hours. Not that great due to the wireless activity but fine for in the house. I got the extended battery for when I am on the go which replaces the standard one. When you take out the standard one, you pop the extended one into the same slot. It adds a flush 1" length and is the same height and color/design as the notebook. Nothing bulky or odd looking sticking out. It's an excellent design and it doesn't add bulk in either direction or significant weight. This battery lasts a nice 5 hours with wireless activity and full processor speed. Dell uses Rapid Charge batteries so it takes about 1-1.5 hours to re-charge. I would have never had gotten it had they used those horrible extended batteries that so many other PC Makers offer.
<strong>My 2.8 pound and under and inch thick PC sub notebook (Dell X200) has plenty of ports. </strong><hr></blockquote>
The Dell certainly looks like a nice sub-notebook. My only objection, and I know I'm being fussy, is the size. I'm looking for something smaller as well as lighter, which is one reason I'm looking at palmtops. Still a really nice machine, though. How does it feel? A lot of the larger Dell laptops feel a little flimsy and jerrybuilt.
[quote]Originally posted by Escher:
<strong>Wow! Belle. You are obviously a strong character, which has undoubtedly helped you to get back up to where you are. Does your cancer predate your move East? At least NYC has some excellent medical professionals and facilities. Not to mention some great electronics shopping. I hope you are stable enough to make it to Tokyo.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Not really, Escher. I think if I'm honest (and listened to my friends) I get on with my work so I can ignore my illness. If I stopped and sat and thought about things for any length of time, I'd probably fall apart. I started feeling ill before I moved to NYC, but wasn't diagnosed until December. And I can't praise those who've treated me enough. They've been truly wonderful.
[quote]<strong>Finally, I apologize for turning this Palm OS 5 vs. Pocket PC thread into a subnotebook thread. I just can't help it.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I think the thread was doomed the moment I posted it.
From what I can see, Palm OS 5 doesn't offer any radical usability improvements over older versions of the OS.
<a href="http://www.infosync.com"; target="_blank">infoSync</a>'s review of the Tungsten T suggests that we won't see the really interesting stuff PalmSource has been working on until version 5.5 or 6. Hmm.
I wonder if any major Pocket PC updates are on the way? I played around with a couple of devices on Saturday, and wasn't too impressed.
Comments
<strong>How about the sidekick?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The Hiptop is definitely a communicator rather than a palmtop computer, though. It's certainly interesting, but I'd like something a little more flexible.
On a related note - considering the Hiptop is being targeted at cell phone toting teenagers, it seems criminal that it doesn't support SMS text messaging. AIM is fine, but I guess a lot of your friends will still be using SMS on their cells.
<strong>
The Hiptop is definitely a communicator rather than a palmtop computer, though. It's certainly interesting, but I'd like something a little more flexible.
On a related note - considering the Hiptop is being targeted at cell phone toting teenagers, it seems criminal that it doesn't support SMS text messaging. AIM is fine, but I guess a lot of your friends will still be using SMS on their cells.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Oh but it does. If you look through their Flash presentation, click on the AIM button and roll you mouse over the last point on the lower left hand corner it says: Send and Receive SMS messages.
And also the only thing the blackberry has over it is a bigger price and the ability to sync with your desktop (and Exchange).
[ 10-23-2002: Message edited by: Outsider ]</p>
<strong>I even prefer my new ThinkPad to my iBook (And my PowerBook G4 before that). I know, it's sacrilege.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Ah, Belle. But what about the Operating System? Hardware is important but not everything. Whenever I'm about ready to buy some nice Wintel subnotebook, I remember that I won't be able to run OS X and all of my favorite Mac apps.
[quote]Originally posted by Belle:
<strong>Oh dear gods, that's horrible. It's also 2lbs, and if I'm going to carry that around, I'd rather splurge on <a href="http://www.sonystyle.com/home/item.jsp?hierc=9683x7018x9032&catid=9032&itemid=44 421&viewall=true" target="_blank">this</a>. Or <a href="http://www.transmetazone.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1067"; target="_blank">this</a>!</strong><hr></blockquote>
Me likey! I love my iBook dearly, but as many of you know I'm still itching for something significantly lighter. I honestly think that a Sony Picturebook (or even the 3 lbs SRX) or the Toshiba Libretto L5/080TNKW (the one with built-in WiFi) would be significantly better than a PocketPC. Whenever I crave a PDA more powerful than my Palm, and think about a Pocket PC, I realize that I do not want to run anything but the full-blown version of any particular app. Of course, that may be different in your case.
Belle, the bottom line is this: Can you really live (or at least work) without a real keyboard? I know I couldn't.
Escher
[ 10-23-2002: Message edited by: Escher ]</p>
With a little tweaking you can minimize your interaction with Windows. Once you get down to the apps you use, it really makes no difference what platform you're on. Add to that some of the typical FUD, which is not as mac users like to pretend 100% fiction -- there are quite a few aspects of mac ownership that can be a pain in the a$$ -- and Windows doesn't automatically disqualify thinkpads in the least. Having used thinkpads I've found them to be sturdy, fast, cool, have good battery life, even with such things as P4M's inside. Expensive, but good.
I write stuff in Word, I do my e-mail, I browse a little. I burn CDs. Pretty much the only obvious interaction I have with the OS is saving and loading files, all of which I can organize through dialogs.
Beyond this, I need to transfer photos from my digital camera (Which is, despite what Janie Porche says, a piece of cake), and manage my iPod (Which is now possible, though I have to say <a href="http://www.nomadworld.com/products/jukebox_zen/"; target="_blank">this</a> looks interesting).
The software really doesn't matter. I actually much prefer Word for Windows to the Mac version. An e-mail app is an e-mail app. And Eudora is available for both OSes.
And though it's perhaps a personal feeling, Word seems so much more responsive on my assistant's 800MHz PIII than it ever does under OS X, no matter what the hardware.
I feel terribly sad to have to say this, but looking at palmtops has also made me realize one of the biggest issues that still exists with the Mac: I'd have to make my choice of palmtop with respect to the software available for Mac. I know that Palm and Handspring provide Mac software. Other than that, if I want a Clie or Toshiba or iPaq, I'm going to run into trouble.
My only hope is that Apple is working incredibly hard on ensuring maximum coverage with iSync (Fingers crossed!).
So it comes down to the hardware, and Apple just doesn't make the hardware that suits my current needs.
Anyway, all a little off-topic.
Did I hear right that both Palm and Compaq are introducing the new Tungstens/iPaqs October 28?
[quote]Originally posted by Escher:
<strong>Belle, the bottom line is this: Can you really live (or at least work) without a real keyboard? I know I couldn't.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Sigh. Probably not, Escher. As I said, I started this thread in the hope the the new generation of palmtops might offer something a little more usable.
I'm going to be in Tokyo for a conference in December, health willing, and it's going to be very hard to keep my Visa (It's got a mind of its own, you know) buying me a PictureBook or Libretto. <a href="http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/PCG-C1MZX/"; target="_blank">This</a> page makes me giddy.
[ 10-24-2002: Message edited by: Belle ]</p>
<strong>...They run slower too. Even on a '400mhz' proc....
</strong><hr></blockquote>
I seem to recall reading a few months back that MS didn't/isn't going to tune PocketPC to take advantage of the 400MHZ. I'll try to dig it up if I have the time.
(tig)
<edit>
Found two references on ZDNet - <a href="http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103-939365.html"; target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.zdnet.com.au/reviews/coolgear/pda/story/0,2000023548,20266753,00.htm"; target="_blank">here</a>. I'd imagine that there's more specific info out there than this, but it's a start, eh?
</edit>
[ 10-24-2002: Message edited by: The Grimace ]</p>
<strong>But now, to be honest, my role at work is much less hands-on in that respect, and at home I just don't play around with the OS or anything anymore.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I guess we all have to grow up sooner or later and realize that getting work done is more important than playing with any OS.
[quote]Originally posted by Matsu:
<strong>I don't think that it's the hardware Belle prefers, rather the way the software works, especially for e-mail (if that's your pref Belle).
With a little tweaking you can minimize your interaction with Windows. Once you get down to the apps you use, it really makes no difference what platform you're on.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Matsu makes a good point here. In the end we just want to get things done. As long as the OS doesn't get in the way too much, it is the apps that get things done for us.
[quote]Originally posted by Belle:
<strong>I write stuff in Word, I do my e-mail, I browse a little. I burn CDs. Pretty much the only obvious interaction I have with the OS is saving and loading files, all of which I can organize through dialogs.
I actually much prefer Word for Windows to the Mac version. An e-mail app is an e-mail app. And Eudora is available for both OSes.
I had completely forgotten that Eudora is available for Windows as well. That would certainly make any migration in my house much easier.
[quote]Originally posted by Belle:
<strong>looking at palmtops has also made me realize one of the biggest issues that still exists with the Mac: I'd have to make my choice of palmtop with respect to the software available for Mac... So it comes down to the hardware, and Apple just doesn't make the hardware that suits my current needs.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I guess I've just adjusted my current needs (i.e. small, light and long battery life, but no OS junior) so that I can keep using Mac OS on my iBook. If I didn't have to switch operating systems, I would really like a notebook that is half the iBook's weight.
On the hardware end, it still bothers me that all tiny Wintel subnotebooks (e.g. Picturebook) don't have any good built-in ports. I don't mind an external optical drive. But I do mind external port replicators. Built-in WiFi may change that in the medium term. But in the short term, I still want to be able to hook into an Ethernet network or dial-up via modem on the road.
[quote]Originally posted by Belle:
<strong>Sigh. Probably not, Escher. As I said, I started this thread in the hope the the new generation of palmtops might offer something a little more usable.
I'm going to be in Tokyo for a conference in December, health willing, and it's going to be very hard to keep my Visa (It's got a mind of its own, you know) buying me a PictureBook or Libretto. <a href="http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/PCG-C1MZX/"; target="_blank">This</a> page makes me giddy.
Belle: We've know this for a long time. There's no way around the keyboard in the near future. I don't see a viable alternative to the traditional keyboard anywhere. Considering that you need to carry your iBook along with you at least part, if not most, of the time, I have no doubt that a Picturebook, Libretto or similar 2 lbs subnotebook is the right choice for you. Do I read correctly that the PCG-C1MZX that you linked to comes with a DVD burner, aka SuperDrive? I hope your health concerns are not serious. <img src="graemlins/hmmm.gif" border="0" alt="[Hmmm]" /> I wish you good health in any case.
Escher
[ 10-24-2002: Message edited by: Escher ]</p>
<strong>I guess we all have to grow up sooner or later and realize that getting work done is more important than playing with any OS.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Bah. Growing up.
[quote]<strong>On the hardware end, it still bothers me that all tiny Wintel subnotebooks (e.g. Picturebook) don't have any good built-in ports. I don't mind an external optical drive. But I do mind external port replicators. Built-in WiFi may change that in the medium term. But in the short term, I still want to be able to hook into an Ethernet network or dial-up via modem on the road.</strong><hr></blockquote>
This is the biggest issue. Ideally, I'd like USB, modem, ethernet, some kind of video-out, audio-out, a microphone, Bluetooth, 802.11b, and a PCMCIA slot.
I don't think any of the current subs offer this combination. The PictureBook has ethernet, but requires the replicator to use it, though the external optical drive is FireWire, leaving the PCMCIA slot free for one of the new Bluetooth/802.11b combo cards. The Libretto only has an external USB CD-ROM option.
The battery life on the PictureBook is abysmal (1.0-2.5 hours, according to the specs), so you need one of those ugly, heavy external things.
Damn, I'm sure Apple could do such a good job of making one of these things.
[quote]<strong>Belle: We've know this for a long time. There's no way around the keyboard in the near future. I don't see a viable alternative to the traditional keyboard anywhere. Considering that you need to carry your iBook along with you at least part, if not most, of the time, I have no doubt that a Picturebook, Libretto or similar 2 lbs subnotebook is the right choice for you. Do I read correctly that the PCG-C1MZX that you linked to comes with a DVD burner, aka SuperDrive? I hope your health concerns are not serious. I wish you good health in any case.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I guess this is the case. I'll have to go and play with the new Palms and iPaqs when they arrive, see if I can use them. Anyone know where I can go to meet one of the new Librettos in person?
And yeah, you can get an external DVD-R, though I'm not certain the PictureBook is the ideal video-editing machine.
The health thing is fine. I'm currently in remission, but need my interval between transfusions of blood and platelets to be a little longer so I can get away. It's currently around 2-3 days. I'm also to get breathing tests, because radiotherapy reduces lung capacity, and it's a concern on long haul flights, apparently.
1 PCMCIA Slot (unused)
A/C Connector
1 FireWire (powered) with bootable FireWire CD Rom Drive
1 USB
Mic Jack
HeadPhone Jack
Internal Ethernet Port
Internal 56K Modem port
On the right side there is:
1 USB
1 VGA Out Port
...in addition to that, I have a built in Mini PCI card with 802.11 Wireless (the internal antenna wraps all around the inside of the display bezel for optimum reception. I also have the new fast (and extremely quiet) 5400rpm 40GB notebook hardrive.
There are no cards sticking out of my PCMCIA slot!
<strong>The health thing is fine. I'm currently in remission, but need my interval between transfusions of blood and platelets to be a little longer so I can get away. It's currently around 2-3 days. I'm also to get breathing tests, because radiotherapy reduces lung capacity, and it's a concern on long haul flights, apparently.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Wow! Belle. You are obviously a strong character, which has undoubtedly helped you to get back up to where you are. Does your cancer predate your move East? At least NYC has some excellent medical professionals and facilities. Not to mention some great electronics shopping.
[quote]Originally posted by Patchouli:
<strong>My 2.8 pound and under and inch thick PC sub notebook (Dell X200) has plenty of ports.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Patchouli: I hate to admit it, but that Dell X200 sounds absolutely perfect. If only Jobs was willing to follow Dell for a change. But only in the subnotebook arena.
Escher
One of the things I love the most is that it is an extremely quiet notebook. Like I said, the HD is silent and the internal cooling fan is also silent. You feel the breeze coming out of the side air vent when it's on, but you don't hear it!
Actually, Samsung made this model for Dell. The entire thing was made by Samsung (so it of course has a brilliant Samsung display). The only thing Dell did was change some cosmetic features (to magnesium alloy) with the unit and the matching silver accessories and put their brand and support on it.
But I am with you, I'd kill for an Apple ultra light. I've been wanting one since the TiBook was launched. Basically, I want them to just take the TiBook and shrink it!
[ 10-24-2002: Message edited by: Patchouli ]</p>
<strong>Yes Escher, I am actually extremely pleased with it. Considering it only cost $1800 shipped, I think it's a nice little package... I am with you, I'd kill for an Apple ultra light. I've been wanting one since the TiBook was launched. Basically, I want them to just take the TiBook and shrink it!</strong><hr></blockquote>
That X200 really is reasonably affordable and certainly very versatile. I guess I'd have to get used to the little "nipple" pointer. How's the battery life? I suspect that's one point where the iBook would win hands down.
The iBook (dual USB) barely saved me from going Wintel. I'm curious to see what will be available when it's time to replace it. I certainly would love an X200-sized TiBook. I know Apple could do it even better, if only they would.
Finally, I apologize for turning this Palm OS 5 vs. Pocket PC thread into a subnotebook thread. I just can't help it.
Escher
[ 10-24-2002: Message edited by: Escher ]</p>
<strong>My 2.8 pound and under and inch thick PC sub notebook (Dell X200) has plenty of ports. </strong><hr></blockquote>
The Dell certainly looks like a nice sub-notebook. My only objection, and I know I'm being fussy, is the size. I'm looking for something smaller as well as lighter, which is one reason I'm looking at palmtops. Still a really nice machine, though. How does it feel? A lot of the larger Dell laptops feel a little flimsy and jerrybuilt.
[quote]Originally posted by Escher:
<strong>Wow! Belle. You are obviously a strong character, which has undoubtedly helped you to get back up to where you are. Does your cancer predate your move East? At least NYC has some excellent medical professionals and facilities. Not to mention some great electronics shopping. I hope you are stable enough to make it to Tokyo.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Not really, Escher. I think if I'm honest (and listened to my friends) I get on with my work so I can ignore my illness. If I stopped and sat and thought about things for any length of time, I'd probably fall apart.
[quote]<strong>Finally, I apologize for turning this Palm OS 5 vs. Pocket PC thread into a subnotebook thread. I just can't help it.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I think the thread was doomed the moment I posted it.
Here is some Palm OS 5 info:
<a href="http://palm.com/products/handhelds/tungsten-t/"; target="_blank">Palm Tungsten-T</a>
They also have a phone version, but has a Treo-like keypad.
From what I can see, Palm OS 5 doesn't offer any radical usability improvements over older versions of the OS.
<a href="http://www.infosync.com"; target="_blank">infoSync</a>'s review of the Tungsten T suggests that we won't see the really interesting stuff PalmSource has been working on until version 5.5 or 6. Hmm.
I wonder if any major Pocket PC updates are on the way? I played around with a couple of devices on Saturday, and wasn't too impressed.
<a href="http://www.psion.com/computers/computing.htm"; target="_blank">http://www.psion.com/computers/computing.htm</a>;
I always liked the psion; compact, almost full-size keyboard, and did the job.