Any good recommendations for make/model? And what features does it have? It needs to be well suited for a highly busy college/professional lifestyle.
Re: Pocket PC
PCG, have a look at this one.. haven’t used it personally but yes one of my friend is using it and its really good. :k:
http://www.imate.com/t-DETAILS_JAMCH.aspx
Re: Pocket PC
The first thing you have to figure out is whats your intended use for the device. If all you are trying to do is to manage your contacts, calendars and to-do lists then you don’t need to spend a fortune on a Pocket PC. Walk over to your nearest Walgreens and grab a Royale or Sharp which will do all that, and will synchronize with your PC and will cost no more than 40 bucks.
If your use is to carry Word/Excel files, or you want to download and install specialized software on the Pocket PC for your particular study/job, then it will make sense to go for a better device. Dell leads the way in value-preposition in terms of Windows-based Pocket PC. Check www.dell.com. All Pocket PC’s will synchronize with your computer so bulk of your data entry can be made on the more comfortable computer keyboard. If you don’t intend to enter a lot of data on your Pocket PC, then you may get a slimmer and smaller device without the keyboard. It will still have a soft-keyboard appear on the screen for when you need it, but otherwise you can get by with a lighter device.
If you really want to go all out and converge your cellphone with a Pocket PC, then the choice depends on which cellular provider you go with. Cingular, Verizon and Sprint have all good options for SmartPhones. Among other benefits, convergance will allow you to check your email on your SmartPhone, which is invaluable if you are an email junkie. Otherwise carrying a SmartPhone generally can be a drag for those who don’t intend to use all its functionality.
So, first you need to clarify what your needs are then someone can provide more specific model guide.
Re: Pocket PC
browse through the listings on cnet.com- by far the most comprehensive site for buying top of the line electronic gadgets.
Re: Pocket PC
I can def. recommend this one 
http://www.paklinks.com/gs/attachment.php?attachmentid=6362&stc=1&d=1147117476
http://www.paklinks.com/gs/attachment.php?attachmentid=6363&stc=1&d=1147117476
I have this one for two weeks now. Using it for everything. Has a keyboard and wifi. Plays (with the right freeware ) all files.
Notes, PDF viewer, excel Powerpoint, word etc.
most software is included
edit/
It runs on Mircosft Windows 5.0 for PPC and has phone functionaltiy at the same time
Before this one I had the one posted Juni^boY. Awesome device aswel.
But I can recommend this one because it has a keyboard which is really easy to use.
The digi cam is useless btw
Re: Pocket PC
I need something that I can run major windows operations on - I've heard about the new mobile windows version that came out some months ago? Basically, it should do word, powerpoint, excel, etc
It should be able to play videos and mp3 files.
It should be able to connect to a desktop or a laptop so that files can be transferred.
Its got to be able to access the internet.
Now, for all this, is there some PDA out there that can handle all this, or do I need to look for one of those smaller models of laptops that are lightweight?
Re: Pocket PC
This one will do it all - Dell Axim x51v
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/axim_x51v?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
Re: Pocket PC
A PDA can do all that, and more. The most important question you have to figure out is if you intend to do a lot of data entry in the device. I don't know what kind of software you plan to load up and use on the device, but if it involves a lot of data input/typing etc, you'd be much better off getting a laptop, than a PDA. It doesn't matter whether the PDA has a keyboard or not, their smaller size ensures that your thumbs will be seriously overused. A laptop computer is a much better option.
Secondly, your decision will be influenced by how mobile the device has to be. A laptop is generally very mobile, when you keep it in your bag. However, a PDA goes one step forward, and can practically be carried in your pocket. If you habitually carry a larger size purse/bag and expect a full-featured device with lot of data entry, go with a laptop. The cheaper ones from Dell are now going for about $450, brand new.
Re: Pocket PC
All the PDAs with Windows Mobile software should be able to do all that you require and much more. I've been using the HP iPaq 6315 for about 1.5 yrs + and have been doing it all. Now I'm thinking of upgrading and was looking at the HTC model that DP suggested (there's another one from Cingular). But both of these have WM version 5 and the processors are not as fast so they seem slower than my old iPaq. HP is coming out with a new model 6940 this summer which also includes GPS (in addition to GSM, GPRS/Edge, WIFI, Bluetooth etc). There's also the Treo 700w (from Verizon) which do all of the above.
Re: Pocket PC
How do the batteries work on these things? Can you recharge the batteries like on a laptop? And what is the best battery life on these things?
Re: Pocket PC
All PDA's have rechargable batteries. They provide a cradle with the device, which recharges the battery as well as conects them to the computer so you can synchronize the data as well. Battery life varies from device to device, and depends on various factors including your usage.
Re: Pocket PC
PCG, I think what you need to do is rent/borrow one of those units for a few weeks. Those intimate questions that you keep coming up with can only be answered that way. Or maybe u should just buy one and return it in a few weeks. I think you have 30 days.
Re: Pocket PC
Faisal bhai, only a few companies provide cradles and often they are sold seperately.
Using such a device normally (so no movies or mp3 player mode all the time) it will work for max. two days. I charge mine everyday. And its completely charged within 30 mins. Fujitsu-Siemens has some good ones aswell lately.
T here are two types of cpu s used. One is with Intel (Bulverde) processing unit and the other with Samsung cpu's
The Intels are a bit faster but the samsung consume less power. I have one with samsung and before this one I had one with Intel. Both good things.
My suggestion, buy something mid priced with Windows 5.0 with the following things built in.
-wifi
-bluetooth
atleast a 2.8 inch screen
-sd /mini -sd card slot (SD is the cheapest :D )
speaker function
-if possible a phone function.
thats about it
Re: Pocket PC
I have xis (GPS + Phone + PDA) … too much for me. I like my Samsung D820 better 
Re: Pocket PC
^^PMS (ouch) I’m waiting for the next version up of the HP. Here’s the review:
Re: Pocket PC
damn sweet design TB, finally an all-in-one :D
GPS+phone+wifi+PDA
I ll wait for an update for the Qteq series. I really love them
Re: Pocket PC
Yeah, I have been using the 6315 for almost 2 yrs and love it.
Re: Pocket PC
PCG go for Imate Jasjar. you can check it out on the net. i am using it for sometime now, the beauty is you can run all the windows based programs including powerpoint, adobe acrobat, mp3 etc.
http://i.expansys.com/i/b/b119353.jpg
The i-mate JASJAR is an ideal mobile device for email, Internet browsing and getting access to corporate LAN resources. Capable of tri-band worldwide coverage, it features a 180° rotating screen, full QWERTY keyboard, in-built Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for inter-device connectivity.
This device is SIM free and very similar to the HTC Universal, T-Mobile MDA PRO, O2 Exec, Orange M5000 and Vodafone VDA IV. The device can be folded out to give access to the keyboard, or folded back for touch screen only use. A 1.3 Mega-pixel camera is included, which can take both still pictures and video clips.
Download the latest Skype software for your Windows Mobile device .
Download Activesync 4.1 for Windows Mobile 5.0 from this link. Please note once you open your software CD a restocking fee will be charged if you return the unit.
Key features -
Microsoft Windows 2005
Mini Laptop design
High resolution VGA screen (640 x 480 pixel, 180° Pivot / Clamshell
Boosts all the lastest communications including integrated WLAN, GPRS and UMTS technology
Two Cameras
Built-In 62 Key QWERTY keyboard
Radio - WCDMA / GSM / GPRS PDA
3V USIM
Integrated Video and Music Players
Stereo Loud speaker
In the box:
i-mate JASJAR
Battery
Stylus
AC Adaptor
Carry case
USB sync cable
User manual
Headset
Quick start guide
Sync software CD
Re: Pocket PC
It is HTC Universal:
http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2005/08/the_imate_jasja.html
Re: Pocket PC
LB, dont you find the size of that thing kinda annoying?
I mean, you will have to keep a bag/briefcase with you all the time. Kinda not handy if you know what I mean :D
The only advantage it has over other PDA like devices is its support for UMTS. But I doubt PCG will be using that.