Archived from groups: microsoft.public.pocketpc (More info?)

I am looking for an entry level Pocket PC that also has Wi-Fi ability. How
is the HP 3115? Also, is it easy to
type and send email on a Pocket PC? I got a Palm Pilot,
but it doesn't have internet ability. Does one need a keyboard setup to send
email on a Pocket PC? Any information on the HP 3115 and the email question
appreciated. I camp a lot in the summer, and I just want to send email from
WiFi capable campgrounds when necessary. I figured a Pocket PC like the 3115
would be appropriate, plus very portable.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.pocketpc (More info?)

"snow" <dlessard1@verizon.net> wrote in message
news3tBe.6630$1%4.2290@trndny02...
>I am looking for an entry level Pocket PC that also has Wi-Fi ability. How
>is the HP 3115? Also, is it easy to
> type and send email on a Pocket PC? I got a Palm Pilot,
> but it doesn't have internet ability. Does one need a keyboard setup to
> send email on a Pocket PC? Any information on the HP 3115 and the email
> question appreciated. I camp a lot in the summer, and I just want to send
> email from WiFi capable campgrounds when necessary. I figured a Pocket PC
> like the 3115 would be appropriate, plus very portable.

The rx3115 is currently my PPC of choice, thanks in no measure to the
battery life I can get with the optional extended battery (which more than
triples the standard run time). The wifi works smooth, has good range, and
it has proven to be a rather durable unit in my uses. The screen in direct
daylight is not as bright as some but I can use it with no problem. I take
it a lot of places that most PPC never travel, including hikes, etc., and it
still works!

Not to mention it is a very cost-effective unit.

The onscreen keyboard works as well as any of the other PPC I have used. If
you plan on doing lengthy emails I would suggest checking on an external
keyboard, bluetooth or IR (I use a stowaway IR version on occasion). They
are small enough to throw in a pack and carry with you, but try it for a few
days first to see if the screen works for you. If you do go for a bluetooth
keyboard I recommend staying away from HP's bluetooth keyboard, too many
people have had battery issues where the unit simply does not turn off.

Bluetooth works well on this unit as well, but you should check the rom
version and update to at least the Nov 2004 if you purchase Bluetooth
accesories. I do use a HP bluetooth headset on occasion, and I use a
bluelogger GPS quite often.

About the only thing I do not like about this unit is the lack of a CF card
slot to go along with the SD slot, but if I had to choose one I would have
taken the SD card slot.

Although I typically go lo-tech and carry a zip sandwich bag or two in case
of sudden rain, if you do a lot of outdoor activity around water with this
or any PPC look into an otter box, such as the 1900.

Hope this helps, but be sure and look at all of the available units on the
market and weigh accordingly.

Good luck.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.pocketpc (More info?)

xTenn wrote:
> "snow" <dlessard1@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news3tBe.6630$1%4.2290@trndny02...
>
>>I am looking for an entry level Pocket PC that also has Wi-Fi ability. How
>>is the HP 3115? Also, is it easy to
>>type and send email on a Pocket PC? I got a Palm Pilot,
>>but it doesn't have internet ability. Does one need a keyboard setup to
>>send email on a Pocket PC? Any information on the HP 3115 and the email
>>question appreciated. I camp a lot in the summer, and I just want to send
>>email from WiFi capable campgrounds when necessary. I figured a Pocket PC
>>like the 3115 would be appropriate, plus very portable.
>
>
> The rx3115 is currently my PPC of choice, thanks in no measure to the
> battery life I can get with the optional extended battery (which more than
> triples the standard run time). The wifi works smooth, has good range, and
> it has proven to be a rather durable unit in my uses. The screen in direct
> daylight is not as bright as some but I can use it with no problem. I take
> it a lot of places that most PPC never travel, including hikes, etc., and it
> still works!
>
> Not to mention it is a very cost-effective unit.
>
> The onscreen keyboard works as well as any of the other PPC I have used. If
> you plan on doing lengthy emails I would suggest checking on an external
> keyboard, bluetooth or IR (I use a stowaway IR version on occasion). They
> are small enough to throw in a pack and carry with you, but try it for a few
> days first to see if the screen works for you. If you do go for a bluetooth
> keyboard I recommend staying away from HP's bluetooth keyboard, too many
> people have had battery issues where the unit simply does not turn off.
>
> Bluetooth works well on this unit as well, but you should check the rom
> version and update to at least the Nov 2004 if you purchase Bluetooth
> accesories. I do use a HP bluetooth headset on occasion, and I use a
> bluelogger GPS quite often.
>
> About the only thing I do not like about this unit is the lack of a CF card
> slot to go along with the SD slot, but if I had to choose one I would have
> taken the SD card slot.
>
> Although I typically go lo-tech and carry a zip sandwich bag or two in case
> of sudden rain, if you do a lot of outdoor activity around water with this
> or any PPC look into an otter box, such as the 1900.
>
> Hope this helps, but be sure and look at all of the available units on the
> market and weigh accordingly.
>
> Good luck.
>
>
I'm brand new to the 3115 (and having the drivers issue just a few posts
below you). I researched fairly thoroughly to find a unit which was
small and light (as opposed to my Toshiba e755) and which had a VGA
screen for watching video, which I often do while traveling. I've only
had my 3115 for a week so I can't speak to much other than general
impressions. Mine are positive. I don't know about the "extended
battery" but I'd like to, particularly if it fits in the unit normally
somehow as opposed to being an outboard accessory. Connecting to wi-fi
was a cinch. I see some improvements in 2003SE (although note that HP
says the 3115 will NOT be upgradeable to PocketPC 2005). I agree with
the comment above about missing the CompactFlash slot, but I'll survive.
The unit fits comfortably in my hand and feels nearly weightless in a
pocket. I wanted small, after all.

A few minor issues I've confronted so far: For some reason I've got
problems related to the backlight. I use Spb Pocket Plus and it's
controls will not let me adjust the brightness of the backlight. I use
TCPMP (formerly betaplayer) for video and can't get the backlight to
stay on unless I turn off all battery-saving controls in
Settings/System. On the backlight, BTW, it is incredibly bright and
vivid, IMO. I bought a sync/charging cable which, when I use it, does
not recognize the 3115 as a specific device but as an Unknown USB device
for which it can't find drivers. My unit came with the latest ROM
upgrade, so I can't speak to any older issues that have been addressed
by ROM upgrades. And it's been a small adjustment going from a 3.8in to
a 3.5in screen although, again, small is good for me.

That's my feedback. I like the unit a lot.
WC