[Sean Li]

I've seen from other forums that there are a few Mac users who have PocketPCs as well ... I'm just curious as to how many.

Perhaps we should run some survey about which PDAs forum readers are using?

[Adam Silver]

I have a Palm IIIxe. I would have gone with a PocketPC if:

• the prices weren't so high ($250 for a Palm IIIxe vs. $500 - $600 for a PocketPC)
• the batteries didn't die so quickly (not too big a deal considering that they all use rechargable batteries)
• I didn't have to use Virtual PC in order to synchronize with my G4

Palm is a superior organizer, but is not especially good at doing other things. (Palm OS 4 should change this.) For example, compare Documents to Go on a Palm to Pocket Word and Pocket Excel on a PocketPC; the PocketPC wins due to features such as editing.

To be fair, PocketPC is still harder to learn and use than Palm. This is due to the fact that Palm is designed to be an organizer while PocketPC is designed to be a little computer (that people use as an organizer).

To get back to my original point, I would prefer to have a PocketPC. I am willing to trade some ease of use for more features. This is also why I use Photoshop rather than PhotoDeluxe - besides the fact that I won't get too far in the creative world with PhotoDeluxe.

But for now, I will continue to use a Palm IIIxe. The only feature I really want that is available only for PocketPC is editing of Microsoft Word documents. I can live happily without all the other extras offered with PocketPC. Hopefully DataViz, the developer of Documents to Go, will add this feature sooner rather than later.

[This message has been edited by Adam Silver (edited 06-28-2000).]

[Sean Li]

All very good points about the issues with the PocketPC. I got one a few weeks ago because I'm a gadget freak, and I didn't know whether I would prefer it over Palm.

Now I find it difficult to go back to Palm because I've gotten used to more sophisticated apps, much better web browsing, and a higher definition screen.

I do wish I could sync on the Mac without having to use VirtualPC, but I'm hoping that the SyncML specifications will eventually allow that (not in the very near future, but maybe next year).

I would like to see some more innovation from Palm though. The IIIc was somewhat disappointing - perhaps Handspring and/or others will have better color solutions.

I've been trying to Hot Sync my Pocket PC on my iMac via Virtual PC, however, I have been unsuccessful. It sounds as if you have been able to HotSync via your Mac. Am I missing something in order to make this work?

Originally posted by Sean Li:
All very good points about the issues with the PocketPC. I got one a few weeks ago because I'm a gadget freak, and I didn't know whether I would prefer it over Palm.

Now I find it difficult to go back to Palm because I've gotten used to more sophisticated apps, much better web browsing, and a higher definition screen.

I do wish I could sync on the Mac without having to use VirtualPC, but I'm hoping that the SyncML specifications will eventually allow that (not in the very near future, but maybe next year).

I would like to see some more innovation from Palm though. The IIIc was somewhat disappointing - perhaps Handspring and/or others will have better color solutions.

you could buy suse, or powerppc linux to sync your wince handhelds.
maximum linux comes with a guide on what programs to get, and how to do it.

[Sean Li]

Originally posted by MikeRod:
I've been trying to Hot Sync my Pocket PC on my iMac via Virtual PC, however, I have been unsuccessful. It sounds as if you have been able to HotSync via your Mac. Am I missing something in order to make this work?

It works, but it's not very reliable. I've managed to sync an HP Jornada 548, with VirtualPC 3 and MacOS 9, but using a serial connection. Connectix doesn't support the USB connection with PocketPCs, even though VirtualPC would at times recognize the PocketPC.

I've stopped syncing though with VirtualPC, and use a Sony Vaio laptop for backups and software installation. I can sync AvantGo through a modem.

If the future Palm devices offer better screens, and a few more features (sorry Jeff Hawkins, we're not all after super simplicity), I may revert to Palm.