XDA vs iPaq

[shadowninja]

Anyone tried both? Can XDA read iPaq backup files?

Thanks.

-Darren

[fatsteve]

Depends what type of back-up. Are you talking back-ups made from ActiveSync? or the Compaq back facility on the Ipaq.

Personally, I wouldn't use either to transfer data across (assuming that's why you're asking the question)?

The Compaq backup is proprietory to Ipaq's (though I would argue that if you could install the Compaq backup software on the XDA it would probably work (not tried this since the software is not availble - part of the Ipaq ROM).

The main problem with the ActiveSync backup is that it backs up everything (not really a problem!! - doh!), hence all system (registry) config etc. If you were to create a backup from an Ipaq and restore it onto the XDA, I'd imagine you'd completely banjo your XDA.

Like I say, what are you trying to backup/restore - there maybe another option.

HTH

Steve

[sadako]

Ipaqs are pretty solid as long as you get the style with the protrective cover, XDAs are cheap and plasticy. Both use activestink and are pocket PC based. I wouldnt want to transfer files between any pocket PCs as it is generally a sod.

[shadowninja]

thanks for the replies

(and thanks to whoever moved it into the right section - forgot there was a computers section!)

My battery failed on my ipaq (went from lasting >2 weeks to 3 days. my new battery now lasts 3 days ). I'm considering my ipaq a gift for my bin, but first of all I want to transfer all the Word, Excel and address files to an XDA. What other options do I have? Also what other units are PocketPC-compatible? Could I move to a Clie?

thanks.

[fatsteve]

Ah, I see your need to transfer files.

Sadako's comments (whilst a bit harsh) are fairly valid. I've owned 2 Ipaqs and now an XDA, the Ipaq is a superiour machine in terms of spec and build quality. The XDA makes up for the build quality by the fact it has an integrated phone.

If all you need to copy over are files, then ActiveSync will do this fine. You can either choose to syncronise files or simply copy the files from your Ipaq to the desktop (via explorer) and then back to your new PDA.

With risk of starting a flame war with the Palm zealots, the PocketPC machines are generally better (again depending on what you use it for).

Steve

[davidd]

Why an ipaq? There are plenty of other pdas on the market that will do more for less money

D

[shadowninja]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not keen on getting another ipaq. I bought a 3630 for about £400 when it first came out. My new battery lasts about 3 days. I can't be bothered with it any more. (iPaq for sale )

I just want another PDA that can read the files created with Pocket Word, Excel etc with no need for converting them to some other format!

Any recommendations then?

[_dobbo_]

Well if MY XDA lasts more then 2 days under normal use without a recharge then I am happy!

Otherwise it lasts about 24 hours.... So don't bank on an XDA being the solution to your problem. Unless it's an XDAII in which case I've never used one.

[shadowninja]

that's a bit... shite!

[fatsteve]

Ah, the XDAII is better, mine lasts about 2-3 days without charging (obviously depending on use). It's certainly not a patch on my iPaq that seemed to last forever.

[shadowninja]

so moving to an xdaII would leave me in no better a position :/ Might as well get a new ipaq can't seem to find any other pocket pc/winCE units other than ipaq and xda??

[fatsteve]

Depends why you want an XDA?, if you don't need the built in phone then an iPaq would be a better choice.

WRT iPaq alternatives;
Dell Axiom - Low spec
Toshiba - Wifi spec not standard apparently
Loox etc - Cheap and not particularly robust.

Of course you could go down the Palm/Sorry Clit/Visor Handjob route if you like Palm OS (and again, depends on what your requirements are), if you want a simple reliable PDA that isn't PocketPC, then you can't go wrong with Palm OS. Personally, I can't stand them (which is unusual for me since I'm not exactly at the front of the queue to kiss Microsoft's ass)

Setve

[shadowninja]

well, i think it has to be Pocket PC something because I have a load of files already created with PPC. I can't be bothered with converting about 70 files individually to some other proprietary format.

I need a new one because the new battery on my current ipaq has died in about 3 weeks. Lasts the same length of time as the replaced battery! Just can't be bothered with this unit any more.

I want the item to have a long battery life, contacts info, Excel, Word, Access (or other database)...

[_dobbo_]

Plus if you are a fashion slag like me the newer iPaqs are all small and whizzy looking with blue LEDs whereas my XDA is big and shite looking.

I just can't afford a new toy so I'm stuck with what I have.

[moreymach]

Would one of these be any better ?

www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=IPAQ6000

[shadowninja]

Thanks for the link. That Ultra Personal Computer looks interesting. No price tho, so I expect it will sting!

[davidd]

fatsteve said:

WRT iPaq alternatives; Dell Axiom - Low spec Toshiba - Wifi spec not standard apparently Loox etc - Cheap and not particularly robust. Setve

Dell Axim low spec? Mine has a 624 mhz processor, lots of ram, built in bluetooth and wireless. And was pretty cheap.

D

[shadowninja]

mmmmm.... www.oqo.com. Tempted to hold out for a while

[moreymach]

shadowninja said:

mmmmm.... www.oqo.com. Tempted to hold out for a while

looks rather tasty !! but the cost?? 'under $2000' according to

www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1645124,00.asp

= £1999 when it gets here Id guess..shame .. will stick with my P900 for now I think.

[shadowninja]

damn. I did a google and saw a site quoting about the £1000 mark. Oh well