A TechLore "Ask the Experts" Question...

Question:

I just received a PalmOne Tungsten E2, and am not sure if I will use this device. I need something to view DVD's, photos/pictures, receive emails and surf the net. I like that I can produce Excel and Word documents. I only work part-time, so it seems as if it is quicker to use my small pocket paper calendar for appointments, etc. I'm trying to decide if I should get a portable DVD player and a blackberry instead...since I am not familiar with this device I wanted your expert opinions! Thanks! Karen

-submitted by Karina

Answer:

Since you're not familiar with what a Tungsten E2 is, let's go through that first...

What is a Tungsten

The Tungsten line of products from PalmOne are known as handhelds, which is a shortened term for handheld computer. Don't let that confuse you; there are many tremendous differences between the computer you use at your desk and one of these handheld models. While it's true that they share some similar functions like editing documents, managing contacts and appointments, and web surfing, keep in mind that most handhelds don't really do a great job of many features.

Most people buy a handheld to manage contacts and appointments, and check e-mail if it's Wi-Fi compatible. As stated above, these things can do a lot more than that, but not well enough that someone would specifically buy one for any other reason. For example, why would someone buy a Tungsten to play music files, when an iPod or Creative Zen would be a much better product for that need? You see, that's a common problem with "electronic Swiss-army knives"; they're a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.

How To Pick a Device For Your Needs

This may sound simplistic, but choosing the right device is easy if you can truly get a grasp on your needs. Let's write down your "me-wantee" list so we can figure out everything you want your new device to do.

1. Play DVDs
2. Store and Play Pictures
3. Receive E-mail
4. Web Access
5. Create and Edit Word/Excel Documents

Now let's compare the E2 and Portable DVD/Blackberry combo to these needs, and see which works out better.

Play DVDs

Obviously, the Tungsten does not have a DVD drive, so the only way you'll be able to play movies is to rip them to a compatible digital video format using a personal computer. This is a time consuming and tedious process, and you're going to devote all the available space on your flash memory card to hold your movie, unless you spend a ton of money on flash cards.
Winner - Portable DVD Player/Blackberry

Store and Play Pictures

With the Tungsten's bright and vivid full-color screen, The Tungsten is the clear choice to show off digital pictures.
Winner - Tungsten

Receive E-Mail

Since the Blackberry is also a cellular phone tethered to a data network, your e-mail is available without having to be near a hotspot. Plus, its integrated keyboard makes it possible to reply back more than 2 sentences without getting frustrated.
Winner - Portable DVD Player/Blackberry

Web Access

The Tungsten has the integrated blazer browser, which is arguably the best mobile web browser available, but Blackberry's data access makes it possible to connect from anywhere. No matter which you choose, the current state of mobile browsing on any handheld device is miserable.
Winner - Tungsten

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Create and Edit Word/Excel documents

Since the Blackberry does not have this ability, the winner is the Tungsten, but without the add-on keyboard, you'll never do anything more than spell check a word document.
Winner - Tungsten

Although the Tungsten comes out in this comparison, there's other questions that you can ask yourself that would ultimately help you choose a winner. These include convenience, price, size, style, etc.

My Two-Cents

I don't think either is a great choice. Without caring about having a calendar or appointment book, I wouldn't bother owning a Tungsten.

The wants you have are common of most folks, but they don't really mesh well into a single device. Well, except for one... a laptop. A laptop computer is the only integrated device that can do everything you asked for, and do it well. With a laptop, you can actually create and edit all office documents, surf the web, check e-mail, view images, and even play DVDs.

If you don't want a laptop, then the next device I would recommend is the PalmOne Treo 650. Since you're obviously okay with getting a new cell phone, the Treo is a cell phone/PDA hybrid that has all of the features you need other than DVD playback. The Treo has an integrated keyboard and is tethered to a cellular data network, so it's like getting the best of both worlds. If you want DVD playback, you can still get a portable DVD player to bring along when needed.

Matt Whitlock - Editor, TechLore.com

Did You Know...

Julie Strietelmeier took the Treo 650 challenge, to see if it can become her main brain. Read about her experience with the Treo 650 here.

You don't have to spend a fortune to e-mail yourself every picture you snap with your camera phone. Read "How To Transfer Pictures From Your Cell Phone" to learn how to get them off without giving a dime to your wireless provider.

While You're At It...

Did that old PDA out of the box under your desk and turn it into a portable GPS unit. How can it be done? Read "Resurrecting an old PDA for mobile GPS" to find out.

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