Can you really replace a laptop with WM5 device

[Guest Sonicr360]

Hi All,

I wanted to get opinions and advice on just how much a WM5 device has changed the way the would usually use a desktop laptop!

I have an O2 XDA EXEC, and would like to use this more and more instead of my laptop.

To that end, does anyone who uses WM5 replace their laptop for email, web, documents, Wi-Fi, Network, ect as well as the odd games here or there!

I pose this, because I read a good article in a magazine called PDA ESSENTIALS - Laptop power in your pocket.

What I would really like would be an application that allows you to see .doc or .xls files as intended - I still get many documents that pocket word / excel cannot format correctly.

Any pointers on this would be good - likewise I would like to see a good DOS tool that allows you to do pings, nslookup, tracert, ect.

Any comments on this would be apprecaited

Thanks

Simon

[Guest Confucious]

It depends what you use your laptop for. I don't think I've taken mine out of the house since I've had my Universal but I only used it for email and browsing mainly. I'm typing this on my laptop at home but when I'm out I just use my Exec.

WM5 doesn't have a DOS emulator but there is WM5 s/ware for pingng, not sure about nslookup or tracert though.

[Guest Rob.P]

^ ditto, have recently found out how much I use/rely on my Wizard, have just sent it off for repairs :)

Back to using my C500 temporarily, missing satnav, decent screen size to play some vids, phone's not as good for taking the gym to listen to tunes, can't type stuff on my phone as fast as my Wizard. Have to use flippin T9 again, what a pain, back to spelling like 15yr old.

Productivity-wise, I have no Wi-Fi so moving docs and files around is no back to using DVD-RW's before most of my workfiles and v.small projects I used to move around on my phone as it had a 1GB card in it. Missing the ease of use of which I used to keep track of industry news, I've given up emailing on the move until I get my device back.

The laptop used to come out with me all the time, that died off after I got the Wizard. Only thing the Wizard could do with is a DVD drive, but other than it does a lot for me.

Don't forget the Ultra-Portable is about, still a bit new but that is the middle ground between a PDA and a laptop.

[Guest fraser]

For traceroute etc, check out vxUtil, it's free. vxIPConfig is useful as well.

Personally, I'm about to buy a new laptop...I don't think I could do without one, but that's just more down to what I need it for. I've always been a fan of Outlook on the PC, so I do tend to use it more for setting up appointments and contacts, but having them all on me when I'm out and about is really handy. I read email on the phone but I tend to compose on a regular PC unless it's a quick & short message.

[Guest Sonicr360]

Guys

Many thanks for the comments. I guess after lugging a Dell Inspiron 3700 around for almost 6 years now (and its falling apart), the XDA Exec is handy for what I want.

Sure it may not replace an entire Laptop, but it is definetely handy for:

Outlook (Emails, Contacts)

Browsing Internet

Wi-Fi - BTOpenzone, ect

Messeging

My only real gripe is the need to fully use and read Excel and Word docs - even edit them exactly AS they are intended to be seen on a PC. the WM5 versions are still not up to the great standard of a Laptop, so that would be VERY handy!

Fraser, thanks for the IP Tools! Checking this right now :-)

I also use Terminal Services, which again is handy for checking out on the go!! But a good, better Office Suite would suite me!

Any other comments

[Guest mattpayne]

I normally lug about a little tablet PC for most of my day to day work.. but after getting my Prophet, ive been leaving the tablet at home... email, diary and web are my most common applications, and all (bar propper web browsing) are just as easy and more convienent than resuming XP :) most of the sites i visit are wifi enabled and the work/internet options in the wifi manager means that i dont even have to change proxy settings!

come winter ill probably have the tablet with me as i do miss a proper ethernet connection for faut management but, summer time its too much bother trying to stuff too much into small pockets... im happy to leave the tablet and bag at home!

[Guest Confucious]

Web browsing's a lot easier on the Universal with 3G and larger screen :)

[Guest mattpayne]

Web browsing's a lot easier on the Universal with 3G and larger screen ;)

your not wrong there!!! the VGA screen would be beautiful!!! but....

Universal is the size of a shoebox! :D :) prophet hangs off my belt and i dont even know its there! :)

[Guest Sonicr360]

Hi

Which make is the universal?

I haev the XDA EXEC, and I find browsing web is ok - using Opera is preferred!

I must admit, with the recent add-ons of 3rd party apps, this is definetly in the right direction... sure its not the UMPC of the models coming out, but for something that fits in a pocket (or my case, a BELT CLIP on my belt!!) its brilliant!

And getting the Vista Skin applied has given the device a great look!

Simon

[Guest Pondrew]

...Which make is the universal?

I haev the XDA EXEC, and I find browsing web is ok - using Opera is preferred!

...

Hey Sonicr360. Your XDA Exec itself is an HTC Universal (in case you didn't know). It also comes branded as an i-mate Jasjar, Orange SPV M5000, T-Mobile MDA Pro and more...

[Guest Sonicr360]

Thanks Pondrew!! I thought it was, because I was a little concerned as to why mattpayne claims its the size of a showbox :)

I assumed he was talking about another model.....

Compared to my Dell Inspiron 3700 Notebook (purchased in 2000), this XDA Exec is absolutely great for what I need. Ok, its not going to run XP but I can do the essentials which is:

1) Send / receive emails

2) view FULL doc and xls and ppt and pdf files with no problems

3) Web if required

4) Wi-Fi / 3G

5) Use as a phone, IF I really wanted to (Im still sticking to my D500 as its brilliant)

In all, when using the XDA EXEC, its very good for me - people complain of fast typing, but if you persist you can do it (unless you have large fingers the size of the XDA EXEC!!!).

Finally, to sync all my docs with my Server is great. And to have the Vista Skin makes the device feel very different indeed. As if its a new OS !!

Simon