Do PDA's require a subscription like a cell phone?

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kyleryantoth

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I want an ultra portable computer with touchscreen capabilities. Something to fit in your pocket, unlike a netbook. I see a lot of PDA's, Pocket PC's, Handheld PC's, all over the place but wonder which are the best and which run like actual computers. I want something that can connect to any open wi-fi network.
I just got rid of my cellphone because I was sick of paying $70 a month just to text people. I could get a laptop or a pocket computer and text people from and Instant Messenger, even from Yahoo Mail. I don't want another cellphone with internet and blah blah blah I had my Blackberry World Edition, still have it, and have no plan of using it again. I was something small and simple with a camera on it that connects wirelessly to the internet. Why the hell would I pay $70 a month and buy a $300 phone when I can buy one $400 pocket PC and be able to do more than a freaking SmartPhone?
Furthermore NO APPLE apple is retarded IMO and I would never own one again. I have had many Ipods that continually die and a macbook, I can not stand apple. Windows is okay but Linux is preferred. I just want to be able to connect to the internet, hopefully with Firefox, use instant messenger, use a cam built into the thing, and use a word processor
 
An iPod Touch, for example, would fit the bill if what you want is a calendar, mini web browser, e-mail. There are no recurring fees, but you'll only be able to access network services (email, web) if you're near WiFi.

These days, most of the PDAs are part of cell phones. For example, Palm no longer offers a non-cell phone PDA.
 
dude, pda's dont require any subscription, not unless it also acts as a cellphone...

dude, pda's are so passe... dont waste your money on that, there are cellphones from nokia and samsung which can pretty much act as a pda...

most latest cellphones nowadays are already wi-fi ready...
 
An iPod Touch, for example, would fit the bill if what you want is a calendar, mini web browser, e-mail. There are no recurring fees, but you'll only be able to access network services (email, web) if you're near WiFi.

These days, most of the PDAs are part of cell phones. For example, Palm no longer offers a non-cell phone PDA.
 
I highly recommend a Palm or a Windows Mobile. In particular, the older Tungsten Palms and any of the Dell Axims are good, solid, reliable and will sync up with your PC better than modern iPhones can do even today.

While a lot of people complain about Windows Mobile, it works awesome as a PDA operating system and there are a lot of free programs you can download and use without having to subscribe to iTunes or an App Store. Get Windows Mobile 5 or better, as earlier versions aren't as compatible with software these days. Also, most PDAs and Smart-Phones with Win-Mo 5 or better can be upgraded if you have some patience and a spare USB cable to flash the memory.

Just remember that when your PDA isn't in WiFi range you will have ZERO access to any network.

I used a Dell Axim 51v for years, it was an excellent PDA, and had an AMAZING screen and could play movies without having to convert them on an SD card. Good battery life and WiFi too. You can probably pick one up almost brand new on eBay or Kijiji for less than 200 bucks and it will last you for years.

You can also just buy a Smart-Phone without a cellular plan. For example, older HTC Touch phones are cheap, you won't need to pay for not subscribing for 3 years, and they'll usually run Windows Mobile 5 with upgraded software for navigation. Depending on what cell companies are available you can then install a Pay-As-You-Go SIM card and use it for the occasional text message for when there's no WiFi, and only pay as much as you use.

I have a newer Smart-Phone now, and the only reason I tolerate the charges my cell company tacks on for Data is because I can use it as a WiFi access point for my laptop, even in the middle of the woods, so for me it's worth it. :) You never know when you might need to be online!
 
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