What PDA do you use and why?

I just got a cool one, but is it worth it?

[stuntdubl]

I just recently purchased a Sony PEG UW-50, which is a very cool little PDA, but it costs OVER $500 (even after a rebate).

Even though it is so cool with a great form factor (looks like a mini laptop with a usable qwerty thumb keyboard), bluetooth, and Wireless Networking, and a low-res video and digi cam, I am considering returning it because I'm not really sure I will use it all that much (I already take my laptop nearly everywhere).

Anyhow, I have two questions:

1)I figured I would ask everyone what they use as their PDA (brand and model), what they use it for, and is it worthwhile?

2)I have never owned a PDA, but I was a bit unimpressed with the Palm OS. Is there any awesome "must-have" software for it? Are the Windows' OS's that much better?

[ogletree]

I really think the Dell Axim is the way to go. I have the A5 and I have an 802.11 card for it and a GPS card for it. I love it. I can hook up to my VPN from a Starbucks and connect up to Win 2000 or Win NT TSE server. It also has MSN messenger. The Dells are pretty cheap these days. I like that mine has the CF slot and the SD/MMC slot. I bought an SD camera for it that is 1.2 MP which is much better than most cell cameras.

I also have a Compaq IPAQ. It is much bigger and not as powerfull but it does have a PCMCIA sleeve.

Any PPC device will sync with outlook. The other office products are not very useful on such a small screen. You can get a video card and keyboard that will let you use it like a laptop though.

[victor]

I use a Zaurus.

It runs Linux.

That's the best reason to get one (assuming you want to run Linux, of course).

[ogletree]

You can put Linux on an IPAQ. I don't know if they got it for the Dell yet but I am sure they will. Shoot I have put linux on network scanner and my wireless AP. You can turn just about anything into a linux computer these days. Even an X-box.

[Mardi_Gras]

>I already take my laptop nearly everywhere

Then I'm not really sure what benefit a PDA would be to you, aside from the convenience of instant-on.

[mivox]

I've got a Palm M515. I mainly use the PDA for on-the-go recordkeeping (checkbook, addresses, appointments, etc.). I've also got a database app that I use for keeping all sorts of records that I want to keep with me when the laptop's at home (including an ever-growing 'portable bookmarks' database of URLs), and I have an encrypted password storage program on it that's saved my forgetful butt a few times. I suppose I'd use it for email if I had a wireless card... but that's about it.

If I want to do any serious "computing" I go the old-fasioned route and use a computer. PDA screens are too small to do anything major with, IMO... it would drive me nuts squinting at a website on one of those things.

I've got a laptop that goes on any longer-than-a-weekend trip with me, and I don't feel the need to get a PDA that's macho enough to compete with it. ;)

[MattyMoose]

I use a Zaurus.

It runs Linux.

That's the best reason to get one (assuming you want to run Linux, of course).

mmmm... I love my 5600.

-MM