Handheld/Notebook Dilemma

[maurices5000]

Hi guys. I bought a handheld about 2 or 3 years ago. it was a handspring visor. Now, it isn't really supported and Handspring has merged or changed it name or was bought out or something. I'm interested in handhelds but have been relunctant to invest in something that will change each year like nintendo and nothing is backwards or forward compatible. If i buy springboards will really make handhelds expandable especially when you don't have a lot of memory, they may not fit future models if i decided to buy something new or more powerful. if i buy software, who is to say taht it will work on future models of if new software will support older models over time.

Handhelds are cheaper than notebooks. And for a while i have hated laptops. I also fear the idea of not being able to upgrade them whenever i want. I don't want to have to go out and buy a new laptop every 3 to 5 years either, so i stick with teh desktop. I really don't know if my fears are reasonable and things have gotten better or not.

thanks. I really need some light shade on the subject. I definitely don't understand what happened to handspring. If they are having trouble maybe i should go to palm.

take care.

[PrntRhd]

Handspring is being merged into Palm.

Handspring is now doing good business with Treo 600 combo PDA/Cellphone/Web devices, the best of its type.

Also notebooks can be lower priced than you might expect, I found a Toshiba P4 with DVD for $899 last year.

[Budfred]

The technology in this area is changing so quickly that almost anything you buy today will be largely obsolete by the time you have had it as long as you have had your Handspring... It will be old technology by the time you leave the store.....

[pentachris]

I salivate whenever the Treo 600 is mentioned. The ultimate geek gadget! Amazon.com is offering them for $250 after rebates, if you sign up for 2 years of service with a particular wireless carrier (can't remember which one off the top of my head).

If you're torn between a handheld and a laptop, assess your needs and the better choice should become obvious. Yes, they're both portable electronics, but they're in two totally different ballparks.

Palm has been around for a while, and will be around for a while. I got a Palm Tungsten E for Christmas, and I've been very happy with it.

Pocket PC's have their advantages, but also their disadvantages. There's a lot more Palm software out there. Pocket PC standards have changed frequently since they came out, usually without backwards compatability. The Palm OS is the best OS written to do what handhelds are supposed to do - help keep you organized.

[maurices5000]

Thanks guys for the info. I guess i will not be buying anything soon.