Dell Axim x50 or Tungsten T5? Handhelds, PDA's

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 25, 2005

If hubby has a pocket pc and can help you with yours a little, I'd stick with the pocket pc.

It's ALL PERSONAL PREFERENCE! No one is better than the other.

I will say that I LOVE my Dell Axim!!!!!

Nemhain · Jul 25, 2005

I've got a T5 and I love it. Yes, there are more downloads for Palm software, but the essential nursing stuff like Epocrates, Pepid and Taber's all come in Axim friendly software too! I agree with the above poster: it's not a bad idea to get the same PDA as your hubby. The T5 and the Axim are both really good products; it's just a matter of convenience. Whatever you decide to get, I bet you'll love it! Buying a PDA for nursing school is the best thing I have ever done!

Spatialized · Jul 25, 2005

I have an old Palm M100 that I use for school. Nothing fancy, but that's the point...if it gets stolen, puked on, bled on, dropped or anything else it's not that big of a deal. Granted, I wish I had a better one, with more memory, maybe even color, but looking at the above reasons, it's not going to happen. As an aside, you can find a Palm M500/505 for rather cheap on EBay that will do a lot and if something should happen to it, you won't be out a lot of cash. So unless you need to be on the bleeding edge (no pun intended) of technology, consider stepping back a year or two to an older model, at least until you can really afford to get a newer model.

On the other side, I do love the Axim...

Cheers,

Tom

jules_ · Jul 25, 2005

I love my Dell X30. You might be able to save money on an older model. I have had mine about 1 1/2 years and love it.

rhapsodyRN · Jul 25, 2005

I've got the Axim X50v and I love it. I don't need the Windows Media player but I have played with just about everything else on it and it's pretty fast! :) I want to buy more memory and an additional battery but beyond that I can see this thing lasting me through the three upcoming years of nursing school.

Daphne

Student_Nurse_WV · Jul 25, 2005

I have the Ipaq 4355-- I love it! I checked to make sure you can download all nursing programs to it (you can). Also if you are use to windows a pocket pc is easy to use. You can get an older model (not the 4355) for around $200.

MiaLyse, APRN · Jul 25, 2005

I'm getting ready to start an ADN program, I'd like to get a PDA - instructors recommend we have one.
What I don't need, MP3 player, digital recorder, camera and phone...I "Think" I've narrowed my choices down to these two...any input or advice? I do want alot of memory and for the purchase to last more than a year or two. I am totally clueless about PDA's, I'd like to be able to password protect or the biometrics protection? (fingerprint) My husband has an HP pocket PC but is not familiar with Palm products at all. I understand there are alot more downloads avail for the Palm OS..other than that, not really sure which is best.
Thank you for any input :)
~T

I am also looking for a pda for school beginning in September. I checked out the Dell Axim and it's about $350 more than the Tungsten T5 (which I originally was looking at). What are the largest differences of the two. I am pda illiterate.

I am going to be using this for my LPN-RN program beginning in September and have also been told that a pda is invaluable.

Kelly

MiaLyse, APRN · Jul 25, 2005

One more question. Where do you find the software for the Tungsten T5? tia

Kelly

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 25, 2005

what do you get for the difference in money?

More memory

More room to load prgrams

SD card slot - important if you plan on putting electronic books on your device

Wireless access so you can download your email

Blue Tooth so you can print to a printer or use a wireless keyboard to type on your device....

The list goes on forever...

Basically - every bell and every whistle you get costs more. You can get the Dells without the bells and whistles if they aren't important to you. I know a classmate who got one for about 350, I have seen them for around 200 refurbished. I, on the other hand had to have all the neatest newest extras so I spent about 1000.00 on my PDA. Dell does a lot of stuff with universities and large employers, you might check to see if there is a discount program you qualify for.

I would strongly suggest going to a local electronics store and exploring the differences for yourself before buying one.

In all honesty...If you are not much of a computer or techie type person - you may be better off with a small drug reference book in your pocket. Frankly - I used my pda very little as a staff nurse. I found it easier to just use the drug ref book that fit in my pocket. As an NP student however, I have found the PDA invaluable. I am a major geek though - I love technology and love all the neatest newest gadgets. A PDA is not absolutely necessary - it is simply another tool. If you are not comfortable with electronics, then you may find that buying a PDA is a waste of money for you.

sandman1914 · Jul 25, 2005

I have a T5 and it suits all of my professonal and personal needs. You can go to www.cnet.com for more information and reviews of handheld devices. You can find programs at www.skyscape.com and www.pocketmedicine.com

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 25, 2005

VERY good idea - especially if you want to try one so to speak to see if you will like it. You can always resell it on ebay if you don't and try something else.