best mobile OS

[VJ]

Hello,

I'm on the lookout for a smartphone (relatively long term: couple of months), but am trying to decide on the operating system. I assume the main functionalities are the same, but in general, which is the best ? In terms of stability, available (free) applications, future upgradability (new features/protocols), ...

Thanks!


Jörg

[Kurt]

me too...so far I think I'll choose between the Treo and the Q-tek. The Q-tek can work with Proximus and is quite OK AFAIK. I don't much like the keyboard on the Treo and it probably lacks a few features. The problem of the Q-tek is that it's MS-based (never been impressed with the stability of Win CE). Battery are also an issue...

So far I haven't found what I'm looking for: PDS + phone + fax + triband + GPRS (camera I don't really care about but it might come in handy sometimes) + option for a GPS.

They all seem to miss one or more of these features...

[Indiana]

Originally posted by Kurt

So far I haven't found what I'm looking for: PDS + phone + fax + triband + GPRS (camera I don't really care about but it might come in handy sometimes) + option for a GPS.

They all seem to miss one or more of these features...

My Smartphone has all of them except for the fax part (I think, never cared about fax capabilities when you can have Internet access through GPRS...). It's the MDA-II and is a PDA + phone with triband, plus GPRS (nice, but damn expensive), has a built in 640x480 camera (not usefull, IMO) and there's a GPS available for it.

Still, the damn thing is Windows CE based and after now owning both, a Palm and this WinCE thing, I'm even more sure that PalmOS simply is the much much better and way more elegant solution for a PDA (your mileage might vary, as always - especially if you're a 13year old l33t kid you might actually like WinCE...)

[VJ]

I was looking at the Samsung SGH-i500, but is was never released. The successor SGH-i530 should be coming within a few months. It is flip-phone which runs Palm OS 5.

The upcoming Motorola MPx (flipphone that flips in two directions) does look interesting, even though it runs MS Smartphone.

The features I'm looking for are: PDA + phone + fax + emailclient (needs to support SSL) + triband + bluetooth. GPRS and Wifi would also be interesing...
(I'm currently using a Siemens S35i in combination with a Psion 5mx, but this combo is starting to show its age )

Most EPOC based phones (nokia communicator being the exception) don't seem to support SSL for their mailclients (some have TLS, but this doens't help me). I also know (from experience with the Psion) that there is less available software for EPOC as one would think. Of course, the Java applications could overcome this issue...

As for the GPS, Kurt, there are bluetooth GPS receivers:

http://www.socketcom.com/product/gps.asp

So that might be an option.


Jörg

[lecter]

How about the O2 XPhone? I think it's a very decent all-round solution that won't break the bank...u get a lot for 450$ (at least that's its price here). Yeah, it's Windows and after just getting a Palm I have to say that it's soo much..."nicer" compared to Windows, but u won't be lacking any serious functionality. And while the Treo600 is so drool-able, the incredibly shitty screen they put on it makes it a loser (at least for me).

[VJ]

O2 is not available here (Belgium)...

Also, I kind of like the flip-concept (protects the screen) and a touchscreen (I have a feeling this makes entering data / using easier). Both the upcoming Samsung SGH-i530 (Palm) and the Motorola MPx have touch screens.

I am kind of leading towards PalmOS (would love to see a PalmOS6 device), as this does seem to be the most mature handheld OS. EPOC is also great, but IMO to closed a standard (not that many applications) and a relatively huge variety in versions (I have the impression manufacturers can customize it further). Haven't seen MS Smartphone in operation (is there an emulator ?), but it does seem to offer the needed functionality...


Jörg

[Marshmallowman]

Why not linux(I'm biased)

Maybe a bit early but its gaining momentum

http://linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2003121800526NWEMHW

http://linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2004030400326RVEMHW

Can't remeber which co it was , but they sold all their shares in symbian and with every intention of becomeing linuz only(might have been a PDA co)

[VJ]

Well, I have tried Linux on my Psion5mx:

http://linux-7110.sourceforge.net/

but there aren't that many applications. Sure, you could recompile, but it becomes very cumbersome...

I don't doubt the technical possiblities of Linux, but I do think it needs more time to mature as a mobile platform. (larger userbase, more developpers, ...)


Jörg

[Kurt]

I don't like Bluetooth. It's just not ready as a technology. It's a bit like USB when it wasn't 1.0 yet...

I just wish Sony would release a Clié with all the above mentioned options...

It's probably the best PalmOS PDA.

[Marshmallowman]

yeah, it'll be a while yet

[VJ]

MMM: the linux, or the bluetooth ?


Jörg

[Wombat]

There's also the SE P900

[VJ]

Yep, it runs EPOC, but it doesn't have SSL for the mailclient... (which is a major requirement for me)


Jörg

[Kurt]

Originally posted by Wombat
There's also the SE P900

I've tried it, it's less useable than a phone + PDA combo.

[Marshmallowman]

for linux.