> Hi,
>
> I'm considering buying either an Ipaq 3670 or Casio Em500. I have never owned,
> nor really used a Pocket PC before, but have been reading about them recently.
>
> Seems to me the Casio's main negative is the smallish 16mb RAM, but I figure an
> mmc RAM card can fix that, right? And of course, the CPU is slow compared to
> Ipaq.
>
> The Ipaq seems pretty cool, especially the versatile display, good battery life
> & fast CPU, but the old control problem scares me a bit. Especially since I'm a
> gamer and MAMEce will probably be a favorite app for me.
>
> Question: Exactly what is the Ipaq's control limitation? For example, let's say
> you're playing Galaga - you'd use the cross key to move, but to shoot you'd have
> to let go of the cross key? Or you can tap the screen to shoot? Is that the
> idea? But the Casio would control normally - you can use the cross key to move
> and the little buttons to shoot etc. like a normal game controller? Correct?
>
> Question: Is the sound Ok on both? Using headphones, just as good? I've heard
> the Ipaq has better or louder sound...
>
> So then...
>
> Is there really an obvious choice here? Any thought or recommendations much
> appreciated!
>
> (Also congrats to tekhmaster for the review in PocketPC magazine! I was just
> reading it today in Barnes & Nobles, and I was like, wow cool! :)
>
> -P-
>

Thanks, I am still floored when I think about it. Never thought, back when I was tinkering with Ben's code, that it would end up in a real Magazine :)

As for a purchasing choice I couldn't make up my mind so I ended up buying both the Casio E115 when it came out and then the iPaq 3630 when it was finally available (I did have some extra funds so that helped :)

I have been using the iPaq most, lately. You get used to its quirks and the dust problem has been minimal for me since I upgraded to the 3670. The Casio is also a good buy even with a few of its own quirks. If you can wait then you are probably correct in the assupmtion that a better device will come along. Check out the @migo over on Brighthands site it has the qualities of an iPaq and the functionality of the Casio. Last I heard availability was still an issue.

At some point you are going to have to make a choice, which ever one you make, I am sure you will be happy with it. All the current offerings are fine machines.


Cheers,
-Techmaster