Neta 980/985 and Simpad User - Questions

[sic0048]

As my recent posts have shown, I'm researching possible tablet PC options. I see the Neta units and I know some people use them on this group. They biggest difference between the Neta and other units is the Neta doesn't seem to have a hard drive, only some flash memory. First question is, am I correct that the Neta doesn't have a HD. Second question would be obviously how does that effect usage with the Neta. Can I still run NR and other programs on the Neta? Is this a major drawback or a non-issue?

EDIT - edited title to include Simpad users

[mikeythemikey]

Isnt it just like a simpad? runs ce.net 4.1?

[sic0048]

That is correct. Windows CE.net 4.1. (To be honest with you, I don't even know the difference between the different operating systems. I guess I have a lot to research and learn). So the operating system is imbedded, but what about adding additional software like NR, etc.

[mikeythemikey]

You install it as a PPC client, rather than the pc version, the device uses ram to store the data so if the battery dies you could loose all you stuff and have to reinstall. CE is instant on which is better for a remote, but my simpad struggles and runs slow with anything graphical.

[sic0048]

So those devices with Windows CE 4.x may have faster startup times, but may run slower if pushed at all. Is that about it? It sounds like more people use a tablet PC with harddrive which can give more flexability. I hope to have my units either wall mounted or cradled most of the time, so I am hoping I can leave it on all the time. Since I'll be running off AC, I don't need to conserve battery power, and I am hoping this will allow me to have it start faster (ie no sleep mode, maybe just a screen saver).

[sic0048]

Also - are there any Neta 985 users out there. The system looks like a Neta 980, but with wireless built in. So there is no need to add a wireless card. I like that because it makes a neater unit without a wireless card hanging out the side, and I hope it would conserve a little energy as I understand those cards can really suck up the power. Any thougthts between the two??

[Aaron]

I know someone that has a 985... he says it is a bit faster (he sold me his 980) but it has a non-Intel chip. This means Ben would need to compile for your chip. I'd make sure he does before you get it.

[talm]

I am going tomorrow to Futurecom headquaters since they are down the street from me. I am going to look at the NETA 980 / 985 and any other tablet that they have. I think that I am going to get the NETA 980 with a CF Wireless card and the extanded 8 cell battery.

I am also looking to get something that is more durable then the Fujitsu 3400 since mine broke the other day. I had the screen barly touch my knee and the touch screen glass just cracked. So I am here looking to get the NETA 980.

I also know that they test their NETA 980 with a 3 feet drop so I hope that they will not break that easy since i have kids that like to pick stuff and see how it falls down. Even my dog broke the Pronto TSU 1000.

I will post here tomorrow and let you guys know what I ended up getting.

[Aaron]

you must be in/near Scottsdale then?

I'm in Chandler

[talm]

Aaron,

I am in scottsdale.

and you got PM

Tal