[jgl]

I've been a bit of a luddite for years- I briefly experimented with a PDA in 1993, decided it was crap and then stuck to pen and paper for the last decade and a half. I've decided that it's time try the electronic route again and want some suggestions.

I'm looking for something pretty simple- primarily I just want a device that can take handwriting input and manage multiple lists, as efficiently as possible. A secondary function would be as a notebook function, tracking simple text documents and (hopefully) sketched diagrams.

All other functions are relatively unimportant to me - alarm, contacts, camera, phone - all this stuff I can do without, and ideally the device would not even support these functions.

Can anyone suggest a device to look into? Considering how primitive this sounds, I'm suspecting that the ideal device might even be a discontinued Palm model that I'd only be able to find on Ebay.

[MrMoo]

Considering battery time and the functions you want, you're a lot better off sticking with a pen & notepad.

[lulumay]

have you heard of the Iphone?

[jgl]

Mr Moo: Battery time for a basic device should be fine- that's why I don't want phone and camera functions.

Lulumay: I had an iPhone for a while and dumped it again. Text input was pretty sucky (no handwriting, non-tactile virtual keys), slick but slightly sluggish UI because it does so many things in so many lovely colours. Utterly crap battery life. As mentioned, I don't want a device that plays MP3s, take photos and connects to the web.

I'm looking for the anti-iPhone- a simple device that just does a couple of functions but does them fast and well. And doesn't die after 24 hours away from a wall socket.

[lulumay]

entry model palm-os or windows ce is what you need.
my 3 yrs old palm tx's battery still last a week.

[jgl]

Thanks, images of the TX look promising- big screen, no keypad. I'll try to find one to test.

[gunsnroses]

Sorry, but, when I read the title of your post, the first thought sprang to my mind was "What! he needs recommendation on Public Display of Affection??? JEEEZZZ"

[discobay]

Palm TX or Palm Treo just in case you need a phone. You can always power off the phone module (aka flight mode) or not insert a sim card.

[imparanoic]

try the sony ericsson g900, or the htc touch diamond

[KnowItAll]

I'd second the Palm recommendations. If you do get a PDA, get something with Bluetooth, so if you do want to read your emails on a larger screen, you can hook it up through your phone.