smartphone/ PDA options

[d-taylor]

Hi,

 

We are looking to buy a smart phone/ PDA type device for some our IT Team. We are pushing using helpdesk software for users to report faults, so we are looking at access to email on the go.

 

Features we need:

 

Wi-Fi/ and/or 2g or 3g internet (Wi-Fi coverage covers most of the school, 2g 3g would make a handy backup)

'Push' exchange email capabilities

qwerty keypad (not a touch interface keypad)

Must fit in pocket (or it won't always get taken out of the office!)

Decent sized screen

 

Features we would like:

 

Remote desktop capabilities (to access servers on the fly), with right click capabilities

Stylus pen for interacting with screen preferred to touch

Phone is preferred to PDA with no ability to make calls

 

I'm guessing some sort of Windows smart phone device is the best option, but it's not a market I keep my eye on (I have a basic camera phone for home use) so I was wondering what devices you guys would recommend?

 

Many thanks,

 

Dan

[truslack]

The nokia N900 fits your description, but is due to be replaced in the latter half of this year. It struggles a bit with exchange on some setups so it would be worth researching if it works with your configuration beforehand.

 

RDP/VNC/SSH all work great.

[d-taylor]

Thanks that looks great! Will make some enquries with our email provider.

 

Any other suggestions?

[truslack]

Seemingly most new devices are being made with capacitive touch screens as opposed to resistive. Stylus's (styli?) can't be used with capacitive screens.

 

The N900 uses a linux based OS (maemo 5) and I can't fault mine. The keyboard is brilliant to use.

[p858snake]

If it wasn't for the physical QWERTY keypad, I would suggest the iPod Touch/iPhone because it suits everything you want including the exchange stuff and you can even get styli for it.

[glennda]

Nexus one? im sure alot of your techs would appreciate it

 

Edit: Just read you don't want touch screen!

Edited February 26, 2010 by glennda

[Ric_]

Touch Pro2 is what you need - keyboard, Exchange push, RDP and all straight from the box!