Hi there,

can someone tell me of any annoyances or limitations of using an iPaq as an alternative to a ProntoPro? I know all about the IR range issues but was wondering about other factors.

I currently own a ProntoPro & I am considering replacing it with a H3970.

Im going the same route and all I see are pluses!
IR Range on the 3970 is better than the Pro and think of all the neat Sh%t you can do with the Blue Tooth.
Seems like a no brainer to me.

I do have a few more questions though. Could you make timers just like you could a Pronto Pro? And how many devices and macros could there be? And how many pages per device and marco can there be? I read threw a review on here. But I wasn't pleased at all. But there again it might of been an old one. This blue tooth, could that act as a rf?
Any other advatanges would be great too.
Thanks
King of typos

Bluetooth is not the sort of RF you'd need.

This message was edited by Daniel Tonks on 07/22/02 01:56.57.

As stated in another post, Bluetooth will allow you to bring your home PC with you to the easy chair, so I guess you can imagine possabilities.

Some that I am thinking of, and please in anybody has more add it to this list.

1) Updating my Ipaq TV guide on the fly.

2) Controlling a Computer Based PVR.

3) Using a IR LED in my computer to control Equipment Via Bluetooth

4) Browse the net or get Email while away from the computer.

As for bluetooth ideas... I must be a bit confused. I don't think you can control your computer at all via an IPAQ. You can use the ActiveSync program to transfer programs, or as a means to serv up web pages or email... but I don't think it will control a computer port or a running program on the computer.

Perhaps there is a a specific computer or serial-based program (with an IR lead), that will automatically seek input from a bluetooth connection...

- Cliff

Sure you can control your computer! VNC will work, or if you're using w2k or xp on the desktop, you can use MS's Terminal Services to do it.

I have actually tried using an Ipaq as a Pronto substitute- I bought a 3950 (no bluetooth, but otherwise the same as a 3970).

As a PDA I was very impressed- great display, small, light, plenty of storage, etc.

As a remote it was nothing but problems....

The built in Nevo software works fine- good IR range, controlled all my devices. Unfortunately it is no more customisable than a OneForAll at present. Fixed button layout, fixed panel layout. You can change the button colours, but that's about it. I was not impressed. In a couple of years it may develop into a good product, as long as it is supported by the makers for that long. I can now see why they won't let you into there website proper until you have bought it!!

Oh well, I thought, the basics work, all I need is better software. I downloaded TVRemote and Pronto Edit. TVRemote is severely time-limited, so I paid to register it and set about writing a .ccf. An afternnons work later I had the basics set up and redy to test in anger. I sat on the couch and...NOTHING.
I was only 7 feet away from the TV, but no response.
The IR range was only 4 feet!!
It seems that TVRemote does not use the "consumer" IR, only the IRDA, with the consequent range problems. The only answer is to wait for PDAWin to update it to use the specific hardware on the 3950, or buy a highpower IR add-on.(PDAWin have not responded to my email yet)

In summary I would say that if you want a great PDA that can function as a $30 OneForAll then the Ipaq is just what you need.

If, like me, you want a ProntoPro for less money, with PDA features thrown in for free, then forget it (for now, until the software matures).

I took my 3950 back for a refund (I got it on 14 day approval) and ordered a Marantz RC9200. Having played with the Pronto software, I want one more than I did before!!

I have had the complete opposite experience as clockworks. I returned the prontopro after a few days to get the 3970 and could not be happier. Contrary to his post, the layout IS customizable in many respects. I don't need to impress anybody by incorporating fancy backgrounds and creating spiffy logos so button designing is not an issue with me. I just use what Nevo provided (and am confident more will come as rollout proceeds). I especially like having custom setups for different users and locations. I haven't found a device yet i can't set up and control from Nevo so i have no idea why anyone would want other remote software packages on the same PDA. I do have a TV listings package that works nicely. I love the IPAQ design and display. I love not needing my PC to incorporate a new device layout. I love having my CD, DVD, and phone contact databases at my fingertips. I haven't used bluetooth yet, so i can't address that issue other than to say there are a host of devices developed for handset users to use the technology to control all kinds of equipment, including RF. I can foresee the day when I use the PDA to get soda out of a vending machine at the airport!

You best bet is to go to the electronics store and play with the Nevo/ipaq package. Try setting it up to control some of the TV's and other equipment they have on display. Then use some of the other provided software. See if it fits your needs. If you only need a remote control, then perhaps a Pronto will suit you better.

Willywaxer

I agree that what Nevo does, it does very well. It is very quick and easy to set up, but only because it is so inflexible.
For me it did not do enough. I found the buttons too small for use with a finger- OK if you want to use a stylus.
The fixed button layout ( all I could get it to do was change a button colour/delete a button) means you are stuck with their way of doing things.
The only way to get to another menu is with the little scroll arrows.
The icons on the device wheel are too small.
The screen beeps every time you touch it, whether you press a button, or the background.
The hardbuttons are not fully programmable.
You have to press a hard button to wake it up (max on time is 5 minutes before going to standby)
The range is good, but I found it very directional- I assume it only has one transmit LED.

I have a 7 year old Remote Angel (mono touch screen) that does everything the Ipaq/Nevo does. The updated version of this is available in the UK for 1/8th of the price of the Ipaq.

I guess if you want an out of the box solution with minimal setting up the Ipaq fits the bill, as long as you don't mind paying the asking price.

I agree that it is the future, and when the software matures, I will definately be back to buy one.

The only problem I forsee is the usual thing with computers- they bring out a new model every year. By the time the software is anywhere near sorted, the hardware is obsolete, so you have to start again, or stay with a half finished product.

You may say that the Pronto family was obsolete years ago, but the latest software still works on the newest models. The consumer audio market moves far slower than the computer market.

I think the Pronto and Ipaq are two very different products. Which is best for you depends on your priorities.

I agree with alot of your comments. There is definately room for improvements. Most are sure to be included in software upgrades. But compare the hardware...you pay alot of dough for the prontopro and get a crappy screen, slow processor, limited memory, obsolete port, etc.. Updating these features requires new hardware. All this, and esentially a one-trick pony. Sure, it works great if that is all you need. No doubt, it's the best REMOTE out there. I see it like when you dedicate an older computer to a specific function and have the latest technology for everything else. If you need a multitasking device and are going to buy a PDA anyways, then the IPAQ/Nevo makes more sense. As I mentioned in another thread, the directionality of the remote is a real benefit for me: I have a whole-house audio system with wall-mounted controllers that have IR repeaters on them. With the old remote, my piped-in audio channel would change in one room when my wife was TV channel surfing in the other. Frankly, it doesn't take much effort to point the thing in the general direction of the device. Plus, I found NO difference in range between the pronto and ipaq. Another point is I have various TV setups in various rooms. I also have TV/stereo setups at my vacation home and a complex audio system at my work. Its natural for me to carry my IPAQ around wherever I go as it has all the other functions on it (It is suprising how I miss mundane things like contact info, calendar, calculator, etc when I don't have them). Do you ever take your pronto to work or on vacation with you? I don't watch too much TV so it seems wasteful to leave technology siting on the table unutilized most of the time. And yes, I have used it to surreptitiously change a TV from Barney to CNBC in a public waiting room (nobody was watching it anyways...I swear). My point is the same as yours...It really depends on your needs and lifestyle. If all you need is a great remote to control your entertainment room and like to work on customizing it, go with a pronto or crestron.

It's amazing, isn't it? Start off with totally different views, and end up agreeing!
It all depends on where you are coming from.
I really wish the Ipaq had worked for me.
If I didn't have to carry a laptop around for work (I need a CD and floppy drive to do software reloads,etc, on customer's PCs), then I would get a new PDA. I am sure I will one day. I still have my old Psion 3A, but the laptop makes it redundant.