Overstocked on PDA's

Can anyone remember the models in the H38xx range? How did they
differ? Since this was apparently the last of the 'better' *sunlit*
displays, it would be good to know which ones to snap up if they
become available second hand.

This Australian site shows that HP sell an upgrade to the latest
operating system for the H38xx (and H39xx, H54xx):
http://h50043.www5.hp.com/ppc2003/au/welcome.html

Cheers,

Jim Kelly

Hi,

I disagree that the older (3800 and before) screens were easier to read
outside. I think the 3900 and later a slightly better.

Paul Remde

"Jim Kelly" wrote in message
u...

Can anyone remember the models in the H38xx range? How did they
differ? Since this was apparently the last of the 'better' *sunlit*
displays, it would be good to know which ones to snap up if they
become available second hand.

This Australian site shows that HP sell an upgrade to the latest
operating system for the H38xx (and H39xx, H54xx):
http://h50043.www5.hp.com/ppc2003/au/welcome.html

Cheers,

Jim Kelly

"Paul Remde" wrote...
I disagree that the older (3800 and before) screens were easier to read
outside. I think the 3900 and later a slightly better.

I suspect the preference is affected by quality of eyesight and age. The
biggest problem I have is getting enough contrast to be able to focus
properly, whether at my desk or in the cockpit. The 39xx has better color
rendition indoors and out, but for me, the 38xx has better contrast under
sunlight. The backlight of the 39xx isn't quite bright enough to overcome
the ambient light levels and glare. To make either one usable in flight, I
have to do without terrain, use the largest fonts available, and use a very
contrasty (essentially black and white) color scheme.

Marc

Marc Ramsey wrote:
"Paul Remde" wrote...
I disagree that the older (3800 and before) screens were easier to read

outside. I think the 3900 and later a slightly better.


I suspect the preference is affected by quality of eyesight and age. The
biggest problem I have is getting enough contrast to be able to focus
properly, whether at my desk or in the cockpit. The 39xx has better color
rendition indoors and out, but for me, the 38xx has better contrast under
sunlight. The backlight of the 39xx isn't quite bright enough to overcome
the ambient light levels and glare. To make either one usable in flight, I
have to do without terrain, use the largest fonts available, and use a very
contrasty (essentially black and white) color scheme.

Marc

Has someone also experience with Compaq AERO 2120?

Noël

"Noël De Corte" wrote:
Has someone also experience with Compaq AERO 2120?

Yes, don't do it. They have old-style passive matrix color displays, and
they are the worst possible choice for use outdoors.

Marc

Noël De Corte s comments read:

Has someone also experience with Compaq AERO 2120?

One word describes it

Betamax

--
Tim - ASW20CL "20"

Tim wrote:
Noël De Corte s comments read:

Has someone also experience with Compaq AERO 2120?


One word describes it

Betamax

Do you mean, you have positive experience installed in a glider?

Noël

| I disagree that the older (3800 and before) screens were easier to
read
| outside. I think the 3900 and later a slightly better.
| Paul Remde

I think then on balance we can say that the H3950 is the best model
for gliding at this stage and that HP would do us all a favour by
improving their displays for outside use. Perhaps a slider could be
offered to the user that adjusts the contrast at the expense of
colour accuracy? Perhaps this could be automatically changed by an
"ambient light brightness" sensor! (perhaps the infrared receiver
can do this now?).

It is not just glider pilots that care. Pocket-PCs are great for
in-car-voice-guided-navigation systems, too, as well as for general
use outdoors. HP also need to keep the display size large and fix
the inadequate audio volume to have a chance at this market.

Cheers,

Jim Kelly.