The two versions look identical on the outside with the notable exception that the M2010 has an alphanumeric keypad on the front and the M2020 has a QWERTY keyboard on the front. Both of the devices measure in at 6″ x 3″ x 1.25″ and weigh about 13.4 ounces. The PDAs have WiFi, SD card slots for memory expansion, Bluetooth, and GPRS options.

The batteries the PDAs use are hot swappable for more runtime and they can be fitted with a 1D laser or 1D/2D imager for barcode scanning. Connectivity options also include GPRS and EDGE connectivity and the PDAs can be fitted with RFID readers. The screen is 3.5″ with 256K resolution and is touch sensitive and both use a Marvell PXA270 processor at 520MHz.

Despite the OS, though, the GETAC PS535F doesn’t actually have a WWAN modem; instead the company expects you to tether their Bluetooth modem or another cellphone.  As well as Bluetooth 2.0 there’s WiFi b/g and an embedded GPS receiver; no memory expansion, though, so you’ll have to make do with the 2GB of onboard flash.

As you may have guessed, GETAC aren’t really positioning the PS535F as ideal for soccer moms and businesspeople; instead they see their target audience as industrial field workers, environmental engineers and geologists.  We’re waiting to hear when it will be released and how much it will cost.

Update: UK price will be £799 ($1,123)

Press Release:

GETAC Introduces Its New Fully Rugged GPS / PDA with on Board Camera, Altimeter and E-compass

LAKE FOREST, Calif. –(Business Wire)– Mar 02, 2009 GETAC Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of rugged computers that meet the demands of field-based applications, announced the latest addition to its comprehensive line of rugged mobile computing solutions. The GETAC PS535F handheld is the company’s next generation, fully rugged GPS-enabled PDA featuring a built-in 3 megapixel auto-focus camera, altimeter and E-compass. These new features will enable field-based employees to capture field data on-site and transmit that data back to headquarters in real-time. In addition, the PS535F will provide pinpoint navigation support for improved location-based productivity, which is critical with search-and-rescue missions.

The PS535F handheld PDA is perfectly suited for GIS surveying applications across different sectors including utilities, oil and gas, forest patrol, and surveying and mapping of geology and mineral resources. The built-in camera enables instant visual data capture in the field, and the 3.5” VGA touch screen display with sunlight readable technology dramatically enhances the viewing quality of graphic-intensive files and detailed maps, even in bright sunlight or snowy conditions.

In addition to its GPS system, the product’s built-in altimeter and E-compass provide advanced navigation features such as fixed positioning of longitude, latitude and altitude, as well as the ability to provide directional relations between the targeted subject and the user’s position. The PS535F also features comprehensive wireless connectivity options, including integrated Bluetooth V2.0 and 802.11b/g WiFi. Users can connect the PS535F to a GIS server and instantly transmit or process data in the field using a GETAC Bluetooth modem or mobile phone.

“Our customers typically work in high-intensity environments and situations, which demand seamless and accurate information exchange between the main office and field workers,” said Jim Rimay, president, GETAC. “The PS535F is the ideal solution for any field application that requires immediate response and action such as fire and rescue teams, utilities technicians, and Park Rangers. A great example is forest patrols reporting the location and fire hazard conditions to a fire center to assist fire rescue planning. Ultimately, GETAC’s PS535F handheld device improves overall operational efficiencies and productivity, which for firefighters can be a lifesaving feature.”

The GETAC PS535F features Windows Mobile 6.1 software for quick access to email, the Internet, texting and other means of mobile communications. Weighing a mere 10.7 ounces, the device can operate at full capacity for up to 8-hours on a fully-charged battery and is MIL-STD 810F compliant and IP54 certified to operate without failure under the most extreme weather conditions, environments and everyday abuse associated with its user base.

Getac PS535F Main Features

3.5” VGA Touch Screen Display
533MHz Samsung 2450 processor
Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1
128Mb onboard MDDR
2GB onboard NAND Flash Storage ROM
MIL-STD 810F and IP54 compliant
Embedded GPS Receiver
3.0 Megapixel On-Board Camera
Altimeter and E-Compass
Integrated Bluetooth V2.0 and 802.11b/g capability
Sunlight Readable Display solution (optional)
8 Hour Battery Life
Dimensions: 5.7″ x 3.2″ x 1.2″
Weight: 10.6 oz

Will this be the shot of life the company needs or are the curtains closing on the once dominant PDA giant?  Watch our liveblog and find out!

The IMOVIO iKIT is a handheld device that runs on Linux and sports smartphone-like specs. It kind of looks like a bulkier Nintendo DS or something, but the iKIT features a 2.8-inch screen with 320 x 240 resolution, 128MB of ROM, 64MB RAM, a 312MHz processor and the Opera mini browser.

It also supports microSD, has Bluetooth 2.0, a QWERTY keyboard and an optional 0.3 megapixel webcam. The problem, however, is that is only has USB 1.1, no headphone jack and limited battery life. A release date is unknown, though the iKIT is expected to retail for around $172.

[via Gearlog]

They fit most of the Verizon PDAs and phones. The pouches come in a few different styles with about three different designs printed on each one. One of the designs being the classic Paul Frank monkey.

The prices range from $14.99-$24.99 just depending on which case you get. The cases are available both online and in the Verizon store.

Paul Frank PDA, cellphone cases and pouches [via techie diva]

Vista, it seems, has been HTC’s main priority, and in that capacity the Shift functions as expected.  With an 800MHz processor and 1GB of RAM it’s never going to be accused of running too fast, but the 40GB drive is healthy and the screen – running at a native 800 x 480 – clear and bright.  What’s less impressive is the PDA flipside: the Shift runs a pared down version of Windows Mobile 6 that doesn’t even take advantage of the VGA screen, chopping off the sides with black bars (as in the image above).  Similarly bizarre is that while in WM mode the only connectivity method is HSDPA – Bluetooth and WiFi, accessible to Vista, fail to show up in the connectivity manager.  That means you could be in your office, surrounded by rich, syrupy WiFi, yet unable to connect because cellular signals don’t reach you.

Of course, it’s possible that one or more of the confusing decisions HTC has made will be changed in the production version; as it is, the Shift looks to be a passable UMPC but not the dual-mode, best-of-both-worlds device we were initially promised.

pcdebolso [translated] [via jkkmobile]

Things are powered along by a 400MHz 32bit Samsung S3C2443 CPU, and there’s WiFi in b and g flavours as well as Bluetooth 2.0 if connectivity is your scene (and why the hell wouldn’t it be?); meanwhile, a GPS receiver turns the P560 into a portable sat-nav device, while it appears to have 2GB of internal storage in addition to MMC, SD, SDHC and SDIO memory card compatibility.

Despite being arguably rendered unfashionable by the latest generation of do-it-all Smartphones, there’s still a loyal PDA user base out there who are looking for their ideal device.  Sadly the P560 has a QVGA screen, rather than the VGA so many are demanding, but there’s still plenty to this handheld. 

Mitac MIO P560 test [220Volt]

Meanwhile, the phone with the curious touch-sensitive scroll, the iPAQ 614, is predicted to launch in October with pretty much the same specs, although obviously no full QWERTY keyboard and a larger, 2.8-inch touchscreen.  It’ll be priced the same as the 914.

HP’s first standalone navigation device, the iPAQ 314 runs software developed by the company themselves and is graced by a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen.  Although primarily for GPS, it can also synchronise with Outlook and cellphones via Bluetooth, play media files, and comes with West European maps pre-installed.  No price or release date as of yet.

Closer to the budget end of the range, the two new PDAs – the iPAQ 214 and 114 – will ship in October.  The 214 has a 4-inch 480 x 640 VGA touchscreen, WiFi, VoIP capabilities, and measures 120×76.6×16 mm while weighing 187g.  It’ll cost 3800 SEK ($500).  Meanwhile, the 114 has a 3.5-inch 320 x 240 display, 64MB RAM and Bluetooth; it’ll cost around 3000 SEK ($430).

What do you think?  Are these new smartphones enough to tear you away from HTC’s currently all-conquering range? 

Mobil.Se [via Unwired View]

So what does this UMPC have going for it that others don’t? First it does double duty as both a PDA and a UMPC. It does so by having two separate processors and corresponding OS’s that it can switch between with the touch of a button. The first is a Qualcomm 400MHz processor that powers the Windows Mobile 6 OS, in this mode the battery will last almost a week. However, push the button and switch on the Intel processor at 800MHz and Windows Vista Business, and the battery life is drastically cut to a mere 3 hours.

Video after the jump.

Other features include WLAN, Bluetooth, 1.3 Megapixel webcam, finger scanner, HSDPA, 40GB HDD, and up to 1GB DDR2. So far there isn’t a US release date or a price, but I sure hope it hits stateside, and soon.

The HTC Shift [via Gottbemobile]

The Recon 200x is covered in some sort of armor that has high ridges on both the front and the back, likely to prevent screen damage from falls and increase shock absorption. The device also has a special keypad to aid with use in extreme conditions.

Other than that the device runs Windows Mobile version 5, and has Bluetooth, WiFi, and at least a 200Mhz processor. The thing will hold two CompactFlash cards which should take care of any storage issues. TDS kept the Recon 200X nice and light despite all those features it only weighs 17 ounces or just over a pound. The cost for such a device is a weighty $1611.95 and can be purchased from SmartDevices.

TDS Recon 200X Ruggedised PDA for Die Hard fans and the like [via shinyshiny]

No, you aren’t reading some story from 1996, someone has actually filed for a patent that describes exactly that. Maybe someone should break the news to them that they make phones that are PDAs. Perhaps we should inform them that phones also include cameras and MP3 players before they cook up a giant phone with half a dozen detachable accessories.

Could you imagine how bulky a device such as that would be? I had an old iPAQ that was pretty big once, and it was practically unbearable to carry around. I guess they could cram a phone and PDA into something that size these days. But who would want to?

PDA with Built in Mobile Phone [via Slashphone]

No word on what prompted the move, but apparently it will not be using the Access Linux Platform that was developed by PalmSource. They will instead be using software such as Opera and ChatterEmail for browsing and messaging.

For now, they are still going to sell devices loaded with PalmOS 5, but expect to see the new Linux-based OS by the end of the year.

Palm turns to developing Linux OS [via electronista]

It’s not that people aren’t buying the Axim, it’s that people aren’t buying PDAs anymore. I laid my iPAQ 1910 to rest a few years ago and haven’t looked back. It’s just not a smart idea to carry around a phone and a PDA when you could just have one device that does it all.

Maybe next, Dell can start working on building higher quality machines and revamping their customer support. Well, that’s probably too much to ask, but at least they are apparently listening to customers these days.

CrunchGear Boooring Edition: Dell Axes The Axim [via crunchgear]

It seems to have a nice rugged appearance to it, which is always great. It appears to be designed as more of a datacenter diagnostic device than a standard PDA. “It visualizes and communicates problems related to HP servers and data centers, and works as a fully-integrated system to streamline day-to-day tasks.”

I’ve never worked in a datacenter, but I’ve spent my fair share of time in a server closet, and I could definitely see something like this coming in handy. Seems like others have the same idea, since it won the If Design Award at CeBit this year.

Teague Breathes New Life into PDAs with Rugged Concept for HP [via gizmodo]

Thing is, something like this could cause a whole lot of embarrassment.  You whip it out while at the local Starbucks, wanting to look up the meaning of “monopoly”, and a curious crowd gathers wanting to see Sony’s minor-miracle.  Imagine their surprise – and its rapid descent into disgust – on realising it’s most certainly not a UX50.  Expect bruising and jeers.

SII [via Akihabara News]

Girls Gone Mobile took a good look at the rx4540, pitching it against the current top-dogs in the mobile media world, and came out thinking that while the design and size is good, just about everything else doesn’t quite make sense.  The screen is too small, the controls too sparse, the memory too scant and the wireless (WiFi b and g and Bluetooth) is missing key features (such as A2DP headphone support).  Despite all this, Jenneth awards it 7.5/10; you’re more generous than I am!

Review: HP iPAQ rx4540 [Girls Gone Mobile]

Full feature list:

1. VGA out
2. Serial port with circuit for TTL to RS232 signals conversion.
3. Car charger
4. Input for 5v Dell power supply (includes protection against connecting 12v and 5v at a time)
5. PDA USB client connector.
6. USB HUB x4 (powered when applying 5v or 12v)
7. Audio preamplifier with double format output (RCA and mini-jack connectors)

Forum thread [via MAKE:]

Sharp RD-CMP2000R [via I4U]

p.s. New site looking great, Judie – good luck with the move!

Hermes Teasers [Gear Diary] [thanks Tony C. for the correction]

HP’s iPAQ rx4000 gets a big brother: the rx5915 [via NAVIGADGET]

Rather than me paraphrasing Matthew’s whole article, you should probably go over there and read it yourself.  He has pretty photos and words and everything.

TyTN: Smartphone of your dreams? [The Mobile Gadgeteer]

List of specs and features:

• Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 PPC CE
• 2.8 inch QVGA TFT LCD touch screen
• 128MB ROM, 64 MB RAM
• TI OMAP 850 at 200 MHz
• Wireless WAN
• EDGE / GPRS / GSM
• Quad-band 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
• Bluetooth
• Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g
• 2 MP digital camera
• FM Radio
• GPS
• 1250 mAh battery
• Mini USB 1.1
• Micro SD expansion slot

Read [via Reg Hardware]

Day traders don’t get your hopes up just yet because the MC-700 is probably not going to be available state side. This PDA is designed and built for folks with the need to stay on top of stock tickers. The 3.5-inch touch screen LCD is optimized for displaying stock market information. It’s likely made for the Korean market running on their CDMA network. Other features include 64MB SDRAM, 128MB FlashROM and a miniSD slot for memory expansion. The MC-700 sports a 312 MHz Xscale PXA270 chip set running on Windows CE 5.0 (yuck!).

Read [via MobileMag]

It’s hard to make out which version of the Microsoft OS is on this LG PM800 but do we really care? Just take a look at the quality of the video output on this PDA.

The LG PM800 not only features DMB TV tuner, LGE announced that they successfully developed a TPEG transport for the PM800: TPEG (Transport Protocol Experts Group). Unlike other GPS systems or devices, the TPEC does not require additional hardware in order to display traffic information.  It will also alert you of traffic jam or any traffic conditions in real time on a Map.

HDTV: LG PM80 [Akihabaranews]

With BlackBerry Connect, Optus customers have a greater choice of mobile devices that are supported by the robust and secure capabilities of BlackBerry services and a wider choice ofwireless email solutions on the feature-rich Palm Treo 650 smartphone.

Pricing and availability for the Palm Treo 700p smartphone will be announced later by Sprint and Verizon Wireless.