Docc,

Just thought, we needed to clear the Air as we talk about processor speed and multitasking etc and a great many devices pass through your hands.

Your valuable perspective would be appreciated on what makes a fast PDA for web browsing and online email via

1 WiFi
2 GPRS

Are all devices equal or whats the important things to consider if this accessability is important to you after basic phone use when purchasing your next PDA

rgds
Steve

Steve,

Data processing is 55% dependent on the speed of the processor, 30% on the OS and another 15% on the task itself.

1) Processor: If you try to download a 5MB file on a 624Mhz processor and a 400Mhz processor simultaneously, the result will be rather obvious i.e the faster processor transmits data more efficiently (roughly 30%)

2) OS: Now same situation, but suppose the OS on the 624Mhz processor is WM5 and on the 400Mhz processor, it is WM2003. You will notice that the 30% greater speed achieved in the first scenario now drops to as low as 15%. The reason is simple, OS! Since the OS is now resident in the flash memory instead of the more volatile RAM, it takes more time to process the same amount of data.

3) Task: Games requires additional components such as graphic processors to perform optimally. Its simple math actually ( i hate math, so don't quote me on this), every task has to undergo a particular number of complex (ok not all of them) mathematical operations to get the desired result. Simple tasks require less calculations, hence the desired result is achieved quickly. On the other hand, a more complex task takes more time. This same analogy can be applied to the 1st scenario as in complex task-fast processor might not be a LOT quicker than simple task-slow processor

Now, coming to WiFi and GPRS, it is common knowledge that WiFi is more resource hungry than simple GPRS. GPRS at any given time cannot receive more than 43.2Kbps whereas WiFi "b" can NEVER achieve the theoretical 11Mbps connection. It is however MUCH faster than GPRS.

For web-browsing, the best combo would be a fast processor with a good connection (EDGE, EV-DO, WiFi) etc. If you have a slow processor (OMAP) and are trying to access HEAVY webpages like Cnet, then you are in for some WAITING time. In anycase, this also depends on the server that is transmitting the data to you. For instance, if you are trying to download a file from a server (single user, non-sharing) that has maximum upload capacity of 40Kbps, then you will probably get the same download speed both on GPRS and WiFi. The reason is again obvious i.e GPRS can download max 43.2Kbps at a time, but although WiFi can download MUCH faster, it doesn't apply here because the server itself is uploading at a fixed rate of 40Kbps.

For Email again, it doesn't really matter that much, because normal email (without attachments) would probably download at the same speed irrespective whether you are using a WiFi or a GPRS connection for the same reasons as mentioned above. In every-case, the processor, the task and the server are the one's that dictate everything.

I know all this is way too mixed up, but there are just TOO many factors to be taken into consideration. As i mentioned earlier, the best combination is a fast processor with a good wireless connection such as EDGE, UMTS, WiFi etc. Make sure that the processor ATLEAST has a 400Mhz processor and is EDGE, WiFi compliant.

Hope i didn't end up confusing people!!!

Docc.

Docc

quote:

Hope i didn't end up confusing people!!!

Yep

Good one M8,

As I thought it's hard to justify upgrading your PDA purly to gain web speed if outside factors are not similary improved.

If the internet content is of a high graphic nature (ie pic's) is this more processor dependent due to re-scaling etc ??

rgds
Steve

Absolutely. It also depends on what graphics chip you have. The Axim v51 can do it very quickly as it has a dedicated graphics chip and an uber-fast processor. Same task on another may show the exact opposite results

Docc.

Thanks Guys,

I learn a lot from this site.

I have an I-mate K-Jam and considering to change to other device with faster CPU.
The loading/waiting time for browsing the net using a Wifi connection is quite too long.
As what was mentioned especially with "heavy webpages".

I'm using my device for more than a month now and i liked everything with it except the speed. Not only with browsing the internet but with saving Excel files!!!!too slow!!!!!

Any tweaks or software solution to increase the speed just a bit?

Otherwise i will be forced to change to a faster CPU device,,,,,,,,
Thanks.

Criss

Is E-ten M600 a good replacement???

Hi Optik,

It is better to invest in a device with a good processor rather than have to go through the hassles of slow loading times. The M600 is a very good device and i would definitely recommend it. But, please make sure that you have a play with the device so that you know before hand what you are getting into atleast as far as physical dimensions and feel of the device is concerned.

Docc.

I think one one thing missing with the Eten M600 is the sliding keypad,,,,,,,

What about I-teq Bond,
Recenlty I could Divorce the PD2K..
Now confused what to choose..Eten M600 or this lil box..

M600 all the way Naser. The M600 BLOWS the iteq bond all the way to a different planet!

Docc.