You can get a gem, or you can end up with junk.  Never buy from a seller who doesn't provide you with complete information.  Here is what to look for and why:

 

1.  Auctions that state "Untested due to no power supply"  All HVGA Mobilepros will run on a standard 9V (MP750-MP790) or 12V (MP900/900C) a/c adapter.  When I see an auction that states it is untested for this reason, I normally think to myself...bullshit!  This is normally the seller's way of avoiding telling you that it was tested but doesn't run.

 

2.  Power jack issues that are intermittent or require physical manipulation.  Avoid these Mobliepros.  The jack is not easily fixable.  Early models were notorious for breaking internally, and if it does, it is not a simple solder job.  Many of the 900 series have problems with the jack which affect charging, rendering the device useless for mobile computing, even though they seem to run fine on a/c power.

 

3.  Screen is dim.  This is normally a function of the backlight inverter board or CCFL, and is not user replaceable.  Often you see a seller state "probably a loose connection."  More double-talk for not saying it is messed up and not fixable.  Mobilepros are made for indoor use, not outdoor, so any loss of screen brightness is an issue.

 

4.  Avoid any auction that doesn't show you actual images of the device.  Those canned or representative images are no true indication of the unit's condition.  They look pretty, but you might receive something terrible.

 

5.  No seller is going to guarantee you the longevity of the LION battery, but they should give you a relative condition, something like the battery charges well and hold the charge over several hours.  If they say something vague like "battery charges, but don't know how long it holds the charge," consider the battery is probably faulty and will probably cost you another $30 for a battery.  It could charge and be dead in 5 minutes.  If it lasts a couple of hours, the seller should state so.  The old excuse of not tested or worked the last time I used it is more double-talk to avoid what they already know...it is funky.

 

6.  Compatible a/c adapters.  A/C adapters are not created equal.  A 12V 600mAh adapter will run the 900/900C, but it will not provide enough current to charge the LION battery properly.  All a/c adapters should provide at least 800mAh at a minimum, and preferably more than 1A current rating at 9/12V DC.  The original a/c adapter is a 2000mAh power source.

 

7.  Missing backup battery cover.  Where are you going to find one?  Will you be satisfied with a piece of duck tape stuck on the thing?

 

8.  Compatible stylus.  The Mobilepro 750-790 series does have a compatible aftermarket stylus, the T10MG from Stylisource.  The 900/900C doesn't, however the Pilot Pentopia is a near match and fits well in 900 series and is a good replacement.  Anything else will just slide out and be lost, so don't accept just any old Palm stylus as a replacement.  The old Mobilepro styli do not fit the newer 900 series without some modification of the receiver sleeve or the stylus itself.

 

9.  Tested to power on only.  That doesn't tell you the function of the touch screen, which is critical for any Mobilepro.

 

10.  Sellers should state the condition or functionality of the modem.  It is simple to test...just plug in a phone line, have the Mobilepro dial any number, and they should hear the dialtone over the speaker...if they do, it is safe to assume it works fine.  To test the USB port, just plug in a mouse or keyboard.  To test the infrared is harder, but these hardly ever fail...I've never seen one fail yet.  The keyboard can be tested by just typing every character and see if it displays on the screen.  The touch screen can be tested by using the built in Inkwriter software and drawing a simple picture on the screen from all the edges to the center.  Testing the compact flash slot and the pcmcia slot requires plugging some hardware into it and seeing if it works.  The easiest thing is a CF memory card, and using an adapter and plugging it into the pcmcia slot will test it as well.

 

11.  Missing rubber feet or bumpers on the LCD.  People loose these when they start dismantling their Mobilepros trying to find what is causing the problems.  If you see a picture with these missing, then suspect some reason behind it.

 

Generally speaking, if a seller is on the up and up...he will tell you everything that is right and wrong with the device.  If instead he relies on a canned picture and a bunch of device specifications, and is vague in his description, then beware.  Never hesitate to send an email and ask questions.