Back in 2004, I needed a PDA, and the cheapest alternative for me back then was the Sony Clie PDA.
What I liked back then - and still do - is that there is no boot-up process: you switch it on, and it is there. The jog-dial is very handy, if you are like me, and have to be accessing your device while using your phone, so you cannot use the stylus.
The processor is slow - by today's standards, but according to what you want to do, it can breeze through those applications very easily. Although large files such as Excel may take some time to load, depending on the internal formulae in the file. It still takes crisp pictures at 0.3megapixels (as long as you remain relatively still) and it can handle documents created in MS Word and Excel 2003.
No mp3 or audio support, no WiFi, no bluetooth (but IRDA equipped).
It came equipped with Palm OS 5.0 and when registered at Sony's site, you would be able to down the free version of Documents to go, which took a few minutes to set up and download to the PDA. It was relatively easy to use (as long as you ca install and uninstall a program on a pc) and everything worked easily.
Syncing between Outlook and the PDA proved to be something of a challenge, and I managed to do so after downloading another freebie of the internet.
Pictures had to be converted before they could be viewed on the handheld because of the limited internal memory (ignoring the 256MB memory card I had installed).
For someone who doesn't want to keep all their information in one place, like a PDA-type cellphone, this is a good companion device. It is small enough to keep in your jacket's pocket and you can find numerous utilities and games on the internet.
The Software that came with this PDA was very simple to use and synced very easily when hooked up your pc.
Lukily, the unit shipped with all the software you needed to get things going, right out of the box, while the only software which was not shipped was Documents to go, and that was available for free, after registering your PDA.
Sony has discontinued this model of PDA and if investing in a used one, make sure to try it out to see if there are any scratches on the screen - this PDA's screen attracts fingerprints like crazy. Also, check to make sure that all the connections are available - the unit uses a standard USB mini-connector, but there is this proprietry adapter at the base of the PDA - it is very small, about one inch wide, and because it is not attached to anything, it is very easy to lose.
When it comes to the display, I use the backlight all the time - you cannot see anything otherwise. (For the record, 20/20 vision is my blessing.)
Also, battery life still is very good, lasting for days without the need for charging - but beware, sometimes that battery power can drain to nothing in no time at all while playing a game of chess or checkers.
However, because of the lack of integrated WiFi, Bluetooth or phone capability, this WAS the PDA of its day - it's time to move on.
by (91%):
by (9%):
20.03.2006 21:12
Good review.
20.03.2006 21:03
good review there. some more info would be better. look at my PDA review. dora x