Features

• A new concept in handhelds: an extremely portable personal entertainment communicator
• 6 oz. with stylus
• Integrated wireless LAN (802.11b) and Bluetooth interface
• Built-in QWERTY-layout wide-pitch keyboard with backlight
• What's in the box: Clie handheld, Charger Cradle, USB HotSync Cable, Retractable Stylus, AC Adapter,Hand Strap, Installation CD-ROM, Instruction manuals

Reviews (26)

Sony Clie PEG-UX50
The search for the perfect palm pilot has always been an issue. Many have features that others don't have, that making it complicated to get the perfect one. Finally, Sony has created a PDA that has every feature that anyone could ever want "The Sony Clie UX50".
This PDA has more bells and whistles than any palm powered handheld that you have seen. With its wireless Internet and its blue tooth, it is easy to connect to every type of compatible device and the cradle for charging would be the only thing needed to be connected physically to it. This PDA has crossed over into being more like a laptop.
The UX50 also has a spaced out keyboard, which makes it easy to type in all the information that needs to be typed. Also the UX50 has a swivel screen, which allows you to change the keyboard into a screen. The pda also allows for the left and right-handed user to be comfortable and also eliminating the High-resolution display not to be covered while you write.
The screen resolution (420x380) is better than any pda out. The screen will let you enjoy little movies with the memory stick pro, which goes up to a gigabyte. Also the screen will be perfect to view your pictures from the camera on the pda or other sources. This pda has hand writing recognition for those who like to write on the screen. Also it has an MP3 player and a voice recorder.
This palm powered device is surely one the greatest inventions in the land of the pda's. It almost goes into the realm of laptops. If you were to buy any palm pilot and didn't mind dishing out 650 dollars then the Sony Clie UX50 is the palm for you.

Many Bells & Whistles in a small pkg, but needs improvments.
I have had an older Sony Clie for a few years. I was thoroughly impressed with that one. It served me well. I then had to replace it, and was solidly leaning toward another Sony product. The features of the UX50 series impressed me very much. But it does have some shortcommings.

Pros:
• Small size. Without a doubt, this is a great unit that fits nicely in my shirt pocket.
• Beautiful screen. It is clear and bright. It is a bit smaller than the older unit, but it is perfectly legible.
• Lots of internal memory. This means I can record a bunch of voice memo's or quick low-res pics from the built in camera w/o using a memory stick.
• Toolbar. There is a little toolbar along the side next to the silk to pull up commonly used features quickly. (like clock, speaker and memory stick media info)
• Built in Keyboard. I love it. It even has a backlight. Not too difficult to use, unlike smaller kbds on other units. The keys are slightly raised.
• Landscape working environment. The "silk" is along the side, and when not being used, the silk can be hidden giving an expanded screen to show text or other items in the silk area. This widescreen mode is a much more efficient use of screen real-estate.
• New handwriting recognition. Decuma is very natural, and has a very good recognition rate. But... see below...
• Rotate/Swivel screen. Use the unit as a micro-laptop, or as a micro-tablet.
• Bluetooth and WiFi. Very easy to setup and use.

Cons:
• This unit only works in landscape mode. I prefer holding the unit in my hand in portrait mode. There doesn't appear to be any setting in software to change this.
• The design favors wireless hotsync, since USB cable is very awkward to plug into side of unit. The cradle should provide the USB connection, and when inserted in the cradle, the USB connection is passed through the cradle (one less wire to insert)
• The battery life is terrible on the UX50 (even compared to the three year old unit I replaced). Perhaps the keyboard light uses up much more energy.
• The memory stick and stylus can come out too easily. I have nearly lost my stylus twice. The end of the memory stick protrudes just a bit too far, and can be easily unlocked.
• New Graffiti is difficult to get used to after a few years of proficiency with the old Graffiti. Some of the strokes are not as easy to use. Perhaps I'll get used to it, but my entry rate is significantly slower.
• Decuma takes up a large amount of screen space when used. There doesn't appear to be any way to shrink it. Also when in wide screen mode, decuma still only uses 2/3 of the screen (the rest of the screen is unusable)
• Decuma should be used in Portrait mode (replacing the Silk). This would free up more screen space, and would still be natural.
• The speaker mute feature should have a timeout, so I can mute for only 1/2 hour or so while in a meeting, but then get my audible alarms afterward.
• Cannot "type" special symbols from the keyboard. I use the bullet symbols all the time, but must enter them using graffiti.

I like the unit. Everybody I show it to is very impressed. The hardware is well designed. If they come out with software that fixes some of my above issues, then I would wholeheartedly recommend this above any thing else presently available.

Nice toy.. definitely not worth the $
Bought a UX50 used off eBay. Have had it for about a month. I would pay 400$ max for a used one. Now that Sony has stopped the entire Clie line, you should find them cheap off the internet.

PROS:
- Nice keyboard
- Love the fact that you can listen to music at the same time performing other functions like browsing, email etc (probably an OS5 feature not restricted to this model only)
- The wireless works like a charm right out of the box.
- Great resolution.

CONS:
- Had to soft boot at least 3-4 times already.
- Most apps require portrait mode which the UX50 does not natively support.
- Battery life - 3hrs max if you use the wireless.
- Need an additional memory stick (128MB - 40$)
- Crappy camera - 0.3MP!!! cmon Sony!
- Native doc support restricted to read only.
- Need the docking station to charge, no direct connection to PDA.

Must have software:
- you can enable the landscape mode for most apps using Code Diver. This is a MUST if you want to use the UX50.

(shareware + 10$. Remember to use the latest beta and not the handango version)
- Also I strongly recommend buying Documents to Go and Contacts to Go (add another 75$ to the tag)

Overall, you can end up spending about 1000$ to make this thing really usable, not worth it. But if you dont mind getting a used one cheap off eBay, this is definitely a nice toy.

A very unsatisfactory product
Having owned several pdas (palm IIIc, m130, tungstenE, & tungstenC), I was really wowed by the design of the PEG-UX50. I saw it first at Tokyo's Akihibara Electronics Town, and was impressed with the sleek design. The unit was functioning but mounted, so I didn't get to hold it. I was most taken with layout and functionality of the keyboard, and the swivel screen. Of course I was determined to buy one.

I waited two months until I was back in the USA and ordered two units from separate vendors. This is my usual custom when buying pdas, as I want to be sure one item isn't experiencing anomalies. I was so excited the day that they arrived. That excitement quickly dissipated.

The battery life is absolutely horrible. I was reading an ebook, and the battery barely lasted for 3 hours. When surfing the web, it lasts for about 90 minutes. The 3-D launcher interface did not appeal to me, so I switched to the classic palm launcher, which made things better. The stylus is too small and too thin to be of any practical use. By the time you get it out and get it extended, you could have tapped what you wanted with your fingernail several times over.

Additionally, the ergonomics are very poor. Maybe it's made for someone with wider hands than mine. It's too wide to sit comfortably in my hand in landscape mode, and there is no portrait mode. After reading my ebook for the three hours that the battery held a charge, my hand was cramped. Also, the buttons are not placed in the most convenient of locations. It's too easy to press the email, internet, or back button while you are just trying to hold the unit. And what's with the jog dial on the left? Probably a wonderful feature if you're left-handed like my little brother. Unfortunately, I'm right-handed.

The vast majority of the palm applications I downloaded did not take advantage of the UX50's wide screen. Who wants a pda window that only covers part of the screen? Certainly not me. In the end, I returned both units. One to Best Buy, where I was not charged the 15% restocking fee, and the other to MPSuperstore.com, where the restocking fee was waived because the IR port was defective.

I tried really hard for two weeks to like the UX50. I left my tungstenC and home and used the UX50 exclusively for that period. The only reason I gave the PEG-UX50 two stars is because the keyboard is excellent. I prefer typing on it than on my tungsten C keyboard. I was prepared to trade in my tungstenC for the PEG-UX50. It's little wonder Sony has withdrawn from the US pda market for a while. Maybe they'll dream up better products while they take this much-needed hiatus.

Cool gadget but uncool price
I've been using a Tungsten E for work and got the the UX-50 for play and was originally hoping to face out the Tungsten E.

They both run Palm OS 5 but I foung the Clie's interface not as user friendly as my Tungsten, it took me almost a week to get used to it and work with it without stopping to look up something in the users manual.

For the size and looks it is a very nice gadget, it's capabilities are close to that of a laptop unfortunately the price tag doesn't justify the purchase. For such a high price it should at least have Documents to Go installed.

The battery life is horrible! I got an extended battery which attaches to the bottom and makes the unit thicker and I'm still not able to use it as much as I use Tungsten during the day without worrying about the battery running out. I need to get a car charger before I can get more use out of it during the day.

The stylus is too thin to hold comfortably and it collapses in mid-use. It also tends to slide out very easily and I've almost lost it that way. Same with the memory stick, it sticks out from the unit just enough for it to come out easily.

The screen is very nice although I would appreciate it if you could occassionaly swtich to portrait mode. The swivel screen is one of my favorite features.

Not a big issue but I would like to be able to delete someapplications like "Clie Demo" that I don't use and are taking up space in the memory and in the icons.

The shortcut buttons are a nice feature but I immediately had to reassign them to features I use more than internet and e-mail. Their location makes it easy to press accidentally.

The built-in camera is better than that found in most cell-phones but not excellent. It comes in handy for quick snapshots but don't expect more from it.

The browser is lame and could use some improvement. It's nice to have a keyboard although it's not good for serious typing.

Bluetooth works great but the infrared interface was difficult to use when working with my cell phone.

This PDA has great potential but Sony has to first make some improvements before it becomes a "must-have". For 3 times the price, I thought this PDA would make my Tungsten E obsolete but I find myself still using it just as much because the Clie hasn't been too reliable to me. So I'll continue using 2 separate PDA's in the meantime. ... Read more

Features

• Palm OS version 5.2, i.MXL application processor, 32 MB RAM
• Built-in 310K Pixels CMOS Camera with 2x Digital Zoom (JPEG, 640 x 480 resolution)
• High resolution TFT Color Display (320 x 320 dots, 65,536 colors)
• Integrated Memory Stick slot (compatible with optional Memory Stick Pro media)
• Internal lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery

Reviews (13)

Delighted first time PDA user
I researched PDAs fairly extensively before I settled on my Sony Clie TJ27. Well it has been about a month, and I am delighted with it so far. Originally I was interested in a Palm but was frightened away by all the negative reviews everywhere. My Clie came with free Dataviz software (upon registration of the product on the Sony website), including word, excel and "Slides to Go" (similar to Powerpoint) and I have had no trouble transferring data from files on my PC to my Clie and performing hot sync operations.

I've taken pictures (okay, you need to get fairly close to your subject with the 2x zoom limitation, but if you want topnotch photography, buy a digital camera). The only area needing improvement is the battery power. When you use the camera, it eats batteries faster than if you were just working with data. All in all, I love it and would highly recommend, especially to first time users who don't expect it to be their morning alarm clock (honestly, who would rely on a handheld for this); a top-notch digital camera or their desktop. It is what it is - a great value for the price.

Great for the Price
I had a Handspring Visor Edge and the battery died on me, so, I thought it was about time to upgrade my PDA. I purchased the Sony PEG TJ27. I was shocked on how easy it was to convert all of my calendar and addresses information from my old PDA to my new one. The jog dial is very nice and the camera is a nice perk. The camera does not compare to a real digital camera, but it is fun to have. I do think that I should have paid the extra $100 to get the PEG TJ37 with the sound and wireless capabilities, but overall I enjoy my new PDA and I am very happy with my decision. As far as battery life, I have not yet tested, but it does require a lot more charging than the Handspring Visor Edge.

Solid, Reliable
The TJ27 isn't a terribly exciting PDA-it has no sound capabilities so it can't play MP3s or video (with audio)-even though the rest of the hardware is more than up to the task. What it does have is Sony's typically high build quality and reliability. The screen is excellent (and unlike most PalmOne models, it doesn't hum loudly, and the backlight can be toggled on and off).
The button layout is questionable. A jog dial sits between two left/right buttons in the location that most PDAs have either up/down buttons or a 5-way navigator. Depending on the program, the left/right buttons sometimes function the same as up/down buttons on older PalmOS models, and sometimes the jog dial and left/right buttons function the same as a 5-way navigator. The 4 application buttons are a bit too small, too close to the left/right buttons, and are connected together. (The calendar and address book buttons are connected, and the to-do and memo buttons are connected). So the layout isn't the greatest, but it does work okay.
The camera, as with all integrated cameras, is almost completely worthless, but since it doesn't really raise the price any, it's not a big deal.
System speed is excellent. The TJ27's 200Mhz i.MXL CPU (Motorola's ARM chip) benchmarks only 27% slower than Intel's 400Mhz xScale. Of course that power is basically complete overkill, especially since the TJ27 can't really play video, but programs like Documents to Go, and the basic PIM apps respond very quickly.

All in all, this is possibly the best "basic" PDA on the market right now. No audio, a somewhat strange button layout, but far better reliability than you'll get from other companies.

Good Value
I replaced my Palm 105m with the TJ27 shortly after the first of the year. It's a good value for the $200 price tag. Of course, it has the usual fearures such as addreess book, calendar, etc.
I also like the built-in digital camera (the picture may lack some quality, but it's quite good for everyday use). I also can give the back light screens high marks. The only two negatives are the battery has to be recharged frequently and unlike the plam there's no free built-in games. For your everyday use this is a great little unit. One last thing - their customer support: once you finally get through Sony's stupid phone menu and speak to a real live person, they are friendly and helpful. I had a small problem with the Hot Sinc and they fixed it right away.

SONY CLIE TJ27 vs. Tungsten E
The TJ-27 is SONY's response to the $200 Tungsten E. Since the TJ-27's price is slipping to below $170 it's easy to see who's winning in the marketplace.

The TJ-27's great strength is that it DOESN'T have PalmOne's hacked up extensions to the PalmSource OS. That's why I sold my T/E and bought the TJ-27. That's not to say it's a great product; there are no great pocketable PDAs available today.

(...) ... Read more

Features

• Palm OS version 5.2, Sony Handheld Engine processor, 32 MB RAM
• Built-in 310K Pixels CMOS Camera with 2x Digital Zoom (JPEG, 640 x 480 resolution), audio player, and video player
• High resolution TFT Color Display (480 x 320 dots, 65,536 colors)
• Integrated Memory Stick slot (compatible with optional Memory Stick Pro media)
• Internal lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery

Reviews (27)

WOW...all I can say is WOW...
Sony has done it again. Seriously. I'm not kidding. I've gone through a handful of PDA's in the past few years, and I've found flaws in almost all of them to date, but not the Sony Clie TH-55!!

First and foremost, it's just a sleek modern (...) design, that certainly draws attention. It's very light, fits in the hand very well, and is very comfortable to use. Sony positioned the scroll wheel/jog dial on the back of the palm, conveniently where one's pointer finger might lie when holding the PDA. Just below this scroll wheel is the built-in digital camera, which, when in well-lit rooms, takes rather nice pictures! This is perfect for just capturing cameos or friends acting silly when out and about.

The power switch is in a somewhat odd location, it's in the form of a slide switch on the left hand side of the palm. This takes a little getting used to, since my other PDA's had buttons on the top or bottom, but having the sony's power switch here makes it more difficult to have the PDA accidentally turn on and waste battery power while in your pocket. Another interesting (odd at first) concept is the stylus for this Clie - it lives on the back of the pda, just like other models, but it telescopes when you remove it. This felt a little odd at first, but it becomes natural within the first day you use it. It's an interesting idea, but I'm guessing they had to do that to accomodate the electronics for the camera.

There is a concealed memory stick port on this PDA as well, which I'm told can accomodate a 512MB memory stick? Either way, I just have a 32 MB stick that, in addition to the spacious 32 MB of memory built-in, suits me just fine for taking a few pictures here and there and saving them directly to the mem stick.

If all the stuff I just said wasn't cool enough, check THIS out! YUP, there's more! All those little cameos you take of your friends actin silly, or headshots of your co-workers, you can assign a picture to each entry in your address book!! Gone are the days of looking at a list of names, now you can look at a list of faces too!!

I could rave more about this, but the best thing I could say is get it!! You'll see how much fun it is, and possibly discover more fun items to rave about when it comes time for YOU to review this clie right here on amazon.com. Thanks for taking the time to read my review, and happy Clie-ing.

Bringing the Tablet PC to the PDA
PROS: I love the design, very solid build quality and great mat black finish. Superb software from Palm and Sony come bundled with the unit. Love the huge screen and the virtual graffiti pad. Excellent MP3 playback, movie playback. Love the ability to create free notes, drag-n-drop, images, sound recordings, memos and add an alarm so that you remember. Tinted cover looks great and allows you to see the screen when closed; excellent when you wish to distinguish which alarm has alerted you. The jog dial on the back is cool and the camera delivers OK pictures. Also comes with Documents to Go, a software that allows you to read, edit and create Word, Excel and Powerpoint documents. Why did choose this over the PalmOne Tungsten T3? Battery Life. This baby goes on and on for days.

CONS: Processor speed is sometimes slow. The flip cover will eventually get broken as it only opens to a 40 degree angle (although it is removeable). Retractable Stylus collapses every now and then. Does not come with a cradle, and US version does not have bluetooth capabilities. buttons on the side of the unit could be better placed and it does not come with a carry case.

All in all, I'm glad I bought mine. its helped me to stay organised and allows me to save and share some great media with friends and family. My advice, "try b4 u Buy"

Great Little Machine
All in all, the TH55 is a great little machine. The flip lid is a little klutzy, the on/off switch is a bit awkward to manipulate, and there is no native landscape support. Still, these are minor inconveniences for a PDA that comes with lots of features in a well-engineered little package.

best value/dollar going.
had palms and handspring and more palms. vx finally became impractical (was to synch thru serial port) but never had a big beef with it.

when shopping for replacement, thought if i was just going organizer, get another palm... prolly zire. thought if i wanted a palmtop computer, go WindowsCE.

i decided for power, and started research.

FINDINGS:
WindowsCE is NOT WindowsXP. No one seems to like CE much, even those (like me) who are pretty fond of WinXP.

WindowsCE devices were pricey, even cheap ones. The whole securedigital thing and the expense and clunkiness of addons was a big turnoff. i had tried the handspring visor and wireless packs and junk. ugh.

turns out windowsCE doesn't work as well with ms office docs as docs to go on a palm. go figger.

palm 5.0 getting good reviews.

palm-branded devices getting mixed reviews.

Palm gets dissed a lot for
*materials of construction
*durability,
*premium prices
*strange holes in feature sets

Palm feature sets weren't aligned with what i wanted, and i didn't like the prices much. I had never ever thought about a clie, they looked like pricey toys.

i read about some in reviews of other systems. more about them. got interested. looked deeper.

hey. clie! what the hell, DON'T LEAVE NOW SONY!!

I loved what i found in research - powerful, light, strong, compact, durable, good software, sharp screens, great battery life, good feature packages...

I now own this model and am utterly delighted. logging on to LAN at local bistro and home and bosses house is cake. apps that aren't standard palm ARE really better. screen is INCREDIBLE.

you don't know this, but i normally don't rave about junk.

i'm raving.

this is the best darn handheld i found by every metric i can think of.

Sony Th55
Access to the internet with WiFi "AWESOME" especially with the way battery consumption is conserved 2.480x320 color screen improves internet browsing experience 3..Decent camera 4.Reasonable processor speed styling and nice form factor. ... Read more

Features

• Palm OS version 5.2, i.MXL application processor, 32 MB RAM
• Built-in 310K Pixels CMOS Camera with 2x Digital Zoom (JPEG, 640 x 480 resolution), audio player, and video player
• High resolution TFT Color Display (320 x 320 dots, 65,536 colors)
• Integrated Memory Stick slot (compatible with optional Memory Stick Pro media)
• Internal lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery

Reviews (17)

Theres nothing better for the price!
Only those who have not any intuition with technology can rate thi PDA low.

The WiFi is just as powerful, stable and fast that makes this Clie work even better than many laptop computers with integrated antennas.

Configuration was as easy as my old Zire 71 and the camera quality noticeable superior!

Fip cover is useful and discret, you wont have problems being ready to use your PDA to enter some text, take a picture being protected all the time.

Tho Palm OS5 works great under Sony's hardware plus the Clie Navigation Bar that makes it even better.

Light weight, elegant, compact, powerful and affordable! Tell me where you can find such a perfect combination?

First week with the TJ37
I bought this pda to replace an clie sj-20, which I liked quite a bit.

I bought it primarily for the wireless connection, since I have access to wireless and home and work. Rather than run off to my computer to check email, I hoped to be able to pull out the pda, check email, and sync later.

So far my plan is working very well. As others have noted, the wireless connection settings are very easy. Setup of software was also easy. Unlike another reviewer, I like installing components one by one to avoid having things I don't want.

Palm OS v5.0 is somewhat of an improvement, although it isn't clear to me exactly what is palm and what is Sony. I do like the 'desktop,' which seems vaguely MacOS X-like.

I very much like that the TJ37 works with previous clie peripherals - I have a terrific fold up keyboard that is a marvel of engineering (the newer stowaway) which works much better with the 200mhz processor of the TJ37 than the 33mhz in the sj20.

And as others have noted, the camera is a great addition. Used closeup and without zoom the camera takes very serviceable pictures. And they are quick, without the annoying lag we experience no our 4megapixel Canon. Since I always have my palm with me, I'm taking many more pictures of the kids etc.

A couple of notes:
The TJ37 comes with a cover that opens like a book. It is the same material (which defies description) as my sj20. It opens like a book, I'm assuming, to facilitate the use of the camera. The sj20 has a flip up cover, which is more convenient. The TJ55 has a translucent plastic cover, which looks a lot better.

The version of intellisync included has less functionality than the version that came with my sj20, so I uninstalled the latest and reinstalled the sj20 one. In particular, the new version does not allow you to set date parameters for calendar sync...an annoyance.

The size of the stylus does not bother me in the least.

Netfront web browser is quite good.

I bought it for wireless and the unit really delivers. Highly recommend at this price point.

A thorough look at a weak product
After much research, reading, thinking and more reading I was torn between 2 PDA models, the Clie TJ37 and another model (whom I shall not mention here because I don't want to come off as shilling for a competitor).

Since I was a return Clie customer I thought it a good move at the time to lean toward the Clie line. Once I waded through the nay-sayers and detracters of the Clie line, I arrived at the store with money in pocket. Spending a few minutes alone with the stylus-less floor model & the runner-up, I finally decided to purchase the TJ37. I and ran home with it tucked under my arm. (after paying of course)

The out-of-box experience was excellent, everything you need packaged neatly in a sturdy, green, cardboard box. Ahhh, just like the first time, I thought as I opened it up. After patiently charging it for four hours, I was ready to rock & roll with my new Clie. This is the first color-PDA I have ever owned, oh how I looked forward to this moment.

I picked it up and pulled out the stylus. And that's where the disenchantment began, that cruddy little telescoping stylus. Here are the bad points of the TJ37 as I see them (and each one made me madder)

Cover - at least Sony included a cover with the Clie, one of the few things they are good enough to throw in. The old Clie's had the cover attach to the top of the unit. That was a good, ambidextrous orientation and was easy to flip up and out of your way to use the unit. The TJ37 however, has one clipped to the left side of the Clie, like a small book. Making it harder & less comfortable to hold out of the way.

Stylus - there's no excuse for a stylus this small and this bad. Uncomfortable, hard to hold, cheap, difficult to use and you cannot even replace it with a normal sized stylus because the holder won't accept it. I have average sized hands and this stylus was way too small. Hard to use and easy to loose!

Lack of base - I am also quite tired of paying good money for a PDA and then have to shell out MORE money for a deskcharger base when it should come standard with the unit! This goes for ALL makers of PDAs. But, I especially ding Sony here b/c they squandered their development money on frivolity (integrated weak-camera, their own cruddy software) instead of being pragmatic or even innovative they chose the route of often made mistakes. Next time include a deskcharger base with the product.

Sony's proprietary s/w - I am sick of companies overwriting standard software with their own interpretation. It wastes system resources and you cannot delete it! The money it took Sony to develop that crappy Clie Manager software, which no one will use, could have been saved and help deliver a more affordable unit to market. I buy Palm PDA's for PALM o/s not to use your idea of what PALM should look like!

Chinsy cameras - and chinsy is a nice way of saying cheap-a** garbage!! Cameras have been integrated into phones to such an extent that you cannot purchase a decent cellphone without an integrated camera, a camera you probably won't ever use btw. And Sony follows suite with a cheap, weak performing 310k pixel camera - why bother? A third of a mega-pixel camera? You have to be within 5 feet of a really well lit subject to get a blurry, washed out image. Wow - what a feature! Again, waste of development time and construction materials to deliver something no one will use, and few wanted. Again, that money could have been saved to offer a more affordable unit on the market. Why not include a Swiss Army knife next time at least that would be a useful feature!

Connection adapter - the IO/power adapter used to plug into the bottom of the Clie gave me my first, real "what the H! were they thinking" moment with Sony! A cheap little piece of plastic less than 1 inch square needed as a go-between for the USB & power cord. So, what happens if I loose it? Or if it breaks? Guess I'll have to stuff more money into their pockets to buy one - and while I wait, I won't be able to use my PDA...another great idea from the cheap marketing-driven minds at Sony! Clearly Japanese traditions of quality are being replaced at Sony with marketing delusions, when they could benefit by marrying pragmatism.

By the time I was done, I threw it back in the box (none too happy), went back and returned the TJ37. I read someplace that this is one of the last Clie releases Sony plans for the US. GOOD, I say, because I do not plan to purchase another Clie (unless my demands, above, are met). What a waste of time, effort and money ... steer clear of this Clie.

The upshot, I learned some new things on PDA's and I purchased the runner-up, which is excellent!

This is a great PDA
My husband used to support the Microsoft Pocket PC products and they were buggy as heck. As part of his job he got them free. After all the aggrivation he had with his, he spent the money on his TJ37 and loves it.
His HP product had to be hard reset every two weeks. He had several MS approved apps on the Pocket PC that had to be reinstalled, a 30-40 minute ordeal. A hard reset on a Pocket PC is similar to reformatting your hard drive. Hard resets also caused him to run out of validations on his ebooks. Contrast that to the TJ37. He's never had to do a hard or soft reset on the Clie. Like a Timex watch, it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin. He did try a hard reset on the Clie once, but everything returned when he synchronized the newly reset Clie with the PC.
My husband's associates at his firm asked advise on which palm device to purchase. He enthustically recommended the Clie, but his associates purchased Compaq's at 50% off. Consequently, they're having to perform hard resets, the alarms quit working, etc., yet my husband's Clie just keeps plugging along.

My first PDA
I've held off for a few years before going to a PDA..basically because I was so used to paper day planners. I am glad I finally got a PDA. I guess I got tired of going to meetings and watching everyone deep into their Palms while I looked out of place with my paper notes. But aside from image, I can honestly say that I am very impressed with this device. I did some reasearch and found that Palm OS is better than the other MS devices because there is much more software. Palm OS is also more user friendly. I really like all of the enterainment options on the TJ37. I haven't been able to figure out how to connect the mobile internet and the MP3 stuff yet but I'll make that a careful study. But I did download tons of cool software and this thing has more than enough memory to handle all of the software up-grades, e-books, games, etc. The graffiti works pretty good too..it didn't take me long to get the hang of it. I recommend this to those of you who are contemplating taking the big leap to a PDA. The TJ37 is the perfect little mobile office and coupled with a nice leather case (you have to kinda search for one that'll fit on the internet becasue they don't supply one to you) you'll have a nice little executive mobile office. I can tell you that the stylus is pretty annoying. It is a thin piece of metal that is retractable. It is too flimsly and contracts in your hand sometimes as you using the device and does not pull smoothly from the device..it kind of tugs a bit. Also the battery life kind of drains pretty quickly. But the bottomline is that for the price and what you get it's a very good deal..highly recommended. This thing has everything and the Sony brand is about the best you can get from a electronic device..the quality is very good. ... Read more

Features

• DragonBall Super VZ 66 MHz processor running Palm OS software version 4.1
• TFT color display with back lights, 320 x 320 pixels, 16-bit color
• 16 MB internal memory
• Built-in MP3 Audio Player
• What's in the box: CLIÉ handheld, USB HotSync cable, AC adapter, Stylus, Headphones and volume controller

Reviews (29)

Good PDA but soon to be replaced.
Clie SJ33 had very good form factor and design. There's no need to spend extra $$ on case or hardcase. The built in flip protects the screen and looks cool. Hold/power switch is also very nice for mp3 playback.

The major pro's are,
1. Good build quality and stylish casing.
2. Jog dial, hold switch and memory stick expansion slot.
3. HiRes color display and good backlight.
4. About 7-8 hrs of battery life with mp3 playback.
5. Runs Palm OS 4 which has zillion free apps available. Very easy, reliable and not bloatware unlike Windoze on PocketPC.

Con's,
1. Only 128kbps or low bitrate mp3 can be played.
2. Uses a Lithium Ion battery...
3. To be discontinued and replaced by a newer model by Sony very soon.
4. Memory stick is expensive compared to CF cards. Plus this model won't support new MS Pro sticks.

If you can wait for till Sept/Oct new Sony PDA's should come out with Palm OS 5 and better features at same price point.

Love this thing!
I upgraded from a Handspring Visor Deluxe that I have been using for almost 3 years. The Clie's higher resolution screen and text look really nice. Colors are bright indoors (a little washed in sunlight). Battery life is very good although I wished they would have included a cradle for recharging and synching. Sony only included cables that plug directly into a port at the bottom of the pda.

I really enjoy the built-in mp3 player and the jog-dial on the side. The unit fits nicely in my front pocket where it can be quickly accessed. Installation and setup were a snap.

Pros Summary:

- Great screen resolution and colors.
- Small size and convenient flip cover.
- Integrated mp3 player works and sounds great.
- Good battery life
- Reasonably priced

Cons:

- Recessed buttons on front bottom can be kind of hard to press.
- No cradle (just plug-in cables).
- Included datebk does not include the week-at-a-glance that was
included on my old visor.
- No voice recorder.

Excellent PDA for an affordable cost
This is my 2nd PDA. I had a Casio PV-S1600. So I was used to monochrome screen and no snazzy apps.
This palm OS based color CLIE just blasted me away.
The palm 4 os based software are easily available online. The PDA serves all my purpose ... entertainment or work. The built in mp3 player is great.
I give it a thumbs up!

Cons:
A faster proccessor and RAM needed... (yes im greedy)
No cradle available with package
Built in Speaker not loud enough

Lousy product support from Sony
We bought several units for office staff. Liked the unit's functionality, but several units had re-charging issues. Could not get satisfactory help from Sony, wanted nearly $500 to "fix" one unit, claiming that it had evidence of moisture damage to the mother board. At that time, it was less than two weeks out of the box, and never exposed to moisture. There was no one from Sony to talk to, despite their fancy voice interactive service line. Called numerous times. Best I got was a commitment that the service team that dealt with it would call me back within 24 hours.... nothing doing. Eventually returned the unit to me - without repair done.

Good but flimsy
I was happy with the features and screen of this PDA, although its plastic construction felt flimsy compared to my old Palm V. Unfortunately, I have had to return this CLIE for repair/replacement. The innards of the memory stick slot broke loose. SONY warranty service answered my call promptly, and quickly sent me a pre-addressed FedEx carton for return of the unit. ... Read more

Features

• High-powered handheld running Palm OS 5 and packed with multimedia features
• Built-in 1.3 mega pixel camera
• Video recording and playback
• Expansion slots for integrated CompactFlash and Memory Stick cards
• What's in the box: CLIÉ Handheld, USB HotSync Cradle, AC adapter, Stereo headphones and remote controller, AC plug adapter (with attachment), Hand strap, Retractable Stylus

Reviews (15)

A better PDA than this does not exist.
I have an NX70 and tested the 80....the 80 is AWESOME. However, remember 2 things: the 80 is the 70 with a couple of great new features....and if you already have the 70 there really is no point to step up to the 80. Key points...
1. The 80 is the first palm os pda to have 32mb internal ram (as far as I know)...fantastic!!! While it is true that because of the structure of the palm os (compared to pocket pc) a good chunk of memory is not needed, the multimedia capabilities of the clie series made you wish more than 16mb were available internally. Sony listened and added the extra memory. There are large programs out there that simply function better having them on internal rather than a memory stick.
2. The 1.3 mpx digital camera is a substantial improvement. Remember, up to 3 years ago that was the max you could get with a dedicated digital camera. Combined with the capture light you can get substantially better pics, not to mention the mpeg4 video clips you can store.
3. The screen is beautiful, period. 480 by 320, the pda equivalent of 16x9 or hd. At it's lowest brightness level it's better than most color screens out there.
4. Video playback is awesome. You can download from the web a music video or Seinfeld episode and play it back on the Clie beautifully rendered!!!
5. Audio-the headphones sound great...the external speaker is ok for the job, serious music lovers gotta use the headphones. If you're in the business world and want to show something off the Clie you can use the speaker - it does the job. Pulling out headphones for your boss as if I were a teenager does not cut it.
6. Great resolution allows your pics to be seen in all their beauty.
7. Docs to Go software allows you to work on MS Office documents-suggest you get the portable keyboard if you intende to do serious typing...at that point it truly replaces your laptop unless you're a cpa or a rocket scientist.
8. Voice recorder captures crisp, lengthy voice memos limited in size only by your free memory stick space.
9. Sony retained the rotating screen which lets you carry the Clie like a notepad.
10. Very easy to place music on the device.
11. Drawback: if you want Bluetooth, don't bother with this unit; however, I have no need for BT....also has no WiFi built in, but again, I have no need for that either...WiFi service is still fairly limited in NE Florida although that will change w/in a year.
12. The size of the unit is large. It's slim though and fits comfortably in my carrying case...it has a good feel in your hand...it's properly balanced which means it stays level when fully extended.
13. If the 80 is like the 70, it's unbelievably sturdy...I dropped the 70 twice on bare ceramic tile and discovered (after recovering from the horror) it didn't even have a scratch! Of course I switched my case after that.
14. Anyone that says it's overpriced is mistaken, you have to appreciate the value...ever have a time you wished you had a camcorder to film that coworker goofing off? Or a camera to avoid writing a lengthy note (of course after struggling to locate pen and paper) by taking a pic of a document? Or record a key moment in a presentation? Or wish you had something to work an important excel file, but your laptop had it's battery drained or the file is at your desktop at home because you don't have a laptop? This sucker has solved these things for me, it is truly amazing!

A BIG MISS I JUST REALIZED TODAY-IT DOES NOT PLAY WMA FILES. THIS WILL BE A PROBLEM IF YOU INTEND, LIKE I DO, TO BUY MUSIC ONLINE. MUSIC IS OFFERED IN WMA FORMAT AND THE AUDIO PLAYER ONLY HANDLES MP3S. I DONT KNOW WHAT SONY HAS IN MIND TO SOLVE THIS, EVEN THE AUDIO SOLD ON SONY MUSIC WEB SITE IS IN WMA AND INCOMPATIBLE WITH CLIES. UNBELIEVABLE MISS IF YOU LOVE MUSIC.

I insist, after playing with ipaqs, palms, jornadas, etc. there is nothing better.

Great PDA for medschool students
Great PDA, I'm a medschool student and it helps a lot in the hospital and in the classrooms. A lot of free medical software to download from the web. The camera it's awesome, it has a slow shutter function that allows you to take pictures even in dark rooms; the resolution (1.3MP) it's good and I can take pictures of patients, X ray films, CT scans and more with nice quality.
The battery lasts for at least 5 hours of continuous work, and the integrated keyboard helps a lot when you're tired of using the stylus. The internal memory it's quite short, but I bought a 256 MB Lexar MS (not too expensive) and don't have any problem.
I do recomend this PDA for medschool students because it's a helpful tool in the hospital (specially the camera). The free software I found on the web includes drug guides, medical calculators, diagnostic and tratment tools, medical news software, etc, etc, etc.

After over a year of daily use...
This is my third PDA, the priors were Palm IIIvx, Sony Clie 610C. I really use my PDA all day, so I could justify paying a bit more for a nicer PDA. I have friends with CE based machines and they really don't use them nearly as much as I use mine.

Pros:
Too many to mention all of them, but the all add up to great usability. I really used a lot of the features that I thought were just bells and whistles. The flip display is great because you don't need a case unless you are trying to keep the unit pretty. The camera was a life-saver for shooting white boards before they get erased and showing tech support problems that were hard to describe over the phone/email without a picture. The voice memo took excellent notes even at conference meetings (much better than my friend's Palm Tungsten 2). Additional apps such as a mileage log (Trip) have been so important to me that I replaced the hard-wired button for notes with it. The Silk Launcher has a mode that adds more app buttons to the graffiti area.

Battery life is very good. I would often go for 3 or 4 days between charges, regardless of the display brightness. If I reduced the brightness, I could go for a week of light use between charges.

Cons:
A tad big. Too heavy to tote around for MP3s at the gym.
After well over a year of heavy use, the Power/Hold slider button died, making the unit unusable (Fortunately, I sync'd up just a few hours before it broke!).

Decision Time:
Sony want's $150 to fix it. For double that, I can get a new one, and since no other PDA surpasses the UX80V, I think I will do that. I have been very rough on my Clie, but it really is a workhorse for me.

Best PDA... still!
The Clie NX80 is still the best PDA around, despite being discontinued by Sony. The latest model, the UX, doesn't even come close in terms of screen size or brightness, camera quality, or overall reliability.

There's nothing on the horizon which is even threatening to make this unit obsolete. It will certainly rank with the best for at least another 2 years.

Considering that unused NX's can now be bought for aboutUS$300, you really can't go wrong. Highly recommended.

Possibly the BEST PDA on the planet right now...
I've had my NX80 for about two months now and continue to be amazed with what this little device can do. SONY really got it right with this device. Screen in HUGE and bright and the keys/buttons well laid out. I use my NX80 everyday to listen to MP3's, watch movies, play LOTS of games, and use it for productivity purposes (calendar, phone#'s, notes). My favorite games are Billiards, Bowling, Crazy8's, Rumnmy, and GTS Racing all of which look amazing on the NX80. The compact flash slot can be made fully functional with *free* hacked drivers (www.cliesource.com) to really increase the NX80's functionality. I SIMULTANEOUSLY use a 512MB compactflash and 256MB MS Pro stick. I've started experimenting with Macromedia Flash which, by the way, the NX80 can play PERFECTLY. I can transfer "SWF" files that I download from the web (search your PC for *.swf files!!!) directly to the NX80 and play them on the go! The screen protector is an absolute must. I (...) believe I got every penny's worth. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The new Palm-powered PEG-NZ90 Clié handheld pushes the envelope of handheld computing, featuring the new Palm OS 5.0 as well as an ARM-compliant 200 MHz CPU for enhanced overall performance and exceptional multimedia experience.

The built-in 2-megapixel camera supports UXGA resolution (1,600 x 1,200) for high-quality still photos, and includes several enhancements, such as 2x digital zoom, strobe flash, auto focus, and manual exposure adjustment, to help make your photos look their best. You can also record and play back video (MPEG-4) and store it on Memory Stick media.

Built-in Bluetooth technology allows you to pair your Clié handheld with other Bluetooth-compatible peripheral devices. HotSync your Clié handheld with a Bluetooth-enabled Vaio PC, exchange data or play games between Clié handhelds using Bluetooth, or connect to the Internet via a mobile phone with built-in Bluetooth--all wirelessly (Bluetooth-compatible peripherals sold separately and Internet service provider required).

The PEG-NZ90 is also equipped with a wireless communication slot for adding an optional wireless LAN (802.11b) card. Browse the Web, check e-mail, and synchronize data wirelessly with your PC via wireless local area network (LAN access point sold separately and Internet service provider required).

This new Clié also incorporates a voice recorder feature to record and play back voice memos. A 128 MB Memory Stick can hold approximately 535 minutes of voice recording in LP mode. The PEG-NZ90 also includes a slim and stylish multifunction USB cradle, with folding mechanism for portability. It is USB compatible for HotSync operations and printing JPEG still images directly to a printer. You can also display JPEG pictures on a monitor using the AV output.

Another new feature is the removable lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack. The "Smart" lithium battery pack indicates the remaining battery life in minutes. Additional battery packs (PEGA-BP500) sold separately.

Note: Compatible with Sony's wireless LAN card (PEGA-WL100) only. PEGA-WL100 sold separately.

What's in the box

• Clie handheld
• USB cradle (for HotSync operation and printer connection)
• USB cable (for HotSync operation)
• USB cable (for printer connection)
• Stylus
• AC Adapter
• AC Cable
• Stereo headphones
• Remote controller
• Hand strap
• Installation CD-ROM
• Read This First
• Troubleshooting Q&A
• End User License Agreement
• Graffiti sticker
• Limited Warranty Statement

Features

• Built-in 2 Mega-Pixel Camera with flash and 2X digital zoom
• Built-in Bluetooth for wireless connectivity with peripherals
• Video recording (MPEG-4) and playback (MPEG-1, MPEG-4)
• Built-in MP3 audio player
• What's in the box: Clie handheld, USB cradle, USB cable, USB cable, Stylus, AC Adapter, AC Cable, Stereo headphones, Remote controller, Hand strap, Installation CD-ROM

Reviews (16)

Awesome piece of equipment
Ignore the mediocre reviews on Brighthand and ZDNET. I own this machine and it kicks serious butt.
Positives
1. The screen is by far the best on the market. Kicks Pocket PC butt and even CLIE earlier models.
2. Camera is awesome. You may say why do I need a camera all the time but believe me, if you have it you will take more spontaneous pictures.
3. Keyboard is much better than previous models.
4. Movies is also a plus..take some heat of the moment clips.
5. Bluetooth Hotsync is convienient. Link up with phone to check email.
6. Wi-Fi means you can surf anywhere

Negatives:

None- you may size but whats the size of carrying a camera and a PDA.

Having used the Sony Ericsson P800 Smartphone which was rubbish- bad operating system, bad voice clarity, useless camera

I'd rather use this machine and a bluetooth phone

Great Play
I finally made the plunge and bought the NZ90. After being a die-hard Palm user (starting from the Palm Professional,III,Vx,M505), I switched to the Sony Clie.

I truly enjoy playing with the NZ90. It has more functionality than the Palm M505. The camera and video features are amazing. The 2mb still camera produces decent quality pictures. One use I make with the camera is to take shots of documents from work. Now I can reveiw my work on my Clie without having to take home hard copies. The video function gives me the opportunity to film short clips on the fly of my baby boy. (I chose to defer purchase of a digital video camera and opted to use the video on the Clie.) The video quality is poor, but serves its purpose until my son begins to walk when I then plan on purchasing a digital camcorder. Also, I purchased the wireless card for the Clie. GREAT. I love this. You can check pop3 email and browse the internet without having to boot-up your laptop or computer. The easy power on/off of the pda makes it quick for me to check email as well as read the daily news.

2 negatives that needle me:
1) Batter life is poor, especially when using the still camera with flash. The flash drains the battery after 10 shots.
2) The size is a hurdle. Unlike the sleek m505 design, I have to carry the bulky NZ90.

I enjoy playing with my NZ90, emphasis on the "playing". As for practicality, I miss the m505 design as I daily use the address book, calendar, memo.

a piece of junk
Dont ever buy this product. It comes with a packet of junk softwares. Take for example audio player. It can only play files which has a frequency of 44.1KHz and data rate of 96kbps to 128kbps. However there are some awesome products out there, but since sony doesnt provide their API, these products dont work for nz90.
Battery life is terrible. Even when your battery is %80 percent charged, you cannot use flash to take a picture. I think with fully charged battery you can only take 5 ( yes it is 5) pictures. Then your battery is totally gone.
There are so many negatives for this products that I can write 5 paged on that!!!!
Exteremely disappointed user of nz90.
Luckily I saved so many friends of mine to do the same mistake!!!

A jack of all trades - master of none
It may be a great idea to have a PDA and camera combo, but this product is not it. It has the best screen I have seen (big and bright); excellent game selections; but is cumbersome due to the flip screen and ridiculous stylus storage.

The camera takes good photos, but the lag time from shutter release to taking a picture is very slow and you need a very steady hand for quality picures. The still and video camera use way too much power (in relation to a stand alone camera which may be able to take up to one or two hundred pictures on a battery charge vs about 15 - 20 for this one) The screen is just about invisible in sunlight making it very difficult to frame picures.

The Piscel Viewer for documents is not user friendly and you cannot edit any documents without additional software. As a PDA alone it is not bad, but many are better due to battery life and are more user friendly.

Just a bad choice. Battery life at this time is way behind the state of the art (5 hrs max just leaving it on). The power lasts about two hours playing even simple games (something like backgammon). You cannot even fill a MS on one battery charge and movies cannot be taken (or the flash used) at anything less than full power. The battery is rechargeable (and removable), but there is no external charger available. Batteries must be charged in the Clie.

The cradle connection is awkward and usually takes both hands and some jiggling to get it to seat on the cradle. The only way to tell it is seated properly is to turn it on and make sure the battery logo has a lighting bolt accross it indicating that the unit is charging and therefore is properly seated in the cradle.

I am now looking at a Pocket PC and digital camera (separate) to get better performance. Any one want a sightly used Clie NZ 90??

HUGE in every sense !
Well, let's start by the basics. This machine is HUGE by any means if you compare it to any other PDA. It's like, well, the Darth Vader of all the Palm Powered devices. It's black, it's menacing, it's all-powerful. You can stun an attacker with it if you whirl it over your head and hit him (it includes a convenient hand strap for that purpose).

Jokes aside, it is well built (i used to have a Clie NR70V and it was very fragile), the hinges and swivels are tight, it won't open inside your backpack and get all scratched inside.

It is also a nice PDA, with all the useful stuff that any common handheld has. (Memo, Agenda, Address, To Do, Whatever). But it excels on the add-ons. That's the best part.

The digital camera is awesome (autofocus/manual focus, flash, 2.0 MP) and it can store hundreds of pictures. There are many options and settings to play with.

It also has audio recorder software. The sound is crisp, clear, and you can record many, many, many hours of speech, enviromental audio or anything.

As any other Clie, it has its own mp3 player. There's no need to buy the special SONY smartmedia card to use it: a Lexmark alternative will do the trick.

Of course, if you combine audio + pictures, you'll get a video camera. It works as one. Not great quality, it might be compared with having a webcam with you all the time.

What else ? Integrated keyboard, speaker, remote control, a couple of headphones, infrared port.

I can even speak about Bluetooth. I don't have any bluetooth gear in my house, but i'm leaving the wake-up option enabled and see if i find any BT devices in my office. Besides the blinking blue led looks cool :).

It has many improvementes since the last Clie versions. The memory stick has changed its place, so it doesn't flip out every time you put it in your pocket. The craddle is now foldable and you can take it everywhere to charge and/or connect your clie. You can even attach it to the PDA and carry it around.

Even when it is bulky, it is very well built and with a nice eequilibrium... you can hold it in your hand and it won't fall easily. That happened with the NR70V: the screen was heavier than the body, so it fell backwards always.

The keyboard is a lot better and easier to use by now. Also the back button has been moved a little and it's easier to use than before.

The camera doesn't rotate anymore... but i didn't miss the feature, since you can still use it in the open or closed form, to take pictures of yourself or others.

I would complain only about few things:

- The pen is thin ! It looks thinner compared to the huge agenda. And it has a very weird way to attach to the PDA.
- The picture browsing is waaaay slow. I'll better find a better program to handle the pictures.
- I can't recall anything else, but i'm sure that there were some things that bothered me. Ah ! The memory !!! Yes. That's upsetting: you see, there are 16 Mb of RAM but you can access only 11 of them. Why ? I don't know. However the better use of the memory stick features compensates the lack of actual memory. I would have expected at least 64 Mb RAM for a beast like this. Well, let's say it's 4 and a half stars. Oh, the price !!! Wait a little until it drops. But even now it's worth every cent. For a journalist is the perfect tool. And for a physician (who i am) too.
- And, it might seem crazy, but i find this size more comfortable for me than before. I don't think of it as a PDA, instead i think of it as a pocket sized notebook. ... Read more

Features

• High resolution color display produces over 65,000 colors for amazing clarity
• Super-slim aluminum body discreetly slides into your pocket or purse
• Center Jog Dial Navigator wheel and arrows enable four-way directional movements for easy access to your applications and information
• Store and transfer digital files with optional Memory Stick PRO media
• Stay organized and entertained--at home or on the road

Reviews (10)

Just Falls a Little Short in Some Key Areas
(I'm upgrading from an 8mb monochrome Visor Deluxe). At first, I was torn bewteen the Palm OS and Pocket PC, but chose to stay with the Palm OS. Other friends have gone the Pocket PC route and are disappointed.
No doubt the Sony is worth the money. I am no MP-3 fan, so I didn't need the TJ35. I just HATE the stylus, which is flimsy and is designed to extend (to 3.75in) or retract (to a measly 2.5in!!). It also doesn't remain securely in the housing and I find myself checking to see if the stylus is about to fall completely out. The cover for the screen is nice but I would prefer a case that covers both back and front. The absence of a cradle is certainly a con for me, since one has to charge the battery in addition to doing hot sync. Excellent display, size, fit and finish. I seem to have some hot sync functions.. I can't get me e-mail (outlook) on the Clie.. do I need a memory stick for that? Didn't need that for the old Visor.
Just when I was getting comfortable with Graffiti, they come out with "Graffit 2".. a step back if you ask me.
For a 5 star rating, it would have to come with a cradle, a decent stylus, a memory stick and a proper case.

If you can get it at the right price, it's perfect!
I'll begin by saying that I timed this one right! I got it for 160 before the rebate, so the price (140) was perfect.

I upgraded from an 8mb Visor Deluxe and this is AWESOME! The hi-res color screen is very sharp. My wife has a Zire 71 and we both agree mine is sharper. Palm OS5 is pretty cool too, though you wind up only getting 11 mb useable out of the 16. I fairly quickly bought a memory stick.

This thing is FAST! It's noticeably faster than my wife's Palm and faster than any other PDA I've seen (then again, I don't look if it's over 250). The lack of multimedia capabilities was a bit of a bummer, but I didn't think paying 70-100 was worth it when I have computers just about everywhere I go.

I've read the complaints about the lack of a cradle, but I personally like the little sync adapter. It only needs one of the USB cables with a "digital camera jack" to work. Since I have 5 of them, I took one to work. Now, I just grab my Clie and the 1-inch square adapter and I can sync at work and home. I actually even put the charging cord in the bedroom, so I can keep it on the nightstand charging for those late-night "honey do's" :D

Overall, I'm VERY pleased. Battery life is a bit of an issue, but the LiIon battery has no "memory effect" so I just charge it each night. I can get a solid 5 hours at a lower screen brightness (still easy to see) even using the memoery stick and running CPU-intensive apps.

I'd definitely recommend this if you can find it for less than $170. Totally worth it in my opinion. The cover is a weak spot and the stylus takes some getting used to, but these are the only drawbacks (IMHO) and are quickly eclipsed by speed, "look" (The Clie Launcher is awfully cool) and overall value. Put some pix of your kids, family, vacation, etc on it and show your friends and you'll be hooked! Buy with confidence.

PS Sony extends the warranty to one year for free when you register.

A few follow-ups:

1. Apparently Sony is closing this out to make room for the TJ-27. The Tj-25 can now be found as low as 120 (if you time it right).
2. The cover issue was easily fixed with a dab of superglue on each "hook". Quite solid now (fold cover back to get it out of the way (it's made to do this)).
3. Battery life has been measured more accurately at 4:30 on "medium-low" backlight setting.
4. The sync adapter is still quite handy. A tad bit larger than a postage stamp and quite portable if you already have the aforementioned cable where you're going.
5. I've had it for 30 days now, and aside from wishing I'd caught it at 120, I'm still quite happy.
6. To clarify "lack of multimedia" I mean "even your old Nokia phone had more tones". On the other hand, I always have the sound off anyway (as does my wife who has a multimedia-capable Zire 71) so I didn't need one in the first place.

Nasriah
It is one of the best out of sony products that you can get.

Wonderful addition to my life
I had to retire a palm zire 21 after 2 months because it would reset itself almost every other day. I sent it to the palm guys and it came back in worse condition that before. After reading the reviews on Amazon...I decided to call it quits while I was ahead and search for another PDA. (I had a palm Vx prior to that for 2 years).

WOW! What a jewel the Sony Clie is! It has much more memory than my other two models and for a work at home mom that's using her PDA to keep track of life, recipes, and wants all names and addresses at her fingertips, IN COLOR, this was a WONDERFUL purchase!

For the price (mine was $139), I cannot complain. It is much faster than my other palm pilots, the battery life is great, I don't really care that much about included applications, although the outlook "handler" does a great job (or seems to), and I think Sony really thought out the organization of the main screen on this PDA. A+

Very Solid PDA
I picked up my TJ25 a few weeks ago, and I was immediately impressed with the clarity of the screen, the snappiness of the interface, and the connectiblity with Outlook 2k3.

After using it for these few weeks, I have had no problems yet. The battery life is excellent, although i never let it get below half-drained, and it is nice and small, so it can fit in my coat pocket easily.

Very good product from Sony, and, as always, great service from Amazon. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The PEG-SJ22 Clié handheld provides everything you need to stay organized and entertained. Compact and lightweight, you can take your Clié handheld wherever you go.The high-resolution color screen shows images in full detail and color. In addition to the 16 MB internal memory, the Memory Stick media expansion slot offers unlimited storage capability for all your favorite applications.Plus, the unique Jog Dial navigator provides easy access to your stored information. Finally, PEG-SJ22 comes bundled with a variety of entertainment and productivity applications to fit both your needs and your lifestyle.

Display
The PEG-SJ22 features high resolution on its 320 x 320 pixel backlit color display, which can display over 65,000 colors.

Operating System
The Sony Clié PEG-SJ22 is powered by Palm OS 4.1, which comes with programs such as Address Book, Calculator, Card Info, Date Book, Mail, Memo Pad, PalmDesktop v. 4.0.1 (for PC), Security,and To Do List.

Extra Software
The PEG-SJ22 comes with the following Sony software: Clié Paint, Clié Mail, Memory Stick Autorun, Memory Stick Backup, Memory Stick Export v. 1.2 (for PC), Memory Stick Gate, Memory Stick Import, PhotoStand, PictureGear 4.6 Lite (for PC), PictureGear Pocket, and World Alarm Clock.

Compatibility
The Sony Clié PEG-SJ22 is compatible with Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, and XP Home and Professional Edition (not Macintosh).

In the Box
The Sony Clié PEG-SJ22 comes with a USB HotSync cradle, stylus, AC Adapter, AC cable, protective cover, installation CD-ROM, Start Up Guide, End User License Agreement, Graffiti card, and limited-warranty statement. ... Read more

Features

• Palm OS version 4.1, DragonBall VZ 33 MHz processor, 16 MB RAM
• High-resolution TFT color display (320 x 320 pixels)
• USB (HotSync cable) and Infrared interface
• Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• What's in the box: Clie handheld, USB Hotsync cable, AC adapter, AC cable, Stylus, Protective cover, installation CD-ROM

Reviews (60)

Good PDA but not worth buying now.
The major pro's are,
1. Average price and still good build quality.
2. Looks good, small size, light weight and a very nice flip cover included.
3. Jog dial, 15MB RAM and memory stick expansion slot.
4. HiRes color display and very good backlight.
5. 7 hrs of battery life on a single charge with backlight on all the time.
6. Runs Palm OS 4 which has zillion free apps available and is very easy to use unlike Windows based PDA's.

Con's,
1. The color LCD isn't put to much use in Palm OS 4.
2. No other fun stuff like mp3.
3. Uses a Lithium Ion battery and Sony sells no replacements for it. Might be an issue in 18 months time.
4. No documents-to-go like in previous SJ's.
5. Soon to be discontinued and replaced by a newer model by Sony.

In short if you can wait for till Sept/Oct a lot many new PDA's should come out with Palm OS 5 and better features at same price point. SJ20 is better option since its below hundred after rebate now and there's harldy any difference between SJ20 & SJ22.

five star price but set up was a little rough
Like with cell phones and digital cameras, I expected to be able to put away any included instructions and be able to do the basics like sync with my Outlook and download some pics onto my new Sony SJ-22. I failed miserably and finally went home at 8pm when my wife called me home. The main problem was that Intellisync Lite which comes with the SJ-33 is not included in the SJ-22 as indicated on Sony's website. The solution is to download it and pay $ after the 30 day trial or buy something that does the same thing. A cheap solution is available for those who already had similar software from their last PDA. I used software from my ancient Handspring. It took several attempts. Best thing to do is uninstall all Palm software. Next install your old software first specifying Outlook as your software to sync with. Finally, install your new Palm software but do not choose to 'remove old/existing conduits'. Those conduits are what allow you to sync with Outlook. Good luck. I love my SJ-22 now and pictures look beautiful on it.

Great PDA lacking some features
I really liked this PDA. It combined funtionality with a great price and a easy to use product. I loved how this was priced so low and it was color and rechargable. But it lacked MP3 capibility. It was a great PDA but I have updated to a Palm Tungsten T.

NOT FOR NOVICES
I am new to the PDA world, so when I received this as a Christmas gift last year, I was pretty excited about my new gadget. However, once I got into the meat of trying to use it, I found that it is not a user friendly system when it comes to the HotSync, etc functions. Additionally, as a novice, I'd expected the CDRom to provide more instruction for usage than it did. In fact, there was absolutely NO user instructions enclosed at all. Additionally, I recently lost every iota of data in the thing because there was never any instruction on how to save your information and prevent it from being lost. I wouldn't recommend this unit if you've never used one before.

Amazingly colorful with ease of use.
I have been looking for PDA for sometime. And I found PEG-SJ22 from CompuVest.Com at 114.00 (Brand new! and not refurbished). The display is excellent and moving around within the application or from one application to another is definitely a plus. The best thing about this product is that you can prompt a keyboard (hence the real estate is efficiently used) or use the stylus to type or write numbers. That feature alone is worth spending money. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Palm-powered PEG-NX70V Clié handheld comes equipped with a built-in digital camera (310,000 effective pixels) for taking digital pictures and video. The camera resolution has been improved to 640 x 480 pixels (VGA) with an option to save the images on Memory Stick media in JPEG format. Furthermore, the PEG-NX70V will record and play back video (MPEG-4) and store it on Memory Stick media.

The PEG-NX70V is equipped with a wireless communication slot for adding an optional wireless LAN (802.11b) card. Browse the Web, check e-mails, and synchronize data wirelessly with your PC via wireless local area network (LAN access point sold separately and Internet service provider required).

Display
The PEG-NX70V features high resolution on its 320 x 480 pixel backlit color display, which can display over 65,000 colors.

Operating System
The Sony Clié PEG-NX70V is powered by Palm OS 5.0 for more processing power, multimedia features, wireless connectivity, and higher security than OS 4.1.

Extra Software
The PEG-NX70V comes with the following Sony software: Audio Player, Clié Album, Clié Camera, Clié Mail, Clié Memo, Clié Remote Commander, Clié Viewer, Flash Player 5, Image Converter 2 1.0 (for PC), Memory Stick Backup, Memory Stick Export 1.1 (for PC), Memory Stick Files, Memory Stick Import, Movie Player, Movie Recorder, PictureGear Studio (for PC), PhotoStand, Photo Editor, SonicStage LE 1.5 (for PC), Sound Converter 1.0 (for PC), Sound Utility, Voice Recorder, and World Alarm Clock

Compatibility
The Sony Clié PEG-NX70V is compatible with Windows 98 SE, 2000 Professional, Me, XP Home, and XP Professional editions.

In the Box
The Sony Clié PEG-NX70V comes with a USB HotSync cradle, stylus, AC Adapter, stereo headphones, remote controller, plug adapter, plug adapter attachment, hand strap, installation CD-ROM, beginner's guide, add-on application guide, End User License Agreement, Graffiti sticker, and limited-warranty statement. ... Read more

Features

• Built-in digital camera (310,000 effective pixels)
• Integrated wireless communication slot
• High-resolution TFT color display (320 x 480 pixels)
• 16 MB of RAM, 16 MB of ROM, Memory Stick expansion slot
• What's in the box: PEG-NX70V, USB HotSync cradle, stylus, AC Adapter, stereo headphones, remote controller, plug adapter, plug adapter attachment, hand strap, installation CD-ROM, beginner's guide

Reviews (43)

A power toy
I don't want to repeat what others have said aplenty about the NX70V. I just want to provide a quick perspective from a casual user.

My overall impression is it's a power user's toy, and I'm very pleased with the built-in VGA-resolution camera, which has fast refreshing speed and high image quality. Sony packs in tons of features on this model, which makes the interface a little too cluttered and too busy. Palm OS is meant to be a simple and elegant experience, but the NX70V is rather daunting especially to the first-time user. The number of features and functions is just overwhelming, obscuring the ease-of-use trumpeted by Palm. And once you start using all the multimedia features, kiss good-bye to battery life: you'd better carry the charger with you at all times.

Would I want to own this nice PDA with everything but a built-in sink? Yes. But would I pay such a high price? Nope. I'm really happy with my [the brand I own], which has a better screen and a less stressful user interface and costs only half as much.

Another excellent unit from Sony. You guys did it again!
Pros: Top toy with lots of great features: cameras, keyboard, voice recorder, color screen, medium-res camera, audio/video/photo capture, Wi-Fi capability, fast CPU, Metal Case, Decent camera and video, lots of software included, faster processor, Clie Launcher, Clie Memo, Small, built in keyboard, swivel screen, color screen, and an array of programs.

Cons: Limited battery life, high cost, you should buy more memory to go with it, Not too much OS5 software available... yet, price, Clie Viewer, Internet, Sony's obsession with copyright protection, low memory.

Summary: As you can see this product comes basically fully loaded. Yet, in my opinion the best feature is the built in keyboard. On previous PDA's to enter in information you either had to write in grafitti(which is the most annoying thing in world) or purchase an external keyboard, which is really expensive. Entering information into my Sony CLIE PEG-NX70V is so easy now, that I feel as if I have a computer right in the palm of my hand. The HOT-SYNC function on this product is the fastest and most reliable syncing that I have ever worked with. Because of the state of the art high resolution TFT screen with built in back-light, you can even look at your Sony CLIE PEG-NX70V in complete darkness or in extremely bright sunlight. There is no discoloration while using it while being outdoors. I don't suggest leaving it in the hot sun for long periods of time, though, because it will ruin the screen. I have not personally used the internet feature on my device, however, I have heard that it is the best wireless connection for any PDA. This PDA is so small that I can comfortably keep it in my pocket without any restriction in movement. All in all, I say that this product is miles ahead of any other product of its type!

Good not Great
I think it's pointless to go on and on when writing a review so I'm gonna keep this short:
The Sony clie peg-nx70v is one wonderful piece of equipment.
I found that I extremely liked some of it's features like the compact design with the rotating screen, the thumb keyboard, the icon lay out, the camera/video recorder, and the voice recorder.
However, I rate it only good not great because of the annoying weight, how prone it is to being damaged, it's batery which tends to die rather quickly, and it's price.

Overall, I recomend the Sony clie peg-nx70v to most anybody!

me and my Clie
This thing has more buttons & bells than I'll ever use! I'm glad I bought a book "How to use Your Clie". The included paperwork doesn't begin to explain everything you can do. Screen display is sharp & clear. I like using Graffiti to enter data rather than the keyboard. (You have three entry methods to choose from.)

Great product
Unbelievable technology!!! Great sony software to improve the useability and increase the features available. Incredible leadership by Sony, very innovative. I purchased mine for $299 a display model at a local retailer, I had a 32 mb memory stick from a video camera I had, I have only had the CLIE for a few days but its wonderful, I have not tried to sync it yet, for mac you need the program the Missing Sync for 30$ you can download it I haven't yet, but I have read good reviews and it seems like a solid program.

No complaints, it seems that something like this should costat least $1500. The software that Sony provides for it is excellent Bravo Sony!!! I purchased the Zire 71 which is also an excellent product at a great price around $249, but if you can get the Sony for anywhere close to $369 or more its still a great deal. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Sony’s PEG-TG50 Clié is a bit of a maverick in terms of its hardware design which incorporates a rather solid flip-up lid which protects the screen and a tiny keyboard.

The PEG-TG50 runs Palm OS version 5, and has Bluetooth built in. The processor is a nice fast 200MHz Intel PXA 250, and 11MB of the 16MB of RAM on board is available. There is a Memory Stick slot if you need more. The screen offers a resolution of 320 x 320 and is square rather than the more usual rectangular shape we’ve seen in other Cliés with a clamshell type design. The keyboard is small so you’ll need to use the stylus or a fingernail to make the most of it, and entering text is pretty slow. Though on the plus side, an orange backlight provides illumination when you press a key, which could come in very handy in dark situations. There is a Graffiti area which is software driven so you can use this for text input instead of the keyboard.

Among the huge amount of software Sony provides pre-installed is a voicenotes tool so you can record memos to yourself, Sony’s own music player which can cope with both MP3 and ATRAC3, and the superb Picsel viewer for looking at documents and images in a range of popular formats such as HTML, PDF, Microsoft Word, and JPG. If you are a user of either Sony’s DSC-FX77 Cybershot or DCR-TRV80 Handycam then you can remotely control these TG50.

The hardware design makes this PDA a lot thinner than other ‘flip lidded’ Cliés, which means it should fit more easily into the average pocket, though it isn’t especially light, and it lacks the digital camera that other flip lidded Cliés offer. Still it does have something of a personality, being pretty unique in the looks department. --Sandra Vogel ... Read more

Features

• Palm OS v. 5.0, as well as an ARM-compliant 200 MHz CPU and 16 MB RAM
• High-resolution TFT color display (320 x 320 pixels)
• Built-in Bluetooth, MP3 player, and voice recorder
• Built in keyboard, remote control feature, and polyphonic audio alert feature, as well as lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• What's in the box: Sony Clié PEG-TG50, USB HotSync cradle, stylus, AC Adapter, AC cable, hand strap, installation CD-ROM, instruction manuals

Reviews (29)

Looking for a Palm OS 5 PDA, THIS IS YOUR BEST CHOICE
Currently, I won a DELL PPC, Palm Zire 71, and Sony Clie PEG-TG50. My favorite is the Sony Clie. Why? The Sony clie has a fast 200 MHz processor, good batter life, much better than my Dell PPC, and Has an expensive feel. This PDA also includes a Bluetooth, Keyboard, and Syncs very well with my MS Outlook on my Windows XP Dell PC, and MY Toshiba Laptop. This PDA has almost the same specs as the more expensive Clie Models, without the larger screen and graffiti area, but you can still use software graffiti built into the os. If you were to buy a Zire 71, then you must know that you're getting a product from China, whereas the Sony Clies are made in Japan. Also, Zire 71, has a weak MP3 player that doesn't sound loud when you use it with your headphones. Sony Audio Player sound louder and richer. Zire 71 also as a very cheap digital camera that doesn't look good when you transfer the pics on your computer. Don't even talk about PPC. Once I only used PPC, but Palm OS 5 seems to be very competitive. If decided to go with PPC, then you better get used to soft booting at least couple times a day and recharging the battery frequently. If you think the Sony Clie PEG-NX70V with a flip screen is good, then this little device is the same thing in a slick little package. At this point, for [the price] I would go with Sony Clie, since it has good software packaged, 200MHz processor, built in Bluetooth, and is easy to carry around. If you must have a graffiti area and need a cheap digital camera, I would go with Zire 71. I would know this because I own all three units I've just described.

Amazing product, durable, easy to use, best PDA!
I have had my clie peg-TG50 for about a month now, and I love it more every day. It is an amazing product for the price. This is my third PDA, the others were a handspring deluxe and a handspring treo. The sony by far is superior in so many ways. It is metal, it is durable, has a speaker, built in mp3 player, typically beautiful sony screen, small but usable keyboard, bluetooth, is a recorder, backlit keyboard, etc. It is very easy to use as well. I dont know why people are complaining about the lack of instructions, just go to the web site and you will find EVERY detail about your product without decimating forests to do so. I have had no compatibility problems, I am running windows xp home edition, works exactly as promised. If you need a ton of instructions you probably have not used palm devices before and need to get a book on it. I doubt you could have ran a normal computer without some basic guidance to begin with either. So anyways great product, all my friends who have palms, handsprings, or pocket pcs are seriously considering the UPGRADE to the clie. About the only negative thing about the product is its a little heavy, but small price to pay for the durability of metal.

Very good value for your money
I have used the TG-50 for about 9 months now and it has performed well. In addition to the basic PDA functions, I like the one button activated voice recorder. I also use it to play MP3s and music videos and it works well.

I use Outlook on my PC when I hot sync, and have not had a problem. The software that comes with the TG-50 lets you sync with Outlook without much hassle.

The only irritaion that I have had is, sometimes it will give an error and the only option left is a hard reset. However, when it comes back up the most recent data is still there (I use a memory stick). Use the TG-50 with a memory stick and back-up regularly. Data back-up is essential no matter what technology you use.

Bottom line is...It really is a cool little gadget, and provides great value for your money.

limited sync abilities, poor tech support
1st, before you buy electronics on Amazon, ensure the 3rd party merchant takes returns. As for the Clie, it has limited abilities to syncronize with microsoft programs. It can not interface with microsoft outlook exchange servers unless you buy an additional cumbersome $70 program. The tech support from Sony is slow with limited knowledge of thier products by phone. Email response is fast. Stick with another brand for your PDA.

Quality Clie
Very nice PDA. Plays MP3's, runs my medical progams, organizes my day and keeps all of my contacts. The Clie TG50 went well beyond my expectations and continues to serve me well. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The new Palm-powered PEG-SJ20 Clié handheld provides everything you need to stay organized and entertained. Compact and lightweight, you can take your Clié handheld wherever you go. The backlit, high-resolution screen shows images and documents in fine detail. In addition to the 16 MB internal memory (15 MB available), the Memory Stick media expansion slot offers unlimited storage capability for all your favorite applications. Need to get some work done on the road? You can view and edit Microsoft Word and Excel files on the handheld using Documents to Go Standard Edition by DataViz. Plus, the unique Jog Dial navigator provides easy access to most of your stored information.

Display
The PEG-SJ20 features high resolution on its 320 x 320 pixel backlit monochrome display.

Expansion
With this Sony Clié's Memory Stick expansion slot, you can get virtually unlimited data storage with Memory Stick removable media. Transfer digital content between your Clié handheld and other Memory Stick-compatible products, including digital cameras, digital camcorders, and PCs.

Operating System
The Sony Clié PEG-SJ20 is powered by Palm OS 4.1, which means it comes complete with all the standard Palm OS applications you need for organizing your life, including Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, Mail, Expense, and Address Book. HotSync software is also included.

Extra Software
In addition to the built-in applications that come with Palm OS 4.1, the PEG-SJ20 comes with the following Sony software: Clié Paint, Clié Photo Stand, Memory Stick Autorun, Memory Stick Backup, Memory Stick Export (for PCs), Memory Stick Gate, Memory Stick Import, PictureGear Lite (for PCs), PictureGear Pocket, and World Alarm Clock.

Synchronization
Connect to your PC and synchronize your contacts and date book using the included USB cable. You can also beam information to other Palm OS handheld owners using the IrDA infrared port.

Compatibility
The Sony Clié PEG-SJ20 is compatible with Windows 98 SE, 2000 Professional, Me, XP Home, and XP Professional editions. PCs must have a minimum 133 MHz or faster processor, 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended), and at least 128 MB of available hard drive space. A USB port is also required.

In the Box
The Sony Clié PEG-SJ20 comes with an AC adapter, stylus, protective cover, installation CD-ROM, application manual, Graffiti sticker, and registration materials. The Sony Clié PEG-SJ20 is covered by a one-year limited warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Palm OS software version 4.1
• High-resolution monochrone display (320 x 320 pixels)
• 16 MB internal memory (15 MB available)
• Memory Stick media expansion slot
• What's in the box: Clié PEG-SJ20, AC adapter, stylus, protective cover, installation CD-ROM, application manual

Reviews (55)

The ONLY PDA a beginner will need for a while!
I did a ton of research before settling on the Clie SJ20 from Sony. In the end, it just made sense to go with the best. I wanted an inexpensive PDA because I wasn't sure it would "catch on" with me. So that narrowed things down to the Dell Axims (the only Pocket PC worth buying) and low-end Palm OS models. The Axims were out because after all the accessories I'd want, I'd spend closer to 500-600 dollars.
I then compared other PDAs from black and white used Handsprings to the flashy new color Tungstens.
The built in memory and high-resolution of the SJ20 sold itself with the only detraction being the proprietary Sony memory sticks. Amazon just happened to be provideing big rebates on both Lexar Memory sticks and Clies, so I bought the SJ20, which has the same features as the SJ30, minus the color screen and half the price. I also bought it because it's only a few dollars more (on Amazon.com) than it's competition from Palm, the Zire which is worthless in comparision.
Let's compare shall we?
SJ20 vs. Zire: 16 MB vs. 2 MB built-in memory, 320x320 vs. 160x160 screen resolution. The Clie has lots of included software for watching movies and pictures as well as editing and viewing Word documents and Excel spreadsheets. It's also fully compatible with all black and white and greyscale third party Palm software.
It's been my experience that Sony = quality, from their televisions to their video game consoles. The Clie is no different. For being so small (like a deck of cards, only thinner) it sure is sturdy.
So, if you're new to the market of PDAs like I was, you too will see the value inherent in the SJ20.
I know if this PDA proves its worth to me, my next one will be another Clie, with built-in keyboard, MP3, camera and full color screen, the NX70V!

Excellent value for money!
The major pro's are,
1. Low under hundred price (after rebate) and still good build quality.
2. Looks good, small size, light weight and a very nice flip cover included.
3. Jog dial, 15MB RAM and memory stick expansion slot.
4. HiRes display and very good white backlight.
5. 8 hrs of battery life on a single charge with backlight on all the time.
6. Runs Palm OS 4 which has zillion free apps available and is very easy to use unlike Windows based PDA's.
7. Good set of bundled applications.

Con's,
1. The LCD brightness can't be adjusted, its too bright to use in dark conditions or in bed.
2. No other fun stuff like mp3 or color screen, but then look at its price!
3. Uses a Lithium Ion battery and Sony sells no replacements for it. Might be an issue in 18 months time.

In short if you want to get a PDA which will do basic stuff and keep running for about 1.5 yrs get a SJ20. By then Palm OS 6 would be well debugged and color devices would be reasonably priced with improved WiFi, battery life, mp3 quality etc. None of the current Palm's or Clie's (SJ22/SJ33) compare to this Clie in value for money right now, although a many new PDA's should come out in fall.

Great PDA
For a starter, like I was, this PDA was great. You may even love it if you're a professional and looking for a cheap PDA that will do what you want. This PDA was excellent to me until after about a year of drops, tears, breaks, crashes, and so on, the battery finally gave out and won't hold a charge very long at all.

My PDA overwent so much wear and tear since I took it to my school and my peers wanted to touch it and would drop it. Supprisingly, it held up to all of it very well.

The only problems I have with it are that the screen collects dust and fingerprints rather easily. I never bothered wasting money on screen protectors though. It also has a small crack on it, but it was probably from someone getting mad at it and slamming the stylus into it's screen.

The casing held up very well for me. Infact, it's still holding what it should. It's 16MB memory is good enough for anyone wanting just games and scheduling apps. It's screen is crystal clear and is actually extremely good for it's price.

In conclusion, if you're a student starting out wanting a PDA, or just a small business guy needing something to schedule, or maybe a gamer that doesn't care much about color display, then this PDA is for you. It's 16MB is good enough. Those other reviewers who talk about the screen giving in and stuff, they are mistaken. My PDA has probably undergone the most stressful year and it's still working perfect except the fact that's it's battery won't hold a charge very long, which I'm sure can be replaced...

Great PDA!!!
This is the best grayscale PDA ever made! It's fast enough for me, I don't care about waiting 10 seconds for a search. It's high-res screen is amazing. It's great to view pictures on, even if they are in BW but look fantastic when they are sized correctly. One of the bundled programs, gmovie, is totally useless. When you transfer an .avi file it changes it into 60x120 resolution and then dislays it in low-res. That, alas, is the main problem with the sj20. Very few developers make FREE programs for it's high-res screen, oh it'll run low-res apps fine but they seem blocky after you go from a high-res app to a low-res app. Palm OS 4.1 didn't take high-res into consideration either, so if you want to be able to recognize your icons you better set them to "small." I don't know what other people have done to their SJ20s but I have dropped mine a couple times and it still works great. I don't know why some people were complaining about the graffiti pad, it's better than on the Zire even if it can't compare to Graffiti 2 found on OS5 devices. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because the battery is erratic. I run no programs that make it turn itself on and I have even left it out of it's case but it seems to use more battery when it is off than when it is on.

The bottom line: If you want to save 20 bucks from an SJ22 then buy it. As long as you remember to plug it in every couple of days (I forget sometimes) this si a fantastic PDA and hands down the best grayscale one.

Very good and practical organizer
The CLIE works great but the software for Sync misses some items at times. Apart from the software, it's a very handy compact and easy to use organizer ... Read more

Features

• Listen to tunes on the road with the integrated MP3 audio player and optional Memory Stick PRO media
• View native Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and PDF documents
• Write letters naturally with Decuma handwriting recognition software
• High resolution color display produces over 65,000 colors for amazing clarity
• Stay organized and entertained--at home or on the road

Reviews (13)

a very fine product
I've been through quite a few PDA's, mostly from Palm with the occasional Visor (I wind up killing most within a year). Let me first say, the TJ35 isn't perfect, but it comes pretty close. The operating system is fairly effortless, and the add-on third party software is intriguing. I'm still finding out how much it can do. So here are few thoughts:

1) The design guys at Sony got it right. It is a flat out elegant and beautiful product.

2) The MP3 function is quite good. I tend to be pretty picky about my music; I generally encode in WAV format. But the MP3 software will accept up to 320 kbps. I converted several files to 192 kbps, and I am very happy with the sound quality. Be warned though, you have to store all music files on a memory stick (cute, no?).

3) The Li-ion battery is user replaceable.

4) The included stylus is completely useless. If you do acquire the TJ35, do yourself a favor a buy one of those pens than can double as a stylus. Theirs is fit only for a (small) child.

5) The unit charges and syncs through an adapter that connects to the bottom of the unit. It's not exactly elegant, but not a critical flaw either. A docking module would have been nice.

In summary, the TJ35 is a very well designed PDA that performs its functions admirably. Outside of some minor quirks with respect to the stylus and connection set-up, I happily recommend it to anyone looking for a new PDA.

fragile product poor support from Sony
I bought mine in Jan. 2004 at $300 Canadian.The protective cover on mine wouldn't stay on. Kept coming off in my pocket. 3 months later the Clie fell to the floor and sustained a small crack in the touch screen. End of Clie
Cost of repair would of been $200 Canadian.
I maintain if the protective cover stayed on as supposed to, it probably wouldn't have broken.
Sony didn't support their product. End of Sony in my future.

OK pda
(...)
Sony seems to pump out Palm-based PDAs as if its factory is about to be taken away by some off-world daemon and its contents vapourised. Hardly a month goes by without a new device appearing; recently we've had the ultra high-end PEG UX50, this rather more sedate entry-level machine and a less well-specified variant on this review model, the PEG TJ25.

Sony has come up with yet another new hardware design for the Clié PEG TJ35, the key feature of which is a roller positioned underneath the screen. This is the vertical movement interface, and to its left and right are tiny buttons which are used for movement across the horizontal plane.

It is a bit fiddly, but it is all you get, as Sony has abandoned its jog-dial wheel this time around. Instead of having said wheel on the left edge of the casing there are hooks for a removable flip-over screen protector, which is surprisingly robust.

The right edge of the casing has a dual-function 'Power and Hold' button. The 'Hold' feature is useful, as this PDA is supplied with Palm's own audio player. The 'Hold' function means that when listening to music with the Clié in a bag or pocket you aren't going to accidentally tap the screen and do goodness knows what to the data and files stored on the device.

There is 32MB of RAM but only 23MB of that is available to the user for applications and software; the rest is set aside for some of the army of free applications Sony pre-installs to complement what comes as part of Palm OS 5.2.

These include CLIE Launcher (a replacement for the usual Palm application launcher), CLIE Viewer (digital image viewer), CLIE Files (file manager), CLIE Memo (write notes to the screen), the Picsel Viewer (read documents in various format), and Decuma (for handwriting recognition). If you want more storage space - for example, for music files - you will need to invest in Memory Sticks, as this is Sony's memory format of choice.

The processor is not one we have come across before, an i.MXL from Motorola. We found it coped with the demands we placed on it without breaking down. The battery did irritate us a little though. We ran a benchamarking tool at both its Full Power and its Normal Use settings. In the former case we got nearly two and a half hours from the battery, in the latter four hours ten minutes. Heavy audio-visual users might want to consider a machine with more stored 'oomph.'

The Clié PEG TJ35 is both relatively small (110 x 75 x 12 mm) and light (140g) which means it is easy to carry around, and its 320 x 320 pixel screen delivers the goods nicely. You don't get a docking cradle - instead a cable does the job of synchronising and charging.

Verdict: Sony's Clié PEG TJ35 is a likeable PDA if you are nimble-fingered enough to cope with the navigator wheel, and the large bundle of software Sony supplies make it an appealing choice for those looking for a versatile 'out of the box' experience. This is a busy price-point, though, so be aware that there may be other PDAs that meet your needs for the same amount of cash.

Pretty, Pretty pricey too
This item is good to look at and the applications are great. It is pretty and pretty pricey too. The backlight is a constant problem with it and has to be sent back to the factory to be repaired. I have the Tungsten E and my wife has Sony Clie' PEG-TJ35. She is sorry that she got it and now wants a Tungsten. Well we all make mistakes, but is still a nice Handsheld. I think my Tungsten gives me more value for my money. The extra money you save you can afford to buy a 128 MB Card and listen to some cool tunes.

OK so far -- as long as the recall doesn't take too long
I've had the TJ35 for almost a month, and it has been mostly outstanding (I used a Palm Vx before). Although I didn't have the backlight problem-- yet-- my unit is one of the ones on recall by Sony to have the flaw fixed, so it is about to be sent to Sony (using a prepaid fedex mailer they sent me when I signed in on the backlight problem website). The unit is very convenient. The size is right for a shirtpocket, Graffiti2 is easy once you know how -- it's OK to take 2 strokes to make t's and k's because you don't have to shift up to make capitals anymore. Decuma is not really that helpful-- the learning curve isn't worth the effort and I don't use it. The only problems I have noticed have been: (1) The Intellisync software that comes with it for syncing with Outlook refused to install properly, but I didn't mind that because I use Chapura's KeySuite instead (and it works fine); and (2) on rare occasions, HotSync doesn't work without rebooting my laptop. I use WinXP, but the laptop is normally connected to a port replicator and the Clie cradle is connected to a USB port on the port replicator. Sony's literature says this can be a problem with HotSync (i.e., that you should connect directly to the root USB port), but I had noticed no difficulty until the past couple of days. The display is easy to see (especially compared to the "old" Palm Vx). All in all, if the backlight problem is a thing of the past, and the HotSync issue doesn't recur much, it's a nice little unit. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Only a half-inch thick and weighing a light 4.9 ounces, the sleek and stylish Sony Clié PEG-T665C will help you stay organized and entertained. Housed in an attractive aluminum body, the PEG-T665C is not only a 16 MB, 66 MHz PDA with a color display, it's also an MP3 player and features a built-in speaker so you can enjoy music while you work. Plus, the unique Jog Dial navigator provides easy access to your info.

Display
The PEG-T665C provides high resolution on its 320 x 320 pixel TFT color display.

Expansion
With this Sony Clié's Memory Stick expansion slot, you can get virtually unlimited data storage with Memory Stick removable media. Transfer digital content between your Clié handheld and other Memory Stick-compatible products, including digital cameras, digital camcorders, and PCs.

Operating System
The Sony Clié PEG-T665C is powered by Palm OS 4.1, which means it comes complete with all the standard Palm OS applications you need for organizing your life, including Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, Mail, and Expense tools, and Address Book. Also included is HotSync software.

Extra Software
In addition to the built-in applications that come with Palm OS 4.1, the PEG-T665C comes with the following Sony software: Audio Player, Clié Mail, Clié Paint, Clié Photo Stand, Clié Remove Commander, Memory Stick Autorun, Memory Stick Backup, Memory Stick Export (for the PC), Memory Stick Gate, Memory Stick Import, PictureGear Lite (for PC), PictureGear Pocket, Sonic Stage LE, Sound Convert (for PC), Sound Utility, and World Alarm Clock.

Synchronization
Connect to your PC and synchronize your contacts and date book using the included USB cable. You can also beam information to other Palm OS handheld owners using the IrDA infrared port.

Compatibility
The Sony Clié PEG-T665C is compatible with Windows 98 SE, 2000 Professional, Me, XP Home, and XP Professional editions. PCs must have a minimum 233 MHz or faster processor, 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended), and at least 156 MB of available hard drive space. A USB port is also required.

In the Box
The Sony Clié PEG-T665C comes with a USB HotSync cradle, AC adapter, stylus, protective cover, headphones and volume controller, installation CD, application manual, Graffiti sticker, and registration materials. The Sony Clié PEG-T665C is covered by a one-year limited warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Palm OS v.4.1
• Built-in MP3 Audio Player
• High resolution TFT color display (320 x 320 pixels)
• New DragonBall Super VZ Processor (66 MHz CPU)/16 MB (DRAM) Memory
• What's in the box: Clie, USB HotSync cradle, AC adapter, stylus, protective cover, headphones and volume controller, installation CD, application manual

Reviews (47)

Fun Design Surprises!
I've been a Palm Pilot user since they first came out, dutifully upgrading to the newest model every few years. I finally decided that I needed COLOR, so I bought the Sony Clie.

What I didn't expect was that in addition to getting color, I would wind up with an artfully designed PDA that is much easier to use than the Palm Pilot.

I love the look of the unit. Its brushed metal portions look so much nicer and richer than the straight plastic of the Pilot, and resist finger prints. It's very thin and light too.

One of the things I like best about it is the "jog dial" on the side. Using this dial you can quickly flip from screen to screen (especially nice for moving through your appointment book or phone book) using a single hand.

The backlit screen is much easier to read than my old black and white Pilot (a bonus for these over-40 eyes).

The best surprise was that the memory stick in my Sony digital camera is compatible with the Clie, so I can move it from my camera to the Clie and show my photos to my friends! I can also use my spare memory sticks from my camera as extra storage for my Clie, moving large applications off the Clie and onto the memory stick.

The only two negatives are:

1) Battery life. If you use one of the display-intensive features, like displaying a photo, you might have only 10 minutes of battery use. Playing games, I find I only have about 30 minutes of use. Because the batteries are not replaceable, you must recharge the unit in its cradle or using an AC adapter. Usually this isn't a problem because I just keep it in its cradle at my desk when I'm not using it, but for extended trips it means recharging every night in the hotel room.

2) The software that comes with it that lets you sync up with Microsoft Outlook to keep a synchronized calendar between your PC and the PDA doesn't transfer over the appointment location field. Since I mostly use the Clie to keep track of all my business meetings, I've been caught by this once or twice. (Running late, coming back from lunch, running to a meeting. But what meeting room is it in? Arghh! Have to go back to my office to look at Outlook on my PC to see.) I've overcome this by manually adding the location to the meeting description when I receive the invitation in Outlook, but you shouldn't have to do this.

MP3's sound great on BLUE memory stick
This is a great PDA, color screen on the 665 is more vibrant than the 615 that I traded up from. From Mac or PC, simply copy MP3 files to MSAUDIO directory of a BLUE memory stick. Used cheaper Lexar brand works fine... . MP3's sound great, better than on Rio MP3 player. Also, sound from included Sony headphones w/attached volume control have good frequency response, bass and treble. If you are expecting to just pop your memory stick in from your Cybershot digicam, not as seamless, each 2MB pix takes a few seconds to refresh when viewing in PG Pocket, due to file size (smaller the better for Clie). If you want fast viewing you need to convert the DCF file to a PGP file. This may not be a problem with newer 200mhz strongarm Clie, but significant speed improvement in 665 vs. 615 which was pretty s-l-o-w. Also, Palm desktop works with Mac OS X with the Clie, works great. Lastly a few cool shareware programs to get... Palm Acrobat reader, AcidImage, Handyshopper,Kinoma player
Have fun with your new Clie, get one!

Awesome hanheld
Awesome palm pilot, great for almost any thing, games, camera, movies. Definetly worth the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best all around PDA out there
This has been one of the better electronics purschases I've made. Memory is great, full of features (MP3 audio is great), no stupid thumb keyboard. I've thought of upgrading just because, but despite being two years old, no other PDA on the market is as functional as the T-665C. The only drawback - no way to add a WiFi card. COme on SOny! Build it, and they will come!

awesome PDA/ Entertainment Organizer/ what-have-you
Great buy. I got it for cheap and use it primarily as a MP3 player, and to read news and ebooks. If you plan to do all that, be ready to shell out another $65-70 bucks for a 256MB Memory stick otherwise it doesn't play MP3s. I didn't buy the obscenely expensive MS Pro (white ones) and I use a freely downloadable ripper (CDex) to rip my music CDs to MP3s. You have to make sure that copyright stuff isn't included in your MP3s b/c they won't play. Some weird Sony thing.
Build quality is super and its sexy as hell (its a Sony). The bundled audio player is pretty basic though and you can't do anything except turn bass on and off. I have yet to come across a better one, and if I do, I would install it promptly. SonicStage software for your PC is utterly useless, as is the Sony's ATRAC format for song compression (I hope someone from Sony reads this... why? why? why??). Most of the software that comes on the CD are trial versions, but there are plenty of great software (and free too) to download from a bunch of Palm sites. But know that the number of Clie-specific software is much less than Palm (Zire/Tungsten)-specific software.
The scroll button in the front of the Clie is too small for anyone to use (as you might have gathered from all other reviews), but Sony makes up for it with the very useful jog dial and back button on the side. I find the screen too slick, so I've put a high quality screen protector (highly recommended... but that's 10 bucks more) and can also comfortably use my finger as a stylus over it sometimes. I've heard people complain of battery life. But that is to be expected of a device so thin and light and having a great color display. If you're going on a long trip listening to music, don't use the Clie to read stuff at the same time and u can squeeze out 6 hours on a full charge (use the Hold button). If you don't use the backlight, the battery life between charges, even while playing MP3s, is very respectable.
I would also recommend getting a hard aluminum case (~$25...ouch) if you're a rough user and plan to bump your Clie on different surfaces. Feel free to contact me with any Clie PEG-T665C questions, at ospexy1@yahoo.com
Cheers and have a great 2004 ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Powerful multimedia and productivity wrapped in an attractive body, the Palm-powered Sony Clié PEG-NR70 offers great organizational tools, an MP3 audio player, and a built-in keyboard. You also get exclusive Sony features like the Memory Stick media expansion slot and Remote Commander software.

The unique design of the PEG-NR70 enables the screen to flip and rotate (180 degrees) to allow optimum use of the built-in QWERTY keyboard. It features 16 MB DRAM memory, a fast 66 MHz DragonBall processor, a TFT color display with support for over 65,000 colors, and a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

With the proven, reliable Palm operating system, the Sony Clié PEG-NR70 comes complete with all the standard Palm OS applications you need for organizing your life. It comes with Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, Mail, and Expense tools, and the Sony-enhanced Address Book that enables you to add photos to your contacts listings. It also comes with a wide range of entertainment and productivity applications, including Documents to Go for viewing and editing Word and Excel files. Plus, the Clié is fully compatible with thousands of Palm OS add-on applications available for download.

Connect to your PC and synchronize your contacts and date book using the included USB cradle. You can also beam information to other Palm OS handheld owners using the IrDA infrared port.

The Sony Clié PEG-NR70 comes with a number of exclusive Sony features. You'll get virtually unlimited data storage with Sony's Memory Stick removable media. Transfer digital content between your Clié handheld and other Memory Stick-compatible products, including digital cameras, digital camcorders, and PCs. You can also use the PEG-NR70 as a remote control for audio and video components using its enhanced infrared port and Clié Remote Commander software.

Listen to your favorite music with the built-in audio player. Simply load MP3 audio files onto Memory Stick media and take your newest albums with you anywhere. You can also watch video clips on the high-resolution 320 x 320 reflective color LCD screen.

The Sony Clié is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98, 98 SE, 2000 Professional, Me, and XP, and connects to your PC using the USB port. It comes with a USB HotSync cradle (which also charges the lithium-polymer battery), detachable AC adapter, and a stylus.

What's in the box

• Clie handheld
• Headphones
• Audio remote controller
• USB HotSync cradle
• AC adapter
• Stylus
• Sony CLII installation CD-ROM
• Read This First
• Add-on application guide
• Graffiti sticker
• EULA/Limited warranty statement

Features

• High-resolution reflective color display includes front lights for excellent visibility indoors and outdoors
• Built-in MP3 audio player; includes stylish headphones and remote control
• 16 MB memory, 66 Mhz processor
• Swivel LCD display, built-in QWERTY keyboard
• What's in the box: Clie handheld, Headphones, Audio remote controller, USB HotSync cradle, AC adapter, Stylus, installation CD-ROM, application guide

Reviews (32)

Most powerful Palm platform PDA
I'm not really a gadget person, but I'm a big fan of PDA's because they really are so useful. I've had a Palm Vx, IIIc, and a Compaq iPAQ, all of which I've been very fond of and have been absolutely essential in keeping me organized.

I currently own a Sony Peg-T615C, and if I hadn't purchased it recently I would buy this one right now. I just got back from CompUSA where I gave it a test drive, and I just have to say "Wow!" This is really one cool PDA.

The flip-open clamshell design with the integral keyboard and the rotating screen has been nicely executed. If you want, the whole screen turns over 180 degrees and then you can close it and then hold it just like a normal Palm Pilot, if you don't want to hold it in "clamshell" fashion.

One concern I had was resolved right away. The keyboard seemed sort of cheesy from the advertising photos, because it looked like one of those membrane-types that don't have very good tactile qualities, but the buttons are slightly raised and have enough spring to them so that they actually have quite a nice, solid feel. Although I'll probably stick to the Graffiti handwriting, the keyboard works quite well. The only other PDA on the market with an integral keyboard that I know of is the Zaurus, running an embedded version of Linux. Although I was impressed with it, it's more of a Pocket PC and doesn't run the Palm apps. Actually, it won't run the Pocket PC apps either because of the Linus operating system. But it's still an impressive offering in its area.

To get an idea of the brightness of the screen, I compared it side by side with my venerable Palm IIIc, which still has the brightest screen of any Palm model. Overall, the screen resolution is superb and the brightness is excellent, and the clamshell design with the rotating screen overall was executed very well, I thought. It's not as bright as my IIIc, but the battery should last much longer than my now 2-year old than the IIIc, and it has 64k colors, whereas my IIIc only has 256.

I just had a couple of complaints, but they're not serious. The only problem with the screen is that it rotates only one way, which is clockwise. If you try to rotate it the other way, you'll find it won't go at all. This makes it different from the small LED screens on most camcorders, but it's okay.

The other problem is that if you rotate the screen 180 degrees and close it, so that you're now holding it like a regular Palm, rather than clamshell style, you now can no longer reach the four application buttons. Had they placed the buttons at the bottom of the screen, it wouldn't be a problem. However, there is a workaround for this. If you want, you can configure the jog-wheel to pop up your applications instead. Not a bad solution.

The other complaint I've heard is that the battery technology is a little flakey. A friend of mine that has one says the unit powers off without warning when the battery gets low. My Palm IIIc at least tells you when you need to put it on recharge. Also, he said the manual says you only need to recharge it for 4 hours before using it. But when he tried that, the unit wouldn't power up all the way and would lock up.

Another thing you'll notice that's different is the Graffiti area is virtual, like the Pocket PCs, and is more evenly vertically divided between the letters and numbers areas. Also, it's noticeably taller, which increases the overall height of the PDA compared to the PegT615C, but I'm sure I'd get used to this pretty quickly. However, it does increase the height making it noticeably bigger than the Peg-T615C, but it's okay. But perhaps best of all, the Graffiti area displays your strokes, which helps to increase accuracy. There are programs, such as GrafAid, that do this also, but with the Sony, you don't even need that anymore. Also, the strokes are displayed on the Graffiti area itself instead of on the screen above it, as in the case of the GrafAid or the original built-in Graffiti program.

One thing to consider is that since the NR70 can use the whole screen, they're going to have to develop new apps that take advantage of this. The native apps, the Memopad, Todo list, and so on, probably do, but I couldn't figure out how to cancel the virtual Graffiti area to test this. Anyway, Sony says it has 4000 developers signed up to create programs for their PDAs so I'm sure there will be more apps making full use of the screen soon, not to mention the greater resolution of the Sony color screens, which are 320 x 320 instead of 160 x 160, and in the case of the NR70, 320 x 480.

The few minor problems I mentioned and the program availability issue aside, the NR70 is the most advanced Palm PDA out there, and all in all I think this is a great unit. In fact, I'd give it 6 stars if I could.

Great PDA
I compared this PDA side by side with my venerable Palm IIIc and was very impressed with it. The screen resolution and brightness are superb, continuing Sony's success with the PEG T615C, and the clamshell design with the rotating screen overall was executed very well, I thought. It's not as bright as my IIIc, but the battery should last much longer than my now 2-year old than the IIIc, and it has 64k colors, whereas my IIIc only has 256. I just had a couple of complaints, but they're not serious.

The only problem with the screen is that it rotates only one way, which is clockwise. If you try to rotate it the other way, you'll find it won't go at all. This makes it different from the small LED screens on most camcorders, but it's okay.

The other problem is that if you rotate the screen 180 degrees and close it, so that you're now holding it like a regular Palm, rather than clamshell style, you now can no longer reach the four application buttons. Had they placed the buttons at the bottom of the screen, it wouldn't be a problem.

The other complaint I've heard is that the battery technology is a little flakey. A friend of mine that has one says the unit powers off without warning when the battery gets low. My Palm IIIc at least tells you when you need to put it on recharge. Also, he said the manual says you only need to recharge it for 4 hours before using it. But when he tried that, the unit wouldn't power up all the way and would lock up.

Overall, though, a great PDA. I would give it 6 stars if I could.

Nice for multi-media, but that¿s about it.
I had come from the Diamond Mako or Psion Revo+ which I had bought for ~$100 a couple of years ago. The Mako had its short comings which was mainly the lack a hi-res color screen and lack of upgradeable memory. I loved the keyboard on the Mako and hardly ever used the stylus. The graffiti always seemed slow to enter data and you always had to pull out the pen so I like the keyboard. The NR70 had a keyboard, a nice screen, and expandable memory. I didn't really care about the MP3 player since it's too big too be conveniently used while on the go.
The Apps: The applications have the following problems: 1. The applications that are provided with the NR70 are bear minimum. It seems like they stuck them on it just so they could list them in specs. The contact book only allows you to look at the bear minimum of contact information from outlook (the home addresses don't even show up!!!). The calendar does not let you look at all the data. The mail tool is pretty much only good for letting you look at messages in the inbox. The remote has a limited number of remotes and only allows for basic features (so you need to have the remote around anyway). The calculator is very basic, the documents to go does not translate accurately, the picture program does not ever read GIF files and does not have good pan/zoom features. 2. All of the Apps lack options. The preferences only let you do a couple of things leaving so that customization is minimal. 3. There is very little keyboard support. This is probably because it's palm OS, but I constantly have to switch from keyboard to stylus to even move from text field to text field. 4. The only really useful applications I have I had to buy. This includes a new picture viewer, a new remote too, and a decent database tool.
The Screen: The color, clarity, and resolution of the screen is the best part of the NR70. My main grip is you can use it all. There are only a couple of applications that use the entire screen w/o the graffiti area. Even the OS app browser doesn't let you get ride of this area!
The keyboard: very awkward to use. The NR70 is hard to hold while typing and the keys are located in a weird config. The control/alt/shift key has to be held while typing the character (instead of pressed once) which makes capitals a pain. The enter key and back space are in weird spots. Several times the keyboard has just stopped working and the device has to be reset to get it back. Some of the time, you have to use the palm arrows instead of keyboard arrows. I would not get this device if you are like me and like to use the keyboard for entry.
Other: The battery life seems good. The screen can be seen in almost any light. The MP3 player app is nice if you don't mind a large player.
Overall, I feel upset that I paid $300 for it. I would return it if I hadn't bought it from Sony on-line which I don't recommend. If I hadn't spent so much on it, I would go back to my old PDA.

warning!
After owning 3 Palms and one Pocket PC (... I kept dropping them), I bought but deeply regret buying a Clie. If you are a heavy user of "tasks" as I am, Clie's performance is so bad the PDA is unusable. When one makes any change in the task (...change date to "tomorrow"), there is about a 5 second delay. For all the Palms this was instantaneous. Change "priority"... same thing. Etc. This renders the Clie unusable.
I will not complain about the fact the machine just flat stopped working after a month of use because I sent it in and they fixed it for free and quickly. I pointed out the above problem but they did nothing.
This really disappointed me as I had previously thought well of Sony.

Memory Stick Gets "lost"
This is the slickest handheld to date. I fell in love with the PEG NX70V/U in a nano second when I first laid eyes on it, and I went ahead and got one. Looked cool when I used to take pictures and then stored them on the memory stick (MS). Thats when the trouble began.

I did a not synch and connected to my PC. The Clie did its thing and suddenly there was a bar across the memory stick, so I waited till the synch stopped. Took the Clie out of the cradle and reset it. Still no memory stick on the icon tray, even though the 128 Meg stick was still in. SO I did a hard reset, wiped the handheld and the memory stick was found ! Did a hot synch again, and it could not be found.

Sent it back to Sony for repair, they sent it back with a new MS. Case closed. Hmm, so is set it up and it found the memory stick. Now for the real test, I did a hot synch, and the memory stick disappeared, and the line went through the MS on the icon tray. I just shipped it back to Sony for repair AGAIN...

If they can fix this minor problem I may even be able to use the wireless NIC I bought as well. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Having already dipped its toe in the ocean that is the PDA market with the Clié PEG-SN760C and the PEG-S300 models, Sony has now jumped in with a second-generation color model--the PEG-T615C. Featuring the same 33 MHz DragonBall processor, high-resolution 320 x 320 color screen, and jog wheel functionality, it also boasts 16 MB of internal RAM, the latest version of the Palm OS (v. 4.1), and a superslim aluminum body.

Very similar in design to Sony's previous color model, the Clié PEG-T615C features the same Jog Dial button, allowing for easy, one-handed navigation around applications. The scroll buttons have been replaced with a tiny rocker switch, which doesn't function as easily as the original buttons. Also, the included flipover screen protector does have a tendency to detach from the unit a bit too easily.

The Memory Stick slot has been retained, allowing for increased expandability. Battery life runs at about 15 days before a recharge is required, though this does depend entirely on how much you use the PDA.

The PEG-T615C has lots of little pluses that make it stand out from the rest. It sits in the cradle nicely and it doesn't make a horrible crunching sound when it's removed, unlike some PDAs. Clié-specific applications such as the AV Remote Commander, World Alarm (which allows you to use your own sound files), Sound Utility, and Clié Paint are fun to play around with. Those of you wanting to do some serious work will be pleased with Documents To Go and Intellisync Lite. The latest version of the Palm OS includes easier data entry and enhanced security and mobile connectivity.

However, the standout feature on the PEG-T615C has to be the high-resolution screen--the images are sharp and detailed, while the text is supersmooth. It makes other PDA displays look positively archaic.

With its bright color screen, superior sound quality, and supersleek body, the PEG-T615C is probably the best (and sexiest) Palm OS-based PDA on the market at the moment and well worth your consideration. --Martin Snelling

Pros:

• Bright, high-resolution color screen
• 16 MB of memory that's expandable with Memory Sticks
• Superslim
• Fun Sony add-on programs

• New rocker switch replacing scroll buttons not as functional
• Flip screen protector detaches too easily

Features

• Slim design--only .50 inches thick--with 16 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash ROM
• Bright, high-resolution TFT color display
• Jog Dial navigator allows you to access phone numbers, notes, and more while keeping your other hand free
• Synchronize with your PC using included HotSync cradle; compatible with Windows PCs
• Expandable viaoptional Memory Stick cards

Reviews (78)

Excellent for Reading eBooks
I bought this machine primarily to have volumes of technical documentation always available at my fingertips. The screen is extremely sharp and contrasty - the best I've seen on the market (even if the colors, esp. red, are a little off). I first bought the Visor Prism, and exchanged it for the Sony. Although the Prism has a beautiful color screen (the game Galax plays fantastically on it!), the Sony has four times the number of pixels. My eyes started hurting after reading text on it after a couple of days. After all, if I want to play games I'd buy a Game Boy Advance ;-)

If you need a PDA for reading lots of stuff, do check out iSilo. This piece of software sold me on the 615C. It fully supports the Clie's 320x320 screen, jog dial and back button. It basically crunches down HTML pages into it's own document format. The viewable result on the 615C is nothing short of amazing. It reproduces fixed and variable width fonts of all sizes with amazing fidelity, supports color, images and hyperlink, etc.

The "resolution assist" feature of the 615C works very well - it improves the look of Palm applications that have not been written specifically to support the hi-res modes. Make sure it is enabled when you play with it in the store.

Excellent PDA
This is my first PDA. I wanted a PDA with a hi-res, color screen, fast processor, and lots of memory. I have always loved Sony products. The palm-OS is a great OS designed specifically for PDAs. (WinCE is a small version of windows). The T615C is easy to use and very capable. It has a high end, lithium ion polymer battery. The great screen, resolution, and backlighting can compromise time between charges, but I have yet to run it dead. There are many free palmOS applications available that I love. Reference materials relating to dictionaries, astronomy, chemistry, math, etc. are widely available. The games are a lot of fun as well.

The Clie has replaced my "little black book" with tremendous and useful capablities. (don't forget encrypted password storage) I also use the free book readers to read e-books. You can read them anywhere (in the dark as well) without disturibing others.

The PDA can power off automatically after 30 sec, 1, 2, or 3 minutes so it won't drain your battery. Access to the memory stick is a bit slower than accessing the built in RAM. Some problems have required a soft or even hard reset but I think that's more of a problem with the software and palmOS than the Clie.

I recommend this product.

Sony delivers!
I've been a Palm user since 1997 (Pilot Personal, Palm III, IIIx, IIIxe and Vx)so I thought It was time for a color upgrade, my choices were between the Palm m505 and CLie T615 (Handspring is going to stop making the Visors on behalf of the Treo- phones and I didn't like the low/cheap quality of the Visors anyway).

Well, choosing the T615 over the m505 is a no-brainer, It took me few days of research, you get double memory (16Mb) which really makes a difference!, the color screen in brighter and hi-res (320x320) compared to the m505 (only 160x160)-once you get used to that neat, sharp screen,its hard to go back!. Very important, the high quality craftmanship of the Sony case (aluminum) is impressive, very slim but feels rock-solid! just like a Lexus :) The buttons are not that easy to use cause thay are very stylish, but once you get used to the jog dial/back button you realize you really dont need them anymore!

The enhanced infrared port is a plus, with >15 feet is now really useful as a remote commander (the included software is excellent too.) Also the new polyphonic speaker is very nice and loud, it plays even MIDI and WAV files that you can download from your PC!
The only complaint I have is about the stylus, which feels a bit too thin for a comfortable grip, but I'm already used to it.
This is a great PDA, very innovative and with Sony's high quality standards!
I really recommend it!!

Sorry I bought it.
My first experience with a PDA was with one of the old monochrome Palms. The advantage to that device was that you could use the thing every day and the batteries would last for maybe 6 to 8 weeks.

With the T615 the battery situation is much different. With luck I can get maybe four hours of use out of one charge. I have a cradle at work, but I had to buy an additional cradle for home, which was around $50. I needed that just so I could use the thing on the weekend, otherwise the battery would die. In other words, with the T615 you are almost tethered to the cradle, because the rechargeable battery life is so short.

The other thing is that the battery discharges even when you don't use it. For example, if the battery is about half-charge and you don't use it for a week, the next time you turn it on, the battery will be completely dead. I mean dead to the point that all the information you had on the device is gone. With the older monochrome Palm, I suppose that could happen were you to leave dead batteries in it for months. But I never saw it happen. But with the Clie, I would say that it happens every few months.

But here's where the memory card is useful. I back up everything on the memory card all the time so that when the thing dies I can simply restore from the card.

One the one hand, you don't want to use the thing too much because you run the battery down so fast. But if you don't use it the battery runs down anyway. So you get the worst of both worlds. "Why not just keep it in the charger," you ask? Well, I do, but the care and feeding of my PDA does not form a very large part of my consciousness, and I forget to do that sometimes. Again, with the older Palm, battery life almost didn't matter because the battery life was so good.

I find that the Clie is so unreliable that I mostly use the PC software that comes with it. Any more I just use the Clie as a kind of expensive backup storage device in case something were to happen to the PC -- kind like a jump drive with a screen.

The good thing about the Clie is that it has a very lovely and clear screen -- a beautiful screen that, because of the short battery life, you won't see very often.

So learn from my experience, and understand that if your PDA doesn't have good battery life, the other features don't mean very much.

FAILED AFTER ONE YEAR, so did my brothers!
Hi guys,

Me and my brother were both so excited buying this when it came out. It failed for both of us after one year!. Anyhow I will never buy Sony again. However, my brother did and im pretty sure his latest Sony will fail again. Sony has such awesome designs but poor quality in this line of product! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Sony’s Clié range has included flip-and-swivel PDAs for some time, but NX73V is the sleekest yet. With its magnesium slate black case, Sony has managed to bring together a huge range of features, in a PDA that while on the large side, is still quite pocketable.

Running Palm OS 5, on an Intel PXA263 processor running at 200MHz, the NX73V has 16MB or RAM and a 300K pixel camera that supports up to 640 x 480 resolution. However, it is the screen that is the biggest attention-grabber as its capable of 320 pixels of width and 480 of length if you shrink the Graffiti area.Viewing diary dates, or reading files using the supplied Picsel Viewer, which can cope with document types including HTML, PDF and Microsoft Word, is a positive experience because the display format is closer to the ‘portrait’ orientation of standard paper, and therefore somehow feels better than more usual squarer Palm PDA screens.

There is plenty of other software provided by Sony, pre-installed so you don’t need to take up any of the RAM to use it. The range runs from an MP3 and ATRAC3 player to an infra red remote control, world alarm clock, handwriting recognition software, digital video and stills viewers, email and SMS applications, and software for taking still and moving images with the built-in camera. There is no flash, but you can make settings for indoor and outdoor shots which should help you get the most out of your images.

There are both Compact Flash and Memory Stick card slots, and as is usual with this range from Sony, there is a tiny thumb-tappable keyboard which, if your fingers are small enough, you can use pretty effectively.

This is an expensive, top of the range Clié, which has plenty of multimedia capability but could also be used to good effect at work.--Sandra Vogel ... Read more

Features

• High-powered handheld running Palm OS 5 and packed with multimedia features
• Built-in CMOS camera offering 640 x 480 resolution
• Video recording and playback capability
• Built-in voice recorder with adjustable recording sensitivity
• What's in the box: CLIÉ Handheld, USB HotSync Cradle, AC adapter, Stereo headphones and remote controller, AC plug adapter, Hand strap, Retractable Stylus, Installation CD-ROM, Instructions Manual, Graffiti Card

Reviews (4)

Excelent option for palm lovers
I came from using TRGpro & Handera 330. Difficult to find a new PalmOS machine with the high usability of extinguished models.
I bought this unit recently, and love it. The screen is sharp (screen protector is a must before any use) and colourful. The dual card option (memory stick & CF) is scarse in PalmOS PDAs. I am a pediatrician an use both 1GB CF & 512MB MSPro cards. If you need to store a lot of data for reference or database needs, then NX-73V or NX-80V is for you. The difference: 5MB more (real) RAM and 1.3MP camera for NX80V. But NX73V is comparable in use and has a beautiful black case.
JackFlash is a must to take use of 15MB aditional FlashROM memory available inside the NX73V, so you take many files off RAM (to cards or FlashROM) to make space available.
Hope Palm & others will offer dual card capability in the future for PalmOS, but it would be unlikely.

I like it!
I gotta say, I bought this thing thinking that I would probably just use it to store numbers and play MP3's. I've owned the old Palm Pilot Original, the Palm V, and now this Clie. I must say that the Clie simply blows everything else out of the water. It's like a mini computer! I can view pictures, PDF's, XLS, DOC with the bundled software. The screen resolution is really awesome.

I've found myself taking it wherever I'm going (which is the point of a PDA!!!). This never happened before with my older PDA's because they were simply calendars and phonebooks... I enjoy having the camera on me at random times. Taking a little picture of my favorite dish at a restaurant or capturing a great picture of my dog at the park. Those are times you always wished you had brought your digicam but never had it on you!

The DECUMA input sucks... you need to write really neatly and separate e a c h l e t t e r so that it knows what you're talking about. I much prefer Graffiti 2. Graffiti 2 is soooo much cooler than Graffiti 1 that I have been using previously. BUT best of all, this thing has a QWERTY keyboard. I cannot stress how much nicer it is to use the QWERTY. I haven't used the stylus much at all. Most of my inputs are now a process of using my fingertip and then using the keyboard. It REALLY is much faster.

I also enjoy the fact that the thing doesn't have to boot up to get to the digicam or the voice recorder. One click of either button and the unit automatically snaps to the application you are requesting. I am enjoying taking oral notes with the voice record feature when I'm on the go and don't have time to type.

Overall, I'd suggest that you also check out the NX80 due to the better camera. I think I'll buy an NX80 eventually, but right now, for the price, the 73V does exactly what I need without costing TOO much.

Glad I Upgraded
Previous happy owner of a Clie NR60 but had to upgrade when I dropped it and broke the screen. The NX73 has everything I liked about my previous machine and in addition is Faster, has better screen resolution, and the Upgraded Palm OS. The Decuma handwriting recognition is great. The more I use it the more I like the ablity to take notes in my writing. The camara is lame and not a reason to buy this machine. The option for using CF cards is great plus in flexibility and cost. If you like to type your notes into your PDA, then this machine is not for you. The touch of the keyboard gives barely enough feedback. The Tungsten C has much better keyboard feel if you feel this is important. Bottom Line, if you like the big screen of the CLIE clamshell models (which to me makes a big difference), this is definitely the machine to buy.

NX73v is a slight upgrade from the previous nx series
The only thing that made me upgrade to this nx73v from my nx60 was the Decuma handwriting input. It is by far the best input software and I have been a graffiti user for 5 years. I thought I was fast on graffiti, but with decuma, I can write more naturally and much more quickly. Sony does it again. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Palm-powered PEG-NX60 Clié handheld provides everything you need to stay entertained and organized. It features Palm OS 5.0 and an ARM-compliant 200 MHz CPU for enhanced overall performance and exceptional multimedia experience.

The PEG-NX60 is equipped with a wireless communication slot for adding an optional wireless local area network (802.11b) card, so you can browse the Web, check e-mails, and synchronize data without being bound by wires. (Wireless LAN access point sold separately and Internet service provider is required.)

This Clié also incorporates a voice recorder feature for recording and playback of voice memos. A 128 MB Memory Stick holds approximately 535 minutes of voice recording in LP mode. You can also store your favorite MP3 tracks on Memory Stick media and enjoy music on your Clié handheld. An audio remote controller and headphones are included.

Note: Some third-party software and devices may currently not be compatible with or may have limited functionality with this model. Please confirm with third-party vendors or manufacturers for compatibility. Memory Stick media is necessary for storing audio and video content (Memory Stick media sold separately). The PEG-NX60 is compatible with Magic Gate Memory Sticks (sold separately). This handheld is compatible with Sony's wireless LAN card (PEGA-WL100) only (sold separately).

What's in the box

• Clie handheld
• USB cradle (for HotSync operation)
• Stylus
• AC Adapter
• Stereo headphones
• Remote controller
• Plug adapter
• Plug adapter attachment
• Hand strap
• Installation CD-ROM
• Read This First
• Add-on Application Guide
• End User License Agreement
• Graffiti sticker
• Limited Warranty Statement

Features

• MPEG-1 and MPEG-4 video playback
• Integrated wireless communication slot
• High-resolution TFT color display (320 x 480 pixels)
• 16 MB of RAM, 16 MB of ROM, Memory Stick expansion slot
• What's in the box: Clie handheld, USB cradle (for HotSync operation), Stylus, AC Adapter, Stereo headphones, Remote controller, Plug adapter, Plug adapter attachment, Hand strap, Installation CD-ROM, Application Guide

Reviews (18)

An Excellent PDA
If you know you want a Palm-based PDA, then this is the one. It's got a 200Mhz processor which makes it fast enough.
Also has a voice recorder which can be fun as well as useful (It's easier to record your own voice when driving than it is to type something into your pda)
With the memory stick media, you can play MP3s. You can fit anywhere from 20-40 songs (2-4 albums) on a 128MB memory stick.
Also cool is the attached keyboard.
Newer models in the Sony Clie NX line have attached digital cameras, although I didn't think that was necessary, since I already have a digital camera.
Overall, this is a highly recomended PDA!

A truly fabulous PDA
This is the first PDA I've ever owned, although I've been eyeing them for years, waiting for just the "right" one to come on the market. This is it. I could not be happier with it.

I opted for the PEG-NX60 over the NX70 because I have a great digital camera and didn't need one in the Clie. Since my camera is a Sony, it is very easy for me to swap memory sticks between the two devices. I've got tons of photos and videos saved on a 64 meg memory stick that I use predominantly for the Clie, and with the included image/video conversion program, I still have a comfortable amount of free space on the memory stick.

I found the Palm OS 5 to be quite intuitive, and even Graffiti was not a problem for me, although I was certain at the beginning that I would be using the hardware keyboard most of the time. Now, I use it infrequently, but I am still glad I bought this clamshell design Clie because of the additional protection it provides to the screen. I have been using this since December and have not felt the need to buy a protective case for the device. It rides in my purse and the well-built metal shell, plus clamshell design, feels very secure to me.

The included apps, especially Documents to Go, are terrific. I've set up the Clie to sync several Word and Excel documents between my home and work PCs, and it works like a dream. I always have the most current copy of those documents with me.

All in all, it's a good work tool, and a great play tool as well. I love having the ability to keep current work docs with me at all times, plus having a digital photo album as well. There's more to tell, but I think each user will tell his or her own story.

It's a winner, and I'm once again thrilled with a Sony product!

Outstanding PDA
I bought this device for use at work. I work as an emergency medicine physician so I was looking for something that would be "almost" pocket size or just easy to carry around in scrubs.
Good points about this unit. It is very light compared to later models. Great color screen, very durable, sony brand quality. No camera. A good point because the unit is lighter, you are not paying extra money for poor, poor quality pictures, and you can purchase a pocket size digital camera for good prices now if you really *NEED* to take pictures.

Overall, Great unit, great price. Worthwhile investment.

Great PDA specially for entertainment purposes
This is a great PDA. I was thinking of the Tungsten-T, but decided for the Clie because of its extended screen and multimedia capabilities. Programs like Documents To Go, media player, and web browser use the extended screen. Comes with a lot more programs. The screen tilts and moves over the keyboard for easier screen-only use. Tilt screen also allows to position the PDA on a desk and more the screen for better viewing. Memory expansion is a plus, specially to play MP3s, but the memory sticks are expensive. You can buy the compact flash driver (forgot the company name, $20) and use regular compact flash memory. I use the wireless LAN card so it is better for me to use the memory stick. Netfront 3 is great IF YOU DOWNLOAD THE UPDATE from the Sony web site. It eliminates/reduces the annoying "page too large" message. Netfront is by far the best browser I have seen on PDAs, and I can browse virtually any web site. Make sure you download all the updates. The keyboard is not that useful for typing documents, but it is great for small things.
ADVANTAGES: larger screen, lots of buttons, lots of extra goodies like the media player controller, nice screen, and NICE LOOKING PDA. Tilt screen feature is the best.
DISADVANTAGES: long format is not the best for business only purposes. MS is expensive.
CAMERA? Why? Buy a real digital camera. I can't see how useful it will be to have a digital camera in a phone or PDA unless you have a special use for it (like inventory, etc).

Great PDA, specially for entertainment
I love this PDA. I had a Handspring Visor which was great, but it was time to upgrade to color and the latest OS. I decided for this PDA as it has the bigger screen that is used fully for writting documents and other things. Palm OS5 supports the bigger screen, so you will be seeing more programs for it. I use the MP3 player a lot. You can use Memory Stick Pro (256MB and higher) memory with a patch, and there is someone making a driver to use compact flash memory. You will not regret buying this PDA. My decisions: Windows? Hell no! I see too many people using the reset button too often, and that is to be expected from MS. Palm? Very stable and lots of apps. Never ever had a problem with it. Larger Clie versus smaller PDAs like the Tungsten T? I wanted also a PDA for browsing the internet via wireless lan (any Palm OS5 PDA can do it) but I like the larger screen for browsing. The other extras are nice too. For me, smaller PDAs are better for business use only. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Sony's Clié N760C combines the best of a Palm OS handheld computer and an MP3 player. Bulkier than your average audio player, it still manages to be sleek enough that you'd consider taking it out just for music-listening purposes. And you'll have all your typical Palm applications at the tip of your stylus, including your address book, to-do list, and e-mail.

Rather than CompactFlash or SmartMedia, the Clié N760C uses Sony's own Memory Stick cards for expanding memory. While more expensive than other forms of media, they can be used in a variety of Sony devices, from MP3 players to digital cameras. If you're a Sony aficionado and already have other Sony peripherals, it won't be a tough transition to the Clié. Unfortunately, while the costs of SmartMedia and CompactFlash cards have dropped recently, proprietary Sony Memory Sticks have stayed much higher.

Although the N760C ships with only a total 16 MB memory (8 MB internal memory and 8 MB via a Memory Stick), it can be upgraded as high as you're willing to spend for additional sticks. The N760C treats the inserted Memory Stick as a removable drive, making it an easy way to transfer data from your PC and other peripherals, such as digital cameras or camcorders. The interface on the base of the N760C, used to connect to the AC adapter or the USB docking station, can also be used to connect a Clié modem.

The thin gray and silver unit weighs less than six ounces and fits snugly in the palm of your hand. The nifty Jog Dial scroll wheel sits right under your thumb, letting you switch between applications, move from one audio track to another, and even fast-forward or reverse during video playback. A removable leather face cover protects the N760C while it's in a pocket and flips up out of the way easily.

Sony includes an extensive software bundle with the N760C, from games like Acid Solitaire and Race Fever to interactive maps in Rand McNally's StreetFinder Express and Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Pocket Vineyard, with tips on tipping and sipping.

The 16-bit color, high-resolution screen works well for gaming as well as watching small video clips (again, you'll need to beef up the Memory Stick to take advantage of the media player). The audio software on the Clié can play MP3 files, and the attachable in-line remote control (which features a shirt clip and also doubles as a stylus) handles playback functions and volume control. The headphones can plug into the Clié or pass through the remote control.

The lithium-ion rechargeable battery juices up in less than four hours initially and will last up to 15 days for normal use (although if you're playing a lot of audio files it will drain much faster).

You'll need to spend at least another $75 to $120 to get a large-enough Memory Stick to make it worthwhile as a full MP3 player. But even with that additional cost, the Clié N760C offers enough functionality and entertainment value to make it worth consideration. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Bright, 16-bit color display
• Built-in MP3 audio player
• Headphones and remote control
• Compatible with thousands of Palm OS programs

• Memory Sticks not cheap

Features

• High-resolution reflective color display includes front lights for excellent visibility indoors and outdoors
• Built-in MP3 audio player; includes stylish headphones and remote control
• 16 MB total memory: 8 MB internal memory, plus 8 MB Memory Stick
• Jog Dial navigator allows you to access phone numbers, notes, and more while keeping your other hand free
• What's in the box: Clie Handheld, Headphones, Audio Remote Controller, USB HotSync Cradle, Detachable AC Adapter, Memory Stick (8MB), Stylus, Installation CD-ROM, Application Guide, Graffiti Sticker, Protective Cover

Reviews (35)

Hardware is great; software and support is typical Sony
+ The basics of PalmOS is all there with some nifty Sony add-on programs that show images, video, and of course the MP3 audio files. There's a software interface that essentially allows your memory stick to act as your extended memory drive. The easy movement of files from cpu to Clie is either through an install app or simply drag-drop once your computer sees your Clie as an external drive.

+ The foremost knock-dead product quality is the crisp and clear and bright screen. You need to see it to believe it. I dump portfolio images to display to clients, friends, and show off. The upper casing is metal (aluminum probably), the lower a painted plastic. The Sony side scroll-dial has a new companion - a separate back button below it that acts beautifully on AvantGo; learned browser manipulation actually is capitalized on mobile products!

+ The MP3 audio player (included) is two pieces - the remote control and then a plug in headphones. The remote has a nib that allows Clie input without fumbling for a stylus. Personally the earphones are a real pain though. The two wires are almost completely separated creating a wire management mess; the slip around ear lobe design is just too annoying with tension and constant pressure placed on a part of the body that shouldn't be used as a latching zone. Dump them for something more ergo.

(-) This all leads to the negative issues. Sony support for their software is ridiculous. It says XP compatible - but it is NOT. It installs incomplete with no 'Intellisync' limiting me to using the Sony calendar and no sync to Outlook. After 5-6 attempts at complete uninstall and install - there's no more sync capabilities whatsoever; rendering my XP machine non-communicado with Clie. No response from Sony other than the automation. However, the software works flawlessly on my other 2, Win2000OS cpus.

(+/-) I also purchased the unit for the accessories. I'm excited about the camera, regardless of the resolution. The modem seems silly with the accessibility and mobility of today's computers; and I'm waiting on a stupid microphone to be designed and manufactured...will anybody listen to the consumer? The negative here is that I'm still waiting on my camera unit. A lost opportunity is the lack of decent cases. I've got fours cases - the original has a flip top that is minimal screen protection. The 2 leather ones make you stick a Velcro on the unit - yuck, no way! So, I'm using the old Clie wrap-around nylon padded case because it keeps the unit safe and snug.

Overall, 4 solid stars for the great product and the ability to expand. The software issue still remains Sony's downfall; the lack of accessories is temporal; but the constant failure to provide adequate and appropriately designed cases to help you holster your treasure will is a constant afterthought for many hardware companies. Unfortunately, this sad software issue has sealed the deal as my last Sony computer/PDA purchase ever - the hardware design is advanced but the software is not.

Best PDA I've ever owned!
I've owned Palms (and even Pocket PCs) almost as long as they've been around. I was very excited when I first saw a Palm in color...the Palm IIIc. Paid the price and got it home only to be disappointed with the look of the screen with the big pixels and the poor visibility outside. Tried an HP jornada for some time and loved the color, hated the OS. So went back to a plain Palm. Finally the Sony came out. Beautiful color AND high res! This was what I wanted!! And I've not been disappointed. Let's look at the pros of this device:

1. Excellent color screen indoors and out
2. Good MP3 player
3. Memory stick expansion so you can load tons of programs, songs, and now video too
4. Nice looking device
5. Good stylus
6. Excellent battery life
7. Decent buttons
8. Nice software bundle

Cons
1. Memory stick is proprietary and expensive (but Lexar sticks are fairly cheap)
2. Sony support not real great
3. Newer models available

Why should you choose this model over some newer ones? Well, you might be able to get a better price on it, and the battery life is unmatched by newer ones. If I were buying a new Palm. I probably would get a newer one. But I have yet to see a model that truly has convinced me to switch.

Sony Clie PEG-N760C
Sony's Clie PEG-N760C is (or was) a winner. It is well made, easy to use, an met all my expectations. The MP3 player is outstanding in musical quality. Sony made a big mistake in dropping this item from their product line. The camera works well, but suffers some from low image quality. This is probably a software issue - hopefully Sony will rewrite the camera software.

Minor problems... Great overall
The Sony Clie N760C is a great PDA with fantastic resolution and is great for playing MP3s. However, if you really want to use this as an MP3 audio player you must buy a 128 MB memory stick (an 8 MB memory stick is included) or else you could only play a couple of MP3s. Also, I have found that video files play very choppy. I do not know if this is the program's fault or the PDA itself. The Clie's major problem is its digitizer and digitizer calibration. I have talked to countless other Clie N760C users and most of them (me as well) have had repeated digitizer misalignment problems and errors with the digitizer calibration program. Other than that, the Clie N760C is great. Its strong points are picture-viewing, games, organizational-purposes, and MP3 playing.

don't let the battery run down...
or it will erase everything on it. and when you try to restore it from the memory stick backup, the datebook and phone numbers are restored but all the third party applications need to be reinstalled from scratch. in the 21st century with cheap static RAM (compact flash, smart media, memory stick!) this is inexcusable. oh, and another thing, you can't run an application from the memory stick. and the mp3 player doesn't read ID3 tags. overall this thin is a bunch of hype. i wish these handheld companies would take care of the basics before sticking on a digital camera or some other useless feature. still the palm platform is not as mature as my 10(!) year old Apple Newton... ... Read more