Registered: May 2000
Location: Rome, NY
Posts: 28

I just read a recent article by ZDNET where they reviewed the newest PDA - The Sony Clie.

What baffles me is that they gave it a higher rating (3/5 compared to 2/5 for VISOR DX) than the Visor. How can this be when the Clie doesn't have springboard capability?

Yes, you can watch video and have pictures, but it's still greyscale. The price is a bit much too.

I don't know about you, but I'll stick with my Visor DX

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Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Moved to Clie Land
Posts: 331

I got to touchy-feely one this weekend at Comp-USA and was struck by how cheap it felt...Granted the VISOR is plastic, but the Clie actually "felt more plasticy" if that describes the experience. Was really surprised as I have great respect for Sony in general....maybe since it's their first attempt

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Registered: Nov 1999
Location: bright side of the moon.
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Strange, i had the exact opposite reaction. I was VERY impressed with the Clie and with some of it's functions. Goes to show you that each PDA has somebody out there that will find it useful for what that person needs.

That's why i'm amazed at people that become fanatical about a product they didn't develop themselves....

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Registered: May 2000
Location: Rome, NY
Posts: 28

quote:

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Originally posted by Hoser_in_USA
Strange, i had the exact opposite reaction. I was VERY impressed with the Clie and with some of it's functions. Goes to show you that each PDA has somebody out there that will find it useful for what that person needs.

That's why i'm amazed at people that become fanatical about a product they didn't develop themselves....

---

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Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604

It too played with a Clie at CompUSA, and was favorably, but not overwhelmingly, impressed. I didn't think it seemed cheap at all. The thing I liked most about it was the jogdial - a feature HS should think about for future products.

That said, I wasn't so impressed with it that I think it should rank higher than the Visor - particularly since the memorystick peripeherals are all vapor at this point.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

I've finally managed to get my hands on a Cli�, and I was underwhelmed. The improved address book was nice, but I actually wasn't impressed with the jog dial. I'd rather have a two-dimensional navigator like a four-way rocker, rather than a controller which overlaps in functionality with the two-way rocker on the front panel. I might have liked the dial more if I were right-handed. That way I could have used my index finger rather than my thumb.

Since I have a Vaio, I could see the value of being able to swap Memory Sticks between it and the Cli�, so that's a plus. But judging from press releases and PR reps I've talked to at Sony, the device-oriented MS modules (cameras, radios, MP3 players, etc.) are least a year off, and we've already waited this long for a substantial selection of Springboard modules. For now, the Memory Stick is a mostly-memory expansion solution, having more in common the the TRG-Pro than the Visor.

I didn't care about the gMedia software, which seemed little more than a novelty, but I did like the improved address book. Physically, it felt better in my hand than the Visor, but I'm ambivalent about the design, which I would like much more without the bars on the side. Then again, I've never been crazy about the Visor's design either. Aesthetically and ergonomically, I prefer the Palm Vx to the Cli�.

Does the Cli� deserve a higher rating than the Visor? I don't think so at all. At $399, I just don't see the added value, to put it mildly.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: bright side of the moon.
Posts: 996

Kalaban,

I'm sorry, i didn't mean to imply you were being fanatical. I have seen others become rude and insist that what they think is right in the past and in no way meant to imply that on you.

What i'd like to point out is the 4 or 5 different opinions already posted here about the Clie. SO, looking at the article that rates it higher than the Visor, i see it as just a '6th post' on this thread. It's just somebody else's opinion and it's obvious that there will be many who disagree....there ALWAYS is.

I like the jog dial quite a bit, actually. As soon as i started using it, it was as if i've been using it forever! where as Gameboy doesn't like it and would rather have the rocker type control (which used to give me MEGA blisters with my old gameboy...).

To each his own.

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Registered: May 2000
Location: Rome, NY
Posts: 28

Hoser in USA:

No need to apologize. I have gleaned a lot of information from you and others here and everyone has a right to an opinion.

Thanks for the feedback!



[Edited by kalaban on 09-26-2000 at 09:40 PM]

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Registered: Sep 2000
Location: New York City
Posts: 29

Go

Thanx for playing nice...

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Registered: Aug 2000
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Visor vs. Clie

Ok, I'll throw in my opinion about the Clie, since I just got to handle one a couple days ago. I agree, it feels kinda cheap, I did like the form factor though, and I think the jog wheel is really cool.

The one thing that almost has me buying it, is the memory stick slot. Expandable memory on a palm isn't new(TRGPro), but these memory sticks are small and efficient, not to mention the form factor coolness of the Clie itself. Its not as functional as the springboard slot, but there are 64 meg memory sticks out there. And the 32 meg memory sticks are cheaper than the 8 meg flash card for the Visor. So I'm stuck paying 79.99 for a 8 meg flash card, and the Sony can do 32 megs for around 60 bucks(check ebay). Hmmm. Thats kinda troubling. Thats the one thing that I really really want on my Visor. I know that there is a module supposedly coming out to do MMC and that the Innogear MP3 will soon be able to do it, but the MP3 player isn't good enough for me. The MP3 is more than I want to spend since I already have an MP3 player, and it adds bulk to the machine, which is fine if you use it for playing MP3's, but I just want the memory.

The one thing that keeps me from getting the sony is, rechargable batteries, and the lack of a springboard slot. I really hate rechargables, because of the crap I have to drag along on a trip. And I am looking foward to some of the springboard stuff coming out(MMC!!!). Plus the backup module is one of the most usefull devices I own.


So there I am at CompUSA checking out the Sony Clie, wishing the Visor had a memory stick slot, and knowing that I'm just 460 bucks away from 40 megs of bliss.

Thank goodness I left the credit card at home.

-Visorholic

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: nowheresburg, PH
Posts: 98

I know that this is out of topic but i cant just help but notice one thing, an oxymoron. Kalaban in filipino means "an enemy". yet in the discussions above, kalaban seems to be friendly.

On that note, I guess I would have to support Hoser on his point. I do believe that the only time where you would appreciate a PDA or any equipment at that is when you are really able to use it or, if it fits your needs at the moment... right now, i cant give an opinion without comparing it with the functionality of the visor. The first question that always comes in my mind is, can it do this? while pulling out my back-up module.

I love my visor, and i'm even considering in upgrading to the prism. Who knows, my needs will change and I would go with one of the other PDA's out there like the Yopy or something, as of this point...... My name is Perze and I'm a visorholic.

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Registered: May 2000
Location: Rome, NY
Posts: 28

Perz_E:

I'm a Clinical Social Worker so I am naturally humanistic.

Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't aware that Kalaban meant
"enemy".
It's acutaly the name of my mutt - who is pit bull, rotwieler, german shep and black lab and gentle as a baby

He was named by a young child after the Kal Kan dog food, but couldn't quite pronounce it so he called the dog kalaban. (Yes, this off topic).

I am also heavily considering the Visor Prism IF Handspring produces enough of them.

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Registered: Oct 1999
Location: I'm not sure, but I see lots of lights everywhere.
Posts: 1287

Color me Clie'

Well, I just did something I thought I would never do...I purchased a Clie'. I've been using a Palm IIIxe, but became tired of its rather outdated generic design, and by the fact that in order to save money and cut costs, Palm moved to a much cheaper quality plastic in stark contrast to the older III series. As I browsed the PDA isle at Circuit City looking for my next victim, my eyes kept coming back to the Clie. Truth be told, it's an awesome handheld. I can't think of any reason why anyone would buy a Palm Vx after trying out a Clie. In my opinion, the overall design and style is much better, feels much more natural in your hand. The jog dial is a breath of fresh air, making the task of opening an app quite simple. The memory stick is a huge convenience. I was also impressed that Sony actually includes a Memory stick with every Clie. Something Handspring should have done long ago with its Flash module in Visor Deluxe models, IMHO. The backlight is head and shoulders above all current Palm and Visor models. In fact its the favored "old style" backlight found on the original Palm III, makes a huge difference. You can finally use the backlight in moderately low-light situations and actually see the screen, something impossible on the Palm and Visor. The smaller screen size was an initial concern for me, but after I started using the device I was surprised to discover that the display was actually much clearer and sharper than many other Palms I had used in the Past, including the V series. It's definitely better than the Visor's display. And of course the backlight tops them all.

As for those who claim the Clie feels cheap, I don't know how in gods name you can possibly say that in comparison to the Visor. The Visor is by far the cheapest quality handheld on the market. It's case feels brittle (and it is, considering the frequent reports of cracking), and the buttons look very toy like. The Clie has a much more professional look to it. To each his own I guess, but if you think the Clie is cheaper in "feel" to the Visor, you need to have your head examined. That's like saying that a Lexus RX-7 looks cheaper in design to a KIA Sportage.

Overall Sony did a fabulous job. Especially considering that this is their first Palm handheld. My only complaints are with the Power button which is very small and oddly placed. But the best is yet to come. Next year they will release a color handheld with built-in MP3 audio capability. Unlike Handspring, Sony is more than just a licensee. They are, in Yankowski's words, a "Strategic Partner". In fact they are actually working with Palm to bring multimedia capabilities to this platform. Next year could be very difficult for Microsoft if Sony carries through with their promise to deliver multimedia savvy wireless enable PDAs to market.

If your in the market for a stylish high-end handheld comparable to (or in this case better) the Palm Vx, the Clie is a hands down winner. Now, if they can just get the price down, and get their add-on modules out the door....

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Registered: Sep 1999
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Re: Color me Clie'

quote:

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Originally posted by foo fighter
Next year they will release a color handheld with built-in MP3 audio capability

---

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Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

Re: Color me Clie'

quote:

---

Originally posted by foo fighter
Well, I just did something I thought I would never do...I purchased a Clie'.

---

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Moved to Clie Land
Posts: 331

"As for those who claim the Clie feels cheap, I don't know how in gods name you can possibly say that in comparison to the Visor. To each his own I guess, but if you think the Clie is cheaper in "feel" to the Visor, you need to have your head examined. That's like saying that a Lexus RX-7 looks cheaper in design to a KIA Sportage. "

I resent that...yes, it IS to each their own and I respect your opinion. I am glad you found a unit that pleased you, but the Clie DID feel cheezy to me and I did not enjoy it in the hand. It is much thinner(good) but the plastic/silver rails DON'T appeal to me and it did feel cheap ~ TO ME.

If you really want to get nit-picky, the RX-7 was a MAZDA and the Lexus SUV is a LX 470 or RX 300...

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Registered: May 2000
Location: Rome, NY
Posts: 28

Foo Fighter:

Is it me, or do you stir emotions in most threads you post in?

The Clie does have some endearing points to it, but after some thought... I would much rather spend the same dollar for a color Visor (Prism) than a greyscale Clie.

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Registered: Nov 1999
Location: bright side of the moon.
Posts: 996

quote:

---

Originally posted by kalaban
The Clie does have some endearing points to it, but after some thought... I would much rather spend the same dollar for a color Visor (Prism) than a greyscale Clie.

---

Actually, Clie = $399 with 16MB
Prism = $449 with 8MB and Colour

....comes back to personal preference.

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MP3 capability is overrated

I think one of the most overrated abilities of PDAs is to play MP3s. Sure this was pretty neat when the market used a variety of storage mediums that didn't really go beyond 64M but with the release of Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox the whole MP3 market will be changed. Already I hear people talking about this product that would never talk about MP3. I believe that the MP3 market will be dominated by hard-disk based MP3 players that offer a whole collection. This is the killer app for MP3. This allows MP3 to leapfrog the whole functionality of CDs and casettes by offering a library for the listener.

I think that people in the very near future will look at MP3 players that store less than a 1GB (and that may be too low a figure) as toys.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Posts: 13

MP3 players

The only problem with disk-based players is shock-handling capability. Not an issue with solid state players. In other words, you're not going to go jogging with a CD or hard disk-based player . . .