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vidkid145
Joined: 03 Sep 2002
Posts: 121
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| Posted: 08-23-2003 09:43 PM Post subject: Sony CLIE PEG-SJ20 |
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New looks
Hit the power button and stare into Sony's signature high-resolution 320x320 monochrome display. The SJ20 is almost all display, with an extremely tiny bezel.
Sony departs from the traditional green backlight found with most Palm-based PDAs and goes with white, making the display much more legible. With the SJ20 you'll rely on the backlight more frequently, because the screen is very reflective. Under medium fluorescent lighting we saw more of our own reflection than the running applications. The white backlight effectively combats this problem.
SJ20 is noticeably smaller than other CLIEs, measuring 2.9 inches by 4.1 inches. The guts have to go somewhere, so it's thicker at 0.7 inches. We found the new shape much more comfortable to hold than previous versions and it also felt much more solid.
Specs
33-MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ processor.
Palm OS 4.1 is stored in 4MB of ROM.
Data and additional applications are stored in 16MB of RAM. Only 15MB is accessible to the user, which should still be sufficient for most.
Additional storage can be added through the included Memory Stick slot.
Layout
As on most CLIEs, Sony includes a jog dial plus a back button on the left side. We've always been fans of the jog dial and the convenience it brings to one-hand navigation. On the front, you'll find the usual series of programmable quick-launch buttons and scroll keys.
Battery life
A key difference between the SJ20 and the earlier SL10 is the rechargeable battery. We prefer rechargeable batteries simply for the convenience of never having to hunt down a replacement set. Sony claims the SJ20's lithium ion battery provides sufficient power for 15 days of use. However Sony assumes only 30 minutes of use per day without the backlight. Ultimately, your usage pattern will determine battery life.
Software
Sony includes its usual suite of applications with the SJ20. You'll find DataViz's Documents To Go Standard Edition for editing and viewing Microsoft Word and Excel documents.
Sony includes PictureGear Lite for your desktop and PictureGear Pocket for the PDA. With this application you can send images or video files to the SJ20. Video files are played through gMovie, a Sony application also included in the package.
SJ20 cuts corners
You won't get a synching cradle but rather a cable, which may be more convenient to carry for the frequent traveler. However, Sony complicates matters by using an adapter into which you have to plug the synching cable and power adapter. The entire implementation is awkward and increases the number of pieces you have to corral.
There isn't a HotSync button on the adapter. You'll have to activate the synching process through software on the SJ20, making it less than convenient.
Mac users are still left unsupported by Sony. We're surprised that Sony continues to ignore the Mac operating system, while Handspring and Palm offer support. Third-party synching software is available from Mark/Space for $30, but the SJ20 isn't supported yet.
Bottom line
At $200, is the SJ20 worth the extra $50 compared to the older SL10? To us, the rechargeable battery and extra memory are worth the extra money. Add in the high-resolution display and application suite, and the SJ20 is a good value compared to comparable devices from Handspring and Palm.
Pros: Great backlight; high-resolution display; good price.
Cons: No Mac support; no cradle included.
Company: Sony Electronics
Price: $200
Available: Now
Platform: Palm OS
Specs: 2.9 inches by 4.1 inches by 0.7 inches; 4.5 ounces; Motorola Dragonball VZ 33-MHz processor; 320x320 display; 16MB RAM; 4MB ROM |
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Shn
Joined: 10 Feb 2002
Posts: 738
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| Posted: 08-25-2003 06:56 AM Post subject: |
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dunno why but this looks pasted...
anyways, i've got no use for a PDA, as i've got no friends and no life and therefore got no need for such a thingy. |
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fallout
Joined: 08 Jul 2003
Posts: 159
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| Posted: 08-25-2003 04:24 PM Post subject: |
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| you know i've been very fond of the old pen and paper myself :p |
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Shn
Joined: 10 Feb 2002
Posts: 738
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| Posted: 08-26-2003 07:25 AM Post subject: |
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fallout wrote:
you know i've been very fond of the old pen and paper myself :p
But can you watch porn vids on paper ? |
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Comrade
Joined: 11 Feb 2002
Posts: 158
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| Posted: 08-26-2003 08:48 AM Post subject: |
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| you could make a porn flick book |
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fallout
Joined: 08 Jul 2003
Posts: 159
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| Posted: 08-27-2003 12:36 AM Post subject: |
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| lol yes u could ive done that when i was out of power for that 2 day period.....mans gota have his porn :P |
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fallout
Joined: 08 Jul 2003
Posts: 159
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| Posted: 08-27-2003 12:38 AM Post subject: |
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| but it was stick figures with my horible drawing |
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