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The Cybiko handheld for eight to 18 year-olds was launched late last year. It has now appeared in a new and improved version, the Cybiko Xtreme.
As handheld computers go, it has a pretty wild and wacky look, although beneath its funky exterior are many familiar features. True to the handheld genre there are utilities, including an address book, to-do list manager, diary and calculator.
There are also countless additional applications, some on the installation CDRom and many more available to download from the Cybiko website (see below). They are all free and include a host of games as well as image viewers, utilities and so on.
You can also expand the Cybiko Xtreme hardware, adding an MP3 player feature which supports MMC cards. This will set you back £35.
It's exciting so far but we aren't convinced that the Cybiko Xtreme has what it takes to make it in the cut-and-thrust youth market. For a start, the communications feature, which lets you converse with up to 99 other users and play wireless games, only works with other Cybikos.
It also uses a proprietary operating system, which means that you are buying into a hardware range running to just two devices from a single manufacturer. That seems rather restrictive.
The monochrome screen is small and not especially pleasant to use, and it isn't touch-sensitive which means there is no handwriting recognition such as that found in even the most basic handheld computers.
The keyboard is the only data entry option. It's fine for youngsters but adults may find the keys too small. The swappable fascias are an interesting feature but not a big enough selling point.
At first glance, the Xtreme seems appealing. Its looks will draw an audience, as will the 400 games and applications available for free download. Beyond that, there's little to recommend it.
Price: £100 (inc. VAT)
Contact: Cybiko 0870 905 0450
www.cybiko.com
Also consider: Palm M105
The baby Palm represents good value. £130.
See also:
It may be child's play but this handheld is a social phenomenon waiting to happen. 25 Jan 2002
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