Sony Clie PEG-SJ30

When it comes to handheld computers, size is important. Extra functions are all very well, but if they mean the device needs a briefcase to carry it around it is just waste.

Palm operating system-based handheld computers have a reputation for being small and capable. With Sony designing the packaging, the result should be a cute but functional handheld.

And that is exactly what you get.

The Clie sits snugly in the hand and is small by handheld computer terms. The colour screen is sharp and takes up most of the front of the device.

There are four shortcut buttons and a scroll button squeezed onto the bottom edge of the Clie for navigating without the stylus.

The main items to note are along the top edge. There is an infrared port for sending information to a notebook PC or similar; a power button, stylus and an expansion slot for Memory Stick memory cards.

Palm devices feel very easy to use as soon as they are turned on. The main page displays all the applications and there are four shortcut buttons for Address Book, Diary, To Do and Memo pad.

Sony has added to the standard Palm applications to include an image editor and movie player software.

HotSync software is supplied for backing up information to a desktop PC computer.

In order to keep costs sensible, there is no cradle supplied, just a power lead and USB connector.

Assuming you don't mind carrying the cables round, it does make it more portable, although using the Clie when it is connected to the PC is a little fiddly.

This is compounded by the small stylus, which can get lost in your hand when writing or pointing on the screen.

There are several extras available for the Clie that plug into the bottom, including a game controller and an audio player.

While 16MB of memory is plenty for a Palm OS-based device, it won't hold much music. Memory Sticks are also needed to get the most of its musical capabilities.

Overall, however, the combination of Palm OS and Sony-style abilities make this a very attractive handheld computer.

DETAILS
Price: £230

Contact: Sony 0870 542 4424

See also:

Asus MyPal A600

A well-specified, if slightly pricey, PDA.  13 May 2003

Sony Clie NX-70V

A feature-packed and futuristic handheld.  15 Apr 2003

Sony Clie NX-70V

Despite its clumsy size the NX-70V's speed and screen make it an attractive proposition.  07 Apr 2003

Acer S60

Slimline feature set gives S60 a low-end appeal.  18 Mar 2003

NEC Mobile Pro 200E

This PDA comes fully featured.  21 Feb 2003

Palm Tungsten T

Palm goes for the upper ground in the handheld computer market.  12 Feb 2003

Palm Tungsten T

Compact and wireless-capable, the Tungsten T has everything you want in a PDA.  06 Jan 2003

Sony Clie PEG-T675C

Sony's new flagship Clie is packed with goodies.  14 Nov 2002

Asus Mypal A600

This impressive and powerful PDA proves that smaller can be better.  29 Oct 2002

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!