GMate Yopy P3500

Between them, Palm and Pocket PC have the handheld computer market pretty much sewn up, but there is another kid on the block in the shape of Linux.

In the UK, Sharp's Zaurus runs a version of Linux and it's now joined by the Yopy, which comes in two versions. The YP3700 has a Compact Flash card slot and costs £381. In other respects, it is the same as the Yopy YP3500 we review here.

The specifications of the Yopy are very good. While the Intel StrongARM processor running at 206MHz isn't very exciting, the whopping 128MB of memory is. 80MB of that is available to the user as storage for applications.

That's more than you'll find in any other handheld at the moment and, should it be required, there is a MultiMedia Card slot for adding more memory. The screen has a 320 x 240 resolution and 65,536 colours.

The clamshell design provides room for a large keypad which is easier to use than that on Sony's clamshell Clies.

A directional button makes navigation around applications easy but the supplied stylus is small, thin and too lightweight for our tastes.

The main issue with this handheld is Linux. If you are competent with computers and don't mind doing a bit more than plugging in and checking a few boxes to get started then you should be okay, but Linux is more involved than that.

If you really want oodles of third-party software and instant synchronisation with Outlook, look elsewhere.

The software provided includes a calendar, contact book and to-do applications, MP3 player, drawing tool, voice note tool, handwriting recognition and games.

The MP3 player is good but the calendar and contact tools in particular are not up to the standard set by Palm or Pocket PC devices, and there is no synchronisation with Outlook.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the YP3500 that more software support and better data synchronisation wouldn't help fix.

Contact: YopyPDA UK 01525 872968
www.yopypda.co.uk

Also consider:
Sony Clie NX70V
Impressive but expensive Palm handheld.

See also:

Open source

Linux is becoming the operating system of choice for an increasing number of corporates, and even the mighty Microsoft is acknowledging the threat ...  12 May 2004

HP Ipaq 2210

Impressive features and a superb screen.  22 Aug 2003

RIM Blackberry 7230

This lightweight device makes it easy to keep in touch on the move.  18 Aug 2003

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500

Powerful, well-designed and reasonably priced: It's difficult not to like the Zaurus.  28 Aug 2002

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