lpret's Journal: The continuing PDA saga...

Ok, so my NZ-90 didn't come in. Apparently because it's on clearance, it's hard to get in on time. So they had to set up a store transfer from one that has one. In the meantime, I'm dying here. I missed 3 appointments, almost forgot an important meeting, and haven't kept any notes in class. It's really sad to realize just how dependent I am on my PDA. The manager I'd been dealing with was really understanding and told me to go grab a PDA off the shelf to use until the other one came in. I had to pay up front for it, but she gave me 50 bucks on a gift card, so I got that back, and I just return it when the other one comes in and I'm good.

So, I got the Sony TJ-25.

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This is one amazing PDA. If I wanted a basic pda, this would be it. The button layout is outstanding, with an integrated scroll wheel instead of an up/down button, and the hold switch is a nice addition. The screen is brilliant and crisp, I almost forgot about dedicated silkscreen for the grafitti, but it's not bad. It's really slim, yet keeps the memory stick slot which you'll need since it only has 16 megs of RAM. I have to say, the Clie Launcher is perhaps the worst Launcher know to man. I immediately installed ZLauncher, which I'd read a lot about, and I love it. It's a very necessary addition to a Sony PDA. Back to hardware, the TJ25 doesn't have a real speaker, nor a headphones jack. That's reserved for the TJ35 -- and for 50 dollars more, I don't think the basic user would cry over losing it. Also, there's no cradle included, that again is reserved for the TJ35. If you're like me and you like to use your PDA at your desk at all, you will miss this. One more thing, the included screen cover is perhaps the worst design I've seen yet. It's a somewhat flexible cover that attaches on the side by a couple of sliding hooks. Unfortunately, if you carry it in your pocket, as I have been doing, as you slide it in your pocket the cover slides off. Terrible design, and thus an aftermarket cover is required. Sony, think about this one again...

You want this PDA if you loved the Palm Vx and are looking for a colour version. It's slim body and bright screen are a killer combo. Also, if you're thinking about getting into PDAs, you'll like this. It has the nice screen, but none of the extra stuff (bluetooth, wifi, etc.) that you may/may not use. Also, there is rumoured to be some wifi memory stick cards and also digital cameras, so you can play too if you want :)

One last note, there is no removable battery, it's got a screw covering the plate -- why they did this I'll never understand. People want to be able to switch out their batteries if they're out for a while, as I occasionally do. Oh, one more thing, the stylus is telescopic so that it's half the height so that it can fit in the top half of the PDA. It can be uncomfortable for writing, and we'll see how it lasts for a week.

I can't wait for my NZ-90, it'll be double the size and weight and have 20 gazillion more gadgetish things about it. I'm such a nerd...