Comments on: Review: Sony PEG-SJ20, Part I

The PEG-SJ20 from Sony has a hi-res monochrome screen, 16 MB of RAM, a Memory Stick slot, Jog Dial, and Back button. It runs Palm OS 4.1 on a 33 MHz Dragonball processor. It has the same shape that first debuted on the SL10, and is 4.1 by 2.9 by .7 inches. It weighs 4.5 ounces.

The SJ20 comes with DataViz's Documents to Go 4.0 Standard Edition so users can access Microsoft Word and Excel files on their handheld.

News Editor Ed Hardy has an initial review of this new model.

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Screen looks colour to me

mrscarey @ 8/16/2002 9:44:55 AM #
Am I going mad or is that screen colour?

Ooh the first to comment - there's a thing.

mrscarey

palmist and visionary

RE: Screen looks colour to me
Ed @ 8/16/2002 9:49:21 AM #
The SJ20's screen has a purple frame around it a few pixels wide that is lit up by the backlight. I don't know if this is an accident or a brilliant bit of design but that purple keeps making me think the screen is actually color (or even colour). I promise you though, it isn't.

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News Editor

Specification

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 9:52:01 AM #
What happens with the specification? Take a look at the web page (from Sony AU) for the real spec.

www.sonystyle.com.au/products/index.cfm?catid=0&prodid=PEGSJ20G&s=specifications

RE: Specification
Ed @ 8/16/2002 10:19:33 AM #
> What happens with the specification?

I don't understand your question.

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News Editor

RE: Specification
UZI4U182 @ 8/16/2002 4:04:16 PM #
Hey Ed, it says on there Enhanced IrDA. You said in the review thinger that it does not have this like the T series.

--Devan--
RE: Specification
Ed @ 8/16/2002 4:11:04 PM #
Sorry, Sony Australia is mistaken. Check out the specifications at SonyStyle US
www.sonystyle.com/home/item.jsp?itemid=48761&type=s

It says "USB (cable), Infrared, Memory Stick media slot", and nothing about the infrared port being enhanced.

The Clie Remote Commander doesn't come with it. Check the list of Sony Software that is bundled with it:
CLIÉ™ Paint
CLIÉ™ Photo Stand
Memory Stick Autorun
Memory Stick Backup
Memory Stick Export v. 1.2 (for PC)
Memory Stick Gate
Memory Stick Import
PictureGear™ 4.6 Lite (for PC)
PictureGear™ Pocket
World Alarm Clock

Trust me, I've got the thing right here in my hands. No remote control. Sorry.

---
News Editor

RE: Specification
UZI4U182 @ 8/16/2002 11:58:42 PM #
OK Thanks Ed. I'm even more excited now that I know it has Memory Stick Export. And BTW, how do you get these devices before they are released?

--Devan--

SL10 w/only 2MB RAM?

LanMan @ 8/16/2002 9:51:53 AM #
I thought that the SL10 had 8MB of RAM, not 2MB?

<><
SL10 Has 8 MB of RAM
Ed @ 8/16/2002 10:01:16 AM #
Gar!! Sorry, I got the SL10 mixed up with Palm's rumored low-end handheld. Thanks for catching me and I've updated the review.

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News Editor
RE: SL10 w/only 2MB RAM?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 4:49:56 PM #
RE: SL10 w/only 2MB RAM?
Ed @ 8/16/2002 4:53:53 PM #
First off, that page is about the SJ20, not the SL10.

In any case, neither model has 4 MB of RAM, but the page is kind of poorly worded so that I can see how you could be confused.

It says:
Main Memory 16MB DRAM (15MB available)
Memory (System) 4MB

So the SJ20 has 16 MB of RAM and 4 MB of ROM.

---
News Editor

RE: Memory Stick Access
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 10:41:55 PM #
Do you know if e-books and Wordsmith files can be accessed and read directly from the memory stick or must the programs and files be moved into memory first? Also, do you know if when hotsynching, files can be synched directly from/to the memory stick for later use? If the programs and files can access directly from the memory stick then Sony will have really filled a great sleeping gap: True large expansion with the complete portability of AAA batteries. No complaints anyway, it looks like the first rate value (coming from a die-hard Handspring Visor user).

RE: Memory Stick Access
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/19/2002 12:18:09 PM #
check out MSMount which allows you to mount the memory stick to the internal memory and access apps and files as if they were in the internal memory: http://www.palmgear.com/software/showsoftware.cfm?prodID=29216

SJ20 would be a real winner, if only...

LanMan @ 8/16/2002 9:55:13 AM #
They had included the enhanced sound. I use enhanced alarms every day. I don't think that I would trade my T415 w/enhanced sound for a SJ20 w/o enhance sound. I can live without the remote control, but not without the sound.

Altough that white backlight, and 16MB of RAM sure is tempting. Ed, do you think that the white backlight really makes the SJ20 that much more usable than the T415?

<><

RE: SJ20 would be a real winner, if only...
Ed @ 8/16/2002 10:11:59 AM #
> Ed, do you think that the white backlight really makes the SJ20 that much more
> usable than the T415?

Absolutely. It is the difference between being almost unusable and being just fine.

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News Editor

Cover

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 10:07:35 AM #
Do these Sony models have a flip back cover.
RE: Cover
Ed @ 8/16/2002 10:13:23 AM #
Yes. It is black and has the Clié logo on it. I'll put a picture of it in the final review.

---
News Editor
RE: Cover
andrewholler @ 1/18/2003 7:06:43 PM #
Does it come in other faceplates or other covers?

Maybe I'll have one made with a custom logo.

RE: Cover
Palm Cow @ 1/24/2003 9:48:26 PM #
It just comes with the flip cover, like this image at http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/imagesProducts/MoreImages/PEGSJ20_5.jpg and no other form of a case.

----------------
Captain on the Bridge!

a step backwards

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 10:12:08 AM #
Saying that you need to have the backlight on all the time for a monochrome PDA is a huge step backwards. We've had monochrome PDAs for years that are perfectly readable without a backlight in most lighting conditions. I am floored that people actually think this is acceptable.

It must be the same people that go to a store and buy the brightest TV instead of the one that provides the best picture.

RE: a step backwards
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 11:53:31 AM #
I disagree. Most monochrome PDAs are NOT "perfectly readable" without a backlight. The difference between my Palm IIIe and my Sony S320, with it's backlight on, is remarkable. The difference between my S320, with it's backlight on, and my color T615 is even more remarkable. In fact, I would never go back to a monochrome, not so much because I'm dazzled by the colors, but because the color unit is so much brighter.

RE: a step backwards
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 1:05:14 PM #
I had a IIIx and now a Treo 180, and both are perfectly readable with no backlight. Inside, outside (try that with a normal color screen), it's a joy. I concur with the first poster.
RE: a step backwards
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 8:30:14 PM #
I've had monochrome and color units. Monochrome is just fine without backlight. Colour is next to useless without backlight.
RE: a step backwards
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 8:54:28 PM #
Different people find different displays unreadable.

I can read my Palm V display just fine, but my father can't read it at all. But he can read my T615 display with the backlight turned all the way up, which is almost too bright for me. I think two big growth segments are youth and retired people. For many retired people you need a super-bright high-contrast display and the option for thicker fonts, just what the SJ20 looks to have. Wonder why they left off the
IR remote tho, perfect for couch surfers, since that's just a few cents in parts...

The youth market will need a higher-refresh-rate display for gaming, and mp3; maybe a cost reduced t665-like model is in the works?

RE: a step backwards
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 7:08:49 AM #
> For many retired people you need a super-bright high-contrast
> display and the option for thicker fonts, just what the SJ20 looks to have.

If the SJ20's screen is anything like the T415, I highly doubt it is either super-bright or high-contrast.

RE: a step backwards
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 8:27:05 AM #
Before adding a comment to a review, it is helpful to read the review. ED said: "The strong white backlight gives it good contrast and a fairly white background. In fact, it is brighter and has better contrast than a Palm m505"
RE: a step backwards
Altema @ 8/19/2002 9:24:09 AM #
Well, I guess I'll throw my 1.5 cents in. For the sake of background, I've owned or worked on: IIIe, IIIxe, IIIc, M105, M500, T415, T615, M505, Samsung Smartphone, Visor, Visor Deluxe, Visor Edge, and M515.

For most uses, the mono screens gave good visibility is daylight or office lighting, with the III series, Visor, and M500 being the most "open" and easy to read.

The difficulty for mono arises when in low light conditions; not bright enough to see clearly, not dark enough to use the backlight.

For color, it depends entirely on which type of technology is used. The devices like the IIIc and the Samsung were good everywhere except sunlight.

The current Sony color devices, the M515, iPaq, and similar devices are good everywhere including direct sunlight (even though the iPaq has the wrong subpixel orientation). However, one of these color devices with the sidelights turned off will not appear quite as "open" as an m500. This is because the screen is below the digitizer and the light distribution lens, and there is often a space betwen the lens and the actual lcd surface. On mono units, there is no lens or gap, so the display is right below the digitizer and glass.

For me, I'm in the half-light conditions too frequently, and also must use color highlighted spreadsheets. For the rest of the family (except the wife), it's mono.

RE: a step backwards
Palm Cow @ 1/24/2003 9:53:12 PM #
I own an SJ20. I can give you the info. If it's outside, in sunlight where most color screens explode, the backlight makes no difference. Inside, if it's dim at all, the backlight looks great. It's not as though it uses very much power, I can make it last a month on one charge with school level use, bacxklight on. I love the SJ20, don't trash it. Don't be annonamous.

----------------
Captain on the Bridge!

We win

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 10:28:06 AM #
These models will sell like hotcakes, especially a half year or 8 months down the road when this particular unit is going for $150 or less.

I'm especially amped about the color unit. The day that thing sells at $200 (probably half a year to 8 months later), PocketPC better watch out.

Joe Six Pack will gobble this up.

We don't CARE what models the "average folk" buy.....we merely care that it has the Palm OS.

More penetration, more developer interest, more available products, more choices.

They don't put cup holders in automobiles because people tend to drive while eating a hamburger.

The more the Palm OS penetrates the market, the more useful our devices will be, long term, of course.

We win. We win. We win.

RE: We win
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 11:01:56 AM #
> especially a half year or 8 months down the road when
> this particular unit is going for $150 or less. [...]
> the color unit. The day that thing sells at $200
> (probably half a year to 8 months later)

In other words, after Sony discontinues them.

Winner
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 1:49:28 PM #
No, these models were intended to be sold at low prices.

Nothing but positives will come from these releases.

RE: We win
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 2:20:32 PM #
> No, ...

I'm not disagreeing that they were meant to be sold at low prices. Just making sure you're clear that 6 to 8 months from now, they will be discontinued.

RE: We win
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 3:12:38 PM #
6-8 months is just normal for product cycle ...
I don't know what you are talking about
RE: We win
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 3:34:14 PM #
"I'm not disagreeing that they were meant to be sold at low prices. Just making sure you're clear that 6 to 8 months from now, they will be discontinued."

You see this guy has this geeky/nerd circle of friends and whoever has the newest and top of the line pda usually gets the most attention. He just wants to be the it-geek in the group. try to understand him please?


GS

RE: We win
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 5:00:25 PM #
> 6-8 months is just normal for product cycle ...
> I don't know what you are talking about

The original poster was claiming how great these things are going to sell when the prices are lower 6-8 months from now. Even better that "PocketPC had better watch out" and "Joe Six Pack will gobble this up".

In reality 6-8 months from now, the prices will be lower because these devices will be on closeout. Selling the few remaining devices on closeout does nothing for marketshare.

Nope
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 12:30:19 PM #
These will absolutely NOT be on closeout 6-8 months from now.

You guys are smoking something.

RE: We win
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 2:31:40 PM #
I can already get a Toshiba e310 for 289.00 new. How much will it retail for in 6-8 mos? I don't think PPC is in trouble in the low end color market. I do think Palm OS is in trouble unless os 5 devices are available soon.
RE: We win
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 8:42:28 PM #
"These will absolutely NOT be on closeout 6-8 months from now.

You guys are smoking something"


sony discontinues its clies every few months or so. these things will be history in 8 months. expecially after OS 5 is released.

how many handhelds have sony released this year alone? SEVEN! T415, T615, NR70 NR70v, T665, Sl10, SJ20. and the SJ30 will be number EIGHT!

RE: We win
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/19/2002 10:29:53 AM #
Anal editor time!

the T415 was introduced in Nov. 2001. People stopped buying it in October.

RE: We win
Palm Cow @ 1/24/2003 9:57:01 PM #
Just because a PDA has been replaced doesn't mean it's been discontinued. Just because it's discontinued doesn't mean it won't be made more. Just because it is stopped being made does't mean there won't be even leaft. People will always sell them on eBay. You are all being so anonamous and phsycho and hatful to Sony...!

----------------
Captain on the Bridge!

It seems that SJ20 is thicker than SL10

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 10:54:11 AM #
From Sony's spec page, SJ20 is 11/16 inch thick, while SL10 is 21/32 inch. I went to a Taiwanese website, they have some high resolution photo of SL10 from different angles. I found that the SL10's battery compartment actually protrude out by 2-3 mm. If the 21/32 inch thickness includes the protrusion, then the most part of the SL10's body will be only 14mm thick which is a tad thinner that SJ20. Can anybody confirm this?
RE: It seems that SJ20 is thicker than SL10
Ed @ 8/16/2002 11:12:27 AM #
The SJ20's battery compartment also protrudes like the SL10's does. Take a look at this image:
www.palminfocenter.com/images/img_Sony_SJ20_4_L.jpg

I'm not sure why Sony lists the different thicknesses for the SL10 and SJ20 but, after subtracting 21/32 from 11/16, I got 1/32 or .03 inches. This is about the thickness of a piece of paper so I don't think it is significant

Besides, it turns out you have to take the dimensions on SonyStyle with a grain of salt. According to it, the T665C is the exact same thickness as the T615C, .5 inches. This isn't true. The thickest part of the T665C is actually about .6 inches, which is part of the reason why the two models can't use some of the same hardcases.

---
News Editor

No port on the left-hand side?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 12:32:55 PM #
From this side photo, the port on the left side of the SL10 appears not to exist on the SJ20. Was the port on the SL10 for the USB hotsync cable? If so, does it exist on one of the other sides of the SJ20, or do all the cables plug into the connector on the bottom like a traditional Palm device?
RE: No port on the left-hand side?
Ed @ 8/16/2002 12:55:02 PM #
Thie mini-USB port is not anywhere on the SJ20 or, apparently, the SJ30.

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News Editor

Could this be the proof I have been searching for?

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 11:55:29 AM #
It is something I have always suspected...there had to be some reason for the random misspelled words that everyone is so quick to point out...and now this picture proves it. ED ONLY HAS 4 FINGERS ON HIS LEFT HAND!!!
RE: Could this be the proof I have been searching for?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 12:25:29 PM #
That is funny !!!

LOL

RE: Could this be the proof I have been searching for?
Ed @ 8/16/2002 12:57:07 PM #
Actually, I have 64,000 fingers on my left hand but 63,995 are in the fifth dimension.

---
News Editor
RE: Could this be the proof I have been searching for?
andrewholler @ 1/18/2003 7:09:53 PM #
really, sounds like a bit of a physco. All those fingers, must be a fast typer.
RE: Could this be the proof I have been searching for?
cbowers @ 9/12/2003 9:28:58 PM #
only fast if you're using a multidimensional keyboard...

Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 12:36:59 PM #
Maybe I'm missing something, but why does this (and other) PDAs come with 2 USB cables - one for hotsync, and one for charging - rather than a single cable which does both?
RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
Ed @ 8/16/2002 12:45:23 PM #
It doesn't come with two USB cables. It comes with a USB cable for data, and a power cable that is plugged into a wall socket.

While it is true that the USB port does provide some power, it isn't a lot. Recharging a handheld this way is very slow.

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News Editor

RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 1:04:48 PM #
Aha ... that makes sense ... so is the power supply multi voltage or are we going to have to buy another one for international travel?
RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
Doo @ 8/16/2002 1:40:39 PM #
Most AC to DC power supplies are multi voltage these days. It's cheaper to make them that was instead of one for each Europe one for the US ect. Most have the US plug.

Scooby
That's Mr. Doo to you

RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 4:04:04 PM #
SO Ed, are you saying that the handheld CAN charge (albeit very slowly) via ony the USB cable? Is this true for other Palm OS handhelds as well? Let's say I was really roughing it on a trip or forgot to pack my charger. Could you charge the unit overnight with just the usb connector plugged in?
RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
Ed @ 8/16/2002 4:24:50 PM #
You can buy USB cables that will (slowly) recharge your handheld but, in general, the ones that come with handhelds don't let you do this.

If you have a Universal Connector Palm, you might be interested in this review of the Complete Data Power Pack, which allows to recharge and HotSync from the same USB cable:
www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=4008

InnoPocket sells a cable that will let you do this on any Sony model with a T-series HotSync port:
www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=25

---
News Editor

RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 4:41:21 PM #
Landware makes a USB cable that charges and hotsyncs. I've got one for my M515. Very handy when travelling.
RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
UZI4U182 @ 8/17/2002 12:06:46 AM #
I read somewhere that USB ports have 5 volts of power flowing thru them. I may be wrong Ed, but isn't that plenty to recharge a Lithium battery?

--Devan--
RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 7:01:34 PM #
voltage and power are two different things. To see the power you have to see both the voltage and current.
RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
Palm Cow @ 1/5/2003 10:04:59 PM #
I have an SJ20, it's one connector to the unit, one cable that goes into a wall outlet, and one USB.

----------------
Hail the Cow!
RE: Why 2 cables (hotsync and charging)?
legohead @ 4/13/2003 6:58:52 PM #
Concerning the connection on the left side of the Clie SL10, I have been looking for a sync AND charge cable that can plug into THAT connection. All sync & charge cables i've seen plug into the universal connector at the bottom of the unit. The Sony supplied cable is only a sync cable and therefore can't be used for charging too. Is the SL10 the only PDA with this connection? Please help!

It would be helpful when using a wireless keyboard. This way when i'm typing a larger paper, i can have the pda plugged in via an USB-AC adapter. I think the Clie won't be too stable while on a stand if there is a plug on the bottom of the Clie.

thank you.

Where the Modem

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 1:06:47 PM #
Great looking PDA, but Sony has overlooked the modem add-on -- AGAIN! What's the deal Sony, c'mon this is the year 2002 and the Internet is very much alive, Sony is apparently asleep. In the meantime, no modem, no deal. Besides Sony is a pretty expensive venture. Those little memory sticks will bleed you dry. Anybody know when the Memory stick to Compact Flash card will become available?
RE: Where the Modem
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 1:40:04 PM #
Why make everyone pay for a feature they may not use?
If you want a modem, go buy one.
They didn't build a clue into them either.
Pity for you.
RE: Where the Modem
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 2:24:51 PM #
> Why make everyone pay for a feature they may not use?

I think you misunderstood his comment. He was complaining that Sony wasn't offering a modem add-on, not that Sony didn't build one in.

RE: Where the Modem
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 5:15:11 PM #
>> Why make everyone pay for a feature they may not use?

> I think you misunderstood his comment. He was complaining that Sony wasn't offering a
> modem add-on, not that Sony didn't build one in.


Precisely, I think the previous poster needs to use his advice. Although, maybe I should have stated an external modem accessory. Funny, how they make a modem for the inexpensive Sony S360, now discontinued. Sony really needs to stop making these experiment PDAs and stop filling up the landfills. Sony needs to concentrate on one handheld at a time. Palm may trickle out PDAs, That's why I favor Palm. Honestly, Sony is dragging their feet on many things, bluetooth memory stick might when I retire in about fifty years. Yeah! Hmmm, WI-FI stick, yeah right. Dream on!

RE: Where the Modem
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 5:28:28 PM #
Get off the memory card price. Go to buy.com, this is what you will see.

Kingston 128mg CF $49.51
Lexar 128mg Mem Stick $48.63 ($58.63-$10 rebate)
Even SD is close, SanDisk 128mg $64

RE: Where is the Modem
hotpaw4 @ 8/16/2002 8:55:41 PM #
Infrared modem. I use my T-series with an 8290
IR-capable cell phone. Slow, but works on the road.
And the Psion Mako IR travel modem usually goes on
eBay for much less than I paid for my Palm V modem
sled. I wonder whether I should try hacking an
IrDA transceiver into my old PalmPilot Pro modem
sled...
RE: Where the Modem
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 11:37:27 AM #
I was a boor.
I humbly apologize.

RE: Where the Modem
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/20/2002 2:58:59 PM #
where can i find a list of phones that the SJ20 can connect to useing either a cable or IR. If I can use this to send and receive e-mail on the road, I may just buy one It looks otherwise to be a winner.
RE: Where the Modem
exact2002 @ 10/6/2002 12:17:06 AM #
Does anyone know where I can purchase(web-site) a card to plug into Sony's PEG-SJ20 - as well as the type of card(name)

i would like to use this communicate on 802.11b wireless hotspot in my home and office

exactsoftware2002@yahoo.com

Same ol' ghosting problem?

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 1:19:25 PM #
How does the screen really compare with the T415? Would you think it is a good tradeoff for the screen to be bright but take one half of a second to change a pixel from black to white?
RE: Same ol' ghosting problem?
Ed @ 8/16/2002 1:25:58 PM #
It has been a long time since I've seen a T415 but, if memory serves, the screens were exactly the same. The only difference seems to be the white backlight. Both had equal amounts of ghosting.

I'm not sure I completely understand your second question. That seems to be the tradeoff Sony has made with this model.

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News Editor

RE: Same ol' ghosting problem?
twizza @ 8/17/2002 1:15:43 AM #
ok. so maybe i am a bit of a pest when i comes to screens and refresh rates. but i hate ghosting on mono-screens as much as anyone and i think that i found a means of fixing it. taking off the 'wait states' of the processor seems to allow the screen to refresh faster. of course overclocking does similar. but there is a lil part in afterburner that aloows one to control how fast/slow that the screen refreshes on mono devices. [it is the lcd/1 button i think]. after playing with that function and taking off the wait states and NOT overclocking, i was able to stop any noticeable ghosting. i am thinking that with this sony, that something similar might work.

RE: Same ol' ghosting problem?
w2kamd @ 5/3/2003 1:43:32 AM #
How dis you manage to fix the ghosting? From an N760C this 'ghosting' thing is just unbearable!

Battery life-

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 1:22:16 PM #
So it seems that battery life with backlight on is not too bad. Still not as good as the N760C though which I think was over 10 hours?

Hmmmm...I bought an SL10 and was quite satisfied with it. But with extra RAM, better screen/light, and battery I may have to exchange it.

I don't find I have to use the backlight ALL the time with the SL10, so I assume battery life would be even better with only partial backlight usage.

RE: Battery life-
Doo @ 8/16/2002 1:44:52 PM #
I couldn't agree with you more. My 760 is staying with me for a long time. The battery life is amazing. But it's a bit big. Maybe the SL20 will end up in my pocket too.

Screen size

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 2:56:41 PM #
Ed, you mentioned it is a 320x320 pxiel screen but I don't see any reference to its size. Is it similar to the M1xxx series or closer to the M5xx screen.

Size does matter....

RE: Screen size
Ed @ 8/16/2002 3:06:49 PM #
I generally don't bring it up unless the screen size is unusual. The SJ20's screen is a fairly standard 2 inches on a side.

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News Editor

Picture of the back of SJ20, please!!

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/16/2002 3:25:37 PM #
Just want to see how SONY designs the back of SJ20, compares to SL10 which needs definately some space to put the AAA batteries.

RE: Picture of the back of SJ20, please!!
Ed @ 8/16/2002 4:41:24 PM #
The SJ20's battery compartment also protrudes like the SL10's does. Take a look at this image of the side:
www.palminfocenter.com/images/img_Sony_SJ20_4_L.jpg

---
News Editor
RE: Picture of the back of SJ20, please!!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 3:47:41 PM #
Ed,

Does the protruding battery compartment made the handheld more uncomfortable or feel more awkward to hold?

RE: Picture of the back of SJ20, please!!
Palm Cow @ 1/11/2003 10:26:03 AM #
No it does't. It even makes it feel batter. With the flip-cover on, it is perfectly balanced and level. I have NO complaints about my SJ20!

----------------
Hail the Cow!

a Godsend

UZI4U182 @ 8/16/2002 3:44:52 PM #
THANK YOU ED! ive been hoping for a flourescent backlight! i will buy this model for sure

--Devan--

SJ30

bobes @ 8/16/2002 5:38:24 PM #
Ed,
Stop holding out on us...

When is your 'initial impressions' on the SJ30 coming ?...

RE: SJ30
abosco @ 8/16/2002 9:04:02 PM #
The SJ30 hasn't even been released yet. Don't talk bad about Ed, he does a DAMN good job on this site, and for you to complain about a review for a handheld that hasn't even been released yet is ridiculous. Ed got his initial impressions on the SJ20 for a few days and gave us Part 1 the first day it was released. He DOES need a few days to test out the thing. I wouldn't think Sony would send him something that hasn't even been announced yet. He isn't holding out on us.

________________________________________
Make it idiot proof, and somebody will make a better idiot.
RE: SJ30
bobes @ 8/17/2002 12:40:20 AM #
Sorry that you read my post that way. My post wasn't a slam at Ed at all. I agree with you wholeheartedly that Ed does a great job!
Since he was able to give us an intial impression of the SJ20 BEFORE it was released, I thought he might be able to give us some insight on the yet to be released SJ30. I'm eagerly awaiting the SJ30 because I need a replacement color PDA and the SJ30 seems to fit the bill.

The SJ20 and SJ30 were both announced/released in AU/HK, I wonder why Sony didn't do the same here in the US?

Use of Memory Stick

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/17/2002 3:11:47 PM #
Do you know if e-books and Wordsmith files can be accessed and read directly from the memory stick or must the programs and files be moved into memory first? Also, do you know if when hotsyncing, files can be synched directly from/to the memory stick for later use? I'm a Handspring Visor user looking to change, but would like to explore this first. The unit looks terrific and I'm thinking about it, but the capacity of the memory stick is unclear.
RE: a Godsend
big_raji @ 8/17/2002 3:28:30 PM #
I don't know how Visors access extra memory expansion cards/springboards, but memory sticks/cards are accessed the same way in all Palm OS 4.x devices.

You can synch .PRCs and .PDBs directly to the card using the Palm Hotsync manager. These will be placed in the /Palm/Launcher directory on the memory stick.

Programs can be run from the memory stick, but they will be in a single "Memory Card" category (name depends on label of card) if you are using the standard Palm launcher. Other app launchers will give you more control over programs on the memory stick.

Programs accessing the memory card have to build in their own support. I don't have any idea about Wordsmith, but I regulary read e-books on my memory stick using iSilo, and the iSilo conduit takes care of placing it on the card. Conduits for programs will likely place databases in specific directories on the card, like /Palm/Programs/iSilo.

Hope that clears a few things up.

---
Wooo!

RE: Use of Memory Stick
UZI4U182 @ 8/17/2002 5:43:18 PM #
Wiht Wordsmith, you can access files from the card directly and read them but you have to move them into RAM if you want to edit them. I'm not sure if it puts the file in ram when you open the document under the card category or not. I think PowerRUN does this.
Email me if any other questions..UZI4U182@att.net

--Devan--

www.tavern.2ya.com

RE: Use of Memory Stick
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/18/2002 2:04:53 AM #
> if e-books and Wordsmith files can be accessed and read directly from
> the memory stick or must the programs and files be moved into memory first?

Accessed and read directly to where? The device can't do anything with data unless it is in memory first. If you don't like how Wordsmith or your e-book reader accesses data from card, contact the author of the application about it.

SJ30 release

PIC mobile user @ 8/18/2002 7:32:13 AM #
The SJ20 was released prior to the original 9/23 date. Any word on SJ30 release ?
Will the T615 be replaced by SJ30 ? If so, what is the major differencs between units ?
RE: SJ30 release
Palm Cow @ 1/5/2003 10:10:50 PM #
First, this is an SJ20 board and secondly, that was addressed in the SJ30 review. It isn't designed to replace, it is lower end. No enhanced IR, no MP3.

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Hail the Cow!
RE: SJ30 release
andrewholler @ 1/18/2003 7:11:03 PM #
Hail the cow!

No MP3?! Thats too bad, guess the SJ30 is the way to go!

font?

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/19/2002 11:14:43 AM #
Does the SJ20 use the thin Sony fonts, or the OS 5 hi-res font?

On the screen shot in your article, the fonts look "normal" -- is that because the app was using lo-res fonts, or because Sony switched to the (IMHO better-looking) OS 5 fonts?

RE: font?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/19/2002 12:34:46 PM #
I'm pretty sure it uses those thing Sony ones- the SL10 uses them.

Pretty easy to get around that though-

RE: font?
Palm Cow @ 1/5/2003 10:06:09 PM #
Mine uses the thin fonts, but you can turn them off so they are in 160*160 style.

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Hail the Cow!
RE: font?
g2003pic @ 2/18/2003 12:38:17 AM #
I'd like to thicken the fonts and dialog surround ovals on my SJ20. Can anyone give me the method to do so? New in this field. TIA.

Strength of IR Port

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/19/2002 7:35:24 PM #
I was just wondering how strong the IR Port on the SJ-20 was relatively speaking (I realize that is not enhanced, I'm just trying to figure out whether to buy the T-415 or SJ-20). Thanks!
RE: Strength of IR Port
Palm Cow @ 1/5/2003 10:06:54 PM #
It can beam/recieve from a max of tem clear feet, I've done it to a Visor Dlx. You're lucky to get 10, though, I'd try to keep yourself within 5 feet for clear beaming.

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Hail the Cow!

ROM

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/21/2002 11:21:48 PM #
Does it has a Flash ROM?
Or it has a mask ROM like SL10
RE: ROM
Palm Cow @ 1/5/2003 10:08:30 PM #
It's FLASH, but it won't do you much good as to upgrading OS, 4.1 is as high as this hardware can go.

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Hail the Cow!

Hal

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/22/2002 9:10:12 PM #
Is the lithion-ion battery on the SJ20 user replaceable?
RE: Hal
Palm Cow @ 1/5/2003 10:09:29 PM #
You can take it out, but I don't know where you would get another to replace it with...

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Hail the Cow!

Need help

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/25/2002 3:15:19 AM #
Does anybody know whether Sony SJ30/30 is compatible with Silkyboard?
I asked Silkyboard support and they offered to try SB for Sony T series but it doesn't fit well.
I will be appreciate for any help.
RE: Need help
Ghost @ 10/15/2002 5:39:19 AM #
Sony Clie II N series overlay fits the SL10/SJ20/SJ30. There is a gap on each side off about 1/16", but it doesn't affect the Silkyboard's functionality. I don't have any problems inputting any characters from the overlay. I suppose that it will help you.
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