Comments on: Sony Japan Debuts Two New Clies

UPDATED: Sony Japan has announced two new Clie handhelds, the NX80V and NX73V. The NX80V features a 1.3 Mega pixel camera with a Flash, Palm OS 5, 200mhz processor, 32MB of RAM, backlit keyboard and a CF card slot. The NX73V has similar features with a lower resolution camera.
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Shall we start taking bets?

shrike4242 @ 5/27/2003 11:30:04 AM #
Anyone want to start taking bets on when we'll see these units announced for the US?

With Sony no longer selling the NX60V and the NX70V reduced in price, this may be showing the new ones on the horizon.

If they could get the NZ90V down to a smaller form factor, and keep the Bluetooth on-board, then I think they have a winner with me. Maybe that's what the NX73V is.


RE: Shall we start taking bets?
orol @ 5/27/2003 11:33:08 AM #
european version of nx73 will have BT .. confirmed by sony europe ..

RE: Shall we start taking bets?
shrike4242 @ 5/27/2003 1:42:39 PM #
I'm wondering if the NX80 and the NX73 will have BT, or just the NX73V. And what the real differences between the two of them, except for the case color and camera resolution.

RE: Shall we start taking bets?
shrike4242 @ 5/27/2003 1:42:39 PM #
I'm wondering if the NX80 and the NX73 will have BT, or just the NX73V. And what the real differences between the two of them, except for the case color and camera resolution.

RE: Shall we start taking bets?
carioca76 @ 5/27/2003 2:00:49 PM #
The thing that caught my attention was the difference in ram.
& the fact that neither is anywhere near the tungsten.
bummer cause I really don't want a palm :)

RE: Shall we start taking bets?
Scott R @ 5/27/2003 3:18:56 PM #
As far as I was able to surmise, it looks like neither have Bluetooth.

http://goodthatway.com
Shall we start taking bets on when the *next* Clies...
RAMd®d @ 5/28/2003 10:54:10 AM #
...will ship?

At least it's not like buying a computer that's superceded 9mo. later.

Sony may ship a new model once a week, but at least they're under $1000.

New and different models of Clies coming off the assembly line remind my of that Lucy episode with her and Ethyl working at the candy factory.

______________________________
An armed society is a polite society.

Cliesource has pictures of the NEW CLIE LINE!!
Fat_Man @ 5/28/2003 3:16:21 PM #
Hey check this out!!

If this is the new Clie form factor, it's pretty sweet!

Kinda like the first clam-shell clies form factor that was shown on PIC in feb. 2002.

Check out www.cliesource.com for the pictures

KAY

new buttons

rsc1000 @ 5/27/2003 11:32:43 AM #
cool - notice the little hardware app buttons at the top / bottom of the screen. this is a 1st for this formfactor i believe.

RE: new buttons
markgm @ 5/27/2003 11:37:27 AM #
I was just going to comment on the buttons...That is enough for me to upgrade from my nx70 (okay, that and I love new clie's!) It is nice to see that Sony does listen to customers.

RE: new buttons
Scott R @ 5/27/2003 3:23:45 PM #
Yeah, it looks like they've reversed the trend where each new Sony device had buttons worse than the last.

http://goodthatway.com

PXA263

thooeu @ 5/27/2003 11:43:50 AM #
I think this is the first PDA that uses the new Intel PXA263 processor that was announced last year. This chip combines the ARM core and 32-bit StrataFlash memory in one chip.

http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103-993891.html

If you read the spec carefully, you'll notice that Sony now quotes this to last 14 days as compared to 10 days of NX70V under the same condition. In addition, continuous music playback with backlight off lasts 7 hours (4 hours for NX70V) and 3.5 hours with backlight on (3 hours for NX70V).

RE: PXA263
OcellNuri @ 5/27/2003 2:29:56 PM #
Excellent point. I hadn't thought of that. That right there may be enough reason for some to upgrade from a current NX.

-------------------------
It's "Ocell" for short.
RE: PXA263
ray00pal @ 5/29/2003 12:28:04 AM #
This is why we should not buy this one because one month later, a 400Mhz version with 64Mb RAM and a removable battery might just show up! How about a battery in a format of CF card? won't it be cool?
I think we also need a steady-shot and 0 lux camra.

No CF tumour.

Fly-By-Night @ 5/27/2003 11:53:22 AM #
From this link (and from what they say on InfoSync), the CF slot now just folds out from beneath the body of the unit. Thus, shorter cards (eg memory) can be closed back into the Clie.

http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/PEG/PEG-NX80V/Images/feat3_17_2.gif

FBN

-----
Ceci n'est pas une signature.

RE: No CF tumour.
JKingGrim @ 5/27/2003 12:09:27 PM #
THAT is prety cool. It supports memory CFs too? COOL. THIS is a nice model. If it used SD instead of MemStick, and had a D-pad in tablet AND clamshell modes, I wold get it. Take notes Palm.

RE: No CF tumour.
OcellNuri @ 5/27/2003 2:31:09 PM #
The slot will not be able to be folded back with a memory card in it though. If you look, you can see that a portion of the slot is cut out so that the camera can still rotate fully when the slot is closed. If you tried to close the slot with a card in it, the card would hit the hump from the camera and it would never get closed.

-------------------------
It's "Ocell" for short.
RE: No CF tumour.
JKingGrim @ 5/27/2003 2:45:44 PM #
No. I think that card is sticking out because its a WiFi card. Normall ones can close I believe.

YES CF tumour.
t3h0n3 @ 5/27/2003 4:52:22 PM #
The Sony CF memory driver sucks! Who cares if I can store 512 MB of ebooks...I want to store MP3s which their driver won't let me do. The NX70V with the EruWare CF driver is much better...

RE: No CF tumour.
OcellNuri @ 5/27/2003 11:50:15 PM #
I'm not talking about the WiFi card. A standard CF Memory card will still block the "hump" from the camera. There is a section cut out of the CF slot for the "hump" to go into. A CF card would block this. So unless you could get an ultra short CF card that goes about an inch INSIDE of the CF slot, you will not be able to close the slot with a card inside.

-------------------------
It's "Ocell" for short.
RE: No CF tumour.
JKingGrim @ 5/28/2003 2:54:14 PM #
Have you actually held one or been told? You could be wrong.

RE: No CF tumour.
OcellNuri @ 6/5/2003 4:41:55 PM #
You are exactly right, I could be wrong. But looking at the pictures and using some visual judgment, I believe I am right.

-------------------------
It's "Ocell" for short.

Well here's my new Clie

Kaitou @ 5/27/2003 11:56:25 AM #
I've been waiting for a reason to upgrade from my good ol' NR70V, and here it is... the NX80 has pretty much everything I need/want, a nicer camera with flash, which is good for me, as I use even the sad little NR camera quite a lot, to take notes, and just to journal a day, or catch something interesting. backlit keyboard, hardware keys on the screen half, CF slot, even with partial memory support (10-1 odds that we see a hack for it to get the CF memory working with the camera/mp3 player apps). One has to remember the nay-sayers who were predicting that Sony will no longer release a Clie with a CF slot, because of the driver. Sony does see the writing on the wall after a while, they just don't want to give up their mem stick format (and I do like the side-loading mem stick slot).
The new graffiti is interesting, and the site of the company that produced it, shows that they do have a latin character version of their program, so we may see it stay for the US release.
I do have to wonder, if the US release will use OS5.2, but that isn't too big of a concern for me. The battery life is better, with the new ARM as well (NR was also rated at 10 days, just like the NX60/70). So while this may be an incremental upgrade for current NX users, it is what I needed as an NR user, to get me to switch models.

RE: Well here's my new Clie
thooeu @ 5/27/2003 12:06:49 PM #
This is definitely a good upgrade for NR users if you did not find NX worth the upgrade. Camera from 100K pixels to 1.3 mega pixels, better battery life, more memory. Even though user area is 16MB, most large applications are pre-installed now - NetFront (2MB), Picsel Viewer ("MB), Japanese dictionaries (2MB), Clie Mail, Work Alarm Clock, etc. You have the full 16MB for your applications. Not to mention the subtle improvements to the keyboards, buttons, and the overall design.

RE: Well here's my new Clie
JKingGrim @ 5/27/2003 12:19:05 PM #
Only 16mb accessable? Thats garbage. BOOOOOO! Atleast give us 25mb.

RE: Well here's my new Clie
palmmongrel @ 5/27/2003 12:39:38 PM #
oh gawd, please don't start. Sony - just don't make it more than $500 pleeeeease?!

Any word if they're using the Transflective screens, like the new Palms?

RE: Well here's my new Clie
RSC @ 5/27/2003 12:46:52 PM #
>(and I do like the side-loading mem stick slot)

I think it's fine for normal memory sticks, but it will be annoying for over-sized ones like the bluetooth memory stick (or if they ever release a GPS stick, etc.). I think the Palm i70x has the side-loading memory slot as well, and the same issue.

RE: Well here's my new Clie
thooeu @ 5/27/2003 12:48:34 PM #
Yes. Actually all Clies use Transflective since the NR series.

RE: Well here's my new Clie
palmmongrel @ 5/27/2003 1:43:07 PM #
So why are the new ones on the Palm Zire 71 and Tung C so much brighter? (if you don't beleive me, compare them side-by-side at 100% brightness - it's stunning)

RE: Well here's my new Clie
abosco @ 5/27/2003 3:44:42 PM #
The technology is dated by almost six months, that's why. Try comparing Palm's transflectives with the NZ90. That is one bright sucker. I suspect this new NX line to meet or exceed that standard set by the NZ.

Also, the Palm transflectives have a warmer tone. Colors have just a hint of warm color, while the Clies use cooler colors. It's a matter of preference, really.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

Not so impressive

em61 @ 5/27/2003 12:40:58 PM #
These new Clies are not so impressive, I feel.

They are just a refinement of the old NX70V model. And the new case design is also disappointingly bland. It weighs just as much, though the collapsing CF slot is very nice. The keyboard keys are still too small. The CPU speed could have been upped to 400 Mhz, but the biggest letdown is the main memory size limitation: you get just 11Kb (NX73) or 16Kb (NX80) available! How can they release this supposedly high-end device when the Palm Tungsten C gives you over 50 Kb free?

They better retail these for a lot less than the old NX70V...

Also, I see that Bluetooth is still optional, although some people claim it will be included in European versions. I doubt that. My guess is that in some places the device may be (initially) bundled with a free Bluetooth MemoryStick. Sony has too many of these overpriced sticks still lying around in their inventory collecting dust.


Thanks for nothing, Sony!
Foo Fighter @ 5/27/2003 1:05:16 PM #
Agreed. This is not at all what I'd hoped for. And the prices will, no doubt, continue to be astronomical.

RE: Not so impressive
Fammy @ 5/27/2003 2:02:36 PM #
I'm sure the 263 is the cheaper chip (say that 10 times fast). Something Sony needs for it's all-in-one swiss army PDA.

_____
Fammy
RE: Not so impressive
rsc1000 @ 5/27/2003 6:09:57 PM #
"11Kb" or "16Kb"? Oh my - that is a limitation! ;)

Seriously - where the hell is the 320x480 VG device in non-clamshell form factor, that we've all been screaming about for - like - a year now? iQue is nice - but i don't want GPS (would rather built-in wifi or BT). I just assumed Sony would have addressed this by now. I mean - this is the same form of PocketPCs have (PPCs have lower res though) - so u would think somebody making palm OS devices would do the obvious thing and give us what we want already. I know everybody doesn't want this - but i've heard a thousand complaints/requests about this in the last year, so i know many do.

RE: Not so impressive
Timothy Rapson @ 5/27/2003 7:17:52 PM #
The lack of a standard T-form factor with virtual grafitti is absolutely baffling. In fact, it has been about 2 years that this has been on the begging list of one and all in the Sony/Palm world. The Handera and original color Clies showed what was possible. We all thought when we saw the NR that it was inevitable, but that was a culmination of a year of dreaming.


How can we still be sitting here waiting? Is Sony stupid? I really wonder. Now, we have the Tungsten C. How many sales did Palm lose on it because it has a keyboard rather than a half VGA virtual grafitt screen? Is Palm stupid, too?

I can only assume that these two companies are run by fools.

I am not generally so insulting, but come on Palm and Sony! Get on with it!

RE: Not so impressive
mikecane @ 5/27/2003 9:09:13 PM #
Ah, they're impressive for CLIEs.

But I add my vote for the Next Palm Standard:

320x480 screen
64MB (or 128MB) RAM
SD (or CF!) slot
BUILT-IN WiFi
Soft Graffiti

-- and a TUNGSTEN T-like stylus. Bag that damned quarter-stylus already, Sony! Enough with the kiddie styli!

THIS is the thing that will halt migration to Pocket PC. THIS is the thing that will make reverse-migration -- PPC back to PalmOS -- possible. THIS is the thing that will make 1 million Zire sales look like last year's cheese!

Wake up Palm SG! Get "Eric the Red" an alarm clock already! Take the above paras, print them out in 256-POINT TYPE and wallpaper his damned office with them!!

RE: Not so impressive
kevdo @ 5/27/2003 11:14:52 PM #
>320x480 screen
>64MB (or 128MB) RAM
>SD (or CF!) slot
>Soft Graffiti
>and a TUNGSTEN T-like stylus.

Check, check and check!

>BUILT-IN WiFi
I could live without this, though it would certainly be a nice option.

When will someone release a mainstream Palm handheld with 320x480 that isn't an NR/NX form-factor? I like the screen dimensions but I don't like the size of the device and the crappy keyboard and camera.

-Kevin Crossman

RE: Not so impressive
Selbstlade @ 5/28/2003 8:08:27 AM #
>320x480 screen
>64MB (or 128MB) RAM
>SD (or CF!) slot
>BUILT-IN WiFi
>Soft Graffiti
>
>-- and a TUNGSTEN T-like stylus. Bag that damned >quarter-stylus already, Sony! Enough with the kiddie >styli!

Lol... Whatever happened to the "zen of palm"? You need to check out http://www.palmos.com/dev/support/docs/zenofpalm/ZenTOC.html

Everyone says Palm is playing second fiddle to Sony, but the truly "special" Sony models (eg NR, NX series) are all much too big and heavy to comfortably put in a shirt pocket, IMHO. Point? Let Palm SG "dance with the girl that brung ya", and let Sony do whatever the hell it wants to do.

I for one just hope Sony stops its high-minded antics and starts making units with SD instead of Memory Stick, and Palm Universal Connectors.

Selbstlade

Palm Professional, Palm IIIx, Cassiopeia E-105 (everyone's got that "experimentation phase" right?), Sony Clie SJ-10, Palm Zire 71.

RE: Not so impressive
ray00pal @ 5/28/2003 2:07:35 PM #
NO, please don't have build in Wi-Fi. I don't want to be on line with this thing. I am on line all day long already. I want less weight!

RE: Not so impressive
JKingGrim @ 5/28/2003 3:01:40 PM #
It seems Palm has woken up. View the interesting discussion that Sleuth had with his friend (a Palm employee) here: http://www.palminfocenter.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14189

I believ it, but then again, I never was a sceptic.

Built-in WiFi
Marshall Flinkman @ 5/28/2003 4:18:47 PM #
You can turn WiFi off... sounds mighty lazy to me if otherwise it matches your choice featureset exactly, but you don't want to get it because you'd have to turn off WiFi...

Observations

Scott R @ 5/27/2003 1:07:01 PM #
No Bluetooth? Argh.

I posted some pictures, specs, and more observations over at my site.


http://goodthatway.com

Voice / CF / video capture

sralmas @ 5/27/2003 1:05:27 PM #
I haven't seen any mention of whether it has the voice recorder and video capture options of the NX70. Also, you'd think they would have featured more on the collapsable aspect of the CF slot.

How will the size compare to the NX70, because I am pretty happy with my Zire71 after being a long time Clie nut. Good thing I held onto my NR70V's accessories :-)

RE: Voice / CF / video capture
OcellNuri @ 5/27/2003 2:34:38 PM #
They do indeed have voice and video capture. Video capture solution is the same as the NX70V (160 x something).

It is interesting to note that it looks like there is now a dedicated button for voice recording on the right side of the unit under the headphone jack. I hope memos can be recorded without exciting the current application, because that would be killer! Often I just want to record a very short memo, and I have to go through my launcher and find the voice memo app. With the new button, and possible background functionality, I could record my memos instantly right when I think of them.

-------------------------
It's "Ocell" for short.

*Yawn*

LotSolarin @ 5/27/2003 1:26:09 PM #
It must be a sign of the effectiveness of the Tungsten line...I am fairly unexcited by the offering.

RE: *Yawn*
sralmas @ 5/27/2003 1:48:24 PM #
Don't forget about the Zire71. I had been waiting for the NX80 since the earliest rumors. I got tired of waiting and bought the Zire71 and I really don't know if I can go back to something as big or bigger than the NR70V. No BT on the NX80 really took the excitement out of it for me.

RE: *Yawn*
palmmongrel @ 5/27/2003 1:54:57 PM #
I'm in the same boat - I bought a TG50 to "try" from Circuit City... I love many of the features, but NOT the form factor. Stumbling around the keyboard is a pain, and I keep running across software that's incompatible with the home-key layout.

I can pick up a Zire for cheap, but I'd miss the gadgets, like the remote (great for sports bars) and voice rec. Plus, my daughter likes the doodling that's built in, and the movies blow Kinoma away... do you find yourself missing any of that?

I don't know how many devices I can juggle for 14 days at a time until these come out, hehheh

RE: *Yawn*
arielb @ 5/27/2003 4:24:45 PM #
yes for the first time Palm has Sony beat on cpu and memory. But Sony still wins on the bigger screen, VG, CF slot and better camera

RE: *Yawn*
madmaxmedia @ 5/28/2003 2:47:06 PM #
LOL- sports bars!! Now I might have to try some remote control software, I never really wanted it for home since I have a good universal remote.

surprised

nmerriam @ 5/27/2003 2:02:08 PM #
I hate to admit, i'm underwhelmed. This is what the NX90 should have been -- the Palm line has leapfrogged Sony completely in the past 6 months that sony hasn't released much of note.

No built in wireless anything, 16MB of user memory? Is Sony really going to try and hundreds more for this "cutting edge" model that lags behind the Tungsten C in pretty major ways? The camera is nice, but given the lousy storage support I can't say i'd rather have it than another 40+ MB of memory available and integrated WiFi.

RE: surprised
Roy @ 5/27/2003 2:14:36 PM #
Not sure if it's just me, but there is a statement in the article that indicates 32mb memory. I believe Sony has also taken advantage of the 5.2 (or is it 5.02?)Palm OS ability to override the 16mb barrier. Anyway, if this is true, why Sony has not gone to 64mb like the Tungsten W is surprising.

Hope to learn more about this product line in the coming weeks. I am hoping to upgrade from my NR 70v, or possibly consider Palm Tungsten. Let's see what happens...

Roy

RE: surprised
nmerriam @ 5/27/2003 3:52:30 PM #
there is a statement in the article that indicates 32mb memory

Unfortunatey only 16 MB of that is user-accessable (16MB is used to hold sony preinstalled apps in addition to the 32MB ROM, which is nice, but it's not 32 MB of user RAM).

RE: surprised
abosco @ 5/27/2003 5:41:39 PM #
"(16MB is used to hold sony preinstalled apps in addition to the 32MB ROM, which is nice, but it's not 32 MB of user RAM"

It's for dynamic heap, the memory space used for applications that need quick access to memory while being used. The current NX series has 5 MB of dynamic heap, thus only 11 MB user accessible. The T|C has 12 MB dynamic heap, thus the 51 MB user accessible.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: surprised
cbulock @ 5/27/2003 6:08:20 PM #
Actually, the Sony website says it uses OS5.0, not 5.2, so thats why there is not a full 32MB RAM.

RE: surprised
talos4 @ 5/27/2003 7:32:01 PM #

"(16MB is used to hold sony preinstalled apps in addition to the 32MB ROM, which is nice, but it's not 32 MB of user RAM"

True to from, 3 months later Sony will without any warning issue an NX85V with 64 MB of memory.

R

----------------------------------------
"Never ascribe to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity"
-- Richard Feynman.

RE: surprised
JKingGrim @ 5/28/2003 3:13:28 PM #
Actually, the Sony website says it uses OS5.0, not 5.2, so thats why there is not a full 32MB RAM.

No. There HAS to be dynamic RAM. To have 16mb user acessible, there has to be atleast 32mb total, wich is what the article says it has. The preloaded apps are not using part of the mem. They are in ROM. I guess SONY was trying to beat Palm in the dynamic heap war, wich is foolish. I have yet to come across an app that needs 16mb dynamic heap to run.

Bluetooth and Netfront.

jamesgood72 @ 5/27/2003 2:19:44 PM #
So do these babies have Bluetooth built in? Any word on the US Spec versions? I don't think people should be so critical of these machines... Continual refinement is a good thing.

I use Netfront in my TG-50, and it is a great browser. Add support for pop-up windows (pop-up on demand, not advertising pop-ups), view source, and better scaled frames, and it would be almost perfect.

However, I've gone to Access, Co's website, and you are hard pressed to find mention of it being a Palm browser. It's almost all PPC biased there. Why is this? Where are we likely to get updates to the software from? Sony? Palm?

-James.

RE: Bluetooth and Netfront.
gfunkmagic @ 5/27/2003 3:44:29 PM #
Yes i would like to know as well! BT or not?

----------------------------------------
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."

-Pablo Picasso.

RE: Bluetooth and Netfront.
Scott R @ 5/27/2003 4:41:30 PM #
I'm 99% sure not. Pictures on the Sony site showed a Bluetooth memory stick.

http://goodthatway.com

Yay?

abosco @ 5/27/2003 3:01:13 PM #
Retractable CF slot, I called it. 1.3 MP camera, I called it. Backlit keyboard, I called it. But why no Bluetooth? And why not an enhanced processor? And is this true about only 16 MB out of the 32 MB being available? Don't tell me it's Dynamic RAM again...

Sony, wtf. These could have easily been your best models. Add in Bluetooth, 400 MHz PXA255, and 64 MB RAM with 51 MB (like T|C) available to the user. I hope they do this for the US, but every instinct tells me it'll be exactly the same.

Painfully saddened, yet excited to trade for an NX80v for $600...

Bosco

RE: Yay?
Scott R @ 5/27/2003 3:28:01 PM #
I like much of what the NX80 has to offer, but am extremely disappointed over the lack of Bluetooth. I'd like one with built-in Bluetooth, no CF slot, and a slightly slimmer design (back towards the NR-series thickness). I'm also concerned that these will still be priced too high for the current market. In the current economy, people are falling all over the low-cost, high-value models like the old Zire, the Zire 71, and the iPaq 1910. Large numbers of people aren't buying expensive PDAs these days.

Scott

http://goodthatway.com

RE: Yay?
abosco @ 5/27/2003 3:39:18 PM #
Rumors on ClieSource say the European version will have built-in Bluetooth, which could also mean it could be brought to the US versions.

Still, despite the economy, the American people understand a good buy when they see it. The NX line saw much success despite its large pricetag. I don't expect nearly the same success on these units. Upgrade the CPU (400 MHz PXA255), RAM (64 MB), and put in Bluetooth, and they will have one HELL of an NX line! They would fly off the shelves at $500 and $600.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

PDAFrance reporting the European NX73v will have BT!!!
gfunkmagic @ 5/27/2003 4:31:05 PM #
http://www.pdafrance.com/

Apparently the NX80 will not be sold in Europe while the European version of the NX73v will indeed include bluetooth! Hopefully Sony will ship the BT version in the US as well!!!

----------------------------------------
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."

-Pablo Picasso.

RE: Yay?
Scott R @ 5/27/2003 4:43:30 PM #
"Apparently the NX80 will not be sold in Europe while the European version of the NX73v will indeed include bluetooth! Hopefully Sony will ship the BT version in the US as well!!!"

Well, I don't see them releasing a non-Bluetooth NX80V and a Bluetooth NX73V in the US, since the NX80V is clearly the higher end model. So, either:
1) They'll introduce them both here with neither having BT.
2) They'll introduce them both here with both having BT.
3) They'll only offer one (which may or may not have BT).
4) They won't offer either in the US.

I think that about covers it. ;)

Scott

http://goodthatway.com

RE: Yay?
Foo Fighter @ 5/27/2003 5:12:23 PM #
> Rumors on ClieSource say the European version will have built-in Bluetooth

Rumors on Cliesource are like flies to cow dung.

RE: Yay?
abosco @ 5/27/2003 5:35:28 PM #
PDAFrance confirmed it, it seems. Rumors in ClieSource are like diamonds in the rough. Seriously, the NX73 and NX80v were among the first rumors on ClieSource which started the whole thing, and there was even reports on things like retractable CF slots and a 1.3 MP camera. It should be all coming back to you now if you visited every so often.

One final note... it seems the Intel X-Scale PXA263 has two different flavors. One with a 100 MHz bus like the PXA250, and one with a 200 MHz bus like the PXA255 ranging from 200 MHz - 400 MHz clock speeds.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

2nd Confirmation: NX80v will have integrated Bluetooth!!!
gfunkmagic @ 5/27/2003 8:24:39 PM #
Brighthand is also reporting (finally) that the NX80v will have integrated BT. This is VERY good news and substantially improves the specs on this model. They're also reporting that the new models will have battery life %40 better than the previous NX models! Perhaps this due to the PXA263 processor that Sony decided to use?

----------------------------------------
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."

-Pablo Picasso.

RE: Yay?
cykalan @ 5/27/2003 9:01:59 PM #
I don't know where did brighthand got this, but it's on SONY's website saying that BLUETOOTH will ONLY be available on seperate purchase of the PEGA-MSB1!!

No BLUETOOTH! :(!

Alan
----
Read your manuals before you ask!!

RE: Yay?
mikecane @ 5/27/2003 9:19:36 PM #
What is it with you people and BLUETOOTH?!!? Geez, it's WIFI WIFI WIFI!!

If I see ONE more mention of Bluetooth, I'm calling in the dentists...

BT yes,,,
gfunkmagic @ 5/27/2003 9:19:46 PM #
Quote: "I don't know where did brighthand got this, but it's on SONY's website saying that BLUETOOTH will ONLY be available on seperate purchase of the PEGA-MSB1!!

No BLUETOOTH! :(!"


Umm...Yeah I think I'll believe YOU over a couple different pda news sites! *sarcasm* I listed two news sources saying the US/European versions of the NX80v will have BT, and I believe them. I imagine their "sources" are much more reliable than yours! The Sony site refers to the Japanese version of these devices only AFAIK...

YES BLUETOOTH! :)

----------------------------------------
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."

-Pablo Picasso.

RE: Yay?
gfunkmagic @ 5/27/2003 9:23:56 PM #
Quote: "What is it with you people and BLUETOOTH?!!? Geez, it's WIFI WIFI WIFI!!"


Well you can plug a CF wifi card into one of these babies at least! I'm happy that you have at least one integrated wireless option with the NX80v. Thus coupled with dual expansion, you don't have to sacrifice storage for wifi. Just look at all the Axim users with dual slots who happily prefer the modular customabilty of their devices over integration! At least here Sony integrated one wireless protocal while still designing dual expansion!

Furthmore I'll say once again, BT enabled 3G mobile is far more practical and universal than wifi will or can ever be! Its just that plain simple! And if you want wifi, like I said above, just pop in that CF card...

----------------------------------------
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."

-Pablo Picasso.

RE: Yay?
Altema @ 5/27/2003 9:26:19 PM #
"What is it with you people and BLUETOOTH?!!? Geez, it's WIFI WIFI WIFI!!

If I see ONE more mention of Bluetooth, I'm calling in the dentists..."

Yeah, right; with a whopping total of two WiFi hotspots in my entire region... Gimmie a BT phone and forget being chained to the coffee shop or bookstore. Of course, having a BT adapter setup as a bridge with 300 foot range makes makes me not miss WiFi as much as I would otherwise :)



RE: Yay?
abosco @ 5/27/2003 9:35:37 PM #
Mike, don't make me call PDAngel to give you another round of rastling!

But seriously, I'm currently using Wifi in my home network, but I would definitely want Bluetooth for access with my next cell phone. It's not going to replace my Wifi network, but it'll complement it if, oh, let's say I forget an Excel spreadsheet on my way to a friend's house, I can just use Win-Hand as a VPN over Bluetooth to my home computer and sync it on over. Then, when I get back home, no need to strain my eyes at the computer screen since I can print the updated spreadsheet via Wifi to my printer and just pick it up later. Ahh... wireless.

There are viable options for both technologies, and making some pretty bad jokes isn't helping. ;)

Remember, Sony is doing a great job by integrating Bluetooth since they don't sell the MSB1 MS module here in the states. Shipping won't exactly be peachy up there to NY, now will it? Dual wireless while still having the MS slot open would be awesome.

(Really, a dentist??? Did you develop BlueAnnoying's sense of humor all of a sudden?)

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

Poor backwards world out there...
mikecane @ 5/27/2003 10:05:24 PM #
God, I forgot how the REST OF THE WORLD outside of NYC is such a backwards cesspool!

Not only do we have FREE WiFi in Bryant Park, lower NYC near the WTC has been given FREE WiFi. And if you're a Verizon DSL customer (which I now plan to be), you'll have hundreds of FREE WiFi hotspots via Verizon outdoor phonestalls.

Now why would I want Bluetooth? That's for the sticks and hicks! Where I never intend to venture. (God, it's amazing you people have even *heard* of the Internet!!!)

(I hope everyone can see my tongue was firmly in my cheek!)

RE: Yay?
abosco @ 5/27/2003 10:14:15 PM #
Got that right. Down here near Philly, the only hotspots we have around here are Starbucks, and I'll be DAMNED if I'm going to pay $40/mo for something I'd use maybe once every two weeks.

Man... free Wifi... that's the stuff. Now I can understand your hatred for Bluetooth, but you got to feel for the hicks down here!

Hyu-hyuck...

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Yay?
mikecane @ 5/27/2003 10:18:32 PM #
Yep, what T-Mobile is charging for WiFi is a shame. If they made it say $10 for a *week*, with the ability to *pay at Starbucks* -- like buying a phone card -- they'd be onto something. For a month, it should be no more than $20. (Actually, I want to see all prices drop, drop, drop. Deflation = good news for my wallet. Bring it on!)

Say hello to Mr. Ziffel for me.

RE: Yay?
abosco @ 5/27/2003 10:22:39 PM #
I tell you this - if Starbucks offered that Wifi for free, I'd be drinking a hell of a lot more coffee.

Hyu-hyuck!

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Yay?
mikecane @ 5/27/2003 11:07:53 PM #
And I'd be arrested for loitering in front of them! Hah!

RE: Yay?
cykalan @ 5/27/2003 11:24:11 PM #
"Umm...Yeah I think I'll believe YOU over a couple different pda news sites! *sarcasm* I listed two news sources saying the US/European versions of the NX80v will have BT, and I believe them. I imagine their "sources" are much more reliable than yours! The Sony site refers to the Japanese version of these devices only AFAIK..."

I thought we've been talking about the Japanese version of the NX80....*sarcasm*

And FYI, PDAFrance only mention that NX80 will not be available in Europe, and the NX73 in Europe will be equipped with Bluetooh. You better read more carefully. :)

And oh yeah, I think I will trust these sites full of rumours instead of the site of the company who actually produce the handheld.....*sarcasm*


Alan
----
Read your manuals before you ask!!

RE: Yay?
gfunkmagic @ 5/28/2003 12:36:15 AM #
You thought wrong buddy. Anyway WTF is your point? The NX80v does have BT, you just said so! Like I said before, the specs on the Sony site refer to the Japanese version only. You can believe whatever nonsense you want, but the NX73v in Europe and NX70v (mostly likely) in the US will have integrated BT...

----------------------------------------
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."

-Pablo Picasso.

RE: Yay?
cykalan @ 5/28/2003 2:01:56 AM #
We will just sit and wait to see who's non-sense and who's not, I dare to say the feature list on the brighthand website is a typo.


Alan
----
Read your manuals before you ask!!

RE: Yay?
DJSloan @ 5/28/2003 12:21:25 PM #
I dont understand this fascination with Bluetooth either. After I switch carriers, buy a new cell phone (little model selection), and pay for airtime I have to pay $0.03 per kb. That is $1.50 each time I download a live traffic map or browse Palminfocenter. Makes $20 a month for Wi-Fi seem cheap in comparison. If continuous connectivity is important to you T|W and $80 a month is the best way to go. I am moving to NYC and just bought a T|C.

RE: Yay?
Altema @ 5/28/2003 8:31:42 PM #
"God, it's amazing you people have even *heard* of the Internet!!!"

Whuda ya mean Mike? We got internet AND outernet, fer fishin' in BOTH places!

Seriously, I want the WiFi too. The only reasons I did not go for the T|C were the mono headphone jack, speaker on the back and the physical size. The size was actually smaller than expected, but it was just a tad too big for my GPS. At work we are pretty well wireless saturated, with AP's numbering in the hundreds. For my personal use as a network engineer for remote locations, I was concerned with connectivity while on the road. This is especially true if I'm at a site where their fiber link was just dug up accidently by a backhoe or trencher. Whip out the phone and I'm online with web access and email.

However, I'm currently being burned by my decision to opt for BT instead, because Cingular has fallen behind with technology and does not even KNOW what BT is, let alone carry any phones with the capability.

Their pricing plan also ensures a flight to competitors: CDMA is billed as regular minutes with no regard for how much data is pulled down, but it is too slow for anything major.

GRPS is billed per Mb at an astronomical rate, with no charge for airtime. It's faster, but would kill anyone who did more than text messages. I have developers who email me app updates, and Cingular wants me to pay almost $15 to receive a 3Mb email? Forget it! I've got kids to feed! I love their data network reliability, but will go elsewhere before I pay through the nose like that.

RE: Yay?
robrecht @ 6/16/2003 11:09:28 AM #
"We will just sit and wait to see who's non-sense and who's not, I dare to say the feature list on the brighthand website is a typo."

Looks like cykalan was right. Was there ever any doubt?

Thanks, robrecht

*sigh* Still waiting for T Series Form factor w/BT + VG...

gfunkmagic @ 5/27/2003 4:04:31 PM #
UGH! Instead of the NX73v, Sony should have introduced a tablet pda with similar specs plus VG and BT! I don't understand why none of the PalmOS OEMs are listening to users. If such a device were announced by Sony, I would be bouncing off the walls right now! But alas, it was not to be....

----------------------------------------
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."

-Pablo Picasso.

RE: *sigh* Still waiting for T Series Form factor w/BT + VG...
abosco @ 5/27/2003 4:50:43 PM #
Not as long as the useless TG50 is still out there. IMO, they should discontinue their whole product line and revamp it starting with a BETTER version of these new NX's. 400 MHz PXA255, 64 MB RAM, cameras in these NX's at $500 and $600 as well as Bluetooth and CF slots. Then, at $400, have a TG with VG and 400 MHz/64 MB. At $300, release a unit with a PXA255 at 200 MHz and 32 MB with another VG screen. At $200, go for a cheap ARM with a 200 MHz PXA255, 16 MB RAM, and a 320x320 transflective screen. Reduce the SJ22 closer to $100-150, and you'll have a killer lineup. Seriously, there wouldn't be one thing wrong with it.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods
RE: *sigh* Still waiting for T Series Form factor w/BT + VG...
jamesgood72 @ 5/27/2003 5:13:07 PM #
TG50 is useless?

TG50 works very well for me, thankyou. It may not work for you, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a place on Sony's lineup.

I would prefer VG to the keyboard, and a better up/down button, but that's about it.

-James.

RE: *sigh* Still waiting for T Series Form factor w/BT + VG...
abosco @ 5/27/2003 5:32:43 PM #
Yeah, bad wording, my fault. It just disappointed me that it didn't have VG. I'm sure there's plenty of people who like the thumbboard, but ClieSource has been buzzing for months for a TG with VG.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods
RE: *sigh* Still waiting for T Series Form factor w/BT + VG...
Wollombi @ 5/28/2003 12:41:10 AM #
Yeah, I took a close look at a TG today and it could really be a great device with a couple of changes. Get rid of it's reliance on MemoryStick and put a SD slot in it instead, and possibly a CF slot as well, add Virtual Graffiti, and I'd buy it. The keyboard is a nice touch, but it takes space from the screen, and I don't type with my thumbs anyway so it's not all that useful to me.

_________________
Sean

It is not very comfortable to have the gift of being amused at one's own absurdity.
-Somerset Maugham-

RE: *sigh* Still waiting for T Series Form factor w/BT + VG...
JKingGrim @ 5/28/2003 3:30:48 PM #
SONY will never abandon MemSchtick. This is why I stay with Palm. Rumor has it that PSG will introduce a VG design in October (http://www.palminfocenter.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14189). I'm convinced, not only because of the conversation, but also, what else is there to do? They have done everything they can without VG.

Side note, Will OS6 be out in time for PSG's traditional October release? That would be sweet. SONY would be left in the dust.

Flash

markgm @ 5/27/2003 5:54:25 PM #
Do they both have a flash? It appears that only the 80 has one.

RE: Flash
BimBoy @ 5/27/2003 7:51:00 PM #
Really, whats the use of a flash, if you only have 640x480. The pics come out mediocre at best anyway. Why even bother with a camera at .3mp? How much can the 1mp ccd cost Sony, compared to the .3mp?
RE: Flash
Scott R @ 5/27/2003 8:18:55 PM #
Yeah, I think Ryan needs to fix that. There doesn't seem to be any flash on the NX73.

Personally, I think that 640x480 aint bad so long as it takes good pictures. I don't understand the idea that you need super-high megapixels in order to take decent pictures. You need super-high megapixels to take really big pictures that have enough detail for acceptable prints. But if you're looking to just keep them on CD-ROM or the web, 640x480 is fine.

Scott

http://goodthatway.com

RE: Flash
OcellNuri @ 5/27/2003 11:55:02 PM #
It should also be noticed that it is not as much as "flash" as it is a light. There is a picture of it floating around somewhere. It's not a strobe flash like a traditional camera, but actually a bright white LED that stays on for a few seconds while you take the picture (I assume). Flashes need capacitor circuits, which kill batteries. The NZ90 is a perfect example. This LED will use MUCH less battery juice than a true flash ever would.

-------------------------
It's "Ocell" for short.

A good close up of these new lovlies

cue @ 5/27/2003 7:44:31 PM #
http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/PEG/PEG-NX80V/parts.html

I could feel it in my bones that there would be some new Clies soon. I was on the .jp site last night to check on them, but there was no announcement then. :(

The Sony Clie is the sexiest gadget I've seen that WASN'T vaporware.

Pricing

claudiomv @ 5/28/2003 2:45:22 AM #
Prices are on the Sonystyle Japan website http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/peg/Store/Clie/index.html :
- 59800 yen for the nx80v (about $510)
- 49800 yen for the nx73v (about $425)
The nx73v doesn't have 32 MB of RAM, just the good ol' 16 MB.
If you want a (rough) translation of the specs, you can go here :
http://makeashorterlink.com/?P2C2169B4

CRAP!

sonicxracer @ 5/28/2003 4:06:10 AM #
WHY the HECK do they keep making new NX models. Do they assume EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER like this design? Well I for one HATE it. Despise it even (by now!) It's big, bulky, expensive, and ugly! IMO of course. :)

Looks like I will be sticking to my T665. Sony - GET ON THE DAN BALL HERE already. Give us a T series form factor with OS5 or 6 and viryual grafitti. Is that so much to ask for?!

RE: CRAP!
MobileMitch @ 5/28/2003 9:00:31 AM #
Oh I so agree. If the TG50 had VG and maybe a little more ram instead of the dorky keyboard I would buy it in a second. The mortgage payment would have to wait. As soon as that unit or something similar comes out...

RE: CRAP!
RhinoSteve @ 5/28/2003 2:03:02 PM #
Then I guess neither of your two are part of the targeted market. Personally, I find these foldable form factor genius, slick and very affordable keeping me from buying a new laptop and giving more money to Microsoft.

I'll pass on this one...

i2oadi2unnei2 @ 5/28/2003 11:12:10 AM #
I've been saving up since I've bought my NX70v and with new models coming out every several months I'd be in debt for the rest of my life! *GRIN* I love my current clie and will pass on this really nice sexy looking clies until either 1. My clie breaks 2. Clie comes out with OS6 or 3. oops just dropped my clie... crap, it didn't break * G R I N *

...|3eep |3eep!!...

affordable connectivity

drewdiggs @ 5/28/2003 11:06:35 PM #
I've somehow survived on my CLIE N710 for a while and a half now. Yeah, it's about time for a replacement. All I want is an affrodable PALM OS-based PDA w/WiFi so I can chill in the park. Is that too much to ask ? I'm definately not mad @ the extra memory, the camera is not that critical, but the compact flash (the cheap stuff) is a nice addition.

______________________________________
"people who think they know it all are especially annoying to those of us who do." - anonymous

The Clie that i need ..

northstar31 @ 5/31/2003 5:23:18 AM #
This is Clie that i am waiting for :
- Palm OS® 5.2.1
- Processor 400MHz Intel® PXA255 Processor with Intel® XScale Technology
- 64 MB RAM
- 320 x 480 HR with VG
- integrated Bluetooth


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