Comments on: Review: Sony PEG-T615C, Part I

Sony announced the PEG-T615C last week and it is just starting to become available. This is the replacement for the N610C and has a hi-res color screen, a Jog Dial, a Memory Stick slot, and 16 MB of RAM. News Editor Ed Hardy has a preliminary review, to be followed by a full review later this week.

Read the Full Article Text Here

Article Comments

(121 comments)

The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. PalmInfocenter is not responsible for them in any way.
Please Login or register here to add your comments.

Comments Closed
This article is no longer accepting new comments.

good review

SaxonMan @ 1/20/2002 2:07:43 PM #

very good review ed

thanks
SaxonMan

error

banned @ 1/20/2002 2:12:36 PM #

you say you've only had the T415C since the middle of saturday, i think you mean teh T615C. Okay, time to finsh reading it now :)

RE: error

Admin @ 1/20/2002 2:16:15 PM #

thanks, I fixed the typo for Ed.

-Ryan

Thanks Ed

Doo @ 1/20/2002 2:19:53 PM #

Very nice first look review. I just had a quick question on the color screen. How does it compair with the 760s display?

Thanks Ed

You're Welcome

Ed @ 1/20/2002 2:23:49 PM #

Before I do the final review, I'm going to take the T615C to a store and compare it to as many handheld screens as I can. Just based on my memory, I think the T615C's screen is a bit brighter but the N760C's colors are richer. I'll have a better answer once I've had a chance to compare them side by side.

---
News Editor

A Picture Is Worth Maybe a Couple of Dozen Words

Ed @ 1/20/2002 3:17:24 PM #

I took this picture hoping to give you some idea of what the screen looks like:
www.palminfocenter.com/images/img_Sony_T615C_1_L.jpg

I think what you are mostly going to learn is how much I need a new digital camera. The blank part of the screen is certainly not that pale-green color; it's much more white.

I'm really including this because someone will surely ask for a picture of the screen. Well, this is the best I can do. Sorry.

---
News Editor

screen comparison

Haj @ 1/20/2002 5:07:17 PM #

Until Ed gets a chance, you can take a look at this review: http://www.spug.org/reviews/rt600.htm

Screen Comparison

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 7:47:29 PM #

How does the T615C compare to the Palm IIIc? I have noticed that the other color Clie screens are not as bright as the Palm IIIc. While the resolution of the Clies is better than the Palm IIIc, I find that brightness is more important to middle aged eyes than the resolution.

Thank-you.

screen comparison 2

Haj @ 1/20/2002 7:59:54 PM #

Ok, neither do i have T615 or IIIc, nor i know a link for comparison pics of those devices side by side so far, i can only give you some links that compares IIIc with other devices if that helps.

m505 and N710C
http://www.pencomputing.com/palm/stest/m500vsN710C.html

various devices (in japanese but you can see pics)
http://kamakura.cool.ne.jp/mobiletake/Visor/color.html

HTH

RE: Thanks Ed

robrecht @ 1/20/2002 10:11:14 PM #

The new SONY is supposed to be brighter than the "older" color SONYs, though it may not be as bright as the IIIc. One huge advantage over the IIIc, in addition to higher resolution, is that it is very visible outdoors.

Thanks, Robrecht

Hardcase available?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 2:49:09 PM #

Ive come across a company that makes hardcases for the N series but i forgot the site address. im hoping they mind make one for T series.

BTW, does it have difficulty beaming from a palm handheld? coz ive had some difficulty beaming things from m505 to prism

RE: Hardcase available?

rspitz @ 1/20/2002 4:58:13 PM #

The one I think you are talking about is at:

http://www.dsi-usa.com/pda/pdacase.htm

IS the body metal?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 2:52:12 PM #

which parts are metal and which part are plastic?

graph

RE: IS the body metal?

Ed @ 1/20/2002 2:58:48 PM #

Just about the entire casing is aluminum. I know it can be tough to tell the difference sometimes but it's in the press release and I was told by a Sony spokesperson that the casing is all aluminum.

---
News Editor

sync connection

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 3:20:23 PM #

Very nice start of a review. Could you tell if any of the sync port connection on the T615C is the same one on the other Clie's. I am looking for a keyboard and moden for the T615C I am to get next Monday.

RE: sync connection

Ed @ 1/20/2002 3:23:31 PM #

Sony put a new HotSync port on the T415 and is using it again on the T615C. This means that keyboards and such designed for other Clié models can't be used by the T series.

I'm putting together an article with everything I can find on when various companies will release peripherals and accessories for the T series. Hopefully it will be out tomorrow, Tuesday at the latest.

---
News Editor

15 Feet?

NoBrain123 @ 1/20/2002 3:48:32 PM #

Is that really a stronger IR? I have an m505 and using both Omniremote and Palm Remote I average a distance of 30 feet to operate my television. It is a Mitsubishi.

I think that is misleading by Sony to say it is enhanced if it doesn't even beat out a normal one.

RE: 15 Feet?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 4:16:38 PM #

Your getting some kick-ass distance out of your M505. I tried to use some remote proggie on a M505 (don't remember which one) and got like 5 feet. My friends N760 got the same. If you got a T615, you might get as much as a half mile. ;)

RE: 15 Feet?

Altema @ 1/20/2002 7:33:16 PM #

Well, the IR is enhanced when you compare it to the earlier Clies, which had a pretty lame range of 8 feet. This meant that you had to get up out of your chair to use it for a remote anyways. The only other devices with shorter range than the new enhanced Sony are the original Palm III (10 ft), Palm VIIx (11 ft), and the Handspring Visor Edge (12 ft). Noteworthy are the Visor Prism and HandEra 330, with an IR range of 32 feet, which is slightly better than the OmniRemote SpringBoard module with 30 feet. Seeing how several PDA's beat Sony's "Enhanced IR" is just a reminder that the term is being used relative to their own devices. The title of most powerful IR belongs to the Palm M500 and M505, both having a range of 50 feet.

RE: 15 Feet?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 8:03:03 PM #

Could someone tell me how long is S360's IR range?

m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 3:40:48 PM #

There was a lot of discussion a while back regarding the pre-announcement by Palm of new devices which cannibalized existing Palm product demand. I think this is all BS and if Palm doesn't get a good m5xx to market very soon, this T615C will eat the m505 sales alive. The only thing that may hurt Sony is that you can't get the new Clie's at office supply stores - ie Staples, Office Depot, etc. If I was Sony, I would change that.

I have an m505 and, damn, it doesn't look so good anymore after seeing this puppy!

RE: m505 Killer?

Davy @ 1/20/2002 3:56:59 PM #

Meanwhile, many stores don't carry any Clies, and outside of the Palm news sites, nobody's heard of this Clie. It's great for the informed people like us, but Sony is still a big unkown to the general public with it's PDA's.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 4:09:14 PM #

The T615 is the N610 with a couple of extra bells, like the remote. The M505 did good against the N610 for 6 months, I don't see the T615 doing any better. I don't know why Palm way outsells Sony but it does. Sonys screens are tons better but Palm leads worldwide sales and Sony isn't in the top 5.

http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=2530

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 4:58:24 PM #

Palm sells more units because of no-margin $89 m100's. Also, Sony Clie's are not sold everywhere. I would love to see some current sales data of Palm Color vs. Sony Color units. Most retail sales people push the Clie's on me when I hit the Circus City, Best Buy, CompUSA etc.

Why would anyone not want 320x320 with better sidelight for the same price?

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 7:21:43 PM #

"Why would anyone not want 320x320 with better sidelight for the same price?"

Probably because
- The form factor ain't the same
- Battery life ain't the same

If I were to buy a handheld right now (currently have the m505) I would probably wait. There isn't anything out right now (PPC, Linux or Palm) that really grabs (and holds) my affection.

I think it is a pitty that this unit doesn't have bluetooth.

RE: m505 Killer?

Penguin45 @ 1/20/2002 7:21:49 PM #

That's right, the Sonys are much harder to find than the Palms. I live in the Philippines and had to get mine and my girlfriend's Clies (760C and 610C) from the U.S. Even the authorized Sony dealers here don't carry them. If we do find them here, they're about double the price. The Palms on the other hand are readily available from dealers at competitive prices.

When my girlfriend's sister, who has an m505, saw the Clies, she immediately wanted to sell Palm and get a Clie. She never saw or heard of the Clie til she saw ours. Sony could do a better job getting the word out, IMHO.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 9:28:07 PM #

I have an m505 but i will pass on the great features hoping sony will hear complaints on the tiny buttons and bad up and down switch. im looking forward on the next models from sony.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 11:43:35 PM #

If you had a jog dial, you'd realize the buttons and up and down switch are much less used. The jog dial is so great that once you use it you can never go back to a PDA without it. I've tried out the buttons on the T415 (same as T615 buttons) and it isn't as horrible as made out to be considering you hardly ever use them, especially the up down keys that I ONLY use in games with my 760C.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 8:52:37 AM #

I initially thought the scroll buttons on the 415/615 were terrible. Then I went back to my 505 buttons and saw that they arent that much better.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 9:04:02 AM #

You don't have a M505!!! You're a wierdo who'll say anything to defend SONY and attack Palm. Get a life.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 9:16:39 AM #

Yeah you're right. I don't have a 505, I have a PPC and I work for MS and I get paid by the post to denounce the PalmOS. Hey - I just earned another 10 cents!!!

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 9:54:07 AM #

The buttons on the 505 are WAY better than on the Sony. Also the jog dial is nice and I realize a lot of people like it but I don't. I prefer to use the buttons.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 10:37:53 AM #

You have neither Sony or M505!!! You're a wierdo who'll say anything to defend PALM INC and attack Sony. Get a life.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 10:43:55 AM #

now Ed, why would you leave this stupid comment up?

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 10:53:41 AM #

I'm reluctant to buy a Sony because of the memory stick. I don't like to buy products that I view as proprietary. Additionally I have a hard time finding accessories compatible with the Sony products.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 11:39:23 AM #

Memory stick is now somewhat open. ACER is using it royalty-free on their new palm device.

RE: m505 Killer?

Vexel9 @ 1/21/2002 1:00:01 PM #

Penguin45 - Im in the Philippines as well and I bought n760's for myself and my girlfriend in singapore. I was in California a few weeks before that and i found that Singapore has a lot more stuff in terms of PDA's. I found stuff from the states and from japan readily available there. Not only were they readily available but they were slightly cheaper. I hope you got memory sticks while you were in the states cuz they are ridiculously expensive here. $250 for 128mb!!

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 1:20:44 PM #

Memory Stick is becoming less and less proprietary. At the same time, SD looks more and more like a marketing tactic for Panasonic. Once Sony licenses MS to a few more companies, it'll be as ubiquitous as CF, and carry the same cost.

I really love the display of the 610/760. I also love the form factor of the m505. Having sacrificed a bit of display quality for form, and buying the m505, I have to say I'll refrain from purchasing a T615. After $500+ of investment in my Palm, I can't justify dropping that much more on the Sony. But with OS 5, I may have to defect.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 4:01:44 PM #

> SD looks more and more like a marketing tactic for
> Panasonic.

That must explain why nearly all new handhelds (Palm, PocketPC, and various other Linux, etc. ones) have SD. Many new digital cameras including Kodak's are supporting SD as well.

In a pigs eye is Memory Stick is becoming less and less proprietary. In another year, SD will be as ubiquitous on mobile devices as PCMCIA on laptops.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 6:39:31 AM #

Tested SD and MS sticks on USB adapters. SD is much more faster and costs cheaper.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 9:13:24 PM #

I just bought a sandisk memory stick for about $89 for 128 mb. Its not just sony now. Granted, I would prefer everybody use one format but as long as the cost is about the same I dont care which ones I have to buy.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/24/2002 9:28:54 PM #

Sure, if all you want is memory, then MemoryStick is fine. Don't expect much else though, and don't expect it to be compatible with your particular device.

RE: m505 Killer?

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/27/2002 8:16:35 PM #

"That must explain why nearly all new handhelds (Palm, PocketPC, and various other Linux, etc. ones) have SD. Many new digital cameras including Kodak's are supporting SD as well."

I guess that explains the fact that Memory Stick has 7 times the Market share of SD card memory... Ooppss .. that doesnt make any sense ...

PEG-T615C AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA!

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 4:56:28 PM #

Finally!!! This is the first Clie to ever become available.

http://www.sony.com.au has brief details on this product. It is apparently available for pre-order from TODAY!

RE: PEG-T615C AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA!

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 4:59:14 PM #

Looks like it will retail for AU$950. Not too bad given the exchange rate, I guess...

Still, it would be nice if they made the S360 available too! I will snap that up IMMEDIATELY!

RE: PEG-T615C AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA!

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 11:43:27 PM #

949 AUD = 488.29 USD
(While 1 USD = 1.943 AUD)

Is this work?

RE: PEG-T615C AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA!

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 3:23:55 AM #

Just checked www.sonystyle.com.au - they are taking pre-orders!

That exchange rate sounds about right.

RE: PEG-T615C AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA!

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 9:31:55 AM #

Finally!!

''Universal'' remote

Scott @ 1/20/2002 5:59:59 PM #

Ed, this is indeed a universal remote. When people say that it isn't a true universal remote because you can't program it from another remote, they are mistaken. "Universal" simply means that it can replace multiple remotes. The ability to learn codes from another remote (a desirable feature), makes it a *Learning* remote. So, you can have "Universal" remotes that are not "Learning" remotes.

On that note, is there a code supplied for controlling a TiVo?

Scott

RE: ''Universal'' remote

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 1:38:15 AM #

I got the T415 to work with 3 different TV's, 3 different VCR's, a DVD player and a A/V controller. The DVD and A/V are Sony - the rest other brands. My only problem: my cable company *requires* us to use a cable box, and I can't use the "remote" to change the channels on it... - rs

RE: ''Universal'' remote not really ''Universal''

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 9:57:49 AM #

I beg your pardon but did I read that the T615C can support other brands other than Sony??? Well, maybe there is some mistake in the review!!!

I own a T615C for a few weeks now and I should have known my Clie inside out and from what I had seen, the only profile in the Clie is that of Sony and no other brands...

Or maybe I am wrong or could there be any site that you can download and install such profiles??? Anyone who owns a Clie, would you kindly verify this, thanx!!!

Anyway, I bought my Clie in Singapore, so maybe only Asian version of the Clie does not have other brands profiles. Could someone also check this out and verify it too??? Thanks a million... : )

RE: ''Universal'' remote

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/26/2002 11:21:54 AM #

I bought my T615C in Singapore too and the remote control function only supports SONY TV/VCR/DVD (or at least there's no option to choose any other brands)! So much for "universal" remote controller! Anyone actually owns a T615C which let's you choose other brands? Where can I download options for other brands? Please help!

RE: ''Universal'' remote

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/27/2002 8:14:21 PM #

" I got the T415 to work with 3 different TV's, 3 different VCR's, a DVD player and a A/V controller. The DVD and A/V are Sony - the rest other brands. My only problem: my cable company *requires* us to use a cable box, and I can't use the "remote" to change the channels on it... - rs"

I guess the poster above answered your question already, it can control things other than sony brand.

Dust?

Foo Fighter @ 1/20/2002 6:00:44 PM #

Ed, did you notice any dust?

The 610 and 760 both suffer from the dreaded dust issue. I hope Sony fixed this problem.

RE: Dust?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 10:15:07 PM #

The dust problem was apparent because of the frontlights. Now that the T615 has backlights, there's no way dust can wiggle their way in.

RE: Dust?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 12:10:52 AM #

It doesn't have backlights. If it did, it wouldn't be visible outside. It's transreflective again.

RE: Dust?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 6:56:57 AM #

Funny thing, but isn't 615 the FIRST palmos pda that uses transleflective technology? others were reflective. some actual owners posted their reviews on forums in Japan few weeks ago, and I'm rather sure that having backlights is a part of transreflective technology.

RE: Dust?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 11:44:38 AM #

ED - Is the screen Transreflective like the 610/710/760 and m505? Or is it backlit like IIIC/Prism...or a combination of both? This is not clear from reviews here or elsewhere.

Thanks

RE: Dust?

dúnadan @ 1/21/2002 2:43:49 PM #

check the discussion following the review at spug. The T615 is transflective. The N-series is reflective.

www.CLIEsource.com

RE: Dust?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 5:28:38 PM #

Thanks

RE: Dust?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 11:51:08 AM #

And what's the difference?

Great deal on 610C

Scott @ 1/20/2002 6:02:24 PM #

On a somewhat related note, the Best Buy flyer in this Sunday's newspaper listed the 610C at a special price of $250 ($350 - $100 instant rebate or price break or whatever). Obviously looking to get rid of stock. A great deal for these capabilities, nonetheless.

Scott

RE: Great deal on 610C

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 6:06:23 PM #

CompUSA web site is offering the same deal.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=289379

This is probably the best deal out there right now. Hi-Res Color for $249.99. It's a no-brainer.

RE: Great deal on 610C

Rhauer @ 1/20/2002 8:27:41 PM #

What area of the country to you live in? I just got my Best Buy ad and there was no mention of the 610C. I have been looking all over for one for my wife. I have the 760 and I want to share cradle.

RE: Great deal on 610C

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 9:12:04 PM #

Unfortunately, the advertised special is "limited to stock on hand." In the Detroit area, I cannot find one available at CompUSA. Other stores will not honor it since it is limited to stock on hand. Most stores will only price match if the product is available at the competing store. Anyone have any luck in Detroit area?

RE: Great deal on 610C

Scott @ 1/20/2002 10:43:16 PM #

Sorry, maybe it was CompUSA, not Best Buy.

Scott

RE: Great deal on 610C

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 10:37:04 AM #

The only good prices CompUSA has on things are items it is nearly out of stock on. That's typical for them.

RE: He who hesitates. . .

Cheap Guy @ 1/21/2002 10:53:06 AM #

. . .misses a good deal. The next best bet/deal would be to regularly check the nearest Sony Outlet Store for refurb units. The 710 went for $250 at the outlet, so I'm guessing the 610 will go for at least that. They will tell you if they have them in stock if you call (not yet, I checked) but they won't give you prices over the phone.

By the way, I bought two 710's - no problems.

RE: Great deal on 610C

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 8:21:15 PM #

I bought the last 610 my local CompUSA had on Friday night. I didn't open it because I was still debating if I would keep it. Then the price dropped $100. I went back on Sunday and did a return/re-buy to recoup the difference. WooHoo! For $250, I think I *will* keep it. - rs

Stylus/Flip Cover

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 7:40:33 PM #

Is the flip-cover the same as the one for the T415? While I in general like that cover, it has two drawbacks:
a) It attached to the back with two sliders, which frequently open and the cover may drop. I am thinking of fixing them in with some glue :-(
b) The flip-cover does not cover the (whole of the) IR port (good), but also leaves the stylus free, which allows it to fall out easily. I wish it had covered the sylus-slot.

Final comment: WIth the T415 it looks like the LiPoly battery is in fact removable. Not sure whether Sony actually has them as spare-parts, but that would be a good thing !

RE: Stylus/Flip Cover

pontif @ 1/20/2002 8:02:42 PM #

The T615 does not have the user-replacable battery like the T415. This is unfortunate, because the T615 needs it much worse than the T415 does.

RE: Stylus/Flip Cover

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/20/2002 10:47:21 PM #

The lipoly battery on the t415 is definately removable/replaceable, unscrew 4 screws the back bottom slides off and the battery pops out.

Actually, i just cleaned up my 760 couple hours ago, and took the whole dang thing apart :) battery is replaceable too but just takes some work hehehehe.

RE: Stylus/Flip Cover

terpfan91 @ 1/21/2002 3:37:02 PM #

I have a similar question on the cover:

Is the cover hard plastic or the stiff cardboard (like the N760)?

RE: Stylus/Flip Cover

Ed @ 1/22/2002 10:44:06 AM #

The flip cover is the same general shape as the one from the T415 but this one is leather with an insert to make it non-bendable. I assume the insert is plastic. Most of the IR port is covered when it is closed and all of the Memory Stick slot but the sylus slot is completely open.

---
News Editor

Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 9:56:26 AM #

You could only use NT 4.0 with the older Clies because of the older Clie serial cradle. Now that they have changed connectors again there is no way to use the new Clie with NT. So if you have NT 4.0 at work your out of luck with Sony. They certainly aren't concerned with the business market.

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 10:41:29 AM #

A serial cable:

http://pocketgames.jp/modules.php?op=modload&name=Shop&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=27

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 10:41:39 AM #

yeah, we are still running Win95 and no USB support sucks. I had to buy 2 serial cradles for my 505. We are supposedly switching to XP this year so all is not lost.

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 12:37:03 PM #

Cripes! You're still using NT 4.0? Maybe it's time to upgrade. You've off by two OS versions... I think I can count the number of NT 4 boxes in my office on one hand... I think it would be pretty unreasonable to think that Sony would want to expend any of their resources on supporting an old OS with a quickly dwindling user base.

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 1:33:41 PM #

The only way systems in this university office get upgraded from NT 4.0 is if we buy a new computer or we "upgrade" it to Linux. The development job I just left, we were required to use NT 4.0 because that is what our customer used. My home system is NT 4.0 as well. Other than USB, there isn't much of a motivation to upgrade since upgrading would mean buying new hardware as well as software. I see NT 4.0 systems all over the place.

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

Scott @ 1/21/2002 2:15:16 PM #

The larger the corporation, the slower they upgrade. The company I work for now and the last one I worked for are both very big companies. When I left my last job last year, they were still on NT4. The company I work for now was using a combination of Win95 and NT4 when I started. They're just now rolling out 2000.

Any company that wants to have a major presence in the enterprise market needs to provide compatibility with older OSes. That said, Sony's focus has obviously been on the consumer market, not the enterprise market.

Scott

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 4:02:37 PM #

Off by two OS versions? First of all XP just came out and is not going to be in many corporations (or homes) for quite some time. My "office" has 50,000 people so you are talking about millions of dollars in hardware and software to upgrade. Thats why corporations don't upgrade very quickly compared to home users or mom and pop offices like yours. Secondly all the major PDA manufactureres sell serial cables because they realize this and also knw that the corporate market is where the big $$$ are. Individual user sales are nothing compared to corporate sales. Sony also needs to come up with some ability to use wireless ethernet if they want to break into the corporate market. If they don't want to break into the corproate market then they don't understand handheld sales very well.

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 4:07:45 PM #

The link does not work.

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 6:12:12 PM #

That cable seems to be useless for this purpose anyhow, since it cannot charge the device.

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 6:46:45 PM #

No -- it just means you need to buy the cable for hotsyncing, and one of the $30 AC adapter/charger cables from Sony. You'd use them separately.

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 12:07:22 AM #

> You'd use them separately.

How convenient!

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

mikecane @ 1/22/2002 10:21:37 AM #

There have been many comments that combo HotSync/charging cables charge the units too slowly to be of much use. Two cables is the way to go. These aren't iPods!

RE: Looks like no NT 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 4:08:46 PM #

Why are two cables better than a cradle?

T615C Video Footage

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 10:23:30 AM #

http://www.techtv.com/products/mobilecomputing/story/0,23008,3368185,00.html

http://makeashorterlink.com/?D2002125

615 610 ??

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 11:36:06 AM #

I gather that I can go out and get a 610 at comp usa for about $250. Given your review, I am inclined in that direction to save the $150. Do you know if the 610 has a "slide show" program while in cradel and if it comes with the ability to read excel and word? finally, is the e-book reader just on the 615 or does it come with the 610. After finally, and truely lastly, what about the qualitative difference in the ...screen!
Thanks
Geoff

RE: 615 610 ??

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 12:46:35 PM #

I think I can answer all of your questions. Yes, the 610 can play a slide show while in the cradle. No, the 610 does not include Documents to Go, which is the program that allows the 615 to read and edit Word and Excel files. (However, this can be purchased seperately.) On the 610 you can download the Palm Reader from the Palm website for free. Many other readers are available, some free some not. The screens are different, but neither superior or inferior. Personally, I prefer that of the T-615; your mileage may vary.

Hope that helps!

RE: 615 610 ??

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 1:16:53 AM #

Thanks, yes that does help.

Geoff

do i need the missing sync for mac

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 3:39:01 PM #

is the software complete for mac-sync?

RE: do i need the missing sync for mac

terpfan91 @ 1/22/2002 7:25:53 PM #

It's unsupported by Sony, but Sean Li at Cliesource.com claims that it sync's just fine using the Palm Desktop Beta for Mac OSX.

http://www.cliesource.com/cgi-bin/news.cgi?thread=000028

RE: do i need the missing sync for mac

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 1:04:00 PM #

Running OS X, I had been using an n610 and am currently using a t615 with Palmdesktop while running in Classic mode and it works perfectly; missing sync not needed. I realize that "officially" they're not supported but I don't understand why people keep claiming that the Clies won't work on Macs without third-party software. It's simply not true.

Alarm info?

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/21/2002 6:24:33 PM #

What about the rumored vibrating alarm? I don't see any info about it on the SonyStyle website...

Just wondering...Any info would be appreciated.

RE: Alarm info?

martopiggus @ 1/22/2002 2:41:33 AM #

Yes, you just set the vibrating option in Prefs and off it goes. It's not as noticeable as your phone (that can make the table moves), but if you hold it in your hands the degree of vibration is ok.

n760 replacement???

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 3:38:11 AM #

Do you know whether or not SONY is planning a replacement for the N760c model, or is the external mp3 player device for the t615c the only choice, should I wait??

RE: n760 replacement???

mikecane @ 1/22/2002 10:20:59 AM #

If Sony "replaces" the N760, it'll most likely be with a unit that has 16MB of RAM.

RE: n760 replacement???

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 10:41:54 AM #

In all fairness, the n760 is the best Palm ever - there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. I am fed up of Sony constantly changing things every few months. I doubt the form factor and enhanced IR is going to appeal to n7xx users.

t's just too stressful trying to keep up having the latest gadget from Sony these days when you need to change it so frequently. And Sony just don't get it right these days. They ignore what worked on the previous Palm and just throw products to market. It wouldn't surprise me if they started a new range. The company should let consumers know clearly who it's future products are aimed at, and talk a page out of Palm's book in actually letting a PDA soak in. As consumers, we should not upgrade to new Sony Palms just so they don't think they can get away with adding small features like enhanced IR and trying to get another few hundred bucks out of us.

Anyone agree with me here?

RE: n760 replacement???

Ronin @ 1/22/2002 12:07:18 PM #

Sounds to me like you have an addiction. Perhaps you should join "PDAs Anonymous" or a similar organization and get help.

I have made critical comments regarding Sony's product cycle in the past and my belief that it may not be good for the Palm market. Ultimately, we the consumer have the final say. Just simply say no to the upgrade treadmill and your problem is solved. If your current device works and fills your needs, why buy a new device. Perhaps the concept of buying for need as opposed to desire/envy should be paramount in your mind. And if the primary motivation for purchasing a new device is going to be desire/envy than the complaints are honestly irrelevant not only because the problem is caused by your personal motivations but because Sony would love to clone you as a customer a million times over.

RE: n760 replacement???

mikecane @ 1/22/2002 12:17:59 PM #

Didn't buy the N710. Didn't buy the S320. Didn't buy the N610. Didn't buy the N760. Didn't buy the T415.

Was *given* the S320 as a gift.

The T615C? Might buy it.

Sony permits choice.

RE: n760 replacement???

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 11:42:11 PM #

Isn't the N760 *just* a N610 with the mp3 addon plus some value added software? the T615 uses the same audio adapter as the T415 ($130USD). although that makes me wonder if they'll bundle the two together (T615 + audio) and call it the T715 for a bit more $$. or if maybe they'll release a new top end model and drop the price on the T615 by about $50 bucks.

RE: n760 replacement???

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 4:01:25 PM #

N7x0 series has built-in DSP chip for MP3 decoding, which allows it to multitask while playing mp3s in the background. The N610 and T615 with Audio adapter do not have the ability to do so.

RE: n760 replacement???

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/28/2002 9:23:54 PM #

I have the Clie PEG-N710C/G and I can't get it to multitask while playing MP3's/music in the background, despite the DSP chip. Does anyone know exactly how you get it to multitask? Are there some special settings required?
Thanks.

Screen lighting and the Graffiti area

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 10:15:19 AM #

I've been wondering - the m50x series screens light up the Graffiti area when the front light is on; does the CLIE (specifically this one) do the same?

Thanks.

RE: Screen lighting and the Graffiti area

Ed @ 1/22/2002 10:41:14 AM #

It does not.

---
News Editor

RE: Screen lighting and the Graffiti area

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 11:06:41 PM #

Bummer. That's one of my favorite features of the Palm M505.

Battery Life: PEG-T615C vs. m505

farmhandbadguy @ 1/22/2002 3:31:17 PM #

m505
Palm estimated 3 weeks when used 40 minutes per day
(21 x 40)/60 = 14 hours

T615C
Sony estimated 12 days when used 30 minutes per day
(12 x 30)/60 = 6 hours

Review at, http://www.spug.org/reviews/rt600.htm, guesses the T615C will last 7.5 hours.

Anyone tried any benchmarks?

______________________________________________
I love my m505, when its not between here and Carrollton, TX.

RE: Battery Life: PEG-T615C vs. m505

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 8:49:27 PM #

But what happens to those numbers with the m505 LIGHT ON?

RE: Battery Life: PEG-T615C vs. m505

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 12:10:43 AM #

That is with the back/sidelight on both.

RE: Battery Life: PEG-T615C vs. m505

dúnadan @ 1/23/2002 11:16:40 AM #

Those estimates are not true. The m505 gets over 15 hours with the light off but more like 6-7 with the light on.

You can find benchmarks for the T615 in the T-series forum at CLIEsource. The battery appears to last much less than 7 hours.

It should also be noted that the m505 is quite readable with its light off in most lighting situations whereas the T615 needs its light on to be readable in any but the brightest of situations.

I prefer the T615, but battery life is one area where the m505 still beats it.

www.CLIEsource.com

OS 4.1 and Sony

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 7:42:41 PM #

Great - this is device #4 that Sony releases with OS 4.1 - yet I supposedly have the "top of the line" (m505) Palm and I have OS4 still.

RE: OS 4.1 and Sony

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 12:07:38 AM #

AFAICT, the main difference between OS 4.0 and 4.1 is the .1 in the name. Can anyone name a single new feature in 4.1?

Answers to Some Questions Above

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/22/2002 8:34:58 PM #

The 610 does come with photostand which lets you view pictures. Also, the 610's cradle/charge setup is nicer as ed says.

The screen mentions in the review above seems a direct comparison between the N series color CLIEs and the T series color one.

www.Microwarehouse.com has the silver 615 in stock, and lists the blue one.

The vibrating alarm does exist, see this sony Hong Kong page--was in there somewhere: http://www.sonystyle.com.hk/clie/app/t615c/index.jsp

Flash ROM

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/23/2002 1:35:31 PM #

I read somewhere that it has flash ROM. Does this mean that the OS can be upgraded later on (Palm OS 5)?

RE: Flash ROM

dúnadan @ 1/23/2002 7:30:27 PM #

No. OS5 will require a different processor. Flash ROM will enable it to be updated to OS 4.2, etc if such updates are made available.

www.CLIEsource.com

RE: Flash ROM

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/24/2002 9:31:06 PM #

Sony has only made one real OS upgrade available. That was for people pissed off that Sony released the 760 with 4.x so shortly after the 710 came out with 3.5, and you had to send your 710 in for them to upgrade it. Otherwise, forget it. Sony has no interest in providing OS upgrades for old models like the T615C, even though they put flash ROM on them.

Help, Problem with Audio Player / Clie T615 (music files not

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/27/2002 7:55:57 PM #

All is in place:

1. Transfer file on the clie is activated
2. Removable Clie drive appears on PC
3. I drag and drop music files for transfer to Clie
4. PC screen shows transfer
5. When I go to the audio player on the clie, no tracks are there (memory stick is in place with no lock, and I have downloaded patch from Sony website)

can someone please help me!!!

Thank you,
Alexander Braune
alexbraune@yahoo.com

I need a keybord

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/24/2002 12:17:34 AM #

for my Clie T615 what should I get and who has one

RE: I need a keybord

I.M. Anonymous @ 7/22/2002 1:00:03 AM #

Just got the KB20 Minikeyboard from Sony directly - about $53 with shipping. Sort of OK- difficult to type on with the thumbs (especially while holding the shift or function keys). Also, for some reason they did not put a "shortcut" key on it so I can't use any of my text shortcuts (very annoying).

A bit clutzy to connect and disconnect - it clips over the graffiti area but you have to plug a cable into the docking socket. You can't flip it off and use graffiti while the plug is in. It takes 2 hands to put back in its separate case.

Not nearly as useful as the full size Targus keyboard I had for my palm-VII.

< Home | Return to Article | Comment Board

Account

News Higlights

Latest Comments

I got one -Tuckermaclain
RE: Don't we have this already? -Tuckermaclain
RE: Palm brand will return in 2018, with devices built by TCL -richf
RE: Palm brand will return in 2018, with devices built by TCL -dmitrygr
Palm phone on HDblog -palmato
Palm PVG100 -hgoldner
RE: Like Deja Vu -PacManFoo
Like Deja Vu -T_W