Sony's Palm Device Details Leaked

Sony PDA mockup Alan sent in word that the WSJ got a sneak peak at the new Sony handheld. The Register has the details on the device taken from the Journal (without having to go and get a subscription). Sony's as-yet-unnamed device will ship in a blue and silver color scheme (VIAO). "The device will weigh a light 5.3 ounces, be narrower than the stylish Palm V and thinner than the Palm III, and come in black-and-white as well as color versions," explained an unusually gushing Journal. It also boasts a "JogDial scrolling and highlighting button that allows users to manoeuvre the screen with one hand". Also Bob sent in this story with a few more details from ZDNet.

Update: Sony has sent out a press release giving more details about the device, which will be displayed "under glass" at the PC Expo this week. Here are some of the highlights:

Memory Stick
The Memory Stick media slot located at the top of the PDA will allow users to backup information, freeing up valuable memory on the device.
Sony plans to introduce a 128MB Memory Stick card by the end of FY '00, and a 256MB Memory Stick card in FY '01.
Currently available Memory Stick cards range in capacity from 4MB to 64MB.

Jog Dial Control
Jog Dial control will enable one-hand scroll-and-select operation of various applications, such as Calendar, Appointment and Memo Pad.
Jog Dial control is a popular feature in Sony's current line of select consumer electronics products.

Design
Prototype dimensions (subject to change in commercialized products):
2 3/4" (W) x 4 1/2" (H) x 5/8" (D).
Sony's PDA can be always carried with you, letting you enjoy a variety of content anywhere, anytime.

Other key features
Docking cradle
Lithium Ion rechargeable battery

Update 2: MSNBC.com says the Sony PDA will weigh only 5.3 ounces and come on both color and black & white versions. Takashi Sugiyama, general manager of Sony’s network-service business center, said Sony plans to roll out the machine in mid-July in Japan, followed by the U.S. later this year. The gadget will be on shelves "in time for Christmas". He declined to reveal how much the device will cost consumers, saying only that it will be "competitively priced".

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PocketPC or Sony?

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/26/2000 11:52:28 AM #
Maybe this will be enough to keep me from defecting to the Pocket PC camp. I doubt even Sony can fix the screen resolution issue though. Also alot of people think Sony entering the market is going to be a great thing. I guess they forget that Sony has also produced alot of duds.
RE: PocketPC or Sony?
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/27/2000 2:56:18 AM #
You said "...alot of people" and "...alot of duds"

What you mean to say is "...a lot of people" and "...a lot of duds"

Common mistake these days among the illiterate.


RE: PocketPC or Sony?
Myddrin @ 6/27/2000 7:58:15 AM #
Some people need to calm down. This is a casual forum, not freakin' english class. If you are going to comment please add some substance, not just a nit-picking whining complaint just to see you post on "that there internet forum."
RE: PocketPC or Sony?
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/27/2000 8:42:58 AM #
I do believe that the first person to post the correct spelling for a lot has a point. Why should anyone's comments be taken seriously if they cannot spell a simple word as a lot? Also, I do believe that his (or her) message can be placed here to show those who do not know how to properly use the English language the correct way.
RE: PocketPC or Sony?
PDA Boy @ 6/27/2000 11:32:18 AM #
I don't mean to criticize, but aren't we all being a little too touchy about misspelled words?

Wait a second! He said something nice about the PocketPC...then you attacked him! Gosh, what a shock!

RE: PocketPC or Sony?
English professor @ 6/27/2000 11:57:20 AM #
Can't we all just get along? Enjoy the forum for what it has to offer. Obviously, you've got issues that you need to deal with it. Believe it or not, the Internet attracts people from all over the world. You must be illiterate for not realizing that.

Plus, you have no right to criticize considering that your comment has several punctuation and grammar mistakes in it. So, you shut the hell up!!!

RE: PocketPC or Sony?
English professor @ 6/27/2000 11:57:20 AM #
Can't we all just get along? Enjoy the forum for what it has to offer. Obviously, you've got issues that you need to deal with it. Believe it or not, the Internet attracts people from all over the world. You must be illiterate for not realizing that.

Plus, you have no right to criticize considering that your comment has several punctuation and grammar mistakes in it. So, you shut the hell up!!!

RE: PocketPC or Sony?
English professor @ 6/27/2000 11:57:20 AM #
Can't we all just get along? Enjoy the forum for what it has to offer. Obviously, you've got issues that you need to deal with it. Believe it or not, the Internet attracts people from all over the world. You must be illiterate for not realizing that.

Plus, you have no right to criticize considering that your comment has several punctuation and grammar mistakes in it. So, you shut the hell up!!!

RE: PocketPC or Sony?
rdiet @ 6/27/2000 8:20:29 PM #
It's seems alot like a PocketPC. I don't think the Palm OS is robust enough to make it a multimedia device. The palm is simple that is the selling point. You add color and music and multimedia and you lose your target. If you make it about multimedia, then PocketPC is already so far ahead, you will lose.

Wow!

christian@techlovers.com @ 6/26/2000 3:24:26 PM #
This is going to be fantastic! A Palm PDA with gorgeous VAIO styling, Memory stick, Palm OS, colour screen... wow... what more could we wish for? Can't wait...

Another Compaq delevery Issue

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/26/2000 5:54:36 PM #
Looks like the US is not going to see this until Oct-NOv 00'. Why introduce if they can't deliver? The Ipaq could have made a dent in market share if it was deliverd when released late April. Ipaq still not realsed yet. SOny need to getr these out NOW.,,
RE: Another Compaq delevery Issue
PDA Boy @ 6/26/2000 7:44:58 PM #
iPaq not shipping yet? What are you talking about, they began shipping a week ago!

always better sony

Angus @ 6/27/2000 9:52:54 AM #

Can't wait for the new sony pda.

suggestion

Angus @ 6/27/2000 9:51:42 AM #

If sony new pda is color and black/white edition, why can't we buy a color edition and adjust it to blakc/white to save some power?

Too much like a PocketPC

rdiet @ 6/27/2000 8:19:24 PM #
If you try to make a simple palm, a multimedia machine, you lose your target market. I think this becomes too much like a PocketPC yet does not have the resources that CE has. The Palm OS is just not robust enough to truly deliver multimedia.
RE: Too much like a PocketPC
christian@palmgamer.net @ 6/28/2000 2:23:55 PM #
Not true! That's simply not true. It's only natural in the evolution of the Palm OS to add more functions, power, capability etc. The Sony Palm will be a fantastic product and will reach a huge target audience for students, professionals, gamers etc,. The Memory Stick port is a great idea too, hope I can view pix from my Sony DSC-F55E Cybershot on it! Now that *would* be cool...
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