Sony Releases the NX80V and NX73V

Sony Clie NX80VSony has announced two new Clie handhelds and is now taking pre-orders. The NX80V features a 1.3 Mega pixel camera with a "Capture Light", Palm OS 5, 200mhz processor, 32MB of RAM, backlit thumb keyboard and a CF type II card slot. The NX73V comes in a similar form factor and specs with a lower resolution camera and no light.

Both models share a 3.8 inch 320x480 high resolution display, with the Sony flip/twist design. The models also share a retractable CF type II expansion and Memory stick slots (compatible with MemoryStick PRO), voice recorder, mp3 player and a backlit thumb keyboard.

The NX80V includes a built-in 1.3 Mega-pixel camera that supports SXGA (1280 x 960) resolution for still photos and can also record MPEG movie clips. A new ?Capture Light? provides additional light to help take pictures in places with low ambient light, and a Slow Shutter Mode for low light conditions. In bright sunlight conditions, a Neutral Density Filter will reduce the amount of light entering the camera lens.

The NX73V has a 300K pixel camera that supports up to 640 x 480 resolution. The NX73V also has 16MB of inlcluded RAM while the NX80V includes 32MB.

They both run Palm OS 5, on an Intel PXA263 processor running at 200MHz. Both models share the same dimensions of 2 7/8 x 5 1/4 x 7/8 inches (or 71.9(W)×131.5(H)×21.8(D)mm) and weigh approximately 8 oz. The casing for each model is made of magnesium.

Sony Clie NX80V Sony Clie NX73V

Sony has included a new Decuma Input Handwriting Recognition Software, which converts your natural handwriting into text. They also include standard Grafitti and the QWERTY thumb keyboard for input.

Both handhelds can also use the optional CLIÉ Wireless LAN Card for WiFi (802.11b) connectivity. The retractable CompactFlash slot also provides limited support for CompactFlash Memory Cards for data storage.

Both the NX80V and NX73V are available from SonyStyle for pre-order at $599 and $499 respectively. There is currently no word from SonyStyle on an actual shipping date, however Amazon.com lists a July 27th release.

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Another breed of NX's...

i2oadi2unnei2 @ 6/16/2003 10:41:29 AM #
My NX70V isn't even a year old so I think I will pass on these models for now. If I buy keep buying new clies everytime Sony comes out with a new model I'd be broke *GRIN*, although I could......

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

RE: Another breed of NX's...
a3 @ 6/16/2003 11:23:27 AM #
My T615C is more than a year old and, frankly speaking, I'm getting tired of waiting for the 320x480 tablet PDA...

I've never liked this clamshell design but I have to be honest and say that these two PDA's are very nice... the backlit thumboard is a cool touch (sort of copied from Apples recent iPod and Powerbooks) if I didn't know that the Helix is coming I think I'd be preordering the NX73.

Anyway, I'm not sure if this two updates will get what it takes to boost Clie sales... guess time will tell us.

_____________________________________________________
Who? me. When? Now!

RE: Another breed of NX's...
s_n_m @ 6/16/2003 12:16:27 PM #
The backlit keyboard is taken from the TG50, and the TG50's backlit keyboard is taken from the Treo 300, and the Treo 300's backlit keyboard is taken from (obviously) CELL PHONES!

So you are wrong I am sorry.

_____________________________________________
*S*S*D*D*

RE: Another breed of NX's...
sigsegv @ 6/16/2003 12:44:10 PM #
I agree with you, a3. I hate the clam shell. I'd love to see a 480x320 tablet PDA. No stupid camera. No stupid keyboard. Just a virt-G area. Get the size down somewhere close to that of my 760, if not smaller. And while they're at it, why not throw in a faster CPU with more memory? I just saw the T|C yesterday and while I hate the keyboard, the screen was nice and boy was it speedy and 64M of RAM.... Mmmmm... RAM....

Plus, no built-in WiFi or BT? Bah! I really want to upgrade my PDA, but nobody's gotten it right yet.

-sig

RE: Another breed of NX's...
Fernando @ 6/16/2003 1:36:41 PM #
"
Plus, no built-in WiFi or BT? Bah! I really want to upgrade my PDA, but nobody's gotten it right yet.

-sig"

umm... i don't know what world u've been living in, but the T|C has built in wifi, it actually has the highest battery life with wifi usage that i have ever seen...

correct me if i'm wrong.

RE: Another breed of NX's...
Doo @ 6/16/2003 2:40:59 PM #
I agree with Sig. NO ONE, Not Palm nor Sony, has come out with a 760 killer. Small V-graffiti with blue tooth. First one out wins. I'll buy 2.

RE: Another breed of NX's...
killah fury @ 6/16/2003 3:28:03 PM #
Thirded! I agree with Sig and Doo. If Palm or Sony come out with a decent slim tablet-style Palm OS machine with a fast processor, at least 32mb of RAM, bluetooth and such like... then I'll buy three!

RE: Another breed of NX's...
icarus @ 6/16/2003 3:35:19 PM #
I totally agree with a3 and sigsegv.

I WANT 320x480 with VG and NO GIMMICKS like cameras, keyboards, etc.
But with Bluetooth and eventually also WiFi.

And I want it NOW.

Com'on. It can't be that difficult.

presently using m105 - waiting for Garmin iQue3600 with Bluetooth

RE: Another breed of NX's...
Verteron @ 6/16/2003 8:02:22 PM #
*Sigh* I think it's time to accept the fact that no-one is interested in releasing that form factor, no matter how much you seem to want it.

RE: Another breed of NX's...
M3wThr33 @ 6/16/2003 8:21:58 PM #
I still have a lust for the n760c(n710, even, with a hack), but they abandoned it for the bulk. If they could just make it OS5 with a Zire71 camera, it'd be fine. I got a Zire71 because I couldn't wait. I can see the Zire71 going places, but Sony still can't find a groove.

I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation. We're in space.
RE: Another breed of NX's...
inferblue @ 6/17/2003 12:20:27 AM #
Will the Helix have a Hard Drive like the ipod??

RE: Another breed of NX's...
a3 @ 6/17/2003 8:12:04 AM #
Allegedly, the Helix will have 128Mb RAM.

Regarding Verteron's comment, I have to agree that no one seems to be looking at our multiple requests for a tablet 320x480 palm. However that might not be true since Tapwave's Helix and Garmin's Ique (not shure about the latter) disclosed such specs initially. Additionally, Palm OS6 seems to have native support for VG so in one year that tablet shape may become standard (wishful thinking? maybe... maybe not)

Anyway, one thing's for sure: Palm has caught up with Sony's line up. As a matter of fact, to see guys saying so and even some that say that Palm has outgrown Sony is a mere indication that Palm's lineup has evolved incredibly... IMHO for the first time in the last couple of years I have a Palm SG PDA (Zire 71) in my list of possible buys.
_____________________________________________________
Never, never, never give up!

RE: Another breed of NX's...
i2oadi2unnei2 @ 6/17/2003 2:37:25 PM #
As I was reading, I thought of that movie Red Planet. Remember that map thingy they carried that looked like a thin film thingy? It be nice if a PDA was as small as the m515 and when you spit the pda in half you get more of tablet thing lol... heck I'm confused already *GRIN*

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

Are looks everything?

JVUK @ 6/16/2003 10:44:03 AM #
Both these models look good with all the bells and whistles you can shake a stick at... (OK, enough clichés) The question is whether, at that price, they will live with the Zire 71 etc. Or maybe I'm just jealous...

RE: Are looks everything?
LiveFaith @ 6/16/2003 10:53:29 AM #
Pretty strong features @ $499. Especially with that awesome 320x480 that Palm should have already released. The deal killer for me is the massive size and length. I would have to get me some of the baggy jeans from a local teenager to get that thing in my pocket.

Why does Sony waste all that extra length where no screen real estate is. Looks like they could shave a 1/2 inch off the length?

Pat Horne; www.churchoflivingfaith.com

RE: Are looks everything?
dstrauss @ 6/16/2003 12:32:39 PM #
I just don't get it. Why can't Sony produce a T615 size unit with virtual graffiti and the new transflective typr of screen - why do we have to keep getting BIGGER in form factor? Go the other direction for heaven's sake

RE: Are looks everything?
elo @ 6/16/2003 1:28:14 PM #
I *so* agree. No matter how much I do with my PDA, its primary value in my life is still as an organizer. If its too big to fit in the pocket of my dress pants then it won't be there when I need it.

I have no doubt that Sony has identified a target market for its clamshell devices. But I think that many, many of us are waiting to upgrade until we can get a TG-50-ish device without the thumbboard and with virtual grafitti.

elo

RE: Are looks everything?
Zippy @ 6/16/2003 2:40:07 PM #
<>

Do you mean "clie-ches"?

RE: Are looks everything?
icarus @ 6/16/2003 3:41:55 PM #
I could agree with elo, when you would state, that the TG50 form factor has to be reduced, especially in thickness and weight.
Else, with a HighRes+ Screen and BT. Fine with me. But rather earlier than later.

presently using m105 - waiting for 320x480 VG Design with Bluetooth (No clam-shell, no keyboard)
RE: Are looks everything? 320x480
a3 @ 6/17/2003 8:37:53 AM #
As said above:

No one seems to be looking at our multiple requests for a tablet 320x480 palm. However that might not be true since Tapwave's Helix and Garmin's Ique (not shure about the latter) disclosed such specs initially for Palm OS5

Additionally, Palm OS6 seems to have native support for VG so in one year that 320x480 tablet shape with VG may become standard (wishful thinking? maybe... maybe not).

One thing is for sure if we don't find an answer for not having a 320x480 tablet, lets just watch accross the river: PPC2002 has 240x320 and PPC2003 will have 240x320 and on top of all no easy landscape mode (you have to reset it)... aint't it good to know that we're in the right side (even if you have a 320x320)?
_____________________________________________________
Already looking forward to an Apple PDA...

RE: Are looks everything?
dstrauss @ 6/17/2003 10:34:09 AM #
The Palm V was one of the hottest selling Palms ever, because it was small, thin, and hada better screen (at the time) than any other. If you want a killer PDA that will sweep the field with many users, focus on that form factor, add transflective 240x320 screen with virtual graffiti, SDIO (bluetooth would be great), and put on an integrated (but removable) flip cover like the Treo 90. This thing would clean up in the "organizer" crowd.

The perfect PDA
Satan @ 6/17/2003 2:44:33 PM #
The Palm V was one of the hottest selling Palms ever, because it was small, thin, and had a better screen (at the time) than any other. If you want a killer PDA that will sweep the field with many users, focus on that form factor, add transflective 240x320 screen with virtual graffiti, SDIO (bluetooth would be great), and put on an integrated (but removable) flip cover like the Treo 90. This thing would clean up in the "organizer" crowd.


Patience, Grasshopper. You will soon have that which you seek.

RE: Are looks everything?
JKingGrim @ 6/18/2003 8:42:03 AM #
240x320 screen with virtual graffiti

Ugh. I would hate 1.5 density. I refuse to settle with the screen resolution of PPC.

I don't see Bluetooth...

big_raji @ 6/16/2003 10:52:29 AM #
Well, I guess it's pretty much confirmed. No bluetooth on either of these models.

That sucks.

Overclocking?
ray00pal @ 6/16/2003 5:59:29 PM #
PXA263 can run faster. Don't tell me we can not overclock this thing! Come one, some expert please start working on it.

What? 200Mhz is fast enough? Not if you want to store a city map in the PDA. Or view Word file in native format.

And yes, it will be nice to have a model without camra. Many company does not allow employee to carry a camra around.

BLUETOOTH?!?!

abosco @ 6/16/2003 10:52:24 AM #
Whose genius idea was it not to include Bluetooth?

I am thoroughly disappointed with these models. They are minor updates to models that are eight months old. Word has it only 16 MB RAM are accessible and 16 MB RAM are used for dynamic heap. If the lack of Bluetooth and RAM issue is correct, these models should have never made it past the drawing board. If $350 models are being equipped with Bluetooth and a $600 model isn't, something's wrong. Even Sony's own TG50 has Bluetooth and it's $200 less than the NX80v!!!

I expect these models to find mediocre success and to be quickly shunned in favor of a new TG60 with a 320x480 screen and Bluetooth and CF slot for $400. But that's just my guess.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
NocTurnerV @ 6/16/2003 11:01:49 AM #
Why in the world does everyone keep going on about this "TG50 with 320x480 resolution?" It's *NOT* going to happen...the whole point of the TG50 is that it has a thumbboard, and you cannot cram all that extra resolution into a thumbboard-driven PDA, because you'd have to elongate the screen (it's currently square), which would just make the damn thing UNGODLY long.

Now, to say that Sony should put out a non-clamshell PDA with bluetooth and a big, 320x480 screen is one thing, but there's no way in the world that handheld is going to be a child of the TG50. It just wouldn't work. Yeesh.

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
maddie @ 6/16/2003 11:09:46 AM #
If you asked me I agree with abosco. Its rediculous to bring almost exact version of the NX70 and not include bluetooth and more memory. I am talking about at the very least 64 RAM and fully available, not this crap 32RAM and 16 available for use!! That is what I have with the NX60 (use jackflash for that extra 4mb they left in rom), they did not even upgrade the speed! What does sony think we are stupid? and for the price?

Very minor updates, not worth the price.

What a disapointment. Any way, if we look at Sony's past history they usually better the second generation of devices and totally trash the 3rd!!!

I am not buying into an new device now. Tough love!! I am almost ready to switch back to Palm or a next generation of the NZ90. Lets see what they come up with.

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
hkklife @ 6/16/2003 11:12:02 AM #
Well, Bosco, I am not a gambling man but I would obviously wager on Sony releasing (around the back-to-school rush timeframe) an updated NZ90 (NZ95?) with the improvements found in these two new NX models. That's when you'll see your BT. If not, then that will likely mean Sony has given up on BT-but I wouldn't count on that due to the Sony-Ericsson partnership and their BT-enabled phones.

Nice units, both of these, and I am really glad to see the MS Pro & CF support (but what is the definition of their "limited" support for CF cards?). Of course, I'd still prefer a Palm with dual SD slots but that'll likely never happen.

ALso, does anyone know if the "capture light" mentioned just a fancy name for a flash or is it some strange Nnightshoot/LED type of thing (like my camcorder has) that is only usable if the camera is rock-solid still?

Finally, after being relatively spoiled by the specs of the T|C, the constant RAM shortcomings in Sony's units is really getting aggrivating. Is it absolutely necessary for such a large space allocated for heap?

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
hkklife @ 6/16/2003 11:22:08 AM #
ALso, let me make an additional comment that there's a pretty nice entertainment software bundle with this unit (list is on sonystyle.com).

I think the long-time Palm users and Graffiti afficionados should take a moment of silence, since the release of this unit is likely (IMHO) the last new Palm we'll see that ships with Graffiti 1 standard (well, the Garmin iQue might, since it's been in the pipeline so long). We can certainly count on Palm SG's units not having it and the licensees will likely follow suit in the near future (with the possible exception of another smartphone or two). The end of an era!

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
abosco @ 6/16/2003 11:36:05 AM #
"Now, to say that Sony should put out a non-clamshell PDA with bluetooth and a big, 320x480 screen is one thing, but there's no way in the world that handheld is going to be a child of the TG50. It just wouldn't work. Yeesh."

Duh. Of course you leave out the thumbboard. That's the whole point, drop out that aggrivating thumbboard and add in more usable screen real estate.

HKK, your Graffiti comment brings up an interesting point. I think Sony wanted to steer clear of G2, and in doing so, they needed to use OS 5.0. But OS 5.0 only allows for the use of 16 MB RAM because OS 5.2 has the 128 MB RAM capability. Because they didn't want to make it like the older NX70v (they did it in the NX73v anyway), they added 32 MB RAM with the dynamic heap to use the extra 16 MB instead of taking up 5 MB of usable RAM. This explaination would make sense, but for the record:

I would give up Graffiti 1 if it means I get 64 MB RAM!

It looks like Palm is innovating now and Sony is stagnating. But maybe Sony will read PIC and ClieSource and see some of the complaints posted against their new releases. If you alienate the loyal fanbase...

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
JonAcheson @ 6/16/2003 11:46:21 AM #
Bosco, are we the fanbase, or just the fanboys?

"All opinions posted are my own, and not those of my employers, who are appalled."
RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
Altema @ 6/16/2003 11:59:11 AM #
Bosco, I think they left out BT because Mike is on their board, and we know how much HE hates it!

;)

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
kriegsfalke @ 6/16/2003 1:33:47 PM #
There is a good chance that the NX-73V will have Bluetooth.
As you can see at the Site qualweb.bluetoothsig.org (http://makeashorterlink.com/?L1C1251F4)
there is a Divece PEG-NX73v listed with the Bluetooth profiles:
- OPP-Client
- OPP-Server
- DUN-DT
- LAN-DT
- GAP
- Serial-DevA
- Serial-DevB
- OBEX
- BIP-ImagePush
- BIP-RemCam

But roumors say that this version will only appear on the european market


RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
Spell @ 6/16/2003 4:14:26 PM #
I've got a dumb question.

I read about Bluetooth back in '99, when it was the biggest, baddest, greatest thing that hadn't actually been installed in anything. After that, the hoopla seemed to die off as WiFi and other things came around.

I read the comments regularly here, and usually there's lots of "yay Bluetooth" or "geez, why no Bluetooth" when a new product comes out ... but, I have yet to actually witness anyone using it.

So, my question is: what are the Bluetooth proponents actually using it for? Connecting cell phone to PDA to get online is the only thing that comes to mind. But maybe there's a whole world of blueness I'm missing out on? Dunno.

Thanks all.

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
WileyCoyote @ 6/16/2003 4:39:32 PM #
Well you are right and BT WAS overhyped as the next great thing that would solve all connection problems. It has been trying to recover from the hype ever since.
Availability of BT devices is just now starting to take off. There are BT headsets, and keyboards and mice are not too far away from taking off. The main usefullness does look to be with phones however. Despite all the hype about WIFI the fact is that there are few open access points for the public and the real wireless network that is already in place everywhere is the cellular network. You need a cellphone with data/modem functionality to use it and if you can connect your PDA by BT to such a phone then that is the way to go. Many cellphone manufactures are now announcing BT enabled phones and cellular data services are starting to take off.
I have said that what is needed now is a separate BT to WIFI access point. TI has just announced a chipset solution to BT and WIFI interference and connectivity which should result in such a device in the not too distant future. http://www.wirelessnewsfactor.com/perl/story/21731.html

RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
abosco @ 6/16/2003 4:44:19 PM #
There are other things such as connecting to desktops to do your Hotsyncs, as well as having access to email with a cell phone wherever you go. You see, I'm coming close to buying a Bluetooth phone, and there's no way I want to fetch email on a 1.5" screen. I would much rather do it with my NX. Also, there's a whole 'nother world out there of Bluetooth collaboration. You can talk to pretty much anything with Bluetooth, so long as it uses the same Bluetooth version (1.1 at the moment) from cell phones, to PDA's, to laptops, to camcorders, and in the future, maybe even place your Burger King order.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods
RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
Tungsten @ 6/16/2003 7:02:46 PM #
Bluetooth, for most of us, is a solution looking for a problem. It's a useless interface unless you've found a killer app that suits your needs. Of course, in a forum like this, you shouldn't expect a fair representation of the typical PDA user.
RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
Spell @ 6/16/2003 7:41:35 PM #
Thanks, all. I appreciate the info. I also appreciate that we got a couple of coherent but differing points of view.


RE: BLUETOOTH?!?!
Recce @ 6/16/2003 11:51:28 PM #
The answer is actually very simple. Nobody care about Bluetooth in Japan. They have 2.5/3G phones that can already do lots of wireless stuffs.

Bluetooth technology is only relevent in other parts of the world like US and Europe, which is why it might be included in European and/or US models.

"The only easy day was yesterday"

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