Foreword:

The first thing we notice about the new release by Sony CLIE PEG-TH55 is its awesome design. It has broken off the typical handheld keypad outline and the old jog dial is replaced by a new high-resolution screen. It is powerfully loaded with multimedia features. Particularly the people who are fond of gadgets would certainly love this model.

A vigorous shape of 7.3 x 12.1 x 1.57cm makes this an amazing piece that you will love to hold in your hands and flaunt. The 320-480 pixel TFT screen of the size 3.8in is the prominent feature of the gadget. Here, it is important to mention about the inbuilt camera as well. It enables to use the inbuilt applications in many ways. The TH55 weighs about 185g, which is fair enough, considering that it comprises Wi-Fi, built-in camera and Bluetooth. Its strapping outer walls are ready to undergo any rough handling. However, the transparent grey plastic shield covering the screen does not practically look as tough. Although it did not bear any scratches in our tests, it did show many fingerprints. Moreover, it feels as if its hinges may break off easily if handed a bit roughly. The good thing about the translucent cover is that with a momentary look you can come to know about any ringing alarm. Sony does not provide for an extra safety case but there is a wrist strap with the device.

+Ves:

• Attractive high-resolution color screen
• In-built digital camera
• Total back up for the MP3 and multimedia
• Incorporated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi facilities
• Long battery life
• Robust software package

-Ves:

• Scroll wheel is located inconveniently
• Buttons positioned at the sides look awkward
• Non- replaceable battery
• No Mac back up

Final Word:

Sony has provided a package of software with this gadget, that includes (i) Pixel Viewer for viewing PDFs though they cannot be edited, (ii) Excel files, (iii) Microsoft Word, (iv) Decuma, a cool substitute to Graffiti; and (v) the attractive CLIE Launcher. Installing any software requires several restarts of the PC and takes a long time. It is too unclear about the files that are required to be installed, the spare ones and the sample versions. There is also no back up for Macs.

Foreword:

Toshiba’s new release Pocket PC e405 is a lightweight Pocket PC, designed in blue with features that give the required performance in your work and personal lives. It is slender built, lightweight and nonvolatile battery makes it popular among the users.

Packaged in an attractive blue case, it is one of the slimmest PDA’s available in the market that weighs a mere 5.1 ounces. This model offers 64k colors and a 240×320 resolution on one of the brightest 3.5 transreflective displays providing you with the perfect view of files and images. Built with Intel PXA261 processor based on Intel XScale technology at 300MHz that supports battery back up, e405 provides high performance to let you stay organized and workable. Various pocket versions of applications available on this device are Outlook, Word, and Excel.

With 64MB of RAM and 32MB of NAND Flash memory it provides good storage along with critical data protection via NAND memory when either PDA battery runs down or if the unit needs to be reset. This device features with the intuitive touch panel that uses analog resistance sensitive system. Its controls include a 5-way navigation button, 4 application keys for calendar, contacts, task, and menu and a 3 function navigator. For optimum power flexibility it is provided with a SDIO (Secure Digital) card slot (3.3V).

+Ves:

• Intel processor with high performance at a blazing 300MHz
• Easy Portability with sleek design and light weight (mere 501 ounces)
• 3.5″ transreflective color display
• Critical Data Protection via NAND Flash memory that secures files and applications from being lost on battery down or system reset
• Offers smart hands-free applications including text-to-speech and voice commands to launch applications.
• Analog resistance sensitive touch panel
• Secure Digital slot for enhanced storage and expansion providing greater power and flexibility
• Comes with solid and beautiful metal case
• Very good battery life
• Standard head phone jack
• Low easily affordable price

-Ves:

• Battery not user replaceable
• Buttons not suitable for hardcore gaming
• Speaker is weak
• Stylus is thin, small and telescopic
• Does not have cradle and case
• Lacks wireless both WiFi and Bluetooth

Final Word:

Though this e405 lacks features like wireless (WiFi and Bluetooth) and faces compelling force due to various additional featured devices available but still it is not all a flop. For all those who seek for Pocket PC for value at cheap then this slim, light weight and beautifully designed blue Pocket PC is the best choice. Looking at the price it offers quite a lot features than expected. The backup memory is a plus giving a good choice for mobile professionals.

Foreword:

Among its models of Pocket PCs, HP released the latest iPAQ h4350 Pocket PC that consists of an integrated keyboard along with built-in wireless capabilities including Bluetooth technology and WiFi (WLAN 802.11b). Similar to the H4150 model, the only little difference is in length and thickness.

The back is made up of non-polished plastic which provides a firm and comfortable grip. Despite its small size it is Microsoft Powered and full of powerful features. Slim and sleek in appearance, it has a dazzling transflective TFT color with LED backlight display. The keyboard (keypad) is very user friendly. In fact you get to type very fast if holding the PDA with both hands and using both thumbs to type.

The front of this Pocket PC consists of 4 chrome buttons along with the power button at the top. The iPAQ H4350 is enabled with enhanced security that is ‘A’ grade for data transfer and wireless connection by enabling authorization. The integrated Bluetooth allows for the exchange of business cards, appointments, documents, and more with other Bluetooth enabled devices. The processor it uses is Intel PXA255 that processes at 400 MHz. Its memory availability is 64 MB of RAM along with a SDIO slot for SD and MMC cards. This device also supports ClearType and provides a tuner too, for fine tuning requirements of the user. It provides excellent battery life even after extensive usage. It provides very good connectivity without any disturbance.

+Ves:

• It is slim and light in weight.
• It supports various applications like Outlook, Word, excel, Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, etc.
• Removable and rechargeable battery. A 1560 mAh battery comes standard, and an optional extended battery can be a 3600 mAh type.
• It provides integrated keyboard (mini QWERTY keyboard) that is user friendly and enables fast typing.
• 3.5″ TFT LCD with clear details at 240 x 320 pixels and capable of showing 65k colors
• Integrated Bluetooth and WiFi (WLAN 802.11b).
• Enhanced security for wireless connection and data transfer. The 64 -bit and 128-bit WEP that offers security for an authorized connection along with data transfer The F-Secure FileCrypto Data Encryption provides protection against unwanted data disclosure.
• Simultaneous usage of WLAN and Bluetooth with no interference at all.
• Secure Digital Slot and Digital Memory for storage and expansion.
• Host of corporate centric features

-Ves:

• Almost identical to H4150
• No scroll-wheel
• Priced at $500; suitable only to business customers who can afford it.
• Not durable to withstand impacts.

Final Word:

A stylish product of communication with Microsoft Powered Features that allows you to stay connected and protected in or out of the office. With its integrated keyboard, Bluetooth, and WiFi it keeps you productive at work, home or on the go. Thus with great battery life and memory storage this one is indeed one of the best Pocket PCs for business purpose essentially. Quite an un-regrettable deal for those seeking enhanced security and application orientation.

Foreword:

Among the HP’s lineup of Pocket PCs, HP iPAQ H4150 comes as a light weight, Bluetooth and WiFi integrated device. It flaunts a smart look in appearance having a bright screen making it desirable to own one. This iPAQ has only four buttons on the front for Bluetooth, WLAN, All Wireless Features On, and All Wireless Features Off. The 400 MHz Intel Xscale enables fast and efficient computing. With a transflective TFT technology having 64K colors it provides a desirable display which is good enough. The battery back up is strong with the battery being rechargeable and extendable. It runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Software for Pocket PC (Premium Edition), which benefits the device with several add-on additional features that increase functionality.

It supports pocket versions of various applications thus enabling you to work anywhere and everywhere. It has ample memory space as well provision for data backup and safety. It also provides with a onscreen help system for the users to get acquainted to its controls

+Ves:

• A fast and efficient 400 MHz Intel Xscale processor with Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 operating system.
• The thinnest and lightest device to have integrated Bluetooth technology and WiFi (WLAN 802.11b).
• Supports workability via applications like Microsoft Outlook , Word and Excel
• 3.5″ transflective TFT screen technology with 64k colors display with touch screen
• 64 MB RAM provides good amount of storage
• Removable and rechargeable battery with additional flexibility of extended battery.
• Safe, easy and automatic data back up available
• Provision for Leap Registration Utility(enterprise use) and other security-oriented software i.e. VPN client and an encryption utility
• Additional supports include USB desktop cradle/charger, AC adapter, slip cover, stylus, battery and getting started poster
• Headphone jack is of standard size
• Offers 1 year warranty that can be extended or upgraded
• Affordable price

-Ves:

• Small speaker, enough for system sounds only.
• Overall audio is thin and weak
• Not a very high resolution screen
• The display is only Quarter VGA (QVGA)
• Low fault tolerance at the docking and weak cradle design
• Lacks keyboard and has a small battery
• Email set up is a bit complicated

Final Word:

HP iPAQ H4150 Pocket PC being featured with integrated Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, which is flawless. Its light weight and design are the key selling factors of this device. Though the display is not completely VGA but yet this model offers acceptable view with quite usable amount of applications support. The bottom line is that, that it is a good value for money device and can be bought without any serious issue.

Foreword:

Asus MyPal A716 is among the Pocket PC range released by Asus, a company well known for manufacturing mother board, graphic cards and other components. These are heavy weight devices with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Though its polished finished looks give it a sleek appearance, it feels sturdy when held in hand. Its controls are much similar to other Pocket PCs with nothing new in the design.

The MyPal comes with a full baggage of complement of accessories. It works on the Windows Mobile 2003 (Pocket PC) operating system thus letting you browse the Web; check POP3, IMAP4, and Web-based e-mail accounts; and access your company’s network securely via VPN. With fast processor performance it is also equipped with a large amount of storage. It is enabled with an amazing gaming environment having excellent graphics and sound. Not just games, it surpasses other Pocket PCs when it comes to audio and video because of its good quality sound, and bright and sharp display. It has a high and powerful battery life as its LCD and Processor demand enough power. When tested on connectivity it scores high as it provides it over an appreciable range without any bugging.

+Ves:

• 240×320-pixel Trans-flective LCD with display of 65,536 vibrant colors.
• With a 400MHz Intel XScale PXA255 processor it has 64MB each of RAM and ROM and an additional 32MB of flash memory.
• Windows Mobile Pocket PC (Microsoft Mobile Pocket PC 2003) operating system supports many applications to help you browse Web; check POP3, IMAP4, and Web-based e-mail accounts, etc.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• User replaceable 1,500mAh battery with optional 3,000mAh cell that doubles longevity.
• Integrated SD and Compact Flash slots that give the handheld room to grow.
• It provides multiple applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger, gaming and Windows Media Player.
• Backup to save and restore data using a storage card.
• Excellent graphics, sound and video with bright and sharp display.
• Voice recording
• Consistent connectivity over quite an appreciable range.

-Ves:

• Screen display not visible in sunlight
• Bulky and heavy weight (6.4 oz.)
• No multimedia feature like speakers, MP3, MPEG support, headphone jack, WMA, etc

Final Word:

Asus MyPal A716 offers excellent performance and quite useful extensive features like WiFi, Bluetooth, large memory, etc but due to its heavy weight and bulkiness it falls back in the competitive series of Pocket PCs. It comes with both its pros and cons for the user who can decide to opt for it depending on the usability and requirement.