Courageous middling from the country of the rising sun, or again on the Sony SJ30. Part Two

Some time ago our site had the first part of the review of the new mid-range PDA from the company Sony. In it we talked about design, screen, and expansion options. Now it is time to consider other functional features of new items.

Life energy

One factor that may play a greater role in choosing a pocket companion, is the battery life of its batteries. Tester, a series of experiments, during which the CCP does not turn off for a minute (games, work with the phone book, reading e-books, etc.). As the lights directly affects the life of the battery during the tests was taken into account this factor. The result was that when running the backlight at full strength, the first warning that the battery is running out, there was exactly 6:00. Accordingly, the backlight at full capacity reduced battery life exactly twice. Finally, to achieve the maximum period of work, you need to reduce the lighting to one-quarter power. Then the PDA will work for 9.5 hours. It is worth noting that such a battery life for a color PDA is pretty good.

Voice

As for the sound, the SJ30 is equipped with standard speakers. This means that the polyphonic ring tones, in contrast to the CCP Series and T NR, they are not supported. In addition, the sounds that issued the new device are not very volume. Perhaps they will be even quieter than the Palm m500. Perhaps this is not such a big disadvantage, however, hear the warning SJ30, when he is in his pants pocket, in the presence of extraneous noise to be somewhat problematic.

Controllers

Not too convenient arrangement of keys on a handheld computer the previous Sony T-series (mid-priced) draws attention to this characteristic of the new handhelds. In general button layout is quite acceptable. However, joint to joint arranged press Date Book and Address Book on the one hand, and To-Do List and Memo Pad on the other hand may create some inconvenience for fans of high-speed gaming. In addition, key Up / Down relatively small size. But these moments will cause discontent unless those who likes to play on your PDA. A distinctive feature of handheld computers from Sony - the scroll wheel Jog Dial - as always on top. Together with a button Back, which is located just under the wheel, they allow you to manage Pocket PC with one hand. It is worth noting that the majority of embedded applications now also have the support of the Jog Dial.

Internal content

SJ30 comes bundled with pretty good software. One of the most important and necessary packages is Documents to Go Standard Edition 4.0. With it, users will work with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel on the Pocket PC. Application for the desktop, included in the kit converts these files to the format of the CPC. Added that the new version comes with a pickpocket Sheet to Go (the application to create tables) for high resolution screens. Note that new features are not the latest version of the software package. Upgrade to version 5.0, with which you can also view files in Power Point, nouveau-cost users $ 30 extra.

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The package also includes the World Alarm Clock - an application that is present on the other pickpockets Sony. SJ30 is equipped gMovies application for viewing videos, which are likely to enjoy is not necessary, since his work will have to additionally download the free Kinoma Player. This programm is intended for high resolution screens and convert videos in its own original format, which requires a better speaker. The new SJ30, as we have already noted, is no different sound quality, and therefore to look at it will be mostly silent movie.

Brains

SJ30 runs on a standard 33MHz processor Dragonball. According to experts, this is quite sufficient for all necessary and desired functions. However, if you are burning desire to play in a really advanced game, is still thinking about high-end model with a 66MHz processor. A new model of the Sony family is powered by Palm OS 4.1. Should not hope that it will be possible to upgrade to new version 5.0, as the latter was developed for processors other CPUs. As for memory, the SJ30 is equipped with 16MB of RAM, which is not bad for a PDA at this level. This amount will provide enough space to store applications and files. If it is not enough, you should buy a card expansion Memory Stick (32 or 64 MB) - and the problem will be solved.

Equipment or than saving a Sony ...

Principle, which uses Sony made ​​in respect of its digital mobile devices - the maximum interchangeability of peripherals for them. Whether it be a single standard - Memory Stick, which is actively promoted by the Japanese, either - with accessories or additional "gadgets". With regard to the new line of handheld bdzhetnyh Sony is consistently pursuing its principle. At release and the development of these models, the company decided to save money, bearing in mind that most notorious interchangeability. One way to reduce the final cost of the PDA was the refusal of the cradle - the charge-synchronization device, which is standard equipped with all Pocket PCs. Instead, the SJ30 comes with two cords, one of which is designed for recharging, and the other - for synchronization. Both cables can be connected simultaneously and upeshno work in pairs. However, as we mentioned in the first part of the review, the use of the novelty of universal HotSync connector allows you to connect to it the cradle of the older models of handheld Sony. They should be fine for the port of the new machines. Interchangeability after all! But there is the reverse side of it ... This model uses a standard PDA stylus from Sony. In the opinion of the tester, it is quite inconvenient because of its extreme elegance, as was originally designed for the superthin models of PDAs. Cheholchik light gray in color, supplied, quite handsome and quite capable of defending the Memory Stick slot and press Power from external influences.

Amount of impressions

At the end of the tester opinion! PalmInfocenter concludes that the SJ30 is a good combination of price and quality. The device is quite competitive in its class and can compete on equal terms with PDA like the Treo 90 and Palm m130. Certainly, the new handheld has weaknesses, but their dignity is more than compensated. That there is only one high-resolution screen ...

However, as soon as the device will appear in Russia is expected of our own more detailed review.
Sources, Materials:

PalmInfoCenter

The authors, translation:

Anastasia Ershov