Certainly more or less knowledgeable users PDA heard about a new product line from Sony. In addition to an inexpensive monochrome SL10 and a top color SJ30, reviews of which are already on our "Library", in it there is also an intermediate version with the most attractive ratio of price and functionality under the name of SJ20. What is a creation of fancy Japanese thinking?
Dimensions, ergonomics, appearance
Back in August, at the Moscow pilotovke after work with live SL10 I immediately wanted to change my Palm m105. Prior to that, a candidate for the purchase was 125 model. Major role in the reorientation played exactly the design and compactness of the device. Like the entry-level (SL10), SJ20 slightly shorter and thicker than the now classic series of T. To be precise, the dimensions of new items up 101.6 h71h16, 7 mm, weight - 128 r. Thus, all three new items are made in one form factor.
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However, low-end PDA SL-10 is equipped with a power source in the form of replaceable AAA-battery, and SJ20 - batteries. Sony engineers decided not wise and make models of the same size, regardless of the source. Well, this step can be considered quite reasonable, since the details of the CCP will now be used interchangeably, and, hence, their cost will decrease due to lower production costs. In addition, these handhelds will be easier to pick up peripherals and accessories, as their proizvoliteli be borne in mind that working for the benefit of users is not one, but three models. Palm at the time forgot about the release of first elegant Palm m500, and then the m505, which was a little thicker than it, and therefore find, for example, the case for the earlier model was a big problem. It is encouraging that the developers are learning from the mistakes of their competitors.
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In addition to design refinements do not forget about ergonomics, and she, alas, in the case SJ20 not up to par. Thus, the sacrifice visual appeal and the compactness of the device was brought to fullness. Indeed, thin computer is easy to carry in your pocket, but awkward in the hand. Recall, for the same tolstyachkov Palm m10x, which are perfectly in the palm of ...
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Ergonomics of the device compares favorably in comparison with the same T665C. Thus, designers have increased the buttons fiddly little stick turned into a pick-up and push the wheel has become noticeably more comfortable. As a result, work with the new device better than its predecessors (SL10 does not count), but not as convenient as the more "complete" Palm'ami. The latter, however, can be countered by the presence of SJ-20 scroll wheel and buttons Back, which is not even in the expensive color models from Palm. Thus, the surface impression: style, elegance, not a single extra gram. Ergonomics for the amateur. But it fully justifies the proud title of your Pocket PC as SJ20 is ideal for carrying in a breast shirt pocket.
Inside
The interior of the handheld does not represent anything special. So, our PDA running Palm OS 4.1, under the command of which are Motorola Dragonball 33 MHz and 16 MB of RAM. To synchronize with your desktop PC uses the same connector as the T-and NR-series. Of course, due to some structural differences are not the whole periphery of the above models fit, but count on some accessories from the brothers afraid it is still possible. Naprmer on the cradle, because the SJ20 is not equipped with their own "crib."
Screen
SJ20 is equipped with a monochrome screen with a resolution of 320x320 pixels, which is identical to the display SL10 with the only difference is that a brighter illumination. I must say that the lights actually failed - it was very pronounced and has a white background, which is not typical for monochrome models. As a result, black text on this background, looks just fine. Highlighting SJ20 even brighter and clearer than the color Palm m505. And if you continue to compare, then feel the difference between one of the best monochrome PDA Clie 415 and novelty. Moreover, not only in the screens, but also in size ...
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| SJ 20 cprava ... |
Screen model with all its advantages still far from perfect. The reason is the inertia matrix. For example, dynamic scenes look at it is not the best way. Of course, with normal use of PDAs, such as: navigation in folders, recordkeeping, and other daily affairs of ordinary palmovoda this lack is not felt at all. Problems arise with dynamic toys and watching videos. During playback, fast-moving object of its boundaries are blurred. Inhibition of the matrix resembles a fashionable nowadays computer effects blur. Personally, I would be happy with this situation, because the games I play rarely watch movies, too, not often, and I myself do not think so quick to run applications with such a high rate that the elements of "fly" on the screen, leaving behind is the only loops. But now with the inconvenience autoscroll when viewing text, I hardly humble. At the same time and in this situation there is an exit. For example, can be reduced to an acceptable rate avtoskrolla readability, but it will not be the best solution, since the text in this case is moving very slowly. The only reasonable solution is to use dial Jog Dial. Fortunately, it is present in this model.
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Rate this uniquely display the CPC - is complicated. Of course, the inertia matrix monochrome Sony's disappointing, but a remarkable contrast white backlit SJ20 somewhat compensates for this disadvantage, at least in my eyes. Anyway read on this screen is very convenient, even in bright sunlight. Most likely, when you buy stands on its own to work with the device, to decide that the most important for you - high readability of a separate piece of text or comfort autoscrolling. In any case, a small screen is Palm m125, its nearest competitor SJ20, losing on many parameters (resolution, size, lighting, etc.) to the Japanese fellow, and therefore can not be compared.
Term Life
Have not you noticed that the more progress more rapidly handhelds, the more reduced battery life of each new model? Apparently, the thing is that the development of storage-battery industry lags behind the growth of technology and capacity of mobile devices. So with the SJ20 is the same story. This PDA has about 7-8 hours, which is approximately equal to the time shown a color Palm m130. My good old Palm m105 on a much more capable, and he's already a grandfather. It is not good, but ...
Sprinter Sony SJ20 ...
... On palmovskim standards before the next charging does not live long, but "running" quickly. It is no secret that their theoretical similarity Palm'y today have very different actual speed performance. How did act in that regard SJ20? For example, we present the results obtained by testing different handheld computers. Moreover, for clarity we take the figures are not only cost monochrome PDA, but also more expensive color handhelds. By the way, the latter do not always have the speed, the corresponding prices that set of developers.So, here is a table of results:
| Neal Bridges' Benchmark 2.0 |
| Device | % |
| Palm IIIx/V/m100/m105 | 91 |
| Palm Vx | 112 |
| Handspring Visor DeLuxe | 145 |
| Palm m125 | 154 |
| Palm m500 | 154 |
| Palm m130 | 156 |
| Palm m515 | 156 |
| Handspring Treo 270 | 164 |
| Handspring Visor Platinum | 204 |
| Sony PEG-SJ20 | 207 |
| Sony Clie T625C | 214 |
| Visor Edge | 244 |
| HandEra 330 | 244 |
| Sony Clie NR70V | 307 |
As can be seen, regarded the device looks quite confident and outperforms its major competitors - Palm 125/130. However, if you look at the results of the CCP The average price level Sony Clie T625C, we can see that this model is not far ahead of budget Sony PEG-SJ20.
Expandability: like fun!
Ability of the new CPC to expand can be characterized by a slightly rehashed the well-known joke:
- Givi, you slot in your new handheld Sony SJ-20 like?
- If you do not use it - yes, well - Nat ...
But do not worry - not all that bad ... Well, this PDA is equipped with a slot at all. Of course, in the sense of speed proprietary socket standard Memory Stick in a Sony SJ-20 can be called unsuccessful. For example, when testing the handheld with its VFSMark index was 32 points out of 100, that is one-third less than it could work. The speed record on a card just amazing - just 2% of the standard indicator for the Memory Stick.
What is it? Imperfection developers or savings? It is difficult to say, but the fact remains. However, we must not forget that the SJ-20 - budget model, and its creators had to make some sacrifices appartno and software. Although it is quite possible that the reason for the slowness of the new device is its relative "youth", and after a while engineers are still caught himself, but to correct this omission. But again, this is just a guess and nothing more - official statements to this effect has yet been received.
Total
Just say that during the time of writing the review, I finally convinced myself that I really want to have this PDA, although initially, as you recall, my choice fell on a Palm m125, then the newer SL10, which was released before the SJ- 20. At last I leaned toward a difference of $ 50, for which you can get good quality screen with good lighting. Meanwhile, in Russia, the CPC will be somewhere in one to two months and will cost about $ 250. For about the same money now you can buy a color Palm m130. Despite the "colors of the" last, I personally choose uniquely Japanese product. First of all, thanks to a larger screen, more memory, a scroll wheel, the presence of the buttons "Back", stylish and compact design, high resolution screen and a carriage and a little cart all the amenities - and heartily congratulate Sony's successful debut on the market of inexpensive handheld computers, and myself with a favorable in all respects the acquisition. The authors, translation:
Dmitry Ryabinin
