My decision to go with the Palm Vx Sony Clie influenced by three factors.
1.Glavny factor - the possibility of expanding memory
The Sony is implemented modules Memory Stick. Of course there is and option TRGpro, uses Compact Flash, but the size of cars always is important, and TRGpro in this matter is clearly inferior. The kit includes a module initially Clie Memory Stick 8 Mb. Thus, the memory capacity of the new devices is 18 Mb (8 Mb of main memory + 8 Mb Memory Stick + 2 Mb Flash ROM). In the future, you can purchase a Memory Stick module of any size, depending on need: from 8 to 128 Mb (I use MS 1964 Mb - works without problems on the battery life is not particularly affected).
Restricting the use of Memory Stick (and how to overcome them):
Sony Memory Stick positions in the CPC as a module for storing information, data and programs. That is to run the program directly from the Memory Stick can not be: you must first copy the program to main memory, which is "stitched" utility MSGate. This procedure takes about 20-30 seconds, but, nevertheless, the "excessive bodily movement" is not fun for me. Address this issue, according to tradition, puzzled the developers 'third party'. And despite the fact that the Clie PDAs hit the market recently, much has been done. In particular, it is already possible to read texts and books (format DOC) directly to Memory Stick without transferring them to main memory (Program Book Wormie 1.2 (72 Kb) or CrsMeDoc (40 Kb)).
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It also became possible to work with images directly from Memory Stick without transferring them to main memory (the program PG Viewer). In order to speed up (and simplify) the procedure to run programs located on the Memory Stick, you can use a very handy program Power Launcher (9 Kb). Its principle of operation is as follows: the program scans your Memory Stick and writes the links to programs that are located there. These "links" appear as a normal program icons. Further, it is enough "poke" stylus in icon and the program starts. No need to manually copy anything - everything happens automatically and instantly. For example to run from the Memory Stick program SheetToGo (240 Kb) took less than 2 seconds. There is a program that allows you "merge" on the Memory Stick Clie ROM - Clie ROM Transfer Utility (6 Kb).
BackUp:
McFile - This program is a multifunctional file-manager for both programs and databases in main memory, and for the Memory Stick. The program's interface - a familiar and intuitive tree of files and directories. Naturally, there are options copy / move / rename / delete. There is a built-in Text Viewer for txt files. It is possible to send files stored on Memory Stick as attachments to email. And most importantly, have the opportunity to make a BackUp of all the data from main memory to the Memory Stick. There are still a number of useful and interesting features.
2. Availability Jog Dial
The second is very comfortable unlike Clie from Vx - it's Jog Dial ("Wheel"). The advantage of this "gadgets" becomes evident when using the machine "on weight" or "on track" - most operations can be done with one hand (many even without using the stylus). Initially, Jog Dial works only in embedded applications. That - minus, but he managed to eliminate, once again, with the help of software from "third party". Program Power Jog (31 Kb) fundamentally changes the functionality of the Jog Dial. With its help, Jog Dial works in virtually all applications (as in embedded and in established later).Thus using Jog Dial can now:
- open / close programs;
- enter and move through the menu of any program;
- Modify the program from the menu;
- navigate (and select) the items from the drop-down lists;
- select and click any "button" on the menu and options programs;
- Jog Dial performs all functions of the keys UP / Down and so on.
For those who prefer to use extensions for HackMaster - a utility with similar features - Jog Everything (1 Kb).
3. External Data
The third factor - the size and weight. Sony Clie - so small and lightweight that it can carry in your pocket and it will be completely invisible (as in a jacket pocket or a shirt pocket). Yes, and design Clie I like more than Vx, but this is my subjective opinion.
4. A few words in conclusion ...
In my opinion, Sony Clie - machine is very promising. This is evidenced by the fact that the new software, originally supporting all the "bells and whistles" Clie, appears weekly. ... On Sony Clie S-500 does not know how the color Clie S-500 - in the hands not kept. But in the network something on this topic come across (though anecdotal information - for he had bought, for and sell "). Stated that users were not very happy with the quality color screen. Representation Sony does not disclose who makes color screens for the first batch of Clie S-500. From unofficial sources it became known that in the near future, Sony will enter into a contract for the production of color screens with a different manufacturer. Well, the question remains: how much time working color S-500 from the internal battery? .. Links for Sony Clie software (with a brief description of programs in Russian) Hardware Specifications authors, translation:
Andrei Andreyev
