Some thoughts on the NZ's size and features.

[Medcat99]

I don't know why everyone's complaining about the size of the NZ. I mean look at all the stuff you get with that size. Of course, you could go even further......

You know, if they add a bigger speaker, maybe we can use it as a sound system. Then you could add a network card to connect it to the internet and then a bigger screen with better resolution. A larger keyboard would be cool for typing and maybe a port to connect a printer. Man, you'd have a pretty cool machine then. I'm sure it would cost a little more, like $1200-$1500, but who wouldn't pay that for a "handheld" with all that stuff. I think it would need a cooler name than "clie" though. Maybe something a little more regal like "vaio".

[ClieMarty]

;-)

that actually brought me to an idea? why can't sony make a vaio/clie bundly. just a notbook with an integrated clie which fits into one of its component bays and doubles as a first or second power supply while docked. of course syncing would be a breeze and no cradle or other stuff necessary. gee, i wnat that clivaio right now!

[LITTLESIX]

Medcat, they complain because that's all they know how to do. Piss, moan, *****, complain and the IDIOTIC comments like above will fill the boards in short order; just like when the Nx came out. People belly aching about how they'd have to haul around with them an ENTIRE 1/8" inch more of a machine than an NR. I half imagined them ready to blow up Sony for all the dramatics they were using.

It's easier to complain than anything else. Doesn't make them use what few brain cells they have. If Sony had made the NZ as thin as a Palm5(xx) and as big as a credit card, there'd be a whole different set of things for them to whine about.

[foghead]

So speaks a person who has never held one.

I have. It is a huge brick.

FWIW - I have never said this or complained about size/weight of any previous Clie. Generally I am very supportive of new products and usually buy them the day that they are available.

I guess the NZ is the exception that proves the rule.:D

[grifter]

I'm not concerned about the size of the NZ.  It just does not have the additional features that would cause me to pay $800 for it.  I'm sure others will like the additional features and think it is worthwhile to purchase it.  Each person will decide for themselves if it is worthwhile.

[gunrunner]

Originally posted by foghead
So speaks a person who has never held one.
Ahhhh, but I have also held one and I think it's great! I'm tired of these sissy little toys that Sony has been putting out. It's about time they produced something you can get your hands on and know it's not going to float away with the next good wind.

[ClieMarty]

littlesix, why so angry. i'm pretty sure there will be enough folks who buy that thingy. and i won't prevent anybody form doing so.

regarding your comment on "the IDIOTIC comment above":
1) did you read what medcat wrote? that's called irony.
2) actually there is a rather mediocre pda/planner which fits
in a laptop with the form factor of a pc card. it's called REXX.
3) how the hell do you know that i'm not one of the little weirdo
engineers from SONY just checking user feedback on crazy
ideas. at least putting a 2megapixel came in a infoLithium-
fired palm-machine with flash might have sounded pretty
weired the day SONY launched their first palm

so: take it easy; 'nough said

[ClieMarty]

and excuse my typing mismatch. pretty late in europe

[ballistic]

Disclaimer: The NX70V is my first Clie, an upgrade from a Palm IIIx which was an upgrade from my first Palm, a Palm Pilot. I think that gives the reader an idea of my upgrade cycles. I absolutely love my NX70V for its combination of power, features, screen real estate, and elegant industrial design.

I think a lot of people see the NZ90 as Sony going down the wrong path. How long have Sony devotees been waiting for a Hi-Res + device in the form factor of the T665 with OS5? Instead, Sony is making a mongrel/hybrid device; the camera in the NX70v is elegantly integrated into the design aesthetic, without adding any substantial weight or protrusions. The camera in the NZ90 (or should I say the NZ90 attached to the camera) adds questionable functionality as a stand-alone 2MP digital camera at the expense of a larger, heavier, less pocketable PDA with extremely volatile battery life.

For Sony to release the NZ90 at CES with no other device such as a T-series Hi-Res + OS5 device, it leads me to believe that they value form(?) over function. Jack of all trades, master of none.

The NZ appears to be a combination of a mediocre digital camera lacking digital(edit meant optical) zoom and other real camera features, and a PDA with severely limited battery life and questionable pocketability. Just my humble opinion.

[oneeyesquare]

Camera Specifications
Effective pixels: 2 mega pixels
Imager: 1/2.7 CCD image sensor (2,110k gross pixels)
Lens: F2.8 focal length f=5mm (35mm film conversion f=approx. 33mm)
Focus range: 0.1m to infinity
Picture size (JPEG images): 1600x1200, 1600x1072(3:2), 1280x960, 800x600, 640x480, 320x480, 320x240
Picture size (movie): 160 x 112
Picture / movie format: JPEG (DCF), Movie Player Format, MPEG movie (playback only)
2x Digital Zoom
Auto focus
Manual exposure adjustment (±2EV, 1/3EV Steps)
White balance (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Custom)
Scene modes (Normal, Twilight, Twilight Portrait)
Flash modes (Auto, Forced Off, Forced On)
Flash level (High, Normal, Low)
Red-eye reduction
Flash effective range (0.5 to 1.5m)
Picture effect (Black & White, Sepia)
Video output (NTSC / PAL selectable, JPEG still picture only)
Self-timer function
Is see digital zoom in there, manual exposure settings, redeye reduction, etc. It ain't a freeking Polaroid!!!
And how do you know what the battery life will be like?!!! I'm assuming it 'll chew it up pretty good if you're using the flash, probably why the switched to a removable battery....

[LITTLESIX]

Originally posted by ClieMarty
littlesix, why so angry. i'm pretty sure there will be enough folks who buy that thingy. and i won't prevent anybody form doing so.

regarding your comment on "the IDIOTIC comment above":
1) did you read what medcat wrote? that's called irony.
2) actually there is a rather mediocre pda/planner which fits
in a laptop with the form factor of a pc card. it's called REXX.
3) how the hell do you know that i'm not one of the little weirdo
engineers from SONY just checking user feedback on crazy
ideas. at least putting a 2megapixel came in a infoLithium-
fired palm-machine with flash might have sounded pretty
weired the day SONY launched their first palm


Apparently it never dawned on you that some people might genuinely be trying to do unbiased homework on the model. Instead we get to wade through thread after thread from stand up comics practicing their "irony", and posters who's single opinion on the device begins and ends with aesthetics.

Why don't you start a thread entitled "NZ IRONY" and somebody else can start one entitled "NZ - It's just not pretty enough for me" and give the rest of us here for some genuine homework the night off?

[ballistic]

Originally posted by oneeyesquare
Is see digital zoom in there, manual exposure settings, redeye reduction, etc. It ain't a freeking Polaroid!!!
And how do you know what the battery life will be like?!!! I'm assuming it 'll chew it up pretty good if you're using the flash, probably why the switched to a removable battery....

Digital Zoom is not the same as optical zoom, anyone that knows anything about photography and digital photography in particular will be unimpressed with these specs.

How do I know what battery life will be like? Educated guess + Sony's stated life = 30 mins/day w/o backlight for 10 days = 300 minutes = 5 hours total best case scenario= poor life in my books.

[oneeyesquare]

Know enough about photography to know that the NZ will take much nicer pics than my NX. Nice enough to be able to print them out 4x6 and put them in my protfolio or build a job memoir for a customer. The NX takes fun snapshots for reference, but not a viable sales picture.
And for the record I do NOT want to carry two devices!!!!!

[Pyogenes]

NZ may take better pictures than an NX, but I'd be embarassed to use it for anything business related (based on my experience with the cybershot U20 that has the same specs).

First of all, on average a 1 MP camera with 3x optical zoom will yield a higher resolution than a 2 MP camera when photographing the same scene from the same position. So if I have to crop the image (which is what digital zooming does), I would end up losing a huge amount of detail compared to a low end stand-alone digital camera.

The lens size is too small - the small aperature will require extended exposure time when lighting conditions are not optimal e.g. subject is out of the range of the flash. This increases the odds of blurred shots.

That's not to take away from the camera - it's still a nice feature, but the quality resembles that of a disposable camera (again based on the U20).

[oneeyesquare]

Allright fine. It's a overpriced piece of sh_t. Why would anyone buy it? It's as big as a brick. Save your money and buy a good digital camera. It's black cuz it's so huge. The form factor sucks. Why didn't they include a TV tuner? My concrete blocks weigh less. You're just buying it to compensate for your small pee-pee.


Need I go on... I predict this is gonna be one hell of a boring forum...

[Pyogenes]

i never said the NZ was a bad PDA. I just said using the camera was on par with a low end stand alone camera and is hardly good enough for decent professional work. If you took my post as a blast against the NZ as a whole, you need to work on your reading comprehension skills.

[zzarg]

I already have a Vaio picture book and an NR70V.
Where I'd like to see Sony going is towards a more compact device (max size the NR70V) not adding weight as the NX and now NZ have.

I love the idea of a better camera, and can live with digital zoom (Optical would be better but I just use it for snapshots... I still revert to 35mm and a ten year old SLR if the shot *really* matters)

I love the idea of a voice recorder... my one regret is that I can't talk to my NR (hey, any maybe voice command would be cool)

WiFi is neat, but not requiring a dedicated slot and an extra add-on. Integrated BlueTooth is excellent though as it means my MS just contains memory. A BT link to my cellphone for SMSing, dialing and web browsing / email would rock

PalmOS5... is a step forward, but I'll probably wait until the upgrades are complete to PalmOS6 (or at least devices capable of Flashing to it) before my next update (I went from PalmPilot to Palm III to Palm Vx to NR70V). I've already replaced various apps - Agendus for my time/contact management, the stills app with FullScreen from www.swooze.com etc but I'm sure by then Sony will have fixed the function and form of a lot of the s/w beyond their current 1.0 versions

What I'd like to see if a very basic clock and 'today' display on the outside of the clamshell (like Motorola and Samsung have done with some of their phones) to reduce the need to open/close the device just to check where the next appointment is.

Apart from that.... an NZ crossed with a Tungsten sized device that actually fits back into a jeans pocket is (for me) the critical upgrade path..... anything bigger and I turn on my Vaio !

[ballistic]

Originally posted by oneeyesquare
Know enough about photography to know that the NZ will take much nicer pics than my NX. Nice enough to be able to print them out 4x6 and put them in my protfolio or build a job memoir for a customer. The NX takes fun snapshots for reference, but not a viable sales picture.
And for the record I do NOT want to carry two devices!!!!!

If you think the NZ will fit your needs and would like to purchase it, great. You're entitled to your opinion and I hope you enjoy your purchase.

I'm just expressing my opinion (that appears to be shared by many) that the newest, top of the line Clie is not what a lot of people want in a PDA. I'm not willing to live with the higher resolution at the expense of size/form factor. I'll keep my NX70V and buy a DSC-f717 instead.

I don't mind carrying and using the right tool(s) for the job. I'd rather carry a great PDA and also a GREAT camera when I need to take quality pictures instead of a larger PDA with a limited digital camera.

Everyone has their opinions and is free to express them in these forums, but I have a hard time when others would rather go on about people 'whining' instead of engaging in a constructive debate.

If Clie devotees are expressing a barage of distaste about the newest device, what does that tell you? I'm not a blind Sony follower but I feel that they are constantly bringing great technological innovation to the Palm platform at the expense of alienating buyers by a lack of support for older devices, a proprietary (and now changed!) memory format and connectors, no support for CF drivers, making it difficult and economically impractical for third-party hardware developers to make add-on devices, etc.

[oneeyesquare]

As someone who is relatively excited about this device it has become irksome to enter this forum to the constant barage of criticism. Even before the Great Purge the posts were very much negative. There was way more excitement and speculation about the NX. The NZ is a great product. Not perfect, but it addresses a lot of the b_tches about the NX. No hard app buttons in tablet mode, lack of integrated Bluetooth, can't change batteries, etc.. The size issue isn't nearly as bad as people make it out to be. The idea that it'll be harder to hold up an additional 3 oz is , quite frankly, pathetic. Yet try to talk about this new model and ineveitably the same replies come. "It's a brick", "it's ugly", "it's too expensive", etc.. It just ain't no fun to talk about in here...and that's too bad cuz I think it' a great device.
ANd that's not whining either. Just expressing myself....

[LITTLESIX]

ditto - bigtime

[foghead]

Originally posted by oneeyesquare
[b] Is see digital zoom in there, manual exposure settings, redeye reduction, etc. It ain't a freeking Polaroid!!!
And how do you know what the battery life will be like?!!! I'm assuming it 'll chew it up pretty good if you're using the flash, probably why the switched to a removable battery....
He meant optical zoom (see his edit). Digital zoom isn't really zoom at all. It is just cropping the picture and iterpolating back up to the original size. I always turn this off on regular digital cameras so that I am taking the maximum size of picture that I can. Then I can always crop the pic after it is on the PC if I want.

Remember digital zoom only lowers the resolution of the picture. It doesn't actually zoom in.

edit - Sorry - hadn't read all the way down to the other replies on this.

[foghead]

Here is the post where I attempt to be fair and look at why I don't like the NZ90.

Basically, It is too much of a kitchen sink design for my tastes.

I like devices that do the job that they were intended to do very competently. I don't like features that are compromised by their own implementation. I guess this is why I was never interested in a Treo or any of Samsungs Palm OS cel phone thingies. They are not great organizers and barely usable cel phones combined in an ungainly package.

Following this line of thought, I would rather carry a separate top of the line cel phone and a great PDA. I do carry a Sony-Ericsson T68i cel phone and a NX60, Palm, TT or HP iPAQ 5455. Each device does what I want.

By the same token, adding in a digital camera (notice I own an NX60) is a waste of time for my tastes unless it is equivalent to a quality stand-alone camera. Currently I own a 4 MP Sony P9 compact camera with a housing that I can use while scuba diving, and a F717 5 MP professional quality camera. This the level of quality the I want when I take digital pictures and so the defeatured 2 MP camera in the NZ is not useful for me even if it is a huge improvement ove the one in the NX (and it is a huge improvement). I can also take the mem stick out the NX60, plug it into the camera, take pictures, and then put it back into the NX60 to view, edit archive, etc.

Likewise, I don't use any of my PDAs as MP3 players. Oh, I have a couple of songs on each of them so that I can make people go OOH and AHH, but for listening to music, I use my iPOD 'cause I can fit most of my music library on it and not have to worry about killing my PDAs batteries.

Another point (for me) against the entire convergence movement is the replacement factor. When everything is in one device, you can't replace just one device as your reqirements change.

Finally, and this is in regard to the size issue that is the point of conflict about the NZ90. Yes it is smaller than a camera and a PDA and an MP3 player combined, but I don't carry the MP3 player and camera everywhere I go and really have no interest in doing so. I don't want to carry arond the extra bulk all of the time for features that I will only use occasionally.

When Sony comes out with an OS5 device with a hi-res+ screen in something resembling the T series (it might need to be slightly thicker to get enough battery), with integrated Bluetooth and a MS slot, I will know that they are back on the right track for me.

Have a good day and enjoy the debate. :)

edited to fix a couple of typos.

[LITTLESIX]

Originally posted by foghead
Here is the post where I attempt to be fair and look at why I don't like the NZ90.

Basically, It is too much of a kitchen sink design for my tastes.

I like devices that do the job that they were intended to do very competently. I don't like features that are compromised by their own implementation. I guess this is why I was never interested in a Treo or any of Samsungs Palm OS cel phone thingies. They are not great organizers and barely usable cel phones combined in an ungainly package.

Following this line of thought, I would rather carry a seperate top of the line cel phone and a great PDA. I do carry a Sony-Ericsson T68i cel phone and a NX60, Palm, TT or HP iPAQvb5455. Each device does what I want.

By the same token, adding in a digital camera (notice I own an NX60) is a waste of time for my tastes unless it is equivalent to a quality stand-alone camera. Currently I own a 4 MP Sony P9 compact camera with a housing that I can use while scuba diving, and a F717 5 MP professional quality camera. This the level of quality the I want when I take digital pictures and so the defeatured 2 MP camera in the NZ is not useful for me even if it is a huge improvement ove the one in the NX (and it is a huge improvement). I can also take the mem stick out the NX60, plug it into the camera, take pictures, and then put it back into the NX60 to view, edit archive, etc.

Likewise, I don't use any of my PDAs as MP3 players. Oh, I have a couple of songs on each of them so that I can make people go OOH and AHH, but for listening to music, I use my iPOD 'cause I can fit most of my music library on it and not have to worry about killing my PDAs batteries.

Another point (for me) against the entire convergence movement is the replacement factor. When everything is in one device, you can't replace just one device as your reqirements change.

Finally, and this is in regard to the size issue that is the point of conflict about the NZ90. Yes it is smaller than a camera and a PDA and an MP3 player combined, but I don't carry the MP3 player and camera everywhere I go and really have no interest in doing so. I don't want to carry arond the extra bulk all of the time for features that I will only use occasionally.

When Sony comes out with an OS5 device with a hi-res+ screen in something resembling the T series (it might need to be slightly thicker to get enough battery), with integrated Bluetooth and a MS slot, I will know that they are back on the right track for me.

Have a good day and enjoy the debate. :)

Thank you for a balanced and objective post. :) Still doesn't change my mind off the NZ, but it gives me other points of view to consider - dm

[nike33]

The problem is I see ever bodies points. On one hand, it's bound to be a great machine. After all it is basically an NX with some very nice enhancements, and most of you love the NX.

On the other hand, the said enhancements come at an added cost, physical and monetary. And I also see the point that it's evolving to something other than a PDA. A useful evolution, a desired evolution, to some people, ABSOLUTELY!

Now on to the bellyachers, IMHO some of you who are bellyaching about the bellyachers are becoming JUST as much of a monotonous and a useless issue on this board as the bellyachers!

One thing must be said however, to BOTH the bellyachers and to the bellyacher haters alike...THIS IS A PUBLIC FORUM AND ANYONE WHO IS HERE, HAS A RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS AND VIEWS, PERIOD!

[Medcat99]

I really like foghead's takes on the NZ. The reality is this is the coolest PDA available in the market today. It does more than any other out there and would make me feel like James Bond carrying it. BUT.......

I don't REALLY need all the stuff in it. My NR70V was an upgrade from an m505. No question that the upgrade was worth it for me. For one, the machine runs faster and can access my memory stick much easier. Very nice because I can truly use the 128mb (and more). Also, the upgrade from 8-16mb on the base machine was invaluable. I do use the keyboard on occasion and it is nicer than having to carry a thumb board around. The MP3 player is a nice feature, but not critical. The camera comes in handy on occasion and the resolution is good enough for what I use it for.

The new NZ rocks!!!!! But, before I upgrade, I need a reason to do so, and Sony hasn't given it to me yet. I need a machine with 32mb or more on it. Not everything runs perfectly from the memory stick. I need good battery life. The NR is ok, but I have emergency jumper cables just in case. More juice would be great. The form factor for the NR is as big as I want to get. I could sacrifice size for more critical features, but I would rather not have to . As an entertainment system, I might consider upgrading if there was some sort of integrated headphone system, but that would undoubtedly sacrifice size. It is a pain to have to carry headphones around to hear MP3's. The camera is VERY nice on the NZ, but alone, it's not enough reason to upgrade yet.
Finally, I really wonder what's coming around the corner from Sony. To my knowledge, they still havn't worked out the CF slot problems yet. OS5 is not 100% compatible with all programs, especially some of the old medical programs that I use, and I keep hearing rumors of OS6 coming fast. The processor on the NZ is great, but is it going to get faster? It seems like Sony is just beginning to see the possibilities with it.

I praise Sony for their efforts and hope they keep turning out machines, because eventually, they are going to hit on one that will floor me the way my NR did when I first layed my hands on it at BestBuy.

[ballistic]

Nice, civilized, constructive debate by all.

I'm with you, foghead. I have my NX70V as a PDA, the camera comes in handy for quick, candid shots without making the NX70V any bigger or heavier than the NX60. I use my 20GB iPod for MP3's(642 songs @ 160Kbps and I still have 14.9GB free), and I'll be getting a DSC-f717 for real digital photography.

[Alistar]

Originally posted by LITTLESIX
Medcat, they complain because that's all they know how to do. Piss, moan, *****, complain and the IDIOTIC comments like above will fill the boards in short order; just like when the Nx came out. People belly aching about how they'd have to haul around with them an ENTIRE 1/8" inch more of a machine than an NR. I half imagined them ready to blow up Sony for all the dramatics they were using.

It's easier to complain than anything else. Doesn't make them use what few brain cells they have. If Sony had made the NZ as thin as a Palm5(xx) and as big as a credit card, there'd be a whole different set of things for them to whine about.

I agree, people complain that it is too small and they can't use it properly then when they make it bigger they complain that it is too large and not as portable as the smaller version they originally complained about

[zzarg]

I guess no-one, myself included, will ever be *really* happy :-)
I think the NZ is a huge leap forward in features (heck, the camera alone is better than the Olympus I used to have, and it's the best PalmOS device out at the moment !)
What's more, the MA (or whatever the next series is called) will add a raft more features before we can blink.
I would be a lot happier if Sony put a bit more effort into supporting old models (I have an NR70V, and apart from a couple of bug fixes there's still a lot of development thought gone into new models but no support for us early adopters !)
If you don't like the NZ... wait 2 months for the next greatest thing
If you do like the NZ.... rock on ! it works for you :-)
Personally.... my goal is to get more in a smaller package, so things like the CF slot are of dubious value, but for those that need it... it's still way better than anything else out here....

[rob_squared]

Why the HELL do we have to argue over this anyway? If you love the NZ good for you; if you hate it, good for you!

So the next time you realize that you don't like what the other person is saying, STOP READING!

The best part about free speech is that you don't have to listen to it.

[zx7rgirl]

I agree with oneeyesquare, littlesix, and alistar. I think the ones bad-mouthing the nz are just upset that something new is out that makes their own models passe. I don't mean that as an insult, because if I was in their position, maybe I would feel run over also. But I'm not, I'm a "prospective" palm-owner, switching over from the pocket pc camp. This nz has been the only device alluring enough for me to make the jump. Sony is covering the board with all of their offerings - different models for different tastes and budgets. They certainly got my attention.

It's a pity when one looks to share their enthusiasm on these boards, and then find his/herself in warring territory. Why?

I'm happy with my nz order, and I've ordered one for my dad too. I can't wait to get it!

Cheers

[zzarg]

zx7rgirl.... welcome to the fold <g>
Glad the NZ rocks for you. Hopefully as more get out there, and more people like them, the flames will die down.

(oh, and my xy7 was an 87 model ... wonder how much correlation there is between NR/NX/NZ fans and cars / bikes ?!)

[zx7rgirl]

Thanks zzarg!!!

yeah, once we get these puppies in our hands, the tables will turn :)

btw- I never did spot the connection: zx(7)r -cooool!! I'll have to stick a sony decal on my bike now.....;)

[LITTLESIX]

Originally posted by zzarg
zx7rgirl.... welcome to the fold <g>
Glad the NZ rocks for you. Hopefully as more get out there, and more people like them, the flames will die down.

(oh, and my xy7 was an 87 model ... wonder how much correlation there is between NR/NX/NZ fans and cars / bikes ?!)

Ditto. Welcome zx7rgirl. While the NZ ain't perfect, it's going to fit my needs just fine and I'm buying. Ain't doing the online order thing though; gonna buy mine in person. I'm off work on the release week (common date that I'm hearing for US is 2/16), so I'll be inspecting up close and personal.

[zx7rgirl]

Hiya Littlesix! Yes, there is no perfect pda, but I'm glad sony is giving me a choice between the nx and nz. I have to wait 'til the 24th of Feb to get mine here in Canada :(
I like online shopping, it's fun to get that plain ol' cardboard box in the mail, knowing there is a gleaming gizmo inside. It adds to the whole "unpacking ceremony" thing for me.
ps I think it's cool that u compared the release date to your calendar... no one elseI know does that... that's what I like about these forums.

[LITTLESIX]

Originally posted by zx7rgirl
I like online shopping, it's fun to get that plain ol' cardboard box in the mail, knowing there is a gleaming gizmo inside. It adds to the whole "unpacking ceremony" thing for me.

Is that not the coolest thing in the world?? You just know what's in the box and you 'bout hurt yourself cuz you can't get it open quick enough. (Hey I'm a cheap date - the little things work for me just fine.) It's to the point now that if I do have something coming my delivery guys are regulars; they put me at the bottom of their route because they know I work late and NEVER want to miss them :)

ps I think it's cool that u compared the release date to your calendar... no one elseI know does that... that's what I like about these forums.

dumb luck on my part. I already had the time off scheduled, so it just coincided. I have a photo shoot to do that week, so I'm going to have a new "cam" to experiment with in addition to my regular gear. (I'm NO Ansel Adams - just love to shoot and starting to get a bit of recognition for my stuff )

[zx7rgirl]

yeah, unpackaging is a rush for me. Just today I picked up a box from the post office ('cause I had to pay duty :mad: ), and by the time I had got back into my truck I was tearing the tape with the hook-end of a bungee cord :p -I forgot my knife. I musta looked like a crack addict to anyone watching...

(yeah - delivery guys know me well too!);)

[mashoutposse]

My take on the NZ90:

Remember that Sony bills their PDAs as "Personal Entertainment Organizers." 'Entertainment.' That's Sony's niche (a niche previously unexplored in the PalmOS world), and one that has allowed them to triple their marketshare worldwide in about 12 months (I contributed :).

Believe it or not, there are people out there with significant amounts of disposable income who aren't satisfied or impressed with what PDAs bring to the table today. The PDA userbase is FAR from seeing its full potential for expansion -- there are many, many people who look at, say, a Tungsten and say, "Who wants to pay $400+ for just an organizer?" Ask any layperson, rich or poor, what a PDA or 'Palm Pilot' means to him/her: I guarantee the response will be something along the lines of, "Isn't that what you use to keep your phone numbers and addresses?" A LOT of people still think like this; Sony has taken it upon themselves to change this image, at least for their models.

I'm not sure that many people recognize the magnitude of including a 2 Megapixel cam w/ flash. If you asked me in December, I would've told you that the next Clie to have a 2MP cam would come in 2004/2005 -- yet it's already here. To you, it may be an oversized PDA, but to that untapped demographic, it may be viewed as by far one of the most advanced digital camera that they have ever seen. I mean, it's got Bluetooth, WiFi support, a very seamless method of uploading pics and videos to the internet, A/V output, a USB port for printing without a PC, a huge 'viewfinder' -- oh and BTW, a world class PDA built-in (the NX70V) that allows you to watch videos, surf the internet, carry on Instant Messenger conversations, type quickly and easily with the improved built-in KB, and do all of the Palm Pilot-y things that we're all used to. 11 ounces or not, that's one potent device.

$800 is a hefty price to pay, but Sony gives you all of your money's worth.

Are there smaller PDAs? Of course, but those are just organizers ;)

Read this article for Sony's position on the NZ90; it talks about how Sony views the NZ90 as the PDA version of a 'concept' or 'halo' car -- a product whose purpose is not mainly to bring in profits, but to show off bleeding edge tech and to attract people to the CLIE and PDAs in general:

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/4985418.htm

If I were just getting into PDAs and looking for an entry-level device, I would be more likely to look at the Clie line specifically because of the NZ90, just like how I am more likely to look at a $40k Porsche Boxster because of their $125k+ 911 Turbo model. It just makes sense.

[Wiz(raft]

If there really are Sony Developers in this forum or reading this forum, I just want you to know that I'm a Sony fan. I appreciate the quality especially on audio technology and I also appreciate your efforts.

I wish you could add a compatibility or connectivity to your products especially with your handheld technology and usb CDRW Drives.

Some tell me that it's impossible because of power consumption but I think that's not a problem because my usb CDRW Drive has a batt. of its own. I really wish I could play movies even just VCDs on a handheld without the tiresome conversions which needs a notebook or pc.

thanks!

[PhilB]

Originally posted by zx7rgirl
yeah, unpackaging is a rush for me. Just today I picked up a box from the post office ('cause I had to pay duty :mad: ), and by the time I had got back into my truck I was tearing the tape with the hook-end of a bungee cord :p -I forgot my knife. I musta looked like a crack addict to anyone watching...

(yeah - delivery guys know me well too!);)

Just remember, when that unpackaging rush hits you, NEVER USE A MACHETE to open the box. There's nothing worse than a PDA split down the middle....:D

[CeasarMA]

Granted, I was weak and pre-ordered, but it is nice to see others who are on that anticipation high. I am ready to move from my IIIx, I returned my NX after a week, and I am just waiting for my NZ. I think I am making people sick of all my NZ pictures, Pictures comparing it to other PDAs, Comparison info of competing handhelds and my efforts of finding house products that weigh 10oz. Either way I'm getting my workout in.

ceasar

[LITTLESIX]

Ceasar - you ain't alone. I've done all the same - dm ;)

BTW - Welcome to CS

[CeasarMA]

Thanx Littlesix,

I am feeling the doldrums right now. After CES, and returning my NX. I have surfed over 15 different sites, in depth, and I have downloaded every type of model comparison from the IPAQ 5455 to the Dell AXIM, the new Garmin device to the fossil "Palm" watch. I guess I am waiting till February 18th. Now I am stuck. Sort of like the commercial "you have reached the end of the internet," I am ready for my NZ. It is getting a little boring to hear the brick comments, ad nauseum. I am all about free speech and expressing opinions, but I guess I am waiting for people to bring something new to the table. I figured these forums would be about Let say . . . the NZ . . . and what I think I want to do with. >>>> Alright no comments about tying the NZ around my enemy's legs and throwing them into the Hudson River.

Oh well.

ceasar

[zx7rgirl]

Hi CeasarMA!!

Don't worry, there are plenty of rational NZ-dreamers around here, and they have posted some great links. I know what you mean about end of the net! You hit the nail on the head :) I'm freaking out over here waiting for the 23rd...

[LITTLESIX]

Don't let them get to you man. First they pissed me off; now they just bore me. I find myself whizzing past their posts (which is something I never did before). I still find myself commenting when somebody has made a stellar a$$ of themselves, but nowhere near the frequency that I used to.

I didn't look anywhere but the NZ. If it hadn't come out, I'd have made do with the Nx. With the cam quality increasing, it was a sure fire thing. I use it about 80% for work, 20% for fun. Having it built into my palm made it one less thing for me to lug around day to day.

The "brick" issue is irrelevant. I'm not a purist and don't give a rats rump about the size of the unit. It has what I need on it. It does what I need.

And hey - the 18th is only right around the corner. Things are changing. CompUSA added the NZ to their site today. I'm sure the others are going to follow suit soon enough.

Stick with it man :) dm

[CeasarMA]

Don'tget me wrong. I don't know if I was looking at the other models to justify my position or better yet, to sound "somewhat intelligent" when confronted by the those from the "dark side" . . .err whatever side was opoosite from me ? ? ?

ceasar

[LITTLESIX]

Oh - and PS:

You can put the seagulls on ignore (click on their profile and zap 'em)

Why do I call them seagulls? Because they fly in, contribute nothing, crap all over everything, and fly right back out again just as quick. Seagulls ;)

[CeasarMA]

I feel so guilty now looking at other people, I mean models, err pdas. All right, that was pretty weak, sorry.

ceasar

[LITTLESIX]

So look around - I still do. You're allowed to cheat...until the wedding night :D

[oneeyesquare]

Be strong, Ceasar!!! I got antsy waiting for my NX. It was well worth the wait!!!

[zx7rgirl]

I like seagulls! They're only dropping in to pick up OUR refuse! And, the poor blokes have a pretty crappy life... no pun intended!
It's hard to be patient, oneeyesquare! We could have the NX NOW, right now!! I could be staring at, and holding that shiny little piece of sony candy at this moment. Aaaargh!

[CeasarMA]

Sonow that I have serious posts. What type of use do you get out of your units. When I did have the NX for the week, it was a definite boost from my IIIx.

I was in Midtown, Manhatten and I had downloaded the NYC maps from Rand McNally and the Tube. I was scooting all over NY with no problem. I even made my pilgrimage to the Sony Store on Madison Ave.

I found a great Vaja leather case for the NX in the computer store "catty-corner" from Sony (RSC?), but I think I had already made up my mind ob the switch.

Other than that, I used it to take some snap shots. I had my 717, but it was too cold to pull it out of my shoulder pack.

Let me see . . . I had a few MP3s on there. That was neat and I impressed the folks with it at work when I hooked it up to my computer speakers.

Aside from the phot albums for still pictures and video, what do all of you use it for. No brick through the window jokes either ;-)

ceasar

[oneeyesquare]

zx7rgirl
or you could be wondering if you will have to spend another $800
on the NZ.... or if you can "upgrade" with your service warranty!

[CeasarMA]

The sad thing is that I bought my NX knowing full well of the CES announcement. I almost bought my NX at Best Buy, but I didn't like their "printed" policy of re-stocking fees on electronics. I went cross town to a CC and bought it there to test their "no question" return policy . . . I returned it.

ceasar