Buy NX60/70 or wait for new models?

[mlouie]

I have a PEG-N610C which I was perfectly happy with (except for not having a keyboard to type on--I have difficulty with graffiti accuracy even though I've been doing it since '95 or '96) but now the screen is cracked in the graffiti numbers area (so can't write numbers) and the crack is spreading so its days are numbered. I like to read books on my Clie so I love the large, bright, hi-res screens on the NX60/70 models. My question is whether to buy a NX60 or a NX70 or wait for the new NX models.

I don't care if I have a camera in my clie as I have a separate 2 MP Sony camera that I'm happy with. It seems to me it would be more awkward to take pix with a clie than a standalone camera. I really like my camera and can't fathom why I would want one in my clie--I'd really prefer one without a camera, to cut down on weight, bulk and price.

So I'd be happy with a NX60 but I see in the CNET reviews that lots of people have problems with it locking up and I had it lock up on me when playing on one at BestBuy 2 days ago. The other thing is, I can't find the NX60 cheap, even though it's discontinued. The cheapest I can find it for is about $360-370 on the web (even on ebay--one just went for $340 plus $20 shipping last night on ebay), yet I can buy a NX70 for $390 from amazon.com including shipping (they just dropped the price on the NX70 but not the NX60, which is still > $400).

I've looked at the new NX models on the Japanese site and it seems like the main difference is better cameras and more RAM. I don't care about the camera thing and don't know if the RAM would make a difference to me or not. I don't have any issues with lack of RAM in my current clie but it's not OS5 either.

So would people recommend I go for the NX70 instead of 60, even tho I don't want a camera? Or should I wait for the new NX models, since they may be close to coming out? Money is definitely an issue--spending $500 or more on a PDA is not something I want to do. I typically keep my PDAs about 2 years (unless they break first, as with my current clie).

[nlode]

If money is an issue, go for the NX-70, the new Clies are not that much of an upgrade. I am planning on keeping mine for 2 years two, and I think they bring a lot of bang for the buck @ $390.

With it you get a camera you can use in those situations where you don´t have your digital camera. I upgraded from a N-710 and I am very happy with it, the speed and multimedia capabilities are amazing.

[jamester]

I got an NX60 at CompUSA this past week for $299 ($349 minus a $50 instant rebate). Also got a free 32mb Memory Stick at the same time. I've heard that the NX70V is available through overstock.com for 350'ish.

I'd go for one of those models. I got my NX60, and I'm not planning on upgrading for a year minimum. The NX60 does everything I want in a PDA - as you said, cameras aren't that important as I, like you, have a separate 2 megapixel camera that I adore (Canon Powershot S200). So the only real difference in the new models for me would be the backlit keyboard and whatnot.

I'm very satisfied with my NX60. :)

J

[brahamt]

I also got the NX60 deal from Compusa and have not seen any issues with lockups. That said, I immediately installed all of the updates from the Sony site. I had a similar experience with the NR70.

One thing I have had some problems with is OS5 and compatibility. I have been able to find updates to all of my programs with the exception of Reversi, which I have lying around since the Pilot Personal.

I agree with Jamester. Go for the NX60 and save the $50 bucks if the camera is not important for you. The pics are decent, but hardly worth the money IMO.

[mlouie]

You got lucky on the NX60 at CompUSA. I just called them and none of the stores in the Denver/Boulder area have the NX60 anymore (nor does the website). I checked Overstock.com for the NX70 and the price there is around $390, same as amazon.com (except amazon has free shipping). The NX60 at BestBuy that I looked at a couple of days ago was some ridiculous price like $459 or $499 or something (I forget exactly but it was >$400).

[flyclieguy]

if you don't want a camera then go with the nx60. If you want a camera then wait and get the nx80.

The nx70 camera really isnt worth the extra money from the NX60. trust me, i bought the nx70 and will get the nx80 once it's out. the camera sucks, especially outside shots.

[sstrasser86]

get the nx73 or 80