Why buy an NX80 when the UX is out?!

[AndrewClie]

Now that the UX series has been announced, anyone thinking of buying an NX80?

(Don't tell me the benefits of the NX over the UT, I know about the big screen. I just don't think anyone will buy an NX until they see and touch the UX.)

[ballistic]

They are two totally different devices in terms of form factor and uses.

The NX80 is more of a traditional PDA with moderate quality digital camera, where the user will use pen input for most functions and text entry.

The UX-50 is a clamshell mini-laptop form factor more suited to wireless IM, email, where typing will be the primary way to input text; a viable, pocketable laptop replacement.

The two lines are designed to appeal to different users; they really aren't going to compete directly with one-another. If they do, Sony would rather compete against itself than another company.

[AndrewClie]

They pretty much have the same features. The only difference is the size. Unless you really need a big screen, you're better off with the smaller device.

Don't get me wrong, I love the big screen on my NX70. It's great for watching movies, taking notes at meetings and looking at pictures.

But who needs the extra bulk? I hate being weighed down by my Clie. And because it's so big, I often leave it at home. Shame, 'cause I love it.

[kpolk]

Andrew, you're trying to universalize your feelings about this topic.

I waited for the UX announcement today. Read the specs, read all the comments here. At lunchtime, I went to Circuit City and bought the NX80V.

For what I want, it is preferable. In my case, I like the CF slot, better camera and bigger screen. And, the price is lesser than the UX. And, it's available now. I also don't like the tack-on batter for the UX. The battery life would be great, but I don't like the form factor with that add-on. I also like the fact that the NX is an iteration on a mature (by Sony standards) design while the UX-50 is their first venture with this new design.

If the UX had comparable specs across the board, it would be harder to justify an NX80 purchase. But they are in fact different in several ways and it just becomes a matter of preference.

[AndrewClie]

Good points kpolk. I just hate lugging around the huge device.

[Sacharissa]

I'd get the NX80 before the UX50...If it comes to that. I'm still hoping for the elusive T-form with the Virtual Grafitti, however. (Sigh...) So I guess I'll stick with my T665 a little while longer...

[CanopicJar]

In my opinion, a smaller screen is a step backward. This is exactly why I dont 'get' the whole cell-phone/pda thing. It doesnt make sense to compromise on both to be able to 'stick' them together.

The NX-80 maximises the usefulness of a palm. The UX's seem to have made some compromises. Smaller screens, possible battery issues (hence the $120 battery add-on pack)

I am very happy with my NX80

[kpolk]

Andrew, try lugging around a PPC! I have a Toshiba 755, with extended battery and the USB connector. It's not bad by PPC standards, but that thing is like having a paperback book in your pocket. I'm actually ready to sell that, I'm fully swayed to the Clie world now.

It would be really cool if Sony made a Clie that could be used with just the screen portion of the shell, as a separable piece, or you could hook up the screen to the keyboard and expansion slots if you wanted and use it that way. That way, if you just want the smallest possible processing core to throw in your pocket, you can do so. But if you want the full set of gear, you can do that too.

You, AndrewClie, would get your ultra compact Clie, but other users could get the extras they want too. I wish that kind of modular design would emerge.

[n2ifp]

I will wait and see, the NX80 has nothing compelling enough for me to migrate too. I don't care about the camera, or the CF slot, as long as I have WiFi. I got two months to think about the UX and see what it can do and how it performs.

[stevec_ny]

Ergonomics on the UX are terrible, especially with the jog wheel on the bottom edge. Imagine trying to look up a contact in one hand & dialing your cell phone in the other.

[Unregistered]

I don't want to think about it.

[JwY]

even tho it looks interesting as is the t3

i'm sticking to my original plan and getting the nx80 over both of those

[AndrewClie]

I'm still waiting for the Treo 600. Once I get to pay with that, I'll be able to make my decision. I love Sony's stuff, but a good--and small--combo device would make me switch in a heartbeat.

[ssulux]

it's a pity that treo600 has 160x160 res. other than that, it is kicking .....

[AndrewClie]

Originally posted by ssulux
it's a pity that treo600 has 160x160 res. other than that, it is kicking .....

Yup. I love reading books and articles on the Clie. The big secret about the Clie is that it's the first really good ebook reader. As book readers, Sony's Palms have sharp screens that are just as good as paper.

[Burns]

I'll be getting either the NX73 or NX80. I need a replacement for my broken T665 before school starts in Aug. I can't wait till Sept. I'm just hoping that the KB100 comes out fairly quickly so I can resume using my Clie as my laptop (and don't tell me to just use the NX keyboard, you try typing 80wpm and try to keep up with a prof that talks at 120wpm with that thing). I may go get the fellowes kb from RadioShack.

This is the other reason I will get the NX instead of the UX. I don't see anyway to hook up a bigger keyboard like the KB100 or the Fellowes and theres no way I'm gonna be able to fit my big hands on the slightly larger keyboard the same way as I can with on of the others.

[ballistic]

The Fellowes Stowaway XT works with the NX series and is available now, I recommend it. It is a perfect match for the NX; integrated charging, very compact design when closed, keysize and spacing are comfortable. The major thing to get used to is the lack of a dedicated row for numbers and two different function keys to get special characters and symbols.

I don't think the UX will be very conducive to touch typing, the QWERTY keyboard will probably still be used as a thumb-board.