T|E vs. TJ35 Side-by-Side Comparison

[Athradon]

I'm currently a N760 user, and the T|E or the TJ35 are my upgrade choices. I've done a feature comparison to help me decide, here it is:

Processor - The T|E's processor is supposed to be slow at running intensive applications, for example, the Palm Sega Game Pack.
T|E 126MHZ (-)
TJ35 200MHz (+)

RAM - I'm been using 8MB devices for two years, anything above 16 is an improvement. The TJ35's lower amount of usable RAM (5MB) isn't a deal breaker for me.
T|E 32MB/28MB Usable (+)
TJ35 32MB/23MB Usable (+)

Screen - Haven't seen the TJ35's screen, but the T|E's is supposed to be equivalent to the Zire 71's screen.
T|E (+)
TJ35 (Neutral)

Navigation - Sony's navigation advantage over Palm has been it's jog dial/back button combination. I have no idea why they scrapped something that worked so well.
T|E 5-Way (+)
TJ35 Center Jog Dial w/o Back Button (-)

Memory Expansion - Since this is a Clie-oriented site, I'd imagine many people are looking to upgrade from Clie's. I'd rather just keep my 128MB memory stick than spend $70 on a new 256MB SD card. Also, I have a Cybershot camera which uses MS, and the Clie acts as a memory card reader for it.
T|E SD (-)
TJ35 MS Pro (+)

Expandability - Palm always includes one mistake with their devices, and the lack of the UC is the one they included on the T|E. This negates the possibility of a cradle, non-IR keyboards, any other accessories one might want to use. The TJ35 has Sony's standard connector, and a very sleek-looking cradle can be purchased for $30 extra.
T|E No UC (-)
TJ35 Sony Standard Connector (+)

PIM Software - Palm has enhanced and revamped the standard PalmOS PIM software. Sony doesn't include any such enhancements.
T|E (+)
TJ35 (-)

Office Software - Docs To Go 6.0 vs. Picsel Viewer. Sony's viewer isn't a bad thing, but can't compare to Palm's included office suite.
T|E (+)
TJ35 (Neutral)

Case - I have yet to see either device in person, but if the T|E's casing is like the back plastic of the Zire 71, then Sony's plastic/aluminum case easily wins.
T|E (-)
TJ35 (+)

Cost - For an upgrading N760 owner, I'd need to buy a different memory card for the T|E. Also, I would buy a cradle for the T|E but this is impossible because of Palm's screw-up.
T|E $200 + ~$70 256MB SD Card, No Cradle (-)
TJ35 $220 A/R + $30 Cradle, keep using current MS (+)

So overall, I probably spent way too much time typing all that up, but the TJ35 has 6 positives, 2 negatives, and 2 neutral's. The T|E has 5 positives and 5 negatives. I'd still want to see both devices in person, but the TJ35 does look like a better overall device. I still have to see both devices in person, but the TJ35 will probably be my next PDA.

[mdlsimpson]

I totally agree! Great comparison

[Defiant79]

It looks to me you already made up your mind :p

You also mentioned you have a Cybershot. That was one of my primary reasons to stick with a Clié when I upgraded. For the hi-res screen it doesn't make a difference between the two, but having a MS-slot and reviewing your pics instantly on a better, larger (physical and resolution) screen (than on your dc) is a big plus.

[riversen]

I have a question if you can answer this... is the standard connector able to work with current cradles??? I have 2 cradles and 1 portable wire one for my laptop. I am hoping that I can keep these and use them.

[yr3698]

A very nice review indeed. To buy either one, u should checkout various sites in addition to sonystyle, incase of a really good deal, just to be sure. Either way, seems like u r a winner

[riversen]

I don't mean to answer my own question, but there is NO reverse compatibility of the TJ35 and TJ25 to any of the older parts of the T665 or any other PDA. This is a big, big minus that I do not like. Now, I will have to buy all new accessories and, of course, a new memory stick to take advantage of the MS Pro. Now, to upgrade is definitely more expensive... A DEAL BREAKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Athradon]

Originally posted by riversen
I don't mean to answer my own question, but there is NO reverse compatibility of the TJ35 and TJ25 to any of the older parts of the T665 or any other PDA.

Where did you hear that? The connector is supposed to be the same standard Sony connector used since the original T-series.

[riversen]

Directly from Sony!!! I have an email that I ask support about. Here it is:


Recently you submitted a question to Sony Style. Our response can be
found at the bottom of this message. We hope that this answers your
question to your satisfaction.

If this issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may reopen it
within the next 7 days.


You may reply to this email by typing between the [===> symbols below.


[===> Please enter your reply below this line <===]

[===> Please enter your reply above this line <===]

You can view or edit your question and answer online here.
http://sonystyle.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/sonystyle.cfg/php/enduser/acct_login.php?p_userid=*********@********.net&p_next_page=myq_upd.php&p_refno=******-*******&p_created=106501874573408840


Subject
---------------------------------------------------------------
PEG-T665C


Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------
Response (Daniel) - 10/02/2003 09:48 AM
Thank you for contacting Sony Style with your inquiries about the TJ35 CLIE.

We are glad to know that you are interested in our TJ35 CLIE.

The accessory supplied with the TJ35 CLIE includes a USB HotSync Cable with which you can sync your data anywhere without the need of the cradle. It also includes an AC Adapter, which will enable you to charge your CLIE without using the cradle.

The cradle that comes with T665 CLIE is not compatible with the TJ35 CLIE. Your PEG-KB11 keyboard as well as the adapter will not work with the TJ35 CLIE.
The URL where you can view the list of accessories compatible with the PEG-TJ35 is

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=XQBlgUGcOPBli37gDfNvig6Tw6UJNGcSq4s=?ProductID=wkIKC0%2eNHDMAAAD3K4whJvRo&TemplateName=item%2fsy_item_c

You can check if any of the accessories which you have are listed above.

The new PEG-TJ35 CLIÉ offers you a wide range of features. You can listen to your favorite tunes on the road with the integrated MP3 audio player and optional Memory Stick PRO media. You will be able to view native Microsoft® Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents, or PDF and HTML files with the Picsel Viewer software. The high-resolution color display produces over 65,000 colors and shows your documents and pictures in full detail and color with amazing clarity.

To have an insight into our TJ35 CLIE, please visit the following link.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=G2LF_iYZJcPF9Bli8B3P9WkVhcepS0xdOiY=?CategoryName=hp_TJ&ProductSKU=PEGTJ35%2fU&Dept=hp

We have exciting promotions and financing options for this model.

For further information about the financing option, please click on the “financing details” in the above page.

To have a look into the promotions, please click on “Great Deals” located at the left hand side in the above page.

Please feel free to contact us with further inquiries you might have.

Customer (****** ********) - 10/01/2003 07:34 AM
Email Address: **********@**********.***
Recip : sos
Name : ****************
Address : ************************
:
: *****************
Phone : ************
Model/SN : PEG-T665C / ********
OS : Windows XP
Hardware : CLIE Handheld
Issue :
Type : Presales
:
Message : I am really, really excited about your new TJ35. I want to buy one, but I have so many accessories for my T665 that I am really hoping will work on my TJ35. Do the cradles for the T665 work for the TJ35 and does the older keyboard, PEG-KB11, work for the TJ35??? I also have an extra cable adaptor that I use for my laptop. Please, please let me know if this will work (or will work and when if they will at some point).


Question #031001-000205
---------------------------------------------------------------
Product: CLIÉ Handhelds
Email Address: ********@*******.***
Date Created: 10/01/2003 07:34 AM
Last Updated: 10/02/2003 09:48 AM
Status: Solved

[dúnadan]

I think you need to make a couple changes here:

RAM - I'm been using 8MB devices for two years, anything above 16 is an improvement. The TJ35's lower amount of usable RAM (5MB) isn't a deal breaker for me.
T|E 32MB/28MB Usable (+)
TJ35 32MB/23MB Usable (+)
TJ35 should have gotten a neutral. You may not need that much memory now, but I have found that the more one has, the
more one uses. I've almost filled my T|C's 64MB, which I never thought was going to happen. Regardless, 5MB is significant and ought to be considered.

Expandability - Palm always includes one mistake with their devices, and the lack of the UC is the one they included on the T|E. This negates the possibility of a cradle, non-IR keyboards, any other accessories one might want to use. The TJ35 has Sony's standard connector, and a very sleek-looking cradle can be purchased for $30 extra.
T|E No UC (-)
TJ35 Sony Standard Connector (+)

Both of the above should get neutrals. The connector on the T|E doesn't cripple it; it just isn't a bonus. Similarly, as pointed out above, since the TJ35 doesn't work with T-series accessories, it shouls also get a neutral. Palm has a better track record of available accessories in the past regardless.

So overall, I probably spent way too much time typing all that up, but the TJ35 has 6 positives, 2 negatives, and 2 neutral's. The T|E has 5 positives and 5 negatives. I'd still want to see both devices in person, but the TJ35 does look like a better overall device. I still have to see both devices in person, but the TJ35 will probably be my next PDA.

I think your amended list should therefore be as follows:
TJ35: 4 positives, 2 negatives, and 4 neutrals
T|E: 5 positives, 4 negatives, and a neutral

I also think that PalmOne is more likely to provide free upgrades to OS6 than Sony. Remember how Sony charged for the N710 upgrade to OS 4.1?

[riversen]

Originally posted by dúnadan
I think you need to make a couple changes here:


TJ35 should have gotten a neutral. You may not need that much memory now, but I have found that the more one has, the
more one uses. I've almost filled my T|C's 64MB, which I never thought was going to happen. Regardless, 5MB is significant and ought to be considered.



Both of the above should get neutrals. The connector on the T|E doesn't cripple it; it just isn't a bonus. Similarly, as pointed out above, since the TJ35 doesn't work with T-series accessories, it shouls also get a neutral. Palm has a better track record of available accessories in the past regardless.



I think your amended list should therefore be as follows:
TJ35: 4 positives, 2 negatives, and 4 neutrals
T|E: 5 positives, 4 negatives, and a neutral

I also think that PalmOne is more likely to provide free upgrades to OS6 than Sony. Remember how Sony charged for the N710 upgrade to OS 4.1?

Excellent points. I think this makes the playing field much more neutral. Now, the question becomes should I get the TT3 (the screen seems to have this shadow thing going when you tap and drap with a hard press like a flat panel screen), TT2 (great price with great RAM and BT, but my wife would know that I bought a new PDA... that is why I was hoping the TJ35 would work!!!), UX50 (too, too expensive for me... I cannot afford $699), UX80V (cannot afford this one either), TG50 (great price, but I personally don't like the keyboard), or just keep my T665 till something better comes out.

Now I am really bummed! Any suggestions?

[dúnadan]

Also, for anyone who isn't already invested in memory sticks, memory expansion becomes neutral:neutral, and cost becomes essentially neutral:neutral, which combined with the changes I listed above leaves us with:

TJ35: 2 positives, 2 negatives, and 6 neutrals
T|E: 5 positives, 2 negatives, and 3 neutrals

However all of this is premature. There may be significant differences in battery life, etc.

[riversen]

Originally posted by dúnadan
Also, for anyone who isn't already invested in memory sticks, memory expansion becomes neutral:neutral, and cost becomes essentially neutral:neutral, which combined with the changes I listed above leaves us with:

TJ35: 2 positives, 2 negatives, and 6 neutrals
T|E: 5 positives, 2 negatives, and 3 neutrals

However all of this is premature. There may be significant differences in battery life, etc.

From what I have heard and from Sony's own website... it appears that there is not extra advantage to either PDA, so I would give battery life a neutral for both of these. There were absolutely no improvement of the TJ35 from T665 (10 days with a 1/2 hour a day and no back light). I have heard the T/E is not outstanding either. I guess this may also be premature, too.

By the way.... this is post 500!!!!

[andrewcoffin]

Something doesn't quite mesh here. Sony CLAIMS that the TJ series is not compatible with older accessories, yet the accessories listed on the sonystyle website for the TJ series include the KB100 keyboard, which is listed as compatible with almost every Clie released recently, including the T-series:

"Compatible with: PEG-NX80V / PEG-NX73V / PEG-NX70V / PEG-NX60 / PEG-NR70V / PEG-NR70 / PEG-TG50 / PEG-T665 / PEG-T615C / PEG-T415 / PEG-SJ33 / PEG-SJ30 / PEG-SJ22 / PEG-SJ20 / PEG-SL10"

The new TJ cradle is also compatible, according to its description, with older devices, including the SJ33 and TG50. Don't these two devices use the same connector as the T-series? I was under the impression that all recent Clies were using some variation of the connector that was first developed for the T-series.

There may be some new quirk to the power requirements of the TJ series that is not compatible with older cables, but it looks to me like most accessories should still be compatible.

Sony support may be wrong--this wouldn't be the first time. Or maybe I'm missing something. Can anyone else shed light on this?

[riversen]

Originally posted by andrewcoffin
Something doesn't quite mesh here. Sony CLAIMS that the TJ series is not compatible with older accessories, yet the accessories listed on the sonystyle website for the TJ series include the KB100 keyboard, which is listed as compatible with almost every Clie released recently, including the T-series:

"Compatible with: PEG-NX80V / PEG-NX73V / PEG-NX70V / PEG-NX60 / PEG-NR70V / PEG-NR70 / PEG-TG50 / PEG-T665 / PEG-T615C / PEG-T415 / PEG-SJ33 / PEG-SJ30 / PEG-SJ22 / PEG-SJ20 / PEG-SL10"

The new TJ cradle is also compatible, according to its description, with older devices, including the SJ33 and TG50. Don't these two devices use the same connector as the T-series? I was under the impression that all recent Clies were using some variation of the connector that was first developed for the T-series.

There may be some new quirk to the power requirements of the TJ series that is not compatible with older cables, but it looks to me like most accessories should still be compatible.

Sony support may be wrong--this wouldn't be the first time. Or maybe I'm missing something. Can anyone else shed light on this?

This is very interesting indeed. I would like to see if the TJ's works with my current cradle and wire adaptor. Whenever they finally get to the stores, I will have to test this.

My question is similar to yours... if the keyboard is interchangable and the new charger will work with all of them... why not my old cradle? I guess this may be a marketing ploy to get me to buy more stuff. I will have to ask Sony the question again.

[riversen]

I just emailed Sony and asked this question:

I have another question for you now. I spoke to some other people in the ClieSource forum and we were wondering why I can use the TJ's cradle for my T665 or SJ-33 or TG50, but not the other way around? Also, the KB100 Keyboard is compatible with the my current PDA and the TJ35 and TJ25. How is it that it can be compatible with my PDA, but my PDA accessories are not compatible with the TJ35? Will you be updating the software for the PEGA-KB11 compact keyboard to work with the TJ35, since it already works with the TG50?

This compatibility will either be a deal maker or a deal breaker!

[Athradon]

Yeah, I'm still not sure why Sony is saying the connector wouldn't work, because the new cradle (UC55) is listed as compatible with the TJ series, the TG50, and the SJ series. The device itself might not physically fit in the original T-series cradle, but cables for the connector should work. I guess we won't find out for sure until the device starts hitting the shelves.

And as for the rankings, I ranked the devices from the point of view of a N760 owner with an investment in Memory Stick memory. I figured many people on ClieSource will be upgrading from OS4 Clie's, I definitely agree that the SD vs. MS wouldn't be a factor to a new buyer, unless they had, say, Panasonic (SD) or Sony (MS) AV products already. Also, for someone who's accustomed to much more memory than the N760 has, the extra 5MB would make a more substantial difference. I'm still not certain which device I'll be getting...

[riversen]

I have thought long and hard about why some of the accessories don't work for the TJ35 and I have concluded that it must because the corners of the TJ35 have sharp corners and the corners of my T665 are rounded. I cannot see any other reason for the cradle. As far as the KB100 compact keyboard is concerned, I am guessing that Sony is not supporting the KB11 any longer and will not update the dirver accordingly. A good marketing ploy that will cause people to buy more accessories and raise revenue. Bad move for keeping customer loyalty.

[hotpaw4]

It might be worth trying the KB100 driver on a TJ and using an older KB11 keyboard.

[hotpaw4]

The TJ is also slightly thinner, but heavier than the T|E. The finish is also different, with the TJ metal case looking less plastic. Differences in battery life are currently unknown.

There is a wifi SD card, but no PalmOS5 driver. Don't know about whether there will ever be any Bluetooth or wifi Memory Stick's with appropriate drivers...

The T615C has enhanced IR, not sure about the TJ.

[Galley_SimRacer]

The battery life on the T|E is pretty poor.

[riversen]

Originally posted by Galley_SimRacer
The battery life on the T|E is pretty poor.

Do you or someone you know have one? How many times have they let the battery drain to zero and then recharge? I ask only because I was told that sometime you have to discharge and then charge the battery a few times to see the real battery on some PDA's. I was wondering if they experienced this.

[digital330]

Processor - comparing raw processor speeds makes no sense.

RAM - TJ35 has significantly less available memory than T|E.

Navigation - Sony used to have superior navigation with jog dial/back button. Now Palm has better 5-way navipad.

Memory Expansion - MS is propreitary & useless outside Sony gadgets. SD is definitely a plus.

Expandability - Who wants to spend on overpriced accessories?

PIM Software - Palm has enhanced and revamped the standard PalmOS PIM software. Sony doesn't include any such enhancements.

Cost - $199 for T|E and $250 for TJ35 (with a possible $30 rebate).

Looks - Have seen T|E in person and it looks great. TJ35 in photos looks ugly.

So overall, I probably spent way too much time typing all that up, but the TJ35 has 0 advantage over the T|E. After a very good SJ series Sony are now doing stupid things.

[Ezikial Anta]

Oh yeah that guy forgot just ONE thing in the comparison... THE TJ LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER!

[Ezikial Anta]

And the SJ series was horrible, unregistered.

[acraniotes]

Well, I had to pass on the Sony. I was all set to preorder a metallic pink TJ35 for my girlfriend's birthday, but alas, the US doesn't get the colored models. She's been bugging me about getting her a PDA for the past several months, and plays with my NX80 whenever she gets the chance. I love her, but I don't love her enough to drop the coin on hooking her up with my NX80/WL100/KB100 set up. Still, I didn't want to get her some crappy OS4 SJ-series device. Initially, I was looking at the Zire 71, but when the Tungsten E and TJ series were announced, I knew my choices had been narrowed down to two. In the end, the only reason I was willing to pay an extra $50 over the TE was due to the case color, which was the only advantage that the TJ series offered - my girlfriend has no brand loyalty, or a significant investment in MS sticks. But, no metallic pink... So, I decided to go with the TE instead. Also, she's in grad school, so Docs2Go (with native MS Word/Excel support) will come in very handy for her. To this end, I also picked up a Palm IR keyboard.

I haven't plugged anything in yet, but overall, for the money I spent, this looks like a nice "starter" set - OS5.2, 28MB of RAM, great hires screen, mp3 player, ARM processor, slim form-factor w/flip cover, excellent software suite, and a pocketable universal keyboard for under $300... Palm is finally getting over the "Yankowski" era and moving on to greener pastures.

All I can say is that Sony had better not choke with the successor to my NX80v...

-Adam

[pdagal]

I used the NX80V and SJ connector /USB cable/ charger with the TJ25 and it works just fine.

I can't imagine why it wouldn't work with the cradle for the SJ and TG series.

Originally posted by riversen


This is very interesting indeed. I would like to see if the TJ's works with my current cradle and wire adaptor. Whenever they finally get to the stores, I will have to test this.

My question is similar to yours... if the keyboard is interchangable and the new charger will work with all of them... why not my old cradle? I guess this may be a marketing ploy to get me to buy more stuff. I will have to ask Sony the question again.

[riversen]

Originally posted by pdagal
I used the NX80V and SJ connector /USB cable/ charger with the TJ25 and it works just fine.

I can't imagine why it wouldn't work with the cradle for the SJ and TG series.



Look at the curve on the cradle for the T665 where the butt of a TG50 or T665 will fit. It is curved and the TJ's have sharp corners. I believe this is the issue. I think this is a very bad marketing ploy to try to get me to buy more accessories. I don't believe the keyboard will work because they probably don't "support" a discontinued product and won't update it like they will with the KB100. Bummer.

[pdagal]

I'll have to round up a cradle for one of the older models (we only have an NX cradle, the rest of our Clies only have cables).

Since the KB11 is discontinued, they may not have much interest in new drivers. But it is the same as the Stowaway, yes? So I just tried it with my Fellowes Stowaway for Clie and existing drivers. It works like a charm, including command keys!


Originally posted by riversen


Look at the curve on the cradle for the T665 where the butt of a TG50 or T665 will fit. It is curved and the TJ's have sharp corners. I believe this is the issue. I think this is a very bad marketing ploy to try to get me to buy more accessories. I don't believe the keyboard will work because they probably don't "support" a discontinued product and won't update it like they will with the KB100. Bummer.

[EdFrmBrighthand]

The TJ series is about a quarter of an inch wider than the TG50 or the NX series. Therefore it is too wide to fit in their cradles. However, TG50 or the NX series will fit in the cradle designed for the TJ series.

[riversen]

But apparently the HotSync USB cable that I bought with my T665 works interchangeably between the TJ35 and all of the other PDA's. I guess I have to see if the KB11 key will work for me. If anyone has the KB11 keyboard and a TJ of some kind, can you see if they work? I would be very curious about this. Since the KB11 works for the TG50, I am guessing that it will work for the TJ35 as well. I just hope the dim screen is not as severe as it appears it might be. I am hoping that it is only dim when compared to the new TT3 and the same as my current T665. That would be fine for me.

[Ni+Mh]

Great comparision.You should becomes a salesperson ;)

[joejoe]

Athradon,

First of all, you did a fantastic job of outlining in a coherent & logical manner all of the issues which have been running through my head as I compared the T|E & the TJ35.

I've been a Sony-only user since the 300 (710-760 update, 615 & now 665) so, like you, I have a natural inclination to want to stay with the same company all things being pretty much equal.

There are some other things to consider, I think, but I'm not good at ranking things so I'll just lay them out.

Pro-CLIE TJ 35 (which I haven't seen/held in person):

--The Clie has backup software (primitive, I admit, but it's there)
--Clies come with Clie Paint program (fun & colorful)
--The MS Import program allows one to mount the MS as a drive on one's computer - a valuable feature if one doesn't have a card reader or a printer/computer which already provides this feature
--Clie TJ35 comes with Decuma writing system which is not currently available to Palm handheld users

Pro-T|E (after checking it out at length in Circuit City [where I could hold it] & Best Buy):
--It looks & feels great -- if it's made of plastic, I certainly can't tell
--The stylus is heavy & thicker than the standard T & SJ series stylus
--The new PIM applications are quite nice & the direction that things will logically go as they match the names in Outlook (i.e. calendar=datebook, tasks=to do list, etc.)
--The Prefs settings are *infinitely* easier to use for they are all laid on on one screen -- much easier for the newbie to understand & for the veteran to access. This all speaks to Palm maintaining the Zen of Palm it once was known for.
--It comes with more *actual*, valuable vs. trial software

As a long-time Clie user, I feel that Sony has been going its own way for quite a while now. At first, with the Sony N710, I was in heaven for high resolution is fantastic. Then came HiRes+ (out of my financial league). Some of us have been patiently waiting for a HiRes+ without a keyboard (TG50), without a $700 price tag (UX5), etc. but Sony hasn't heard us.

Frankly, the TJ35 doesn't offer me a lot more than I currently have with my T665 & the T|E has the potentially deal breaking "no universal connector." Further, going Palm would mean that I would not have ClieSource forums as support for my unit.

Bottom line, IMO: There is no question that the T|E gives more bang for the buck for newbies, but the race is dead even between the T|E & TJ35 for Sony diehards.

[yr3698]

if ur clie has everything u need, y do u need to upgrade, is it faulty? showing age? or is juz the ache to have the latest?

[pdagal]

I don' t think the TJ35 comes with Clie Paint :( It idoesn't come with the TJ25 (nor do most of the other usual Sony valued-added apps), and it isn't listed on the spec sheet for the TJ35. We have the 25, but not the 35.

Originally posted by joejoe


Pro-CLIE TJ 35 (which I haven't seen/held in person):

--Clies come with Clie Paint program (fun & colorful)

[javabird]

I still would like to know about the IR port. Haven't seen anything in the reviews. Is it an "Enhance Port" like on th T615 - T665? Or not? Will it be able to use Remote control software?

The specs say it's a IrDA 1.2 Infrared port-- but what does this mean?
Can anyone shed light on this?

[pdagal]

The IR is located dead center on the top edge of the unit (not wrapped around the edge like the NX80V, thankfully). It is not enhanced IR and doesn't come with the AV remote software.

[javabird]

So does that mean remote software will not work on it at all? Or just within a certain range?

[pdagal]

3rd party software could work if they have the drivers for the IR on the TJ. The range just wouldn't be as great as the enchanced IR Clies.

Originally posted by javabird
So does that mean remote software will not work on it at all? Or just within a certain range?

[id8]

i own a T|E and i did been charging everyday, conks out at 7 hrs and a half - playing mp3s :)

so the battery life is juz so-so, wonder if sony can better that

[acraniotes]

After playing with my girlfriend's recently purchaed TE, I will agree that the battery life could use some bulking up. Mind you, I had the backlight on max. the entire time, so perhaps putting it on min. might help things out a bit (it's entirely readable at its lowest setting). In general, the TE really is an exceptional device for the money. At the party I threw for her last night, one of her friends had his m515 with him. Side by side, the two devices were nearly identical in size, which makes the fact that the TE has an ARM processor, a bright hires screen, OS5.2, and an mp3 player even more impressive. Add to that the fact that the m515 was initially listed at twice the prices of the TE, and I think it's safe to say Palm has a winner on their hands.

With respect to the missing UC on the TE, the only thing I would use it for (and indeed, the only thing she's going to use it for) is a folding, full-size keyboard. Thanks to Palm's new IR keyboard, the lack of the UC is effectively a non-issue. I bought her one to go with the TE, and it works like a charm - no lag, excellent tactile feel, and sufficiently compact when folded.

Still, if Sony was releasing the metallic pink TJ35 in the states, I would have waited and bought her one of those, instead. She is a bit of a fashion slave... I hope they get the "dimness" sorted out before it comes here though. I may have bought my girlfriend a Palm, but I'm still a Sony man, through and through.

-Adam

[yr3698]

Originally posted by id8
i own a T|E and i did been charging everyday, conks out at 7 hrs and a half - playing mp3s :)

so the battery life is juz so-so, wonder if sony can better that

thats incredible, dont tell me thats on highest brightness

[joejoe]

acraniotes,

From what I've read, that sounds like pretty decent battery life.

So my question: Like the Clies, can't you turn off the screen to preserve battery when *only* listening to mp3s?

pdagal,

Sorry about the misinformation about the CliePaint. My bad. I made the assumption that any & all color devices had this Sony program. And you know what they say about assumptions...;)

Throw out question: When Sony says that the software that comes with SJ or TJ series needs at least a 400 MHz computer, with 128 MB RAM, is that an understatement or an overstatement? Have a PDA-less friend who's thinking of the low-end SJ or TJ Sony & is still running a PII 333 machine.

[pdagal]

A PII 333 should work just fine :)

Originally posted by joejoe
Throw out question: When Sony says that the software that comes with SJ or TJ series needs at least a 400 MHz computer, with 128 MB RAM, is that an understatement or an overstatement? Have a PDA-less friend who's thinking of the low-end SJ or TJ Sony & is still running a PII 333 machine. [/B]

[rcoffman]

Originally posted by acraniotes

With respect to the missing UC on the TE, the only thing I would use it for (and indeed, the only thing she's going to use it for) is a folding, full-size keyboard. Thanks to Palm's new IR keyboard, the lack of the UC is effectively a non-issue. I bought her one to go with the TE, and it works like a charm - no lag, excellent tactile feel, and sufficiently compact when folded.

-Adam

What about travel chargers/cables?

[pdagal]

On the TE? Universal connector travel cables and chargers won't work. Instead of a universal connector it has a mini USB port and a round charger port.

Fortunately, USB to mini USB cables are pretty commonly available.

Originally posted by rcoffman


What about travel chargers/cables?

[rcoffman]

Are travel charger/cables available somewhere for the TE? I don't see anything on PalmOne's web site. I guess you would have to carry around the charger cable that comes with it.

[pdagal]

The cable the TE comes with is a simple cable-- pretty much a travel cable. Any USB to mini-USB cable will work (I've used the mini USB cable from other PDAs like the Clie SJ30 and NEC MobilePro 900 with it.

I just that you do have to carry the charger brick with you though. Not sure they'll come up with anything smaller.

Originally posted by rcoffman
Are travel charger/cables available somewhere for the TE? I don't see anything on PalmOne's web site. I guess you would have to carry around the charger cable that comes with it.

[Athradon]

Well, I was in Best Buy today, and since they didn't have the TJ35 yet, I figured I'd buy a T|E to give it a try. So far, I do like the device, but I'll probably end up returning it.

There's a scratch on the front of the case, and I've only had it for a few hours. I have zero scratches on the front of my N760, and I've used it pretty hard for over a year. The case is definitely plastic, not metal, and same cheap plastic used in the Zire 71. And like others have said, it's a fingerprint magnet. Apparently, it's a scratch magnet also, which is why I don't see myself keeping it.

The screen is beautiful, and the form factor is fantastic. The 5-way nav is ok, but the "up" on it is significantly harder to press than the other directions. Ironically, the same held true for my old Palm V...I guess the form factor wasn't the only carryover.

The screen brightness is pretty much no different between 50% and 100%. I have it down on about 40% and it's very bright.

I only heard the Bejeweled music through headphones (I don't have an SD card for mp3's) and it was definitely loud, comparable to the Clie's.

Let me know if anyone's got questions while I still have the device...

[Unregistered]

can T|E brightness be lowered enough for comfortable use in darkness?

[pdagal]

I guess that's subjective, but you can make it pretty dim on the lowest setting on the slider.

Originally posted by Unregistered
can T|E brightness be lowered enough for comfortable use in darkness?

[acraniotes]

JoeJoe-

Unlike the Sonys, you can't turn off the screen backlight completely. I'm not sure why Palm chose to go this route, since, as we've seen, transreflective screen are acceptably viewable in direct sunlight without backlighting. As for shutting off the screen when using the mp3 player, I have no idea. I still have to get her an SD card so she can use that feature. That said, I kind of doubt you can - at least with the RealONE player that ships with it. Perhaps AeroPlayer offers this functionality.

-Adam

PS - The USB cable also trickle charges the TE, independent of the AC adapter. It takes about 9hrs to charge a fully depleted battery.

[Athradon]

So it appears the included flip cover scratches the plastic case of the T|E. I haven't had the unit a full 24 hours and there's already 3 noticeable scratches on the top front of the case. That is completely unacceptable...looks like the TJ35 is going to be my next PDA...

[Athradon]

Oh, and in the RealPlayer options, there's an auto-off setting for the screen, it can be set to the same time intervals as the auto-shutoff option in the prefs. Haven't been able to test it either (no SD card) but I'd imagine it works the way it should...

[pdagal]

Using RealPlayer on the TE, if you enable power savings in the player, the screen will completely turn off after the specified interval.

[Lucky Bob]

Originally posted by Athradon
The case is definitely plastic, not metal, and same cheap plastic used in the Zire 71.Actually, it's not plastic. It's an aluminum alloy (http://discussion.brighthand.com/palmhandhelds/showthread.php?threadid=43790).

[riversen]

Well, I guess we will see which PDA will win. I have yet to see the TJ35, so I cannot say. I have seen the T/E, which I am not sure about. Also, the capital investment in all of the extra hardware weighs against me jumping the Sony ship. We will see.

[iboar]

Originally posted by riversen


Look at the curve on the cradle for the T665 where the butt of a TG50 or T665 will fit. It is curved and the TJ's have sharp corners. I believe this is the issue. I think this is a very bad marketing ploy to try to get me to buy more accessories. I don't believe the keyboard will work because they probably don't "support" a discontinued product and won't update it like they will with the KB100. Bummer.

That's why I'm going back to a Palm. I'm tired of Sony releasing new units with new assessories that won't work on recently released models!:mad: For example, the GPS cradle that works for the NX73/80 but not the NX60/70. Apparently Sony's attitude is that once a unit is 3-4 months old, you're on your on with it. No loyalty to even return customers when it comes to forward compatibility. This is planned obsolescence!

I sold my NX60 and bought a T|T3.

[riversen]

I hate to agree, but I will. It is much like the MS Pro. I cannot believe that I cannot use an MS Pro on my current PDA... a patch or something should work. It is ridiculous that I have to buy a newer PDA or CyberShot camera for that matter to use the MS Pro. How crazy is that? I think I need to make the plunge and sell my CyberShot and T665 and buy something that is a bit more universial. Augh!

[schmitt]

Wrote LuckyBob regarding the TE's case material:

"Actually, it's not plastic."

Umm, actually . . .


http://schmittweb.tripod.com/images/te_plas1.jpg

. . . it IS plastic, covered in a very nice metallic paint which scratches and smudges easily when used with the included flip cover.

So here I am, joining the Clie crowd after a most unpleasant experience with an otherwise exceptional PDA, the Tungsten E.

As someone within this forum stated, I am also a stickler for build quality.

Michael

[riversen]

Originally posted by schmitt
Wrote LuckyBob regarding the TE's case material:

As someone within this forum stated, I am also a stickler for build quality.

Michael

I have to agree about build quality. I am very disappointed about the TJ25's speaker; however, I did get this response from Sony:

"Response (Steve) - 10/19/2003 12:46 AM
Thank you for contacting us with your query regarding the TJ series CLIE handhelds.

The speaker in the PEG-TJ35 is the the same as the PEG-TJ25.

Sony's Product Design and Devlopment team is working at designing new products and upgrading existing new ones based on the feedback that we receive from our customers. Please rest assured that your suggestion will be forwarded to the appropriate department."

I am hoping that they will improve the TJ35's speaker or make newer versions of the TG50 (one with a keyboard and one with VG).

[BMEngineer]

The packaging of the Tungsten E looks cheap to me

[riversen]

I agree... you know what is really frustrating for me. The Sony case and packaging of the TJ's is very, very nice. It really feel like high quality and I am very impressed with it. I just hate the fact that the speaker is horrible and the stylus is soooooo bad. If they fix this, then this will be the real and overwhelming winner!

[Lucky Bob]

Originally posted by schmitt
Wrote LuckyBob regarding the TE's case material:

"Actually, it's not plastic."

Umm, actually . . .

. . . it IS plastic, covered in a very nice metallic paint which scratches and smudges easily when used with the included flip cover.Umm, well . . .Originally posted by Sleeping Cat
Here's more info on the casing of the T|E. I e-mailed Palm Support for another question and also asked about the case. They responded "The Palm Tungsten E handheld case is made up of alloy which has more percentage of aluminum." They didn't say what the rest of it was.

I asked specifically about the T|E case itself, not an accessory one. The response was an alumimnum alloy.

The debate rages on....:)You know, at one time Palm thought the m130 had a screen with 65,000 colors. So who knows. :confused:Originally posted by schmitt
As someone within this forum stated, I am also a stickler for build quality.So am I. :)

[schmitt]

Lucky Bob,

I have read a thread quoting a Palm CSR as stating that the casing of the TE is an alloy. I'm sure if they were pressed, they would concede that the only alloy in the TE's body is in the paint applied to plastic. Perhaps they don't "paint" the plastic, but apply the metallic coating in some other way. At any rate, the metallic layer is thinner than tin foil. The plastic revealed in the photo comprises the bulk of the body's thickness.

Glad to know I'm not the only one who appreciates good fit and finish on a product. My experience with the TE has left me lamenting "what might have been". Inside, it's wonderful, although the battery does not last very long, and I do miss the option of having a cradle. The finish, however, is easily scuffed, marred, and otherwise defaced. My TE suffered 7 large permanent smudges and scratches simply because I used the supplied flip cover and carried the TE in my shirt pocket. None of my previous PDAs received as much as a scratch after months of service, the sole exception being my TT which received a very small dent upon being dropped on asphalt (now that's build quality!).

Some people genuinely do not care what their PDA looks like, so long as it serves its intended purpose. I've heard from several of these people in various threads. For those of us who are careful not to damage our personal items, however, it's maddening to find a device designed to protect an item has damaged the item instead.

Some people have pointed out that they would rather suffer scratches to the case finish than suffer a scratched screen. Well, I'd rather have a flip cover like the one that came with my M500, which scratched neither the M500's case nor screen. If the price goes up a bit for such quality, so be it.

Michael

[Nelson]

Does anyone knows if the memo barrier of 4K is broken or not?
Can Memo now not have any limits?

Thank you,
Nelson

[Lucky Bob]

The only Palm OS handhelds that don't have this limit are the Tungsten T3 and the Tungsten E.