Sj33 vs. TJ35 vs T2

[Tobor]

I'm about to buy my first PDA and am torn between the SJ33, TJ35 and the T2. I'll be primarily just a PIM user. I might migrate to MP3 eventually - but I'll most likely not use the SJ33's video player (but who knows, I might surprise myself).

Speed is not of the essence as I'll probably use it less than 30-minutes per day. OS4 vs. OS5 - to me, one is as good as the other (since I have no "real" experience on these things yet). And, I'm not very concerned about the size/weight differences between these units. Finally, the cost difference among these three units is not an issue either.

The SJ33's major attraction for me is the location of the Jog Dial on that unit and the existence of a BACK BUTTON. To me, the "BB" is a just a huge feature (but since none of you write about it, perhaps it is not a big feature during actual day-to-day use). Plus, I recall the screen being a little brighter on the SJ than the TJ's screen - although the TJ's will work just fine for me.

The TJ's draw (for me) is Decuma and the ideal size/superior hand-fit/metal case. It has a really nice, comfortable feel in the hand. It looks like a finely polished gen in ones hand (vs. the T/E feeling & looking like “junk.”). Again, since I yet "don't know any better," the stylus size is not a 'deal breaker' for me. I seem to get along fine with the provided stylus.

I'm not too crazy about the JD location on the TJ, but I can live with it just fine. However, I cannot imagine why Sony would abandon the Back Button feature? I'd get Docs to Go Professional, etc. for this unit.

The T2 - this is a very nice, substantial feeling unit. But, I just can't get past the slide function. I just know it will drive me nuts over time. It would be "passable" if they'd just put a "back button" on it somewhere. If I used the Bluetooth feature, it would be for GPS navigation (antenna communications) and not the traditional uses.

Finally, unlike some of you have written, I'll probably keep any unit I buy for a number of years before upgrading/changing.

So, with all of the above in mind, is the SJ33 still a valid choice in today's environment? Or, do you think support for these OS4 devices will be increasingly short lived?

I will greatly appreciate any additional comments you guys might have regarding these choices. While I'm strongly leaning toward the TJ35, I just can't say "no" yet to the SJ33 - unless I learn something more from this discussion.

Thanks for your assistance

[SlvrFalcon007]

i say that you go for the TJ 35, it is worth the price at 167, while the T2 is expenseive. If you are gonna shell out a lotta dough, go for the T2.

[methnen]

I personally prefer the jog dial on the TJ compared to the SJ which I also own. That said. If speed is not an issue for you. And you will be an infrequent user. I would suggest going with the SJ. Its a great machine. It doesn't need a case. And it gets absolutely incredible battery life. And since it is older you will probably find it for cheap.

Jamie

[Tobor]

Thanks for th input so far. Is the "backlight" issue a true issue to be concerned about here? Did the SJ33 fare any better in this regard? Tobor

[Jeffry]

May I ask you why you hate Decuma? I find Decuma easier and faster than Graffiti and Graffiti 2.

BTW, the TJ35 feels like it has a short battery life. The SJ33 has longer battery life than the TJ35. However, the speed of the TJ35 is faster than the TT2 and the SJ33.

[PaulNB]

Originally posted by Tobor


The SJ33's major attraction for me is the location of the Jog Dial on that unit and the existence of a BACK BUTTON. To me, the "BB" is a just a huge feature (but since none of you write about it, perhaps it is not a big feature during actual day-to-day use). Plus, I recall the screen being a little brighter on the SJ than the TJ's screen - although the TJ's will work just fine for me.

Thanks for your assistance

The missing back button put me off a TJ purchase. I have an SJ33 but the TJ series looked attractive. In some places the left arrow substitutes for back but not all places. For example I can call up the launcher with my back button but you can't do that on the TJ. Also I don't know if you can pop up menus without the back button which is a feature I sometimes use & would miss. I was also disappointed to hear that the TJ25 screen was dimmer than the SJ33 & it also has a shorter battery life. I guess the recommended alternative is the Tungsten E but I'm sticking with my SJ33.

[Tobor]

I guess I was not clear about Decuma - I love it, too. I'm a clutz and just don't see myself being that swift with Graffiti. So, it's Decuma vs. the Virtual keyboard for me - and I like the Decuma solution much better. That, then, is a great PLUS for the TJ35.

But, I'm hearing great things here about the SJ33 and just feel like the system offers more value (if you get past the speed and the OS differences - which, again, don't yet mean anything to me since - without ever owning one of these systems before - I have not established any usage patterns and true needs).

Agian, I greatly appreciate everyone's input so far. >> Tobor

[PhilD]

Tobor,

Like you I purchased my PDA after my Visor died. I plan on using it until it too dies, which better be many years from now. Again, like you, I use it mostly for PIM. I decided to go with the TJ35 for the following reasons:


Speed - it isn't an issue now, but in a year, 2 or even 3, 3 times the processing power may help the model be usable longer. Memory - again, not much of an issue with the MS slot, but it supports MS Pro and will be usable longer
PalmOS 5 - 4 vs. 5 to me was a non issue, again except for the longevity of the product.
Battery Life - I like the life of the SJ33 better, but it was a non-issue as I can charge when in the cradle and/ or overnight. It has never been an issue.
Multimedia - the TJ can do anything the SJ can. Although I use it for PIM mostly, I have found it very nice to have a traveling tool for family pictures from my Digital camera. Usually other (extended family) don't get to see a lot of the random pictures I take but now I can keep them with me. Much like the old days when you pulled out your wallet and had a cascading plastic holder with 20+ pictures of the wife and kids! I really like this feature now
Another Multimedia - I have found that it is also nice to keep some ogg vorbis files lying around on my stick for some easy listening. I wouldn't consider it a fully time digital audio player, but when on trips, working in a lab at work or what not, it is rather nice to have. Granted, the SJ can do this as well, but the TJ is a more usable for otherthings while play audio.
Picsel Viewer - This I really like. It is nice to have a way to view almost anything. Where DocsToGo is nice to edit files, having a html/pdf/doc/ppt/text/??? viewer is very nice. I have found myself using it more than I ever though I would simply to keep reference documents close at hand in the lab or away from my desk! Very handy
Did I mention processing power.... I have realized that much of what I do secondary to PIM would not be as convenient or handy without the faster processor

I think this is about it. For just PIM all three will be about equal. Although the "BB" was nice on the SJ33 (I had one for 2 weeks before the TJ came out) there many other features that, to me, makes the TJ a better choice if one is looking for a long term solution and not just a bridge until the next new item comes out.

I tell you the truth, only in computers can a device be discontinued before it is ever sold to the public. It is just nuts.

Hope my random thoughts have help some!

PhilD

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Just handing around taking up space...
Waiting for my ride Home....

[Tobor]

Thanks, Phil. This reply was extremely helpful - and kinda in line with my own thoughts at this point.

I was at first "turned-off" by the mediocre reviews the TJ35 received. The T/E reviews just clobbered the TJ. But, in "trying them all out" at various stores, I ended up liking the TJ the best (bear in mind, the SJ33 was no longer available for evaluation). The T/E and I just did not connect - and the stylus groove, with the stylus removed - actually cut the little finger on my left hand (too sharp in my mind). So, that nixed the T/E for me.

You all have helped me decide on the TJ and I greatly appreciate it. Now it is time to order (are the online stores pretty reliable?).

Can any of you recommend a good pair of earbuds? Tobor.

[PhilD]

Glad I could help...

As for you next questions, the online stores should be reliable. I would tend to stick with larger names like amazon.com, buy.com, compusa.com (I think they had a deal on them - there is a thread here somewhere about it) and the like. Some of the small smaller sites I question sometimes. Then again, you may be the type the likes a building to take it back to if the need ever arises. I got mine from Amazon.com personally.

There is also a thread on the site about earbuds. I have a really cheap pair right now that I hope to replace soon, but I haven't looked into them too much. Try searching the forum. I know there is information on here about them.

PhilD