The NX70 is GENUINELY useful ....

[khyasad]

note - as you read this (hopefully concise post), please keep in mind this phrase : 'It's a state of mind and purpose as well as a personal preference' ... You'll get the idea ...

---

I started writing a mini-review of the 4 cases I own now as well as the two I'll be receiving soon, but a close friend asked me a question and it's changed into something much more meaningful ...

He asked 'I know your a gadget guy, but honestly, is the NX70 GENUINELY useful' ?

Short answer : Definite YES

It has helped me in ways I could not fathom before and as a PDA, it has genuinely made my life a lot more easier (being able to order my thoughts and life and actions in ways I dreamed of being able to do). It really does assist in organising the data in a personal way ... a true 'p'ersonal 'd'ata 'a'ssistant ...

From the simplest functions of Agendus keeping my work and personal life in balance, to Slap/Voice Rec recording those many unique, on-the-spot, moments in life that prove immensely useful later. And from a business sense (I'm an IT consultant), I have even been able to beat my colleagues to the punch in supplying IT data using iSilo and Handstory at a moment's notice. Chance favours the prepared mind and soul ...

That's not all. In London, UK recently, it snowed (doesn't happen that often) and the camera came into it's own by taking funshots of people having snowfights, hell just taking a short video that it snowed !

It's multi-dimensional too ... As corny as it may sound, I do 'go and create' as the Sony philosophy says ... I *do* watch episodes of CSI when I'm bored senseless waiting on the train, or listening to MP3s when trying to focus when writing up a customer report.

But when I mean multi-dimensional, I really mean ACCESSORIES. "What does he mean by that?" ....

I was worried about battery life for my NX70, soooo, I have a cradle permanently fixed at my desk at work that gives it it's life juice every morning (and being the same connector type for the T and NR series, my colleagues can juice up too). When I'm on the customer site, I have my trusty USB cable to trickle-charge it when using my laptop, or on the move, more mobile, using the small battery pack supplied by HS Light. Eventually later this year, I will be purchasing the Mapopolis NAVIGATOR GPS solution for the NX70 in the car (complete with car cradle) so that it charges it up at the same time as giving me voice directions. So power is no longer a concern ...

But here is where my NX70 REALLY shines ... It's the cases I have bought for it ...

The Bellagio case is my everyday case. Do not underestimate the flexibility of taking a case of your belt and slipping it straight onto your cradle and then back with you again at a moment's notice. Bellagio, if you're reading this, FANTASTIC DESIGN. At the same time, when I'm attending all-day business meetings, the NX70 slips into the PDA-Air side-opening case sold by Brando. It has a such a nice soft leather feel to it and exudes class. Attending a posh evening dinner night and again my NX70 puts on the Covertec, tan-coloured flip case, complete with Chrome stylus drawing looks from my dinner guests. The quality look as well as feel of the case demands the NX70 to have a seat at the table like everyone else. Lastly, for complete waterproof protection, the neoprene case from Proporta does the job well. Looking forward, when going away on holiday, the GrinderGear Basecamp case will do the job since it will not only protect my NX70, but my DSC-FX77 digital camera ... And if I ever have to pack my NX70 into my briefcase or backpack, the ultimate in hard protection will go to the Aluminium-grade hardcase, again by Proporta. (Can't wait to get that case as I used to own a hardcase for my old N770 and saved it's life many times over when it was packed in my bag).

I'm also known to 'modify' my cases to gain even more benefit. One example is that I've taken the screen cover off the PDA-Air case and replaced the credit card holder on the Bellagio case. Not only does it have a clear compartment for storing credit cards, but it protects the screen in tablet mode very well (I'll post pictures if anyone is interested).


You all might think I might get a profit for advertising these cases, but NO. Not affiliated with any of them, just a consumer like most of you. However the difference is 'STATE OF MIND' like I said at the top ... I believe every situation has it's own personal preference and likewise, every accessory is suited for each situation ... My 'cases' example shows that every situation demands a different case and by the way, EVERY case I've mentioned has drawn a favourable glance. It's not so much the sexy model (read NX70) as it's the clothes that cover that sexy model that brings out the best in that model ...

Lastly, styli ... I use many different styli again for each situation ... The 3-1 metal stylus from Brando lives in the silo forever ... |he one that came with the NX70 lives forever in the cradle, and the chrome one lives forever in the Covertec tan-coloured case, adding class to a case exuding quality ...

But back to my original point ... The NX70 really does help me ... I can admininster servers via a serial cable, catch up on the news downloaded every morning and wirelessly surf the net to check what time the film is on at the local cinema ...

Everyone wants to buy the best model for their own purposes and the best accessories for it (providing you have the funds) but I look at life as a journey and try to enjoy every moment ... My NX70 'assists' me and so by tailoring it (with accessories) day-to-day, I get the best out of it ... I haven't even mentioned the other accessories I've bought for it, but that's another post ...

... I wanted to share this answer I gave my friend as sometimes it's a good idea to remind people what an NX70 means to them ... It might also give new perspective on what kind of case or stylus you wish to buy ... I hope you enjoyed reading it and maybe even benefit from it ...

Keep living life to the full .... and let your NX70 help you :)

Cheers .... :)

[wlman]

Amen.

[OcellNuri]

Great post. I really enjoyed reading it.

[stronggeek]

I agree. Well spoken or I guess written!

Every week or two, I find at least one new purpose or reason to own this machine.

Stronggeek

[Cheechwhiz]

ThanX....
I still just get a charge outta the "Wow!" when I flip the screen around.
Seriously though, is there really a reason for the aluminum case? Has anybody done serious damage to their NX when the clamshell is closed up just carrying it around in their pocket or briefcase?

[OcellNuri]

I could see an issue with torquing the hindge while it is closed. If you slid one half one way and the other half the opposite direction, you could do some serious damage. I can see this happening in a tight pants pocket. Also, while it does have the metal shell, you still need to have protection against impact while carrying it in a large bag with other objects. I dropped my NR once, and while there was no visual harm to the case the screen was completely gone. Impact is still a big problem even when you have a metal housing. In some cases it could be worse because you have no "crumble zone" or shock absorbtion as with a plastic housing.

[mashoutposse]

Looking forward, when going away on holiday, the GrinderGear Basecamp case will do the job since it will not only protect my NX70, but my DSC-FX77 digital camera

I hate you ;) How's the camera? Does it live up to the hype?

[khyasad]

mashoutposse, As long as you don't expect to use the optical or should I say 'smart' zoom, then yes ... Like the NX70, the swivel design of the camera illicts a similar 'wow' factor and is especially useful in taking self-portrait shots of you and your friends (you will never have to ask a passer-by to take a photo of you and your friends and worry they'll run off with it !) ...

But using it is an absolute dream amd red-eye reduction ... wow :)

Thanks to everyone above thanking me for a good post :)

[khyasad]

mashoutposse, thought you might like to know that I'm going to try this out :

http://www.css.ap.sony.com/clie/downloads/readme.asp?ProductGroup=CLIE+Handheld&DWModel=NX70V/G&DWSWPatches=Remote%20Camera%20and%20CLIE%20Viewer

I'll let you know this evening how it works ...

talk about best of both worlds eh ?

[mashoutposse]

The link isn't working for me, unfortunately :( -- I have a feeling that whatever it is, it is probably something that I want :)

[khyasad]

Erm, okay, point your browser to http://www.clieplanet.com and scroll down until you hit the link 'BIP download' ... It's about four sections down ...

I downloaded the file and read through the manual ... I think you might want to start saving ;)

Wish I had my camera with me ... Have to wait 'til after work now :( :)

[n2ifp]

That's strange that I can't copy the link either:(!

[mormegil]

Found a new use for mine the other day (I've only had it a few days). I do a martial arts class, and sometimes the drills, or techniques are a little confusing. I usually right them down when I get home, or after class, and review.

This little gadget has let me just video the techniques, and jot it down while watching, or save it an annotate it on my computer.

I work in a lab. One of the protocols I do, involves running a centrifuge at 36,000 rpm for 42 hours. At the end, I should have two bands in the tube. We usually remove one of the dedicated digital cameras on our light boxes or microscopes to take the picture. The problem is, they don't have any charged batteries, and it's a pain to reconnect them. This little baby just lets me take a quick and dirty snap shot, which is all I need for my lab notebook.

Just having a PDA is great, as I'm always shuffling around experiments. Before getting a PDA, I plotted all my experiments on a grid, and everytime an experiement goes awry (and I put the "re" in research), I would have to erase, find a new space, and write it in. Sometimes, I know I could shuffle things around to fit, but I just didn't want to bother, since it's a lot of erasing. With the PDA, I can just drag and drop in DateBK.

Plus, I use it as a lab timer (Timerz). And I use a really handy program called Gene, with all sorts of molecular biology databases on it.

Best money I never spent (gotta love that grant!)

[sonyslave]

I always wondered if I snored while sleeping. Using the audio rec now I know that I sound just like my Dad.

[Mr. Thompson]

My wife recorded my snoring with her NX. Ended three years of denial on my part. Of course I did the same. :D

One of the companies I consult for recently fired a key employee. As a result I have been called on to fill in on occasion. Videos from my NX were highly valuable to facilitate quick learning of operational procedures. This alone paid for my NX.

[BettyE]

Originally posted by Cheechwhiz
ThanX....
I still just get a charge outta the "Wow!" when I flip the screen around.
Seriously though, is there really a reason for the aluminum case? Has anybody done serious damage to their NX when the clamshell is closed up just carrying it around in their pocket or briefcase?

Regarding the "Wow!" -- I have a customer that has called me Gadget Girl for the last couple of years (ever since I got my Visor Prism) because I always show up at meetings with neat gadgets. Now, the NX70 is helping me to keep living up to the name.

[Michael Quach]

Being a doctor, I can tell you I've found the NX70 completely indispensible. If you even discount the medical texts that I have installed on the Clie, and medical calculation programs, I still find myself using the NX70 on a regular basis.

The voice recorder has got to be one of the best features ever. I no longer have to write or type to make a quick note. And when I get home, I can quickly transcribe the memos to the Outlook To Do list, and then it goes straight to my Clie.

I also use the voice recorder when going on hospital rounds. I have a large enough mem stick so that I can record entire rounding sessions. Whenever there was a point during rounds when I'm not too sure what was said, I just break out the Clie and forward to the appropriate spot.

The Camera/Video recorder has also been great. Whenever I have a patient with an interesting physical finding, I'm no longer limited to just describing it in words to another physician. I can take a quick picture of it, and the other doctors are usually pretty impressed. Also, I've used the video camera to take short clips of seizures for when I consult with neurologists. It illustrates the type of seizure better than I can describe it, and it greatly enhances the process of diagnosing disease.

These are just a few things that I've used the NX70 for.

[chilly66]

This thread should become a forum. I am sure that there are thousands of different tasks or uses for a clie and it would be great to be able to have all those uses in one forum.

[nextyoyoma]

I understand the usefullness of the voice recorder. I'm in an AP US history class right now, and today we split up into groups and made big tree maps and such about all these different topics. At the end of the class, everyone had to write down everything that was on the other maps, but I just read them all into my clie...took me ten minutes, took everyone else 20 to get a quarter of the work done. Also, I'm a musician, and I've often used the voice recorder to play back my playing; this is invaluable for finding mistakes in your playing that you just don't hear while you are playing. I love my clie, and everything about it. I don't even mind the battery life! I mean, for me, the battery has never gotten below 45 percent, and I'm a power user...I mean, my clie runs almost constantly while I'm at school. I only wish my school had a wireless lan...I'd buy the card and surf at school...oh well. But anyway...I love my clie ::hugs nx70::

[GenoG]

always love hearing new uses!

[Michael Quach]

Originally posted by nextyoyoma
Also, I'm a musician, and I've often used the voice recorder to play back my playing; this is invaluable for finding mistakes in your playing that you just don't hear while you are playing.

That's awesome. I think any performance artist can use the voice recorder/video camera to their benefit. I'm also an amateur kickboxer, so I use the video recorder to pick up flaws in my technique. I'd totally miss them if I didn't have instant video at my hands.

[khyasad]

I know what you mean about picking up your flaws ... just last week, a few friends of mine and I went ten-pin bowling and we got talking about improving our respective techniques. A moment of inspiration later, I took out the NX70 and recorded everyone as they bowled. I kid you not. everyone saw their main weak points and our individual scores dramatically impoved!

[khyasad]

incidently, i posted that reply using my NX70 via WLAN card! don't you just love the freedom & clexibility of this D

[khyasad]

sorry, I meant to end it by saying '...flexibility of this Device :)

[ShellyBelly]

I agree so whole-heartedly that I don't know where to start!!:)

I love my NX70 and use options on it (camera, MP3, etc...) that I never thought I would use!!

It's always depressing to look at the new models and the things they have that you want, but this is a GREAT all around, can do nearly everything you want, Clie!!!!


BTW, thanks Ocell for the heads up on the metal casing!:(:)

[kdn102]

Wow, you guys have such great uses!

The most 'unique' use I have gotten out of mine was with the video/picture camera. Of course I can't be specific about it, but it comes in handy when there are signs that say 'No cameras allowed' ;-) You just click on the screen now and again and no one realizes you're snapping pics!

[khyasad]

I'd be careful as some of these so-called "no-camera places" are getting to be techno-savvy ... It won't be long before they start checking PDAs for camera-attachments :)

On a separate note, thanks chilly66 for your kind words. When I started this thread, it was really a summary of a conversation with a close friend of mine. I received a PM today saying it was a nice post and thanks again for those that have enjoyed reading it and even more for those who have benefitted from it ...

I think it's true to say that the NX70 truly has become integrated into our lives and we're the better for it :)

[chilly66]

Let's start a thread and get it made into a forum. I'd do it but I'm more of a reader than a typer :D

[Michael Quach]

I've found yet another use for my NX70. I have a speech-to-text wordprocessor (Dragon NaturallySpeaking). I discovered that I can do dictations on my voice recorder, and plug it into the input via a standard wire from Radio Shack, and voila! Instant typing of my dictations!

I haven't tried this on the Microsoft Word speech-to-text engine yet, but I assume it will work. The quality of the voice recording is just so remarkable, it does a better job than my digital microphone headset :)

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by Michael Quach
I've found yet another use for my NX70. I have a speech-to-text wordprocessor (Dragon NaturallySpeaking). I discovered that I can do dictations on my voice recorder, and plug it into the input via a standard wire from Radio Shack, and voila! Instant typing of my dictations!

I haven't tried this on the Microsoft Word speech-to-text engine yet, but I assume it will work. The quality of the voice recording is just so remarkable, it does a better job than my digital microphone headset :)

Oooh... that is really cool! I'm going to have to try that out when I get home because it would allow me to write things out! Thanks for the idea!

[sstrasser86]

wow that would be great!!!

[Bobert]

I am a Health Care Administrator for a Correctional Facility. Whenever there is disagreement on issues with inmates and verbal altercations take place, I am accused of making racial slurs. I now record every event on video and store it on my hard drive, just for safekeeping. It has saved my *** more than once. Theyt don't even know they're being recorded. Awesome!

[Michael Quach]

Originally posted by Bobert
I am a Health Care Administrator for a Correctional Facility. Whenever there is disagreement on issues with inmates and verbal altercations take place, I am accused of making racial slurs. I now record every event on video and store it on my hard drive, just for safekeeping. It has saved my *** more than once. Theyt don't even know they're being recorded. Awesome!

Heh... the joys of having an instant video camera on you at all times can never be overstated. :)