Open Your Eyes.....

[DarkDynamo]

The TH55 is a good pda at best, but not what the seasoned pda enthuaist is looking for. This is just Sony's attempt to make us keep our eyes focused on something shiny and to collect $400 for a new toy!! This thing does NOT compare to the UX. No bluetooth, no video recorder, and no cradle or earphones, give me a break! We are to smart to fall for this!! I'll wait for an updated UX, or at least an OS6 pda.:o :o :o

[Griff]

I totally disagree with you.  The UX-50 is a nice device but quite limited with no portrait support and a smaller screen than the TH-55. 

I don't need a PDA to do video recording, I much prefer using my own earphones, and I'll be doing 90% of my syncs using wireless.  Yes, I wish I was getting OS6 but I think the TH-55 will be a good device to tie me over from my NR70v to whatever OS6 device I get later in the year.

[winexprt]

Originally posted by DarkDynamo
The TH55 is a good pda at best, but not what the seasoned pda enthuaist is looking for. This is just Sony's attempt to make us keep our eyes focused on something shiny and to collect $400 for a new toy!! This thing does NOT compare to the UX. No bluetooth, no video recorder, and no cradle or earphones, give me a break! We are to smart to fall for this!! I'll wait for an updated UX, or at least an OS6 pda.:o :o :o

I feel the exact same way. I mean come on!!! What is new or groundbreaking about this thing!??

*High-res+ screen...not a new thing. Sorry $ony!
*WiFi in a Clie.....see above!
*Flip cover on a Clie...see above again!

This thing is like some parts-bin special!! LOL Throw some stuff together, slap a $400 price tag on it.

I think this thing (TH55) was basically just a launching platform to display the pretty little new ClieOrganizer that will debut on the new Cobalt OS UX (or NX) that's coming in March.

Sony handheld division executives speaking here now..."We KNOW they're gonna buy it. Now, next month we'll REALLY sock it to 'em with some out of this world Clie that truly innovates, slap a $700 price tag on that one and these sheep (Clie fanatics) will just eat it up. Sadly, this is probably a not unlikely scenario.

[Griff]

What's new is a 320x480 screen in a non-clamshell format with wi-fi at a reasonable price.  If they do plan on putting out only $700 devices with OS6 then they can count on not getting me to switch.

[EdFrmBrighthand]

The UX50 and TH55 are different devices, ech with its own strengths and weaknesses,

The TH55 has a significantly larger screen than the US50 does, and almost triple the battery life. The UX50 has a keyboard and Bluetooth.

Both of these models are designed to appeal to different groups.

[cbulock]

Originally posted by DarkDynamo
The TH55 is a good pda at best, but not what the seasoned pda enthuaist is looking for. This is just Sony's attempt to make us keep our eyes focused on something shiny and to collect $400 for a new toy!! This thing does NOT compare to the UX. No bluetooth, no video recorder, and no cradle or earphones, give me a break! We are to smart to fall for this!! I'll wait for an updated UX, or at least an OS6 pda.:o :o :o
I can kind of see what you are saying. But the PDA is very nice for the price, you just don't get quite all the extras we have been used to. I'm sure Sony will release the ultimate PDA soon enough. OS6, Hi-res+ (with screen rotation since it's part of OS6), a cradle, full movie playback and record functions, and all the other goodies we like. I hope they also support the headphone remote feature since that is really nice when using the Clie as an MP3 player.

[Unregistered]

I have often had the feeling that Sony has a technology to bring out the ultimate device everyone want to get even though expensive. I'm a fan of Sony, but sometimes I was disappointed in Sony's devices which did not have full features. In a case like that, I have got new version as soon as available. Now, I have UX50 and I feel it is a good PDA for me but not best. I will live up to the principle, yes I must buy the TH55.

[ClieKun]

Totally agree with you DD..........But remeber this is not replacing the UX or even the lesser device. Its just mid range models. The higher device will be release some time later.

[jumpyg]

No bluetooth, no video recorder, and no cradle or earphones, give me a break! We are to smart to fall for this!! I'll wait for an updated UX, or at least an OS6 pda.

For some people, the TH is exactly what they need. Who cares if there is no cradle or headphones? What if Sony released the TH-55 w/both accessories, but charged $430? That is $30 extra for stuff I personally won't use. If you want those things, you can buy them, right? Sony is letting people buy those things if they want, but not making people who won't use them pay for them.

As far as Bluetooth, what good does it do if you don't have a BT phone? The vast majority of people in this country don't have BT phones, so again, it is something else to pay for but not use. For people who want BT, there are Clies out there for you, just not this one.

Wi-Fi is a good alternative for many people. Just because the TH doesn't have the exact specs you want doesn't mean Sony is fooling anybody. It is being very upfront about what this PDA has. It is up to you to decide if you want it or not. You act like Sony has offended you by even releasing the TH-55!

[ClieKun]

Well some want all the goods even if they don`t use them.

[riversen]

I cannot disagree more with the initial post. Think about it. Even at the newly discounted price the TH55 is $200 cheaper (the price I paid for my T665). Also, the TH55 is, as has already been said, a mid-range PDA that I can afford and gives me what I need as a business person. I think I can hide the camera and get away with it at work (at least I hope I can :) ). Also, as has already been said, the UX is not being replaced. In fact, the rumor I have heard is that this will be launching model for the new Palm OS Cobalt and OLED screens. Now that PDA will be very sweet, I am sure; however, it will probably cost around $700 to $900, which will be out of my range. This, by the way, happens to have been the case for most of Sony's PDA's since the T665 that were worth anything IMHO.

[joejoe]

Originally posted by jumpyg


For some people, the TH is exactly what they need. Who cares if there is no cradle or headphones? What if Sony released the TH-55 w/both accessories, but charged $430? That is $30 extra for stuff I personally won't use. If you want those things, you can buy them, right? Sony is letting people buy those things if they want, but not making people who won't use them pay for them.

As far as Bluetooth, what good does it do if you don't have a BT phone? The vast majority of people in this country don't have BT phones, so again, it is something else to pay for but not use. For people who want BT, there are Clies out there for you, just not this one.


I totally agree. Not everyone wants the same thing, not by a long shot. For me, the UX's screen was unbearably small & the print, painful to read. And if I have an extra $700 to spend, it'll be on a laptop, not a handheld -- that's **way** too much in my book.

Thank God, Sony recognizes that not everyone wants a cheap device or a cutting edge device or whatever. Sony gives us choices.

This forum is always interesting for it brings together people who have different needs & make different choices.;)

[Marre]

I would like to say that with the TH55, it seems that Sony is beginning to grasp what's important in a PDA. By specs it may not seem like much, but it is a far cry from the previous "beta" products.

Certainly, this device suits some and not others ... but to me, it sounds like a good step in the right direction even though I'm probably not going to buy it.

[xynos]

Lets compare the TH to the Axim x3i
- Axim has no bluetooth, TH none.
- Axim has 320x240, TH 320x480
- Axim has 64mb, TH 32mb
- Axim is retailing at roughly $300, TH same
- Axim has PPC, TH PalmOS
Overall, the only advantage Axim has is the 64mb RAM. We all know that Palm Apps take less room, so that advantage is negated.

So overall, the TH represents a better deal. So its not bad, for Sony to beat Dell (the nationally known price leader).

[tonyreynolds]

With all due respect to Ranger, I disagree with the tenor of his post.

As an industrial designer, the TH55 is a very elegant design that I would in no way be embarassed to whip out in a business meeting. It has all the features that I normally use. If I am not mistaken, it DOES have a voice record feature, which is very important to me.

For all the talk about the low res of the camera, it's exactly what's needed if all you need is to record a quick visual note: precisely what I use a PDA camera for.

I use my NZ in tablet mode most of the time. The TH55 is a great design that Clie afficianados have been screaming for for two years. I think it will sell very well.

The one downfall is the lack of Bluetooth. Very short-sighted on Sony's part. Sounds like they're following a set-in-concrete regional sales/marketing/features policy to me. If so, their policy needs to be reviewed or whoever sets policy needs to be fired.

Bluetooth: Provide it and we will use it.

Tony

[ClieKun]

Well to each their own. I guess..............Remeber it does not he is wrong. Its just his point of view. Not everyone wanted the TH 55 design but hey wheres the BT? oops did`nt think about that:D
With all due repect to you.............

[Orincarnia]

wow so many opinions, i had my own but i was convinced away half way through, then brough back again,

i want to wait for an OS 6 device, but i love the tablet view which we haven't seen yet, sony finally got their act together and gave that pda a reason not to have a keyboard. i have to believe that sony put the keyboards in the high res pdas because they knew some people didn't want to use grafitti at all, and it would be cooler to have the pda full screen app at all times, but also that you can type faster than grafitti hands down, but now with decuma thats changing, and with attaching voice memos and pictures, (a pictures worth a thousand words) so now theres no need for a keyboard, you have natural handwriting which is pretty fast and then you have the voice and picture when you really need to take a note down, i could really use this cause i'm always referencing a picture i took or a voice memo i recorded so i have to go back and forth, i think if OS 6 doesn't come out soon i'll go for this pda

[Pharoz]

I’m a college student and so I don’t have a lot of money to spend on a $700 dollar UX. Sure, it looks cool and has many features, but for me, it’s still way too expensive. Especially with the tiny screen, which is great, but way too small. With the new TH55, I finally have a palm OS-full screen-tablet form-wifi enabled-camera & voice capability PDA with OS5 and the new clie organizer!! All that for $400 ($319 at BB), why wait?! I’ll be stupid not to jump at this opportunity. OS6 is another year down the road, and my old 760C is about to go, so this is the PERFECT replacement for me.

Well, that’s my two-cents…

[xynos]

That's kinda true. I stuck with my T665 for a while before jumping to OS5 because I want a mature OS, not one with teething problems!

[winexprt]

I was just kinda venting with that anti-TH55 rant! LOL ;)

For the record: I don't hate the TH55. I just think with OS6 (COBALT) so close I have a case of COBALT-ON-THE-BRAIN! hehe

[FETT]

:D:D I'd say some people may be feeling repentment for buying the UX50 instead of wait...

Anyway, I'll go for the TH55 Euro version(with BT), since some of my co-workers are traveling to London in April. :D Excellent.

[xynos]

i have no qualms in buying my UX50. TH is not in the same category as the UX.

[FETT]

I didn't mean you xynos. But I have repented myself for expend 700 USD for an UX and then looking at the TH at 400 USD(or less) and in tablet form with improved Apps.

Just my opinion...

[Cyker]

I guess people are right in that this isn't a particularly groundbreaking PDA in terms of new tech, but for me this is a Good Thing.

I don't want some flashy show-off gadget.

I want something SOLID that just WORKS.

I passed over all the clam-shell designs: They were just too bulky and the fact that you had to do all this flip-twist-flip rubbish to use it I really hated.

By contrast, with the TH55 you don't even have to remove the cover to use it!

Also, me and others like me have basically been clamering for a NR/NV/NX-type Clie, in terms of features, in a nice T-series kind of form factor.

This is what the TH55 essentially is, and this is why the announcement of the TH55 had so many views :)

It does have a lot of things I don't like about it (I can't play Zap! Or IR Pong!!!), but it's pretty much close enough for me.

I haven't seen a single thing that OS6 touts which gives any interest to me. Hell, I still think OS4.1 was the best OS in terms of stability vs features, but then I still use Win98 :P

What this whole thing boils down to is a matter of taste I guess. But I still think the UX sucks :p :D

(I'd much rather have one of those Vaio A5-sized sub-notebooks ;)

[riversen]

Though I am not a fan of the UX nor am I waiting for Palm OS Cobalt, I think the fact that the Palm OS Cobalt will emulate Palm OS 4.1 is really neat and exciting. Some old dead apps might come back to life. Just kind of neat IMHO, though I am not waiting. I have already ordered my TH55.

[lateck]

DarkD..... I for one DO NOT want a video recorder, keyboard or blue tooth (wi-fi for that mater).
What I do want is an up grade to the SJ-33. Now to me the TH-55 will be a straight upgrade! More room, more power, more screen and it has a cover built in, not a flap.

Now I do know that there is not the perfect PDA out there yet. We all don't want the same stuff.

My dose peso's. :)
lateck

[FETT]

lateck: Lol, "mis dos pesos" you'd say.

riversen: Good for you man. Good thing BestBuy does not ship to Mexico, I would not be able to resist and preorder it instead of wait for the euroTH. (Actually I'm considering if I really need BT, I have a P800 and rarely use BT)

[LupeValenz]

Whatever the next UX model is, if it has clie organizer on it, I'll jump all over that, OS6 or not. I been living happy without multitaskin, I believe I'll live without it just fine, just give me my clie organizer!!:D

[Pharoz]

I agree with Xynos that the UX50 is in a whole different class than that of the TH55. Heck , they shouldn't even be compared since each was meant to be tailored to a different group. The UX50 is sony's top of the line PDA, with almost everything crammed into it. The TH55, though, is more meant for average users (like myself) IMHO. That's why it lacked certain features, thus enabling sony to lower the price on it.

Trust me, sooner or later, sonny will release a device similiar to the TH55 form factor with all the features you've been asking for: bluetooth, video capture, landscape mode, and OS6. Just give it time, and that's something I don't have enough of.

[ClieKun]

Originally posted by winexprt
I was just kinda venting with that anti-TH55 rant! LOL ;)

For the record: I don't hate the TH55. I just think with OS6 (COBALT) so close I have a case of COBALT-ON-THE-BRAIN! hehe
Alot of people don`t like the TH 55..why because sony forgot some important items like BT for one. Other is why didnot they release this with OS 6 later in the year!:rolleyes:

[BMEngineer]

Yah rite you will see some of them complaining about it but will buy it in the end.(Not surprising)

[ClieKun]

Thats the problem people still buy it ***** about here and say " sony sucks" ok to them i say do alittle digging for info about the device THEN BUY IT!

[FETT]

Yeah. "Sony sucks... LET'S BUY THAT NEW CLIE !!!" I've seen it before myself.

[ClieKun]

more tehn once here:D Thats for sure.

[Rodroy]

I've had an NX70V for 1.5 years. It's got a great feature set. But I've used the keyboard about once and never used the applications buttons. For me, the flip and twist thing has just gotten in the way. I've been waiting for a 320x480 tablet with a nice form factor and this fits the bill. The 32 meg of ram is icing on the cake. I run most apps from memory stick anyway.

I'm not particularly concerned about the plastic cover, since I'm sure someone will come out with a flip over leather one soon, and I'd prefer that anyway.

For what it offers, at the Best Buy price, this seems like a reasonable migration to me.

[Orincarnia]

how could you not use the flip and twist? thats how they identify that they're talking about my pda

[Rodroy]

Well, I didn't actually say I didn't use the flip and twist. It would be pretty hard to use the NX70 at all if you didn't. I said the flip and twist just got in the way. I nearly always use my NX in tablet mode. At the time the NX70 came out though, it had features I wanted that others didn't. I won't miss the flip and twist or the keyboard - particularly with Grafitti2 now included.

[madmaxmedia]

At $320 from Best Buy, this is a great price IMO- you're getting the big 320 x 480 screen, WiFi, pretty good RAM, GREAT battery life, and a camera. Plus the design is very sexy IMO.

The only thing keeping me away is the reason I went back to a TG50- the keyboard. I really use the keyboard a lot for jotting down notes and ideas during the day. The other negative seems to be the processor, it seems slow compared to 200 or 400 MHz XScale for larger apps like Docs To Go.

[SamuraiCatJB]

I have been using my NR as a tablet only for the past 6 months to see if I could get accustomed to it so I could open up my options on a new clie.... It was easy after about two weeks and my graffiti speed is up. :)

[Pharoz]

Originally posted by madmaxmedia
The other negative seems to be the processor, it seems slow compared to 200 or 400 MHz XScale for larger apps like Docs To Go.

I'm pretty sure that the processor sony developed would be up to the task of handling larger apps just fine. Don't forget, they build this processor specifically for small handheld devices, ie. PDA. Therefore, it's speed would adjust accordingly to whatever apps you run, be it small or large. Not only that, but it also conserve much more battery life then the Xscale procs. We can clearly see its performance in the UX models where it was given a thumbs up for its CPU performance.

For the review, go here:
http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=6162

[jumpyg]

I agree completely Pharoz.

Anyway, I'm migrating from a lowly 33Mhz processor, so I sure won't know if the TH-55 doesn't seem too fast!

The battery life is very important to me, so I can easily trade a little speed for longer battery life. I had a color cellphone that needed to be charged every single day, and it drove me nuts. Now I'm back to my trusty B/W Moto V60.

[Cyker]

Hehe, I just had a thought - PalmOS6 on a UX is gonna be a lot like having a really small Sony Vaio running POSE :D


I definitely agree with what you lot said about buying the thing without testing it. I will definitely have to try this thing before I even consider buying it for real - the jog-dial position alone is a bit suspect: It's either a mad disaster or incredible genius, but the line between the two looks to be very thin indeed :)

So I will have to try this Palm in my palm to see for sure :)

[xynos]

Interesting how many people are taking the plunge before they see the real thing themselves. I'd never buy a car through reviews only, without test driving it. Same with PDAs. That's me tho.

[SamuraiCatJB]

not sure if I could every make that comparison.... No, I wouldn't buy a car, but I do put together 1000.00+ computers based on parts mail order without trying them out.

These problems may be issues to those running NZ and NX's, etc. but for those of us on 2 year old or more equipment, this is still a big improvement. The memory stick issue is the first real issue I have seen, for my particular purchase. And the fact that my clie is first and foremost a PIM product, I think the TH is still worth it to me.

[joejoe]

Originally posted by xynos
Interesting how many people are taking the plunge before they see the real thing themselves. I'd never buy a car through reviews only, without test driving it. Same with PDAs. That's me tho.

I've never done it myself before but I figure that it's cheaper to buy at current BB prices online & return (if I don't like it after seeing it on display somewhere) than to purchase at FULL price (& a higher rate of tax on the full price) once it's in the stores. The restocking fee, if necessary, would still be less than I'd save if I love the unit.

YMMV.

[jumpyg]

The restocking fee, if necessary, would still be less than I'd save if I love the unit.

There will not be a restocking fee, according to the Best Buy person that emailed in response to a question I sent them. This is what she said:

BestBuy.com and Best Buy does charge a fee for merchandise returned without all of its original package contents, or for one of the following reasons:

1) If the returned merchandise is damaged, many manufacturers will not accept returns for full credit without the box, packing materials and original accessories.

2) If a non-defective notebook computer, radar detector or camcorder is returned or exchanged we charge a 15% restocking fee, unless the box was never opened.


No mention of PDAs in item number 2 above.

[izadwen]

Originally posted by SamuraiCatJB
not sure if I could every make that comparison.... No, I wouldn't buy a car, but I do put together 1000.00+ computers based on parts mail order without trying them out.

These problems may be issues to those running NZ and NX's, etc. but for those of us on 2 year old or more equipment, this is still a big improvement. The memory stick issue is the first real issue I have seen, for my particular purchase. And the fact that my clie is first and foremost a PIM product, I think the TH is still worth it to me.

Sorry but there is no memory stick issue - The statement that was quoted is the same statement for ALL past OS5 clie models including the UX, the NX and the NZ.

[SamuraiCatJB]

that is good to know. :) I haven't followed those models well. :)

[joejoe]

Originally posted by jumpyg


There will not be a restocking fee, according to the Best Buy person that emailed in response to a question I sent them. This is what she said:


No mention of PDAs in item number 2 above.

After going back to their site & reading the info about returns I see that you're right, jumpyg! So basically, given that I anticipate getting my unit *after* the stores have had demos that I can try to evaluate the unit, I have nothing to lose.

If I decide that the TH55 is not for me (highly unlikely), I have only to drive down to the nearest BB & return it, unopened.:)

[Orincarnia]

i could never keep something unopened.............i open it the moment i get my hands on it

[ClieKun]

greedy little.............heheheh :D I know the feeling

[depret]

Originally posted by joejoe


I've never done it myself before but I figure that it's cheaper to buy at current BB prices online & return (if I don't like it after seeing it on display somewhere) than to purchase at FULL price (& a higher rate of tax on the full price) once it's in the stores. The restocking fee, if necessary, would still be less than I'd save if I love the unit.

YMMV.

Great thread BTW. Ditto on comments from tonreynolds, Cyker, xynos, Pharoz.

If you want BT, then I am sure some Euro website would sell you one.

High-end TH-55 with everything will probably be the TH-57 ala the TJ-35->TH-37.

madmaxmedia: We will see on the processor but I will test my most important applications to make sure I am happy with performance. I would have to buy it anyway to do this. Beaming at the store from current PDA to TH-55 is an option for basic applications only.

If I saw the TH-55 at the store I would buy to try it. I would be nice to hold it and touch it before I open the box from Best Buy on-line but the risks are very low for me personally.

Plastic cover comment: You need the clear cover for taking pictures else you have to remove it. Right?

[depret]

Originally posted by xynos
Lets compare the TH to the Axim x3i
- Axim has no bluetooth, TH none.
- Axim has 320x240, TH 320x480
- Axim has 64mb, TH 32mb
- Axim is retailing at roughly $300, TH same
- Axim has PPC, TH PalmOS
Overall, the only advantage Axim has is the 64mb RAM. We all know that Palm Apps take less room, so that advantage is negated.

So overall, the TH represents a better deal. So its not bad, for Sony to beat Dell (the nationally known price leader).

Are you selling the UX50? Excellent comparison.

[Meisterz]

Funny reading this thread after all this time. :)

[tonyreynolds]

Funny reading this thread after all this time. :)

Yeah, I even found one of my old posts, but after retiring and selling my NZ90 and using my TH55 now for 9 months, I gotta say that for me at least, it's about the perfect PDA.

Tony
:rolleyes:

[JAmerican]

The perfect PDA will be the HTC Universal. It is the compination of the UX,TH and Treo (for network). It is amazing. Amazing screen, battery, stereo speakers, BT, WiFi (that doesn't interrupt your network due to WM5.0). Just an amazing device. I've always wanted to see a CLIE UX-TH device. Reorganize the letters... HTC U. Well kinda forms HTC Universal. Wat a coincidence...kinda.

JAmerican

[strider_mt2k]

That HTC piece IS pretty darn cool, JA.

[tonyreynolds]

That HTC piece IS pretty darn cool, JA.

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000713057093/

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000777057087/

Yup, pretty cool. However, it will be at least twice as expensive as the TH when it was released:

"29. Posted Sep 3, 2005, 5:49 AM ET by Adam

The lack of edge shoudlnt be a big deal, since this is the Euopean version and has 3G support (WCDMA 2100mhz). I'm pretty sure that in the US, WCDMA operates on 1800mhz so even in an area where Cingular does have UMTS, the Universal couldn't use it. Hopefully, an American version will be released with edge or WCDMA 1800mhz or maybe even both.

Anyone looking to purchase a Universal (without 3G in America, with 3G in Europe) can buy an unlocked one on Expansys. Of course, its going for $1,100, so you need to really really want it to lay down the cash."

Tony