Buy NX80v or Not

[CHEETAH]

I have been looking around for awhile now. I like the screen, camera, and functions of the NX. Not mandatory that I get one today, but need one within the next few months. Should Sony getting out of the PDA market be a concern or not? You know, support, parts, outdated, etc? Should I wait till the next batch of new equipment comes by? Maybe something comparable to the NX from someone else out there? I really want something with a decent camera and a nice size screen, thats what led me to the NX. Started looking at the Zire 72 but heard the camera isnt too good. Any other PDA's out now that I should consider? Any fair points of view appreciated. Thanks, CHEETAH.

[Rosencrantz]

Sony will prolly support their clie line for repairs for a while to come. If you're the type that hangs onto a tech bauble for a long time, you might stick with Palm since they're prolly going to be in the biz longest. If you're like most of us (and you're here so you ARE) then if you hang onto a NX80 for 1-2 years that's about all the life you'll need from it. I am seriously considering getting a second NX80 is the prices drop close to $200 unless I see something better from palm. Their top of the line Paln unit is less than exciting for me.

[jfer_rs]

If you dont care about integrated wireless, and your thing is the camera and the screen, get the NX80.

If you want wireless, bluetooth or other feature, better buy anoter palm, a TH55 or somethig you like more.

[PBM808]

NX80 + 2.0mp cam + Bluetooth + 5lbs - 5mb memory = NZ90

[inomad]

now that retired Clies wil become more rare, Id snatch up a NX80 fast! like i did

[anitanium]

nx80 is one hell of a clie
provides everything that you need, and then some
nearly 32MB of ram space (using jackflash) than the 16mb
more capable camera (digital zoom is actually useful)
backlit keyboard
wifi
CF and memory stick slots

possibly the best and only dual purpose device sony will make (besides some digicam's)

[Ezra4no1]

I Just purchased an NX80 and I am planning on having that last at least a year, but hoping for it to make it to 2 years, which is about how long I hang on to PDAs. Usually between 1 and 2 years technology has improved enough that I'm ready for something new... but seeing how Palm may still be the only real big OEM 2 years may not be long enough for them to change anything.

The NX80 I feel is the most versitile Clie out there with the ability to make many of the changes through different hacks, the good quality camera which is always a huge plus, especially when trying to capture that moment with your women :) and the ability to add onto WiFi.. and even Bluetooth. Though the pieces are pricey it can still be done.

[Sunscreen]

I own an NX and are about the get a 'spare' one to extend its lifetime. I don't see anything that matches it on the horizon (except maybe the UX but I like the 1.3Mpix camera). Then there's the CF slot, very usable, I run a 2Gig microdrive. The keyboard is nice to use as well. Only nuisance I find is lack of wireless, having to change CF cards all the time. I'll only upgrade if there's a similar device than the NX with integrated GSM. Tungsten? You have to be kidding.

[PBM808]

tungsten's already got the bluetooth = P
pair it with a bluetooth phone and the internet-anywhere is cooler than being confined to hotspots.

[Otakud]

I say, if it has what you want, buy it. But if I were you, I might wait around for a month or two for the Sony news to affect the market. You'll likely see a lot of clearance Clies on sale around the net.

You know, the NX80 has been out for a while now, but it doesn't feel outdated at all. It's still the only PDA to have a 1.3 MP camera, 320x480 pixel screen, and a CF slot. In my book, you just can't beat that combination...well, maybe the future Japanese Clies will, but that doesn't count.

[starbuckk]

Its hard to say where the price on the NX80 is going to go. If it follows normal trend it should drop some more. But tiime is not normal. The NX80 to many is still superior hardware wise to most of what's on the market now. And no more being built. I chose it over anything that's coming out new these days and don't think I will regret this.

The only bad thing is the OS will likely not be upgraded. As far as I know, it has the technical ability to be upgraded but Sony won't do it. Correct me someone if I'm wrong, but with OS 5.2.1 wouldn't the NX80 support the same landscape mode as the T3? I can get along without that for the camera and the Compact Flash slot (three cameras in house that use CF cards!) but it would be a "nice to have".

Bottom line is, I just bought one this week. So I guess thats my answer :D .

[Ezra4no1]

You know... That brings the thought..
If Sony every wanted to release future PDA's or other sorts of products in the future to the US market, one of the best things they can do is hope for the people that as already boughtproducts such as PDAs to buy them again (like their new portable gaming devices and so forth). And the best way for Sony to hope for repeat business is to prove to them that they will be around..And the only I can think of that is to SUPPORT THE HELL OUT OF THEIR CURRENT PRODUCTS! In other words... I would love to see Sony extend support and OS upgrades to Palm OS 5.2.1 or even 6 when it is release... But seeing what Sony has done inthe past.. Doubt that would be the case :(

[lchiu7]

I just bought a NX80V also to replace my NX60. I don't have any need for WiFi but BT would be nice. Trouble is the BT MS sticks are so rare when they come up on e-bay they usually go for over $120 which is bit rich for me. My main requirement for BT would be to be able to pickup mail from my Clie using my Sony Ericcson T610 phone but I can still do that using IR which works but isn't of course so convenient. But mail is an offline activity - grab the mail and then read it so IR is okay. So find a flat spot, put the Clie in line with the phone and grab the mail an then disconnect.

Surfing using IR would be a pain since you would have to find a spot to sit down and place the Clie facing the phone to surf.

I guess WiFi would help but I can always get cellular reception (GPRS) but there aren't always WiFi hot spots handy

Larry

[starbuckk]

Have you checked with TheSupplyNet for a cable? I could get a cable to connect to my Audiovox 9500 for $69 but I just can't seem to justify it. I can get email directly on the phone in a pinch.

[lchiu7]

No I hadn't but just looked - they do have a cable for $39.95 which is considerably cheaper than a BT MS stick albeit not as convenient. Thanks for the link. Might consider that option

[francis]

Lazy question I have anx/80 and verizon if I get a cable or bluetooth can i acess the internet through my normal phone connection? I tried to read and find out but am bewildered by the new website and i also called verizon and of course they want to sell me more stuff i was wondering if you could share your experiences /knowledge on the subject and what kind of phone I should get as i need a new one. thanks Francis

[NX08-SN]

http://www.gomadic.com/products.html

You will ne the "get it now" option for $4.99 and it should work as long as you get the right cable.

[starbuckk]

If you are getting another phone, just need to make sure it is capable of "National Access", formerly called Express Network. I believe most all of the phones are now. And of course make sure you can get a cable for that phone to connect to the clie. Verizon sells them for laptop connections but not pda's. You'll have to check with TheSupplynet, as mentioned earlier in the thread.

Verizon's National Access and Quick2net are included with most of the nationwide voice plans on a minutes per use basis. I use mine quite a bit on my laptop while travelling by train. Haven't sprung for a pda cable yet though.

[francis]

Thanks guys! I think it is ironic that I am considering purchasing a second nx because sony is no longer developing thier PDA line. AI really like the NX and I have considered my options and don't want to buy all new accesories? I know I might regret it in two years, assuming that they still run (THE NX'S) that is, then i will or might have 2 outdated machines at the risk of saving money on memory/keyboards etc. you think sony would be making money on these facts?? Guess not.

[saiiiii]

yes yes for the love of god yes!!!