New Vz - Import worth?

[The Mad Dog]

The question of the day...

Who will import the Clie? The costs are high, the OS5.2 and speed... dont wanna talk about it. And it might be possible we cant get this Multimedia Launcher in English..

too bad. Sorry Sony

[jmg_NX21]

I'd pass... no BT, NOT slim, and if english is not available... for that PRICE? A CF slot? That was a shock to see...

AS usual, unique design but the usual Sony quirks of holding back on features... does not even have Cobalt =( - the latter may not be their fault though...

[phxchristian]

< Reporting data > Press release table of contents

2004 September 14th


New commodity


With loading the "organic EL display",
Animated picture and the still picture can be enjoyed in high picture quality, "クリエ" sale


"クリエ" ' PEG-VZ90 '
The substance opening (the left), closing the substance, the USB cradle installing (the right)




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The SONY marketing corporation can enjoy animated picture and the still picture in high picture quality due to loading the "organic EL display",
"クリエ" ' PEG-VZ90 ' it sells.
As for this corporation the knitting machine, in addition to digital log function, higher picture quality as クリエ which can enjoy image anywhere,
It starts proposing.

Type name Sale day Desired retail price
Personal entertainment organizer
"CLIE (クリエ)" ' PEG-VZ90 '
2004/9/25 Open price

It is the new display device where "organic EL display" actualizes the high picture quality which exceeds former liquid crystal display largely. Because of luminescence type back light without necessity, high brightness, wide field of vision angle, high contrast and the color reproducibility etc. which is superior
It has merit.
' PEG-VZ90 ', picture quality as Mobile equipment with loading the "organic EL display" one newly, you can enjoy animated picture and the still picture in clearer high picture quality.
In addition the knitting machine the file in the animated picture music still picture simply summary has loaded the software "media launcher" which it can indicate & can play back. Be able to access the various AV contents unrestrictedly on the picture of クリエ, it is possible to operate intuitively know.

* As for details of commodity "クリエ" home page:Http:Please view //www.sony.co.jp/CLIE/

- ' PEG-VZ90 ' main merit

Hardware



1, in animated picture and still picture playback, beauty of prejudice. Loading "organic EL display"
The element where the substance itself radiates vis-a-vis the liquid crystal display which is indicated with the transmitted light from back light, was used, "organic EL display" is superior in color reproducibility and contrast.
Furthermore wide field of vision angle of 180 degrees, also acceleration of speed of response actualizes, higher picture quality you can enjoy image in comparison with until recently.




2, horizon design in order to enjoy image
Operativity at the time and the like of animated picture playback is considered, the horizontal design which can receive the function part to the substance with sliding system is adopted.
Wide in the picture, you can enjoy animated picture and the photograph freely.
In addition, the operativity where the AV contents are superior is actualized equips "ディスクジョグ" on the center of the function part.

3, the bulk battery loading mass memory
Image and music can be enjoyed sufficiently, loading the bulk battery. If with animated picture playback continual approximately 4hours *1, music approximately 42 hours*2 continual playbacks is possible. In addition, the built-in media of 95MB can be utilized with loading mass memory, in addition to the user active territory 40MB of the substance.
* 1: With darkening mode off when playing back. * 2: HOLD switch with on when playing back.


4, the CF card slot which expands the application scene* 1equipment
To in addition "the memory stick" slot, the CF card slot was equipped.
Be able to retain the AV contents in the CF memory card, in addition the PHS communication card of compact flash type* it correspondsto also 2.
* 1: At portion of the CF memory card, there are some which cannot do the animated picture playback of 30fps.
You cannot use the CF memory card of the capacity which exceeds 2GB.
We do not correspond to HDD of CF type.
* 2: Only セイコーインスツル make AH-S405C correspondence.


5, loading SONY make CPU "HandheldEngine TM "
Economical electric power high AV efficiency it has been compatible by loading the application CPU "Handheld Engine" which was developed because of クリエ. "DVFM (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Management)" long haul approximately 18 days * use is possible with normality use withthe variable voltage controlfunction due to technology.

*: When log function in the schedule and the like 1 day 30 minute you use in darkening mode on state. There are times when it differs depending upon usage condition and setting etc.. In addition, when while it discharges completely it leaves the user use territory is eliminated.



6, loading the wireless LAN function which is useful with Mobile use
Depending upon the wireless LAN functional built-in of IEEE802.11b conformity, the office and the home which have the wireless LAN environment of the 2.4GHz band, the station and the coffee*and so on connecting to access point, easily it can do Web browsing and the sending and receiving of the mail "クリエ" as a single unit. It is useful with Mobile use, scan function and automatic optional feature of access point are had.

*: Depending upon the offer form of service, there are times when you cannot utilize.



7, attachment private carrying case
The private carrying case it has belonged to the knitting machine. Of course, "the クリエ" substance it protects display from the scar and the soiling. Adjusting to the substance, adopting the color, black. You use and elaborate the device even selfishly e.g., while the case is installed you can set to the cradle.


Software



1, loading "the media launcher" of new development
As menu item of picture top (the tub) it just selects, to be easy to see classification it looks through indicates the file of each contents of animated picture and music and the still picture it can operate intuitively know.

* Media launcher "Movie"
The list choosing the file of the animated picture which is shown, smoothly with ディスクジョグ of the substance function part, it can play back. The sum nail (one scene of animated picture) you attach, also compilation of each title is possible.


1) The "memory stick" (selling separately) and the like the animated picture playback which is recorded is possible.
The highest 30fps (at the time of 768Kbps mode) it corresponds, speed of response is fast adjusting to the quality of "organic EL display", it plays back also the picture where the movement is fast smoothly. Furthermore, the CF memory card (selling separately), or it is reproducible even from the built-in media of the substance.


2) With attachment software "Image Converter 2 for CLIE MP4" CLIE MP4 type (MP4 conformity) it can convert "VAIO" and the television program etc. which was videotaped with the other personal computers, can play back with the knitting machine. QuickTime type* 1, the MPEG movie* it correspondsto also 2.
* 1: Only animated picture file for Mobile movie equipment reproducible.
* 2: MPEG movie VX and the like it cannot play back, as for type of part there are times when.


* Media launcher "Music"
The "memory stick" (selling separately) and the CF memory card (selling separately), music playback from the built-in media is possible. Besides the fact that playback is possible with the stereo speaker of the substance, with the closed mold inner year system stereo headphone and audio remote control of attachment, you can enjoy music comfortably even in on the move.
In addition, while inquiring about music, also other software such as schedule is enabled,*.

*: Part, there is a software which does not correspond.

* Media launcher "Photo"
It carries about the favorite photograph and the like in easily, can indicate in high picture quality of "organic EL display".
You saw to be, choosing the photograph, also all the picture indications are possible.
Because the "memory stick" (selling separately) and the CF memory card (selling separately) you can use, it is possible the picture which was photographed with the digital still camera to indicate in easily.


2, "new log function (the クリエ organizer)" it loads
Using feeling of handwritten feeling was actualized "new log function (the クリエ organizer)" loads in the digital log. Schedule address To function of Do handwritten memo & memo pad convenient information is included.

3, advanced browser "NetFront v3.1 for CLIE" loading which enjoys Internet in the large picture
Loading the WEB browser "NetFront v3.1 for CLIE which" actualizes high-level function. Of course, optimizing also the home page of complicated layout such as frame and table in picture size of クリエ, it reproduces the fact that the picture is indicated.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Main specification of substance section

Type name PEG-VZ90
OS Japanese edition Palm OS (R) 5 (Ver.5.2.1)
CPU SONY Handheld Engine 123MHz
Memory (DRAM) 64MB (user active territory 40MB)
Built-in media User active territory 95MB
Interface USB, compact flash (TM) card slot, wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b), infrared ray port, "memory stick" slot, port for AV remote control, headphone & stereo mini- jack
Display Color organic EL display
Indicatory resolution/display color 480×320 dot /65,536 color
External size Approximately width 109× height 87× depth 23mm
When (the carrying case is removed)
Mass Approximately 270g
Battery Built-in type lithium ion polymer charge pond
Available time*1 Approximately 18 days
In addition Stereo speaker, ディスクジョグ and LED: POWER LED, "memory stick" access LED and wireless LAN LED
Record medium*2 "Memory stick PRO", "magic gate memory stick" and "memory stick", "memory stick PRO duo", "magic gate memory stick duo" and "memory stick duo", CF memory card

* 1: When log function in the schedule and the like in darkening mode on state, 1 day 30 minutes you use. There are times when it differs depending upon usage condition and setting etc..
* 2: With "クリエ", "memory stick PRO", it does not correspond to the magic gate function of the "memory stick PRO duo".

PEG-VZ90 has considered in environment e.g., the unleaded solder is used for soldering the principal part.

- Visual functional main specification

Picture size (when playing back)*1 Animated picture: 426×320 dot, 320×240 dot and 160×112 dot
Still picture: 480×320 dot, 240×320 dot and 160×120 dot
File picture size (when playing back) In case of animated picture CLIE MP4 type: 768Kbps: 320×240 dot /30fps,
384Kbps: 320×240 dot /15fps,
192Kbps: 320×240 dot /15fps,
96Kbps: 160×112 dot /15fps
Largest animated picture video recording time*2 128MB Approximately 15 minutes (768Kbps) Approximately 30 minutes
(384Kbps) Approximately 60 minutes (192Kbps) Approximately 130 minutes
(96Kbps)
256MB Approximately 30 minutes (768Kbps) Approximately 55 minutes
(384Kbps) Approximately 105 minutes (192Kbps) Approximately 230 minutes
(96Kbps)
512MB Approximately 70 minutes (768Kbps) Approximately 120 minutes
(384Kbps) Approximately 220 minutes (192Kbps) Approximately 490 minutes
(96Kbps)
1GB Approximately 140 minutes (768Kbps) Approximately 250 minutes
(384Kbps) Approximately 460 minutes (192Kbps) Approximately 1000 minutes
(96Kbps)
Playback format Animated picture: CLIE MP4 type (MP4 conformity)*3and QuickTime type*4,
MPEG movie (MPEG-1)*5
Still picture: JPEG (DCF) type
Electric battery duration
(At the time of animated picture continual playback) Approximately when 12 hours (it played back with darkening mode on)
Approximately when 4 hours (it played back with darkening mode off)

* 1: In regard to time knitting machine display of the playback with "of Media Launcher". With the MPEG movie there are times when size differs.
* 2: In case of CLIE MP4 type. There is no video recording function in the knitting machine. In addition, record time per 1 file is longest 2 hours in CLIE MP4 type and QuickTime type.
* 3: Only the animated picture file of the MP4 conformity which with "Image Converter 2 for CLIE MP4" of attachment is converted reproducible.
* 4: Only the animated picture file for the Mobile movie equipment is reproducible.
* 5: MPEG movie VX and the like it cannot play back, as for type of part there are times when.
* Electric battery duration differs use temperature, depending upon busy condition.

- Audio functional main specification

Regenerative signal compressed system/
Playback sampling frequency ATRAC3 system: 44.1KHz, maximum 132Kbps
MP3 system (MPEG-1 AudioLayer 3): 44.1Khz and 32Kbps - 320Kbps
Playback frequency characteristic 20Hz - 20,000Hz
Maximum sound recording time* Approximately 16 hours (bit rate 132kbps), approximately 21 hour (bit rate 105kbps),
Approximately 32 hours (bit rate 66kbps)
Electric battery duration
(At the time of music continual playback)
Approximately 42 hours (HOLD switch with on at the time of display going out)

*: At the time of 1GB "memory stick PRO" use of selling separately.

- Wireless LAN functional main specification

Conformity standard IEEE802.11b
Use band 2.4GHz band (1-11CH and ISM band)
WEP (encoding the data) 64, 128bit*
Modulation technique
DS-SS (IEEE802.11b conformity)
Electric battery duration
(Wireless LAN continuous communication)
Approximately when 14 hours (it communicates in state of darkening mode on)
Approximately when 3 hours (it communicates in state of darkening mode off)

*: As for key length it can input, at the time of 64bit 40bit (half angle alphanumerical 5 letter), at the time of 128bit 104bit (half angle alphanumerical 13 letter) is.
* Electric battery duration differs use temperature, depending upon busy condition.

- Main specification of CF card slot

Slot type Compact flash (TM) TYPEI/II
(Communication facility/in memory card correspondence)
PHS communication card It corresponds to only セイコーインスツル corporation make AH-S405C
Electric battery duration
(Continuous communication) Approximately when 14 hours (it communicates in state of darkening mode on)
Approximately when 3 hours (it communicates in state of darkening mode off)

- Personal computer hardware requirement*

Correspondence OS Microsoft (R) Windows (R) XP Professional/Windows (R) XP Home Edition/Windows (R) 2000 Professional
CPU Pentium (R) II 400MHz or more
(Pentium (R) the recommendation of III 500MHz or more)
RAM Above 96MB
(Recommendation above 128MB. However Windows (R) in case of XP recommendation above 256MB)
Display
Stylishness - above (recommendation above 800×600 dot)
HDD
Being less crowded capacity above 200MB (recommendation above 350MB)
Connected port/drive
USB port/CD-ROM drive*
In addition
Pointing device of mouse or track/truck pad and the like

*: CLIE Palm Desktop software and CD of attachment - to use the software which is recorded in ROM, the personal computer of the system of this hardware requirement is necessary.

- Main accessory

USB cradle, AC adapter, AC cord/code, plug adapter -, stylus and closed mold inner year system stereo headphone, audio remote control, hand strap, carrying case, installation CD-ROM

Market presumption price: Approximately クリエ ' PEG-VZ90 ' 95,000 Yen
* As for "market presumption price", it is something where this corporation presumes the selling price in the market concerning the product before the selling.
Furthermore, actual selling price of the product is decided depending upon each store.


* Ahead inquiring from customer:
The SONY marketing (Inc.) customer consultation center TEL 0570-00-3311 (Nabi dial)
03-5448-3311 (in case of portable telephone PHS)

* The SONY drive URLhttp: //www.sony.co.jp/SonyDrive

[phxchristian]

90000 Yen = 818 USD so 95,000 is about 850 USD...

Not too bad considering it's a Sony... It's meant to be top-of-the-line... and it truly is ground breaking for video on a PDA...

-Chris

[phxchristian]

Damn, I hate people who say, two thick or not enough processor speed... It's people like you you make Sony stay in Japan. I can't believe it. You demand too much and you're not happy with what Sony can do with Technology... I'm pretty angry that this VZ90 will not get sold in the states because of people like The Mad Dog who demand too much of Sony. If you want higher processor speed stick with the PPC... Sony knows how to make the most of its processor speeds... Just check out the FPS on the mobile video.

-Chris

[Reggie]

check out this image from Clie Club Japan. The Audioplayer's menus are in english :) :

http://clieclub.jp/review/rev_vz90/images/IMGP0046_JPG.jpg

[Brav0]

Damn, I hate people who say, two thick or not enough processor speed... It's people like you you make Sony stay in Japan. I can't believe it. You demand too much and you're not happy with what Sony can do with Technology... I'm pretty angry that this VZ90 will not get sold in the states because of people like The Mad Dog who demand too much of Sony. If you want higher processor speed stick with the PPC... Sony knows how to make the most of its processor speeds... Just check out the FPS on the mobile video.

-Chris

I'm sorry to interupt here, Chris.. but I think it is not fair that you blame Mad Dog for Sony discontinuing its Clie line outside of Japan. Don't get it wrong, I LOVE CLIE.. but I admit that they didn't consider the customers' view or suggestions (you use the word 'demand' for this) of their products. What makes Sony stop their sales is because they flock in the market, not because someone complaining too much :)

[diavolo]

I have to have this thing, I may have to learn Japanese to use it though... :) Seriously, I love high-end gadgets like this (and my NZ90) and the VZ90 is a good example of another one. As far as importing goes, I sent an e-mail to Dynamism (http://www.dynamism.com) to see if they have plans or would even consider importing the VZ90. I'm not quite sure what their mark-up is, but if it costs 95000 Yen in Japan, it'll probably be over a grand if it's brought here... Oh well, maybe I claim it as a business expense and write it off on my taxes... :D

[jmg_NX21]

phxchristian,

MOST of us here voted for Sony by purchasing Clie's BECAUSE they were the best buck for our money (or we were convinced they were)... I could tolerate a TH55, life (esp. on a PalmOS device) versus Speed... I'll take BATTERY life anytime... the OLED screen is an awesome feature BUT no dang BLUETOOTH?

Sony shot themselves in the foot and PPC's and Zire's hit a price point that's made them affordable options for users... but for us higher-end users... we are a finnicky breed and very hard to please...

I HOPE Pa1mOne can pull something off but I wonder... there are some Sony Quirks that I just take for granted... a SYmbian phone my be in my future and NX70 may be it for me (until that Mac PDA arrives or that minituarized laptop)

[The Mad Dog]

HEY, I LOVE this new Clie. But I dont earn very much money (baad english) . And I want to have this Clie. But I think the T5 will be better than the new Clie, the Handheld engine is a versy good processor. I also bought an UX50 now to work side-by-side with my NX80. It was VERY hard to get an NX80 in Europe. I had to import it from the USA, because I have a good friend there. But from Japan? and [Yen]95.000 ? I have to work more than 4 month for it :( (I am a trainee). Bluetooth is not important for me, by the way... And the MSB1 will work, I think.
And I say again: I LOVE YOU VZ90! AND I LOVE YOU SONY FOR YOUR NEW CONCEPT!

[DrSpeed]

Hmm... I just cant decide which side I am standing. I love Clies and I love Palm OS, therefore I want to continue having a clie when my UX gets outdated in about a year or so. So I was relieved to hear that there is a new handheld PDA from Sony.

But I just cant decide where to place it. An Archos style "video ipod" or a proper PDA? Judging from the press release and the unit's particular focus on it's multimedia functions as well as it's bulk, I dont think it's trying too hard to be very portable. Yet it is running Palm OS 5.2.1 and many hardware components from the 'previous' generation of Clies such as our TH55s and UX50s. It doesnt have a hard drive either. I was surprised and disappointed that aside from it's OLED screen, there really is nothing new about the VZ90. Nevermind the new design, They could easily re-skin a TH or UX and add a OLED screen. Which they did.

There's a wierd feeling with the possible significance of the name VZ90 too using only the final letters and numbers. In the past, Clie's codenames tended to go from A to Z or from 1~9. Sj, Th, Ux, and finally Vz.

[jjesusfreak01]

My only question is, What can it do that a TH-55 can't. Its got the same processor, which is pretty much the limiting factor for A/V. And why dont they license WMA & WMV. Are they stupid? Don't answer that. You can, however, answer the other questions.

[DarkDynamo]

I Totally Love this new Clie just from what I've read! Is this only going to be in Japan?? Can its Japanese text be converted to English? I'll pay $900 for it in a heartbeat!!

[eric2002]

sorry if this is totally obvious to everyone and I am just not seeing it...

does this have a built in camera? and movie recording capability? what are the specs on these if they exist in this vz90? wifi is built in I assume? Maybe I am misled, but it appears that this gets TV reception? -yes/no? I saw spec's declaring it has 320x240 playback at 30fps... what's this for? movies you convert and put onto the vz? can you connect it directly to the TV? -or do you need to use the sony tv recorder device they came out w/ a year ago or so???

[winexprt]

From what Reggie has pointed out, an UNUSUALLY large amount of English is being used on this new Clie. Strange for a Clie that's supposedly ONLY for the Japanese market huh?? ;)

My personal sneaking suspicion...this is because Sony will likely release this to Europe as well. Just my hunch. ;)

And for all you guys (& gals) who are thinking about importing this into the good ol' US of A via companies such as Dynamism et al...keep in mind the JAPAN PRICE ALONE borders on 900 U.S Dollars!. Count on paying a thousand bucks or more easy for an 'Americanized' version.

[FunFriendship]

Then there is always EBAY.

[samagonistes1]

If you look at past Clie models (for Japan), you see that most apps were written in English (e.g., mp3 player, video player, camera). I guess this was because most Japanese know how to read english, even if they don't know how to speak it. I don't think that based on this, one can assume that the vz90 will appear outside japan. My .02 cents.

[boogers]

i thought that it was funny how the hold, power, and other buttons had the words in english, are japanese ones all likethat?

[nkawtg]

As far as everything being in English. I live in Japan, an all the cars have English names and all the interior gauges are in English.

[khad_o]

I'm sorry to interupt here, Chris.. but I think it is not fair that you blame Mad Dog for Sony discontinuing its Clie line outside of Japan. Don't get it wrong, I LOVE CLIE.. but I admit that they didn't consider the customers' view or suggestions (you use the word 'demand' for this) of their products. What makes Sony stop their sales is because they flock in the market, not because someone complaining too much :)


I have to agree with bravo, its kind of unfair to put the blame on users such as Mad Dog and i for one. i love the clie, sony's products, sony's creativity. they have never failed to produce breathtaking devices such as the VZ (and in the past TH, UX's and so on). sony's simply produces quality products (i mean we still stick to sony even though the prices can be too much).

in my mind its all just a market strategy. i mean they could've put in BT and camera if they wanted to (why not?myPal handhelds could do it). If they had listen to custommer comments, suggestions, needs, maybe the clie would still be selling in europe, states till today. and just maybe top the pda sales. well thats just my point of view.

cheers :D

[Ambassador]

My questions are... If Sony was going to resurrect the clie with PalmOS, why didn't Sony wait for Palm OS6.X? Seems to me like a bad move. What's the price of these units going to be in US dollars? And who would bye them?

[winexprt]

My questions are... If Sony was going to resurrect the clie with PalmOS, why didn't Sony wait for Palm OS6.X? Seems to me like a bad move. What's the price of these units going to be in US dollars? And who would bye them?

Because as someone has said here before, this VZ90 is basically a parts-bin model (what's really new for a Clie on this model besides the screen!?), "Look at our new OLED Screen" showcase for OLED technology.

[Ambassador]

this VZ90 is basically a parts-bin model

Ha, "parts-bin", that explains it. ;) The screen technology does look nice. What is the reliability of it? I suppose that will be it's draw, not for me at the price mentioned.

[madmaxmedia]

I'm sorry to interupt here, Chris.. but I think it is not fair that you blame Mad Dog for Sony discontinuing its Clie line outside of Japan. Don't get it wrong, I LOVE CLIE.. but I admit that they didn't consider the customers' view or suggestions (you use the word 'demand' for this) of their products. What makes Sony stop their sales is because they flock in the market, not because someone complaining too much :)

No, I say it is ALL MAD DOG'S FAULT!!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:


JK of course :p It is certainly nobody's fault here, the people here are why Sony stayed as long as they did!

If this device had a pull-out keyboard and a faster processor, I would crave it but probably not buy it due to price. The 123 Mhz HHE is just not my cup of tea for my PDA needs. I could make do with at least 200 MHz ARM-like performance (my TG50 was fast enough), but with the new Intel chips coming out the 123 Mhz HHE feels dated to me.

On my TC I get better video from XVid and MMPlayer. The MP4 codec is pretty much equal to XVid, but with XVid we can do 2-pass encoding and adjust parameters to maximize quality. But the cool thing about the CLIE's are that it must scale up video in hardware, because 320 x 240 video expanded on the UX50 screen is very smooth looking (no blockiness). I'm sure this new CLIE would be a great portable video player.

Speaking of multimedia, there's also this new Sony pure multimedia device:

http://www.dynamism.com/hmp-a1/

Interesting that it plays regular mp3's, unlike the Network Walkman.

[twopiece]

$850.00 is pricey for a PDA. I thought that I spent a lot on my UX ($620.00 8/03).

[TJ37]

I agree with jjesusfreak01, what can the new VZ90 do that the TH55 or even the UX50 cannot already do? You get a larger size, no intergrated BlueTooth, a new type of screen (which I suppose saves battery due to the fact that it doesn't need a backlight), an outdated Compact Flash slot, OS 5.2.1, more memory than some of the other CLIE models, and $900 dollars out of your pocket for a simple face lift and design. I'm sorry, but I've got to pass on this one. I would rather go with the UX50 if I had that kind of money, or go with OQO's pocket sized PC (a REAL pocket PC; 1GHz, Windows XP, 256MB of RAM, 20GB HD, might be a bit bigger than the VZ90 but it's worth it).

[madmaxmedia]

I think now that they're out of the worldwide market, they want to release a niche product with a high profit margin. This way they don't need to sell a lot of units even in Japan to make a profit.

I agree the price is way to high for a TH55/UX50 with a facelift (albeit a nice one).

[The Mad Dog]

An other question:
HOW to import a Clie from Japan?

[CliePet]

> what can the new VZ90 do that the TH55 or even the UX50 cannot already do? ...
I think that you answered your own question ;->
Don't forget: AV remote control, larger battery, portrait mode Organizer, forced learning of at least some Japanese...
IMHO I don't consider CF to be outdated

I agree it is not a great $$ value, but it does have unique features. Different and expensive - but that's not surprising coming from Sony ;->

-----
> HOW to import a Clie from Japan?
There are several importers that will order almost anything available for regular sale in Japan (with significant surcharges and shipping). www.japan-direct.com is one of them (recommended for service, but not cheap)

Dynamism.com imports many Japanese only devices (slightly better prices). Nothing on their webpage yet.

[Cyker]

The worst thing is that no one (AFAIK) has been able to crack (As in figure out) the FlashROM access procedures in HHE-based Clies, so theres not even a chance of 3rd Party's taking VZ's and modding them for other languages!

And I agree with you CP about CF - Apart from the size, I actually prefer it to SD/MMC and MemorySticks ;)

[Mas]

I didnt read if this thing will have any sort of camera..perhaps it was too bulky of an idea to implement in this model or something but it still would be pretty nice to have it. i liked bringing it into a club wher camera werent allowed....but my pDA was ;)

[ra5hid]

hey dudes.. i would buy it now.. if only it came in english.. i don't know how much it goes for.. the pda look off the HOOK!!!~!

[The Mad Dog]

I would buy it with japanese OS, too, but dont know how to import to Europe

[RobertS]

It will probably cost between 800 and 900 dollars US if purchased in Japan. I have no idea what sort of surcharge would be added for import or localization of the OS.

As for where to get the device in Europe, I would recommend ordering it from www.dynamism.com. They are the experts in J-Tech and very reputable. I know several people who have bought Zaurus units from them. They don't list the VZ-90 on their website yet but once it is released I am sure they will carry it.

[CliePet]

>> HOW to import a Clie from Japan?

I got a quote from japan-direct.com [note: price subject to change]
> 1 Sony PEG-VZ90 $1032
> 1 Shipping, handling, & insurance $43
Total $1075.

NOTE: Japanese price = 95,000 Yen (before tax I assume) + 5% Japanese tax ~= $906
So that's about a 14% markup for the PDA

----
Still waiting for dynamism to reply.

====
> ...import or localization of the OS.
I don't think localization is ever going to be an option. This is a Japanese device. AFAIK dynamism does not localize Palm based PDAs (just the Linux ones)

[thooeu]

>> HOW to import a Clie from Japan?

I got a quote from japan-direct.com [note: price subject to change]
> 1 Sony PEG-VZ90 $1032
> 1 Shipping, handling, & insurance $43
Total $1075.

NOTE: Japanese price = 95,000 Yen (before tax I assume) + 5% Japanese tax ~= $906
So that's about a 14% markup for the PDA

----
Still waiting for dynamism to reply.

====
> ...import or localization of the OS.
I don't think localization is ever going to be an option. This is a Japanese device. AFAIK dynamism does not localize Palm based PDAs (just the Linux ones)

Actually 95,000 yen includes tax and any major electonic shops will give you 10% discount in the form of points which you can use to buy other things. Taken this into consideration the VZ costs about US$777 (at 1US$ = 110 yen).

[Ambassador]

Why not just buy a laptop for that price? A laptop will do much more. Of course, it won't fit your pocket!

[CliePet]

FWIW: Found the official price: 94,290 yen including tax (~ $ 857.74 )

When importing, expect to pay the retail price PLUS a premium (thanks to supply and demand). Of course 'street price' can be lower for those people living in Japan.

Not cheap regardless of where you live...

[RobertS]

It is definetly a pure luxury item, especially as this is one PDA that will be close to impossible to convince your purchasing department is a "Business tool".

I am still going to get one, but I admit it is a decadant bougouis kind of thing to do.

Don't care...want one.

[The Mad Dog]

I really love MULTIMEDIA! and this long battery-lifetime =^o^=

When I sell NX80 and UX50 I would get around 600 Euros, i think (I am very optimistic ;))
than I have to work a month, and voila, I could get a VZ90

[CliePet]

Reply from Dynamism.com:

> We have been getting a lot on inquiries on the VZ90 but
> as of now, we don't have anything concrete to say to our customers about
> it. We are in the preliminary stages of taking that product into stock
> and providing it as a Dynamism product which includes English conversion
> and our acclaimed support.
...

[winexprt]

...and our acclaimed support.

Good to see they're humble as well. ;) lol

[RobertS]

Great work...thanks Cliepet

[khad_o]

well...if any of you gets one, post your REVIEW! :D

[lancelot]

I have to have this thing, I may have to learn Japanese to use it though... :) Seriously, I love high-end gadgets like this (and my NZ90) and the VZ90 is a good example of another one. As far as importing goes, I sent an e-mail to Dynamism (http://www.dynamism.com) to see if they have plans or would even consider importing the VZ90. I'm not quite sure what their mark-up is, but if it costs 95000 Yen in Japan, it'll probably be over a grand if it's brought here... Oh well, maybe I claim it as a business expense and write it off on my taxes... :D

there is also audiocubes.com

[phoenix_06]

Hi all,
I noted Dynamism is now talking about the VZ90. A part of what they say on their web site about it is "Since the native OS is Japanese, it is very difficult for English users to navigate. Dynamism's tech team is attempting to convert the VZ-90 for English speaking use. Once we have a complete assessment of the English OS build for the VZ-90, we will notify everyone on our VZ-90 waiting list in great detail of successes and shortcomings. Unlike with our laptops, we cannot always convert PDAs fully and completely to English. To join our waiting list, please let us know at sales@dynamism.com. The unit is also available for immediate purchase with the Japanese OS." They're selling it "TruePrice" at $1099.00

[The Mad Dog]

They are kiding! $1099 is too much! I thought about $950 or bit above, but 1100...

I think, I will wait some month. Perhaps the price will drop in some weeks.

[CliePet]

> Perhaps the price will drop in some weeks.
Or it will be discontinued by then ;->
(eg: U50/U70 - still full price + import premium - rumored to be discontinued soon)

[phoenix_06]

"(eg: U50/U70 - still full price + import premium - rumored to be discontinued soon)"
I was in Sony Style yesterday, (Saturday, Sept. 25,) and I noticed that all PDA's and their accessaries have been removed from the store.