Help! NX70V vs NZ90?

[Red Boats]

I'm upgrading from a T665 to one of the newer larger screened Clie's and I'm having trouble deciding between an NX70 and a NZ90.

I worry that the NX is past technology in a market (PDAs) where that is the death knell. So I would get the 90 (in spite of a seriously high price) but it seems to weigh a ton. Also, I have little interest in its (relatively) poor quality pix (I use a Sony 707 for pix; the NZ90 would be good on the "always with you" argument, but otherwise, no).

Are there other factors that I'm overlooking that make the 90 a desired choice over the NX70?

For example, while I am not particularly interested in wireless LAN arrangements, I AM interested in being able to check email and even look something up on the Internet at any moment from any place (in the car, in the field, in the hotel, etc.) without the use of any additional equipment (or with only a cell phone). This is as easy with a 70 as a 90, is it not?

How different are the keyboards? I've actually tried poth in a store setting, but this wasn't an exhastive test and they seemed pretty similar -- are there great differences that become apparent with use?

As I understand it the processors are similar, both have the audio recording capability, the virtual graffiti, the etc. etc. Could you please just outline the differences between these two?

Does the NX70 it lack only the better camera and the BT?

I even like the NR70. Although it has teh much older (and slower) processor, should I consider that, too?

Finally, do you anticipate that Sony is soon to release an upgrade or update to the NX70?

Thanks for your help--

Red

I'm leaning toward the NX70--

[n2ifp]

Actually, I feel the NZ90 only validated the NX70. Except for some improvements here and there, the basic OS is the same. The question is, should you spend the extra money. The camera, keyboard, and screen are better, but it also has some drawbacks. Only you can really make the determination. Everyone will give an opinion as to which one is better from their point of view. It's like launchers, you'll get many passionate opinions as to whose is best. It pretty much could go on for eternity :).

I know there is a bunch of past threads that have already discussed the differences in depth.

[oneeyesquare]

There are rumoured updates coming in lateApril or May for the NX. Bluetooth is a possiblity esp. as the NZ and the TG50 has it.
Larry is right, lots of threads.... Do some reading and you'll get a better feel for what you want...

[Marudine]

For nz, the 2MP camera and built-in bluetooth are the two main functions that are superior over the nx version. And if you are not very keen with these two integrated features, then you should not consider nz. Is all depend on your requirement and budget.

[JMS]

If you have, or can purchace, a bluetooth phone, and require connectivity away from home or the office, the NZ I believe would a good option, although this is also true of the upcoming TG50 (however, since you mention wanting a larger screen I suppose the latter is not in consideration). A replaceable battery is also a nice option, especially when travelling, even if you aren't planning on using the camera much. You mentioned no real need for Wi-fi, in that case, you might want to consider that the Wi-fi slot on the NZ is more discreet (after all, if you don't plan on using the slot, you probably wouldn't want it to stand out as much as it does on the NX).

JMS

[jlbunting]

I am in a similar boat, however I am leaning to the NZ.
I don't have a digital camera, so the NZ would be the better choice. Plus I look at it like this: Technology changes so rapidly that if you buy top of the line now it will remain relevant longer, than if you buy middle of the road now. Case in point the NZ has Bluetooth and the new version of NX coming out has Bluetooth.

[Token User]

I did the same balancing act ... and ended up buying the NX70V. It fit my choice. Biggest advice - go into a brick and mortar store, and try them both out.

[flyclieguy]

jl, if you enjoy using a camera that basicaly has no zoom capabilities then the NZ is for you.

Personally I would spend the extra $200 for a camera that gives me an actual 2-4 optical zoom, not digital like the NZ.

You lose much quality using digital zooms.

[jlbunting]

Removable battery- > plus it show how many minutes are left instead of guessing.
better screen
also have Bluetooth
I think the NZ has a better speaker also.
Plus the color is better than the NZ...

The weight is about the same as a PPC ( Piece of CraP)

I am however leaning towards a NZ but I would like to hear a good argument for a NX....

The camera is nice.... but in reality I want a 4 mp camera ... so the NZ 2mp camera is not necessary

[jlbunting]

I also have tested them both out at CompUSA> It was real close... both had things I liked and disliked. But the NZ right now... is winning.

My current Question is whether the I should buy it off the internet or go into to CompUSA pay a bunch more and get their Warranty? But this is a discussion for another Thread.

One thing I do know for Sure I am going to Buy Sony. I have a 760C right now, it has severed me well but I am looking to upgrade now.

[Red Boats]

Thanks for the many replies. I have handled both instruments at Circuit City and elsewhere, and to my hand the NX70V feels much lighter and better. I can imagine carrying it as I now carry the T665.

The NZ, on the other hand, is so bulky that it seems unlikely that I would keep it with me all the time. It's only a matter of a couple of ounces, but it's also thicker harder to keep in a pocket.

I did not notice a difference in the screens, but I did not have them side by side (they were in diff sections of the store) so could you specify what the tech differences are between screens?

Isn't there a BT memory stick available for the NX70 (of course that'll bump the price up a hundred or so, diminishing the price advantage)?

[kwajkat]

I was in a simliar situation just last week trying to decide. I ended up with the NZ90 and haven't looked back. For me, size wasn't the issue as it is so close to my IPAQ. ANyway one of the things I did not like about the NX series was the brightness of the screen and the keyboard ( I had an NR70). Other than thickness and weight they are very simliar. The camera is better and I did like the differences of features such as the removable battery. I have a digital camera already but like the idea of a better quality camera that I can use at the library, national archives, etc. (it's great if you are into genealogy.)

I thought about the TG50 but really liked the screen on the NZ90.

Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking with it!!

[Red Boats]

Are you saying here that the NX70's screen is too dim? I thought it was substantially the same as the NZ90's. Is the 90 a new screen or new technology?

I actually thought the keyboard on the NX70 was a little better than on the NZ90. Seemed to have a more positive feedback in the one I tried, though I was at a store and could easily have gotten the wrong impression.

[oneeyesquare]

Having had both, the NZ screen is noticeably brighter.... I have to turn is sideways while surfing in bed at night, it's that bright on it's lowest setting; whereas, the NX at it's lowest was comfortably dim. I find that it is substantially easier to see the NZ during daylight hours as well. I rarely turn it up above 80% unless I'm showing someone a picture and routinely leave it all the way down while indoors.

[Pdasrock]

Maybe it's just me, but I think I would prefer the nx over the nz90 no matter the difference. The way i see it, the nz has really only got 2 advantages:
Camera and bt
The camera is nothing super and I heard someone saying they prefer the nx camera over the nz minus the flash
The bluetooth is a definite advantage if you have bluetooth in you cellphone, laptop, whatever. Otherwise, just get a card for your nx

The advantage for the nx: Size
I laugh at people who complained about the nr size, but i think the nz is just a little big to comfortably fit in a pocket, the nx is just right.

If you have a camera and don't have bluetooth stuff, don't even consider the nz. If you have a bt cellphone and want wireless and don't have a camera, go nz, cheers

[JOHNGAETANO]

If your going to use the camera at all, then the NZ-90 is the only way to go. I have loved mine since the first day, and haven't looked back.

[flyclieguy]

why spend $200 more for a somewhat OK camera, when you can have a hell of alot better camera then that for $200.

The NX camera works fine, and if you actually want to take good pictures, get a camera, because the NZ doesnt have zoom.

[Red Boats]

Pardon me if I say that this seems an odd endorsement--the NZ is too bright? So bright that you "have to turn it sideways" while using it at night? While the competing item is "comfortably dim" at its "lowest setting."


Originally posted by oneeyesquare
Having had both, the NZ screen is noticeably brighter.... I have to turn is sideways while surfing in bed at night, it's that bright on it's lowest setting; whereas, the NX at it's lowest was comfortably dim. I find that it is substantially easier to see the NZ during daylight hours as well. I rarely turn it up above 80% unless I'm showing someone a picture and routinely leave it all the way down while indoors.

[Red Boats]

Originally posted by JOHNGAETANO
If your going to use the camera at all, then the NZ-90 is the only way to go. I have loved mine since the first day, and haven't looked back.

Is there a review somewhere you've seen that talks in any depth about the camera. I am an amateur photog and use a 5 megapixel Sony 707 with a 5x optical zoom, so the specs of the cam on the NZ90 do not impress. Still, it might be useful to have an "always-with-you" camera for those shots you wouldn't otherwise get. But how much better is the NZ90 over the NX70V camerawise?

[Red Boats]

Has anyone owned BOTH models and if so, could you explain why you made the upgrade?

[oneeyesquare]

RedBoats
Exactly what I said, Too bright on lowest setting for night time bed surfing. Easily alleviated by turning sideways. I qualified my statement with the advantages of the added brightness during daytime usage. It is sustantially better during the day, but a little bright to lay in bed at night without any lights on...
As for the camera, it clearly cannot replace a dedicated 2mp (like my wife's Sony dsc P-51), but it smokes the next available PDA with an integrated camera, ala NX. Integration is the KEY factor here. I always have a good quality camera to take pics with me now...
I made the upgrade for a number of reasons. Camera, looks, keyboard, future Emtac Bluetooth GPS, etc..
I will more tha likely wait till Christmas before I will consider upgrading again. I'd like to get out of the early adopters cycle. Course when the gadget lust hits....

[flyclieguy]

that is what I am saying Red boats. I dont think that the $200 is worth the extra money especially if you have a cam. that is 5MP.

If you need to take a picture of something with the NX, it's not the clearest of shots, but it does the job. It's like an emergency camera. If you know your going to take photos that you want good quality, just spend $300 and get a real nice digital camera.

[jlbunting]

The debate may continue, but I have made my bed and I shall lay in it. I just bought a NZ90 from Compusa. It cost me a bundle but I figure the 2 year warrenty will be worth it. I so far am really impressed by the NZ90 and the size does not bother me at all. In fact I like the bigger size, it fits in my hands better. The camera from what I can tell so far is rather nice... I don't have a digital camera so this will be nice to have. I did a comparison to the NZ90 and the NX70 cameras.... in Compusa. These are the pictures I took. I have not changed them in any way. Also the page will take a while to load.

http://home.attbi.com/~jlbunting/pictures.htm

[Unregistered]

The NZ90 camera is on another level compared to the NX's. Plus, it has flash, which greatly increases the camera's usefulness.

Your $200 doesn't get you JUST a 2MP camera w/ flash, as some people keeping trying to suggest. You also get a ton of refinements, such as:

-built-in Bluetooth
-noticeably better screen (in brightness, color balance, and stylus feel)
-improved keyboard
-improved hardware buttons in clamshell mode
-noticeably louder internal speaker
-hardware buttons accessible in tablet mode
-removeable SmartLithium battery
-separate voice recorder button
-TV output for pictures

Go with the one you can afford. If you can afford the $800 NZ90, get it -- you'll be very happy with it. If your budget only allows for the $600 NX, you'll be extremely happy with that model, as well.

The best thing that you can do is to go to Circuit City and compare for yourself.

[pdagal]

Same technology. . . they just cranked the brightness and reduced the blue bias a bit (though the NZ still has a blue cast, but not as noticable as earlier color Clies).

Originally posted by Red Boats
Is the 90 a new screen or new technology?

[Red Boats]

Originally posted by jlbunting
I did a comparison to the NZ90 and the NX70 cameras.... in Compusa. These are the pictures I took. I have not changed them in any way. Also the page will take a while to load.

http://home.attbi.com/~jlbunting/pictures.htm

Hey! How come the NZ90 takes a 5 MB picture?

[n2ifp]

Here's what I would do, the core of the NX's is basically the same as the NZ. My gut felling tells me that there will be some slicker units coming out in a few months. If you spend the big bucks for the NZ, you may kick yourself later. Get the cheaper unit and find a warranty program that allows you to upgrade at a later date. This way you can have your cake and eat it too. I think Comp USA offers this, but I would check just to be sure. Some said you don't even have to buy the PDA from them originally

[knowledge]

It is all a matter of opinion. Get what works best for you. I own the NX and am very pleased. The bt and keyboard are nice if you use them. But I rarely enter text with keyboard. Most of the time I use the clie in tablet mode. The camera is nice to have but I rarely use it. The processor is the same in the nz and nx. The big plus for the nz is the removable battery. As far as a louder speaker is concerned, it is a pda and not a boom box. Brighter screen, take it or leave it. If the nz was $650 and had the same shell as the nx I would definitely consider upgrading. NX or NZ they will both be obsolete in the next 3-6 months.

[Red Boats]

I just wanted to thank all contributors to this thread--I found it helpful and appreciated your efforts. I await the baby.

r

[jakun]

i have been reading the nx forum for a month now...sadly after very much consideration i find that both the nx and nz does not suit me more then anything....yes its from sony....built in keyboard...excelent screen...bt...bla bla....but i only attracted to the big screen (talk about movies in big screen) but that for rm2200(usd 650)....is a no go...the built in keyboard virtually useless(to me)...the camera is not enough to be a good use i seldom use a camera....the veru much fancy os 5 does not help also...i am a pocket pc user(win ce 3.0)..aidi pd-131c..yes that pd-131c with camera...n yes that ppc is a ****!!...but then after reading most of your threads i find that my ppc somewhat equal in terms of usability minus the speed n viewing movies( the screens...) of course...just when i thought of switching to palm...so much for a clie...i think i`ll stick to my ppc and wait for nexio instead...anyway nice knowing all of u palm user here...but ill be around...:(

[the_iceman]

I do think there are a few differences, which may or may not be noteworthy between the NX and the NZ Series.

You've heard about the Built in BlueTooth till the cows come home. While this may not be as important of a feature to you today.... 6 months down the road it might become more important. With the NZ's integrated BT you have it 'available' to you 24/7. With the NX series, you would have to purchase a MS looking BT Card and swap back and forth between the MS and BT card for your work. This may or not be an advantage. For those apps which you may run on your MS.. well those would not be available to you if you are in BT mode and have the BT Card installed.

Second, which I don't think I've seen here in this thread, is the 'sponginess' of the Screen on the NX Series. The NX's seem to almost have a 1/64" air-layer or something under the contact screen. You will notice quite a bit of 'give' on the screen when using it. It feels very 'soft'. The NZ tightened down the screen quite a bit and there is no 'softness' to it. I do think this is nice to have no 'give' in the screen when pressing down.

I would agree with the other postings in here with the Smart Lithium Battery. I think this is a great enhancement to the CLIE Line. And, in conjunction with that, the ability to swap batteries back and forth for those times of needing high-PDA Usage.

I'm with most, in the 2mp Camera isn't the reason I bought my NZ..... but it is nice to have when needed.

I feel the keyboard on the NZ is just a little 'better' than the keyboard on the NX. They are similar, but I think the buttons on the NZ are a 'smidgeon' larger, and may be easier to use for some. I don't use the keyboard as much as most, maybe, so I couldn't give my accurate feedback on this portion.

Happy Comparing!