Questions for NR 70 or 70V users

[ScottLP]

Thinking about buying a NR70 (I don't want OS 5 since I rely on hacks) and I have two questions:

1. I'll probably work mostly with the case closed as I like graffiti and have big fingers. How big a pain is it and how do people deal with not being able to get to the buttons with the case closed? I know there is hack for this--is it as convenient as having the buttons like on other PDAs

2. Any other problems or complaints about the NR 70 I should be aware of?

Thanks for your time.

Scott

[LaStigmata]

The only time I ever use the buttons is to play a game. I don't even use page down hack. I just find there is no real need for them. I use ZLauncher and find it very easy to navagate my clie with just the launcher.

I have had my NR70V for about 8 months and have a small crack next to the power button, but my clie has taken a beating. I have seen that some others have had this same problem.

[pigburger]

Love it, love it love it. It's a great PDA, the only main issue with it is the lack of hard buttons (which can be easily be fixed with the appropriate VG skins and hacks) and the well documented memory stick issue. I fixed my MS issue with the paper trick (do a quick search and you'll see my explanation) and now very much plan on keeping it for a while. If you can find a new one, you have found yourself a gem at a great price. good luck.

[Medcat99]

No problems at all with no hard buttons. Use the VG skin and hacks and you're golden. Best PDA I have ever owned. Very stable and no memory stick problem here.

[Griff]

Originally posted by ScottLP
1. I'll probably work mostly with the case closed as I like graffiti and have big fingers. How big a pain is it and how do people deal with not being able to get to the buttons with the case closed? I know there is hack for this--is it as convenient as having the buttons like on other PDAs



Actually I find the hack and skin alot better than hard buttons. It's alot easier for me to just tap the icon at the bottom than to stop and press a button, like I did on my previous Palms.

I love my NR70v! Really glad I bought it, even with the new Clies coming out.

[kstuart]

What Griff is saying is that if you use Graffiti, then you are holding the stylus, and thus to press a hard button is an entirely different action.

PageDownHack (freeware) or NR Buttons (shareware) make areas of the status bar into buttons that cover all the functions of the hard buttons, so if you are holding a stylus, it is actually more convenient than buttons.   (I don't know how it works for NR buttons, but you can download a new status bar "skin" that adds icons for the buttons when you use PageDownHack.)

As far as the keyboard goes, I find that it would be more useful if the buttons were entirely different. And it seems that Sony realized this, because the new NZ90 keyboard has exactly the sort of buttons that are most useful - they are larger, squarer, and more importantly, have much clearer lettering. Hopefully, the same keyboard design will be used in future models that mere mortals can afford. ;)

I find that the clamshell is useful in two ways: (1) That it protects the screen, and (2) that it makes a stand for the screen. The second use can be understood if one thinks of a laptop sitting on a table - the clamshell design of the laptop allows the screen to be positioned at the right angle for viewing without having to hold the laptop at all. The NR goes one step better by allowing the screen to pivot left and right as well as up and down. This is useful in straight reading situations, when reading ebooks or downloaded web content while sitting at a table or desk.

[Griff]

Originally posted by kstuart
What Griff is saying is that if you use Graffiti, then you are holding the stylus, and thus to press a hard button is an entirely different action.

I find that the clamshell is useful in two ways: (1) That it protects the screen, and (2) that it makes a stand for the screen. The second use can be understood if one thinks of a laptop sitting on a table - the clamshell design of the laptop allows the screen to be positioned at the right angle for viewing without having to hold the laptop at all. The NR goes one step better by allowing the screen to pivot left and right as well as up and down. This is useful in straight reading situations, when reading ebooks or downloaded web content while sitting at a table or desk.

Yeah, that sounds like what I was saying :-D

I find myself reading eBooks with the NR70 in tablet mode and spread apart from the keyboard...like an upside down V. Very stable and solid, and I can just use the tip of my finger to change pages...very nice for reading when you are out eating alone.

[pigburger]

I think people dismiss the the form factor as gimmicky, but anyone who has used it swears by it. I went from the tiny T415 to the "massive" NR-70 (no choice, Sony broke my T 3 times that they felt bad about it and upgraded me to the NR) and once I figured it out I love this PDA. The keyboard is nice for notes of any length, the hi-res+ screen is incredible for reading large documents, and the clamshell gives you more protection than all but the bulkiest hard cases. Just because it's been replaced twice in less than a year doesn't mean that it is an obsolete PDA, I still have 15 megs, ask a NX or NZ user how much RAM they have....

[GLORYBEARER]

Though I like the NR70 and its clamshell design, I would rather have the hard buttons than the clamshell (one can always buy a case for protection, or screen protectors.) I don't like having to open and flip the screen to use the hard buttons (I usually have the screen flipped out.) I really don't even use the hard buttons or the mini keyboard; although, I would use the hard buttons if they were outwardly accessible. I have a belkin keyboard for long text entry, and I know graffity pretty well if I need to do short text entry. The NR70 is my first PDA and having configured my friends Palm M130 (or something like that), I've learned to really like its simplicity; although, there are some things I don't like about it.) I hope Sony comes out with a Hires+ model with the hard buttons in the front. Clamshell is nice, but I could do without it. I would rather some kind of flip cover protection like the Palm PDA's have. I use PageDown hack and it works great, but nothing like having the hard buttons available. With that said, my NR70 is most excellent and worth every penny I paid for it. I'd still recommnd it. :)

[Griff]

Why not use PageDn Hack and a Status bar skin Glory? I find it works great for me, all the hard buttons available, but in the status bar area.

FWIW, I've created a new topic (http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=908) explaining how I've set up my status bar and buttons.

[grifter]

I use my NR70 mainly in tablet mode and have not had any problems using PageDown Hack in place of the hard buttons.  As previously mentioned, the hard buttons are most useful for playing games.

Having both a built-in keyboard and virtual graffitti makes the NR70 a great PDA that still does everything I need.  I mainily use the keyboard when editing Word documents using Documents to Go.

There are great deals on the NR70 since the release of the NX and the announcement of the NZ.

[GLORYBEARER]

Originally posted by Griff
Why not use PageDn Hack and a Status bar skin Glory? I find it works great for me, all the hard buttons available, but in the status bar area.

FWIW, I've created a new topic (http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=908) explaining how I've set up my status bar and buttons.

I am currently using the Delos silk skin with its matching status (it is still, in my opinion, one of the best silk skin sets available for the NR series.) My other favorites are the light grey original set by sonipa, buzz light year (utilizing Find Button hack), and the spong bob silk. I used to have the status bar set up with the pictures for the particular apps with the sonipa silk skin. I currently have pagedown hack assigned to the small Delos pictures on the status bar. They aren't all individual pictures/buttons but I've remembered each apps assigned position. Don't get me wrong, I think PageDown hack is great, but I just don't like always having to take out the stylus to pick at the assigned app positions; I would rather faster access, that's all.

[ScottLP]

Two more questions:


1. How many people keep the NR 70 in a pants pocket? Do most poeple find the size/wieght really an issue? Or would a belt clip be better? (my old belt clip kept falling off when I stood up--anyone know any good ones?)

2. How is the battery life?

Thanks again for your time.

Scott

[Griff]

I always keep my NR70v in my pants pocket...then again I guess it depends on what size pants you wear...I doubt someone wearing a 28 or 30 waist would find the extra bulk very comfortable.

No issues with weight or size for me really, though I do prefer the feel of the Clie in my Dockers better than Jeans.

I've never really measured battery life...it's variable really...depends on how you are using it at the time. I will say I've never run into a situation where I was disappointed by the battery life though.

[Eromy]

I've been using the NR70 for a few months and I absolutely love it!

I Have no use for the useless finger pad, but I like the idea of flipping it over to protect the screen , that way I don't even need a case for it. What sucks is that I can't use the up/down buttons, that took me a long time to get used to (I had a PEG-710C and a Palm V before that).

The 320X480 screen is excellent, I only wish they had more apps compatible with this feature. And on top of all the great features the unit is very slim (hight non withstanding), fits in every pocket and doesn't feel bulky, and the processor speed is very acceptable as well. (I hope this helps).

[Eromy]

Originally posted by ScottLP
Two more questions:


1. How many people keep the NR 70 in a pants pocket? Do most poeple find the size/wieght really an issue? Or would a belt clip be better? (my old belt clip kept falling off when I stood up--anyone know any good ones?)

2. How is the battery life?

Scott

I use it mostly in my pant's back pocket, It's not not bulky at all... but the battery life is disappointing me lately. I still prefer it over the rest, it has the best feature/value out there (except maybe the NZ90, can't wait to try the 2 megapixel camera!!!).

[rollcage]

You may want to try the virtual grafiti from "Sonipa" (www.sonipa.net) together with CalcbuttonHack and FindbuttonHack. Allows splitting of Calc/Findbuttons into several areas, Sonipa VG has these buttons setup w/ 2 Icons per button. This setup works perfectly for me, as I always use the tablet mode-never haveto open it. I also use PageDownHack in combination.

[Mr Sheen]

Originally posted by ScottLP
Two more questions:


1. How many people keep the NR 70 in a pants pocket? Do most poeple find the size/wieght really an issue? Or would a belt clip be better? (my old belt clip kept falling off when I stood up--anyone know any good ones?)

2. How is the battery life?

Thanks again for your time.

Scott

I do not like the bulk in my pocket. Size/weight not an issue for me, but I prefer to keep the pockets at the minimum. I use a belt loop, I do not trust clip (previous bad experiences).

Battery life: I get about 4 hours per charge (i.e. one or two charging a day when batt level is about 3.92V). I use brightness to the minimum, and do a lot of reading of the machine, a few games and DateBk5 and the occasional SMTG or DTG.

But definitely the best Palm I ever had (after Vx and m505), after tasting 320x480 who would like to go back even to 320x320?

My 0.02$

Sheen

[GLORYBEARER]

Originally posted by ScottLP
Two more questions:


1. How many people keep the NR 70 in a pants pocket? Do most poeple find the size/wieght really an issue? Or would a belt clip be better? (my old belt clip kept falling off when I stood up--anyone know any good ones?)

2. How is the battery life?

Thanks again for your time.

Scott

I myself use a belt clip. I use this case which is good for ultimate protection.

http://www.ebcases.com/Detail.bok/d8c8e03cf2da677f0db4?&category=Sony+Clie+PEG-NR70%2FNR70V&start=1&total=10&no=150http://www.ebcases.com/catalog/TFuturaNR70_1c.jpg

You can also flip the part where your cards go all the way to the back so that you can access the side controls. I've also noticed that the extra bulk adds comfort when using the keypad. The case is very slim, although it does add a little bulk and weight. Not very stylish having to wear it on your belt, but I don't mind sometimes, especially while at work. I do find myself just carrying the unit by itself often, but, as was mentioned earlier, I wear size 29-30 pants and the bulk is kind of uncomfortable. I don't mind the comfort, I just don't like how if I leave the unit in my front or back pocket for a prolonged period of time my pants get this extra bulk shape, even when the unit is out of my pocket. If it weren't for this factor I would carry the unit in my pants pocket most of the time. I do like the case though. I don't usually clip the unit to my belt when wearing jeans; I'll usually clip it to my front pocket - that is unless I'm wearing a short shirt or have it tucked in.

Oh yeah, for me battery life varies from 4 to 6 hours, but I rarely use it that much in one day before I recharge.

[GLORYBEARER]

Oh yeah, and the belt clip for the case mentioned above is very secure when cliped on the belt (even when clipped to my front pocket); although, I wouldn't recomend the clipping onto the front pocket for those wearing baggy pants.

[grifter]

I usually carry my NR70 in my coat/jacket pocket or my shirt pocket.  I don't carry it in my pants, because I think I may bang into something and your legs move more.

I've had no problems with battery life.  I play alot of MP3's on the train ride to and from work (1 hour each way) and use the PIM applications and Documents to Go to take notes during the day.  I recharge it while at work.

don't use it too much on the weekends, so battery life is not a problem.

[kstuart]

See my review in the Review section here at ClieSource for a picture which has my NR70, my previous Palm IIIC in its case, and my wallet. It gives a good idea of how it would fit in your pocket (which as someone said, varies with what sort of thing you are likely to put in your pocket - some of the people who wear those pants that look like they are sprayed on, would not even be able to fit a caseless Palm V in their pocket! ;) ).