where's the remote?

[mkrueger]

I've been eyeing the TG50 and SJ33 as potential replacements for my trusty (and rather well worn) N760C.

Am I missing something or has Sony decided to drop the concept of a remote for MP3 playback? Am I the only person who leaves the Clie in their pocket on "hold" and uses the remote whenever listening to MP3's?

This seems like a HUGE step backwards for Sony. When on the train, or walking around downtown, I adjust the volume and tracks all the time (as conditions change around me). I just can't see pulling the Clié out of my pocket and poking at the screen every time.

Any chance a Bluetooth remote will be released for the TG50?

Man, I just feel like Sony has been completely missing the boat on their designs lately. Hires+, bluetooth, and REMOTE, in TG size case seems like what we're all looking for.

Maybe I'll just look for a cheap NR, flip over the screen, and deal with the sucky battery life, and extra length sticking out of my pocket. At least it has the remote!

I'm about ready to figure out how to manufacture a plastic box of the right dimentions, and just move the internal components from a NR doner over.

[OcellNuri]

I've been thinking about that lately. It seems like if you eliminate the clamshell form factor you could make a device that's thinner than the NR with the same hardware inside.

[mkrueger]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
I've been thinking about that lately. It seems like if you eliminate the clamshell form factor you could make a device that's thinner than the NR with the same hardware inside.

Exactly. And if you also have no need for the camera, like most of us, then you can reduce the length by quite a bit by eliminating camera/hinge. I think the length is a bigger problem than the thickness, as the length keeps me from buying one (won't fit in my pocket or my hand).

I know there have been lots of discussions around proposed "future Clie" designs like this, even with some excellent mock-up pictures. But if nobody (Sony) is ever going to manufacture one, maybe it's time to take things into our own hands.

Maybe I'd mold the back part of the case out of some sort of plastic that can be poured into a mold and hardened. Then the front could just be a clear piece of plastic (thin plexiglass?) screwed onto the back (sand the edges for smoothness). Almost the whole front will be screen, so no need for buttons there. Need to make holes in the plastic mold to mount scroll wheel/headphone jack and other side buttons. Haven't figured out if there will be room for stylus holder yet....that might be tricky to make.

Details of the parts I need to fit inside are here:
http://www.pspilot.de/pppnx70/pppnx70.html#T4

It would be REALLY cool if I could also disassemble the 802.11b sony wireless card and permanently install it inside....with external antenna mounted flush on the sides like modern PowerBooks.

Yes, this will cost much money, and take much time. But honestly, how many of us have already invested THOUSANDS in our various PDAs? If I could build everything for $1500 including the doner....that would be great. Maybe it will be more though.