My new VZ90...

[poopoo head]

Hello peoples! I just got my own PEG-VZ90 last night. When I turned it on, I wasn't *that* amazed by the screen :( , probably because I have seen the PSP screen before. The included videos also showed pixels, but that is probably because the VZ90 only has 64k color. Well, ok, the BLACK black's are amazing and so is the contrast and brightness :p . Hope the blues don't die off. :rolleyes: :eek:

However, in comparison to my first PDA (Palm IIIx purchased one week ago, used), the screen refresh rate, resolution, and stylus responce are MUCH better, as is low-light viewing. :eek:

Furthermore, my VZ90 exhibited hang-ups on the first boot! Brand-new out of the box, I turned it on and after about 5 mins of poking around, I launched CFUtility. The screen turned greyish-white with some patterned lines on the right. None of the screen would respond, and neither would the buttons on the unit. :eek: :mad: (The VZ90 was charged to about 84% and unplugged from the cradle.) I had to unscrew the stylus and reset the machine. :(

I wonder if this is a defect to my unit, or is it normal to freeze up on the first boot? Has anyone else ever had this problem? :confused:

Also, there are some questions: :confused:

1. I have never used a PDA before this week, and certainly not a Sony CLIE. Therefore, I am not familiar with FileZ that CliePet said to install on his webpage... I did manage to Hotsync using the included Japanese computer software and installed some applications such as Bigclock. Once I install FileZ, will there be a directory called 'Internal Memory'? (I have very limited internet access and therefore need to ask before I am cut off from the internet.

2. Once I get wireless internet, will it connect to a D-Link DI-624 Wireless G router without any further config, or will CliePet's translation make this straightforward?

3. Are hang-ups normal?

4. Where can I find and English version of the CLIE Desktop so that I can Hotsync without guessing? I went to http://esupport.sony.com/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=PEGTH55&UpdateType=Everything but can't find any Desktop to download...

5. Does the VZ90 need updates like how the TH55 does? I saw Mobile Connection Wizard on http://esupport.sony.com/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=PEGTH55&UpdateType=Everything . Will this help the vZ90?

I guess that's all I can remember for now...
Thanks for all your help! :)

[CliePet]

Congrats
> ...my VZ90 exhibited hang-ups on the first boot! Brand-new out of the box, I turned it on and after about 5 mins of poking around, I launched CFUtility
Hangups are not normal. However when using CFUtility and some CF storage card in the CF slot, it can take up to 30 seconds to recognize it - or just hang. Take out any CF card and try again. If it repeats, don't use that CF card (or try reformatting it)

> 1. I have never used a PDA before this week
If you can, find the English version of a CLIE manual for a similar device (eg: the TH55 or UX50). Most is obvious, but there are a few things where the manual helps (eg: WiFi settings)

> I am not familiar with FileZ that CliePet said to install on his webpage...
Wait until later before playing with FileZ (you can use other file managers - or the built in Info/Delete menu items). Filez is a powerful tool that lets you easily change and delete things - including things the system needs to operate.

> Once I install FileZ, will there be a directory called 'Internal Memory'?
The "Internal" entry is not a real directory - it is how Filez describes the storage memory (that 40MB of RAM for storing programs and data). Be very careful if you muck around with that stuff.

There is an "Internal Media" true storage device, 96MB on the VZ90 (like a built in memory stick). It is displayed with Japanese characters (look for the one with ~90MB free)

> 2. Once I get wireless internet, will it connect to a D-Link DI-624 Wireless G router without any further config, or will CliePet's translation make this straightforward?
Same as usual. However the first time setting up can be quirky (for all PalmOS PDAs)

> 3. Are hang-ups normal?
No. See above (accessing some CF cards can be)

> 4. Where can I find and English version of the CLIE Desktop so that I can Hotsync without guessing?
The Palm Desktop works for me: http://www.palm.com/us/software/desktop
[they do need device specific drivers for the USB connection - but if you install on top of the VZ90 installation it should already be on your PC]

> 5. Does the VZ90 need updates like how the TH55 does?
The support site is here: http://www.nccl.sony.co.jp/products/peg-vz90/index.html
AFAIK nothing necessary to install, and don't expect updates in future.

[poopoo head]

Wow, thanks for the fast response, CliePet! It is like Sony Technical Support...only better...and in English, too :eek: :p

Haha, it just occurred to me that the little black plug thing that goes into the CF slot is a...plug. It just occurred to me while reading your reply that CF stands for CompactFlash?? I have never dealt with this type of media before and therefore did not make the connection? Browsing through the Japanese manual, and looking at the diagram with the waves emanating off the slot, I thought that CF was some sort of optional wireless antenna for the VZ90! :D When my VZ90 hung, there was no actual CF card in there, just the factory plastic plug card thingy. :p Later on I ran Handmap, and it also hanged everytime I tried to run it. I guess that app is not compatible. :(

Ok...I just found http://www.sonyclie.org/ posted by MicahDG. I will get the TH55 manual from there! :)

You mention that I should be careful with FileZ...however, if I do not use it, then is there another way to install the English conversion file that you made (your website says to use FileZ specifically)? Can I just Hotsync the file you made to my VZ90 and then use ClieFiles to move it into the ~90MB RAM? :confused:

Thanks for all the help again. Can't wait to try English translation within 17 hours! :D

[poopoo head]

whoops, sorry for wasting ppl's time in reading the above post. :D

I guess CF doesn't stand for CompactFlash. :p

Last night, I copied the English prc files to 'Internal' using FileZ. :eek:

There were a total of 3 memory cards: Internal, 'Japanese Internal?', and External. I copied from External to Internal. I wasn't sure if I needed to copy to the Japanese Internal...? :eek: :confused:

However, after a soft reset, the menu at the top was in English and said 'By CliePet'. :D

Thank you CliePet! :)

I have a few more questions, though... :confused:

1. As I am not sure if I did it correctly or not, just to double-check...after copying over the English prc files, there are many programs that are still in Japanese, right? Such as the first 5 programs and also ATOK?? on the launch menu? CLIE Style is also still Japanese, right? :confused:

2. I also installed the NetFront 3 and Picsel Viewer from http://www.sonyclie.org/ and now both pgms won't launch!! :mad: Baaahh!!! How do I revert or uninstall to the previous, original version? :confused: :(

3. How does one do a hard reset? :eek: :confused:

Thanks so much...BTW...the high response time of the OLED really makes painting programs amazing, especially when painting white on black background! :eek: :D

[CliePet]

> I guess CF doesn't stand for CompactFlash.
Not sure what you are saying. "CF" does stand for Compact Flash.

> Last night, I copied the English prc files to 'Internal' using FileZ. ...
That's the way to do it.
FileZ is relatively easy to use for these kind of things. My warning was to not play around with areas you are unsure of (like deleting system files or changing their attributes)

> There were a total of 3 memory cards: Internal, 'Japanese Internal?', and External. I copied from External to Internal. I wasn't sure if I needed to copy to the Japanese Internal...?
You did it correctly. The "Japanese Internal?" is the 96MB "Internal Media". You can store programs there if you like - like a built in memory stick. It is easy to find because it has the non-english volume name.

> after copying over the English prc files, there are many programs that are still in Japanese, right? Such as the first 5 programs and also ATOK?? on the launch menu? CLIE Style is also still Japanese, right?
Correct.
For additional programs you can copy over the english versions if you can find them. Some like Memo and Phone list are easy enough IMHO to use as-is if you are familiar with the PALM.
Read through the "Day 3" writeup, at least thru "Chapter 4"
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=72445
BTW: ATOK is Japanese specific app.

> 2. I also installed the NetFront 3 and Picsel Viewer from http://www.sonyclie.org/ and now both pgms won't launch!! Baaahh!!! How do I revert or uninstall to the previous, original version?
If you installed them with HotSync, they may not be properly installed.
If you installed using FileZ and they failed, then there may be system incompatibilities.

Using FileZ, select the "Internal" list, uncheck the "ROM" checkbox, and delete any files that have similar names to what you installed.

> 3. How does one do a hard reset?
Hold the power switch on, press the reset button, keep holding until the logo pops up. Then let go of the power switch. It will ask you a question (in Japanese)
Then you have to press a special button - which I don't recall right now. IIRC it is in the Japanese manual. Other buttons will cancel the hard reset (ie. like a long winded soft reset)

[poopoo head]

Wow, thanks for all the help! :D I really appreciate your time in answering these annoying questions that have probably been answered in a previous post that I can't find. :p :confused:

I actually did read all of your review before I lay down the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :eek: for the VZ90. I had to get the Vz90 because of the OLED screen and the fact that I wanted a Made in Japan PDA running Palm OS. :cool: Your review helped me get over the Japanese only OS. I thought that I would be able to find posts or links to English versions of most of the applications, but so far I haven't really found much besides NetFront and Picsel Viewer (which didn't work, haha)...I'll try copying it over using FileZ instead of HotSync later... :eek:

I will also then try to delete it with FileZ if it doesn't work... :eek: :eek:

OK I will try to find that hard reset command in the Japan manual if I need it. :eek: :eek: :eek: :mad:

Wow, cool, an internal MS! :D If I copy digicam pics to that, it should speed up the loading of 5 mpixel camera images from my external MSPro MagicGate stick. BTW my Sony DSC-P10 camera video files do not natively play on the CLIE... I guess I need to convert it with CLIEMP4CONVERTER or IC2 Japanese. :(

Even more cool: I can actually stick a CompactFlash card in to boost the storage capacity!!??? :eek: This means I can buy X GB cards off eBay and have a portable media player!! :eek: :D :eek: :eek:


Thanks again for the help! :D

[sonypenguin]

Hard Reset: Hold Power on button and push reset, When you see Palm Powered screen release your power on button, it will say something in japanese, then press up button which is up button from where the jog dial is.

[CliePet]

> If I copy digicam pics to that, it should speed up the loading of 5 mpixel camera images from my external MSPro MagicGate stick.
Probably not. The Internal Media has the speed similar to a fast MS Pro stick. 5 MPixel images are slow to display mostly because of the JPG loading and rescaling. I find the "Internal Media" (UX/VZ) is useful for stuff you need all the time (like bigger programs) that change less often.

[poopoo head]

Thanks Sonypenguin and CliePet! I tried to hard reset over the weekend but pressed 'left' instead of 'up' because I was reading from the TH55 manual. Oh, well, it seems that so far I won't be needing it, hopefully. :eek:

If I do, however, I have backed up the Sony OEM pictures and videos to my MS. Does anyone know if I hard reset, will the three pictures (food dish, fireworks, and children) that were included from the factory be lost? What else would be lost and is there any long term harm to VZ90 by hard reset?
Also, because I want to save batt., I frequently turn it off and then back on when I need it. Is this more harmful to the OLED than to just leave it on? :confused:

Also (2), what should I use to wipe the OLED screen because I accidentally got fingerprints on it? Will any 100% cotton cloth be ok? :confused:

Also (3), I read the post (http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69393) on installing IC2 on an English Windows XP, but now that the link to the backup file is removed, how can I install IC2 on my computer? :confused: :(

Also (4), after I used cliemp4converter to make some mp4 movie files, I copied them to my MS Pro Magicgate onto the dir: MP_ROOT\100MNV01. These show up under Filez and in the media launcher, but when I try to play them, I get a Japanese error...does anyone know why this is? Furthermore, the original 2 videos, ocean fishes and airshow will not play anymore!!! (same error but also show in FileZ). Ie., no movie files will play, but pictures directly on the MS Pro from my Sony DSC camera show up with no modifications necessary. There is also a file called "MSTK_PRO.IND" 0B in that folder on my VZ90 internal RAM that I cannot delete with FileZ. :confused:

Also (5), related to the above question, one post here says that copying a file into internal RAM with FileZ will cause it to fail, but that McFiles will work. Does this mean that I should use McFiles whenever possible instead of FileZ? I tried looking, but all I could find were pay versions of McFile(s?). Are there free versions available? :confused: :D

Thanks again for all the support!
Have a good day. :D

[CliePet]

> Does anyone know if I hard reset, will the three pictures (food dish, fireworks, and children) that were included from the factory be lost?
It goes back to "factory" settings with the sample images
> What else would be lost and is there any long term harm to VZ90 by hard reset?
Everything you installed since you originally turned it on. No harm. If you hotsync after a hard reset it will restore the system to the last backup [if you pick your old user account]

>Also, because I want to save batt., I frequently turn it off and then back on when I need it. Is this more harmful to the OLED than to just leave it on?
Sounds good. Leaving the OLED on when not needed is not recommended. The "HOLD" position is another option (similar to power off, but remains ready to run)

> Also (2), what should I use to wipe the OLED screen because I accidentally got fingerprints on it? Will any 100% cotton cloth be ok?
Didn't it come with a cloth??? - anything that doesn't scratch should be ok.

> ...on installing IC2 on an English Windows XP, but now that the link to the backup file is removed, how can I install IC2 on my computer?
It comes on the VZ90 install CD - that's the Japanese version. You can use it without understanding the text. The official English can be purchased from sonystyle.com (a $20 program)

> Also (4), after I used cliemp4converter to make some mp4 movie files, I copied them to my MS Pro Magicgate onto the dir: MP_ROOT\100MNV01. These show up under Filez and in the media launcher, but when I try to play them, I get a Japanese error...does anyone know why this is?
FWIW: I use and recommend Image Converter V2

> Furthermore, the original 2 videos, ocean fishes and airshow will not play anymore!!!
Try again after the hard reset.

> There is also a file called "MSTK_PRO.IND" 0B in that folder on my VZ90 internal RAM that I cannot delete with FileZ.
It shouldn't be in the "Internal RAM" - I assume you mean the "Internal Media" (which is Flash ROM). Leave it / ignore it.

> Also (5), related to the above question, one post here says that copying a file into internal RAM with FileZ will cause it to fail, but that McFiles will work.
Only for some very specific system replacements (Filez and McFiles do things differently). FWIW I use FileZ.

[poopoo head]

Wow, thanks again for answering so many of my questions, CliePet! I am not sure if I should start a new thread for each question that I have... or if I should keep asking you (and others) questions and waste your time... hmm, well I did think that maybe with my questions and your answers, it might help others who have the same questions... or maybe my questions are so dumb that people end up just wasting their time and not gaining anything. :eek: :( :p Oh, well...I don't know what to do. :confused:

Anyhow, after wasting some more of your time above, here I need to waste more time... :D

1. No, I did not get the cloth! GRRRRRR!!! It was not in the box. I'll need to contact someone. :mad:

2. In another post, Imame said that the VZ90 came with a leather case. Mine looks like the ones in pictures, but I am sure it is not leather, but only synthetic leather??? :confused:

3. To use this Hold function you speak of, do I put it on Hold while the PDA is on and then let it power off automatically? Do I need to change any additional settings? :confused:

4. When I try to install IC2 from the original included VZ90 disc, I get a Japanese error (weird font characters) on my English Windows XP Home SP2. Setup stops right there, about a few seconds after I try to run Setup. There are no options for me to choose so that I can even try to install IC2, only the (cancel) or OK button. When I click it, it just exits to the Desktop. Do you have Windows XP Home SP2? :confused: I even tried disabling all 3rd party apps and installing from a Cleanboot, but to the same effect. :eek: :confused:

5. Last night before I got to the internet today, I deleted the "MSTK_PRO.IND" 0B by going into file properties of FileZ and unchecking 'Read Only'. No change, though. :mad:

6. Before I buy a larger memory card for the VZ90, will CF and MS/Pro/Duo+adapter all write/read at same speed? I read your post above and saw that the VZ90 isn't fast enough to use the full potential of MS Pro anyways... will CF or MS use less/more batteries...other effects? :confused:

7. I got on the internet yesterday with the VZ90!! It is so amazing! I only have Japanese Netfront, so I had to guess a lot of things, but it found the WiLan after a while. Am I mistaken, or do you use a CF wireless card for the VZ90? Is this done to increase range/decrease batt. consumption? :confused:

Umm...sorry for wasting your time again, but thanks! :( :)

[CliePet]

> 1. No, I did not get the cloth!
Ok, then it probably didn't come with it (I don't recall). Any soft cloth should work (or eyeglass cloth)

re: Hold
Hold is an alternative to turning off the power if the PDA is doing something (playing music, using WiFi). If you aren't using it, press in the off direction. See manual for other advantages of Hold.

re: "synthetic leather"
No animals were harmed in the production of your PDA!

re: IC2 Japanese
It won't install on English Windows (as described in the other threads). I recommend getting the $20 English version from Sony, much easier and only $20.

re: PC adapter speeds
Speeds vary greatly depending on many factors. I recommend the $20 Sony model and connect it to a USB 2.0 port. It does CF, MS/MSPro. MS DUO.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=MSACUSM1

[poopoo head]

OOOOOOOOOOOOH OKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY........
NOW everything is almost clear. :eek:

Thanks again for your help! :eek:
Now I can focus on not getting Japanese IC2 to work on Eng WinXP... :)
And now I am happy that no one opened up the box and took the cloth... :)

Re: PC adapter speeds, I was referring to the speed at which the VZ90 can read/write to the external card. Ie., whether Compact Flash or MS/Pro would load images faster to the VZ90 based on your user experience? Also, are both CF Type I and CF Type II compatible? :confused:

Thanks again so much! :)