dliao

Hi guys, I'm shopping for a new PDA. I've isolated my choice to either LifeDrive or VZ90. I'm not asking for a comparison because i've done quite a lot research on those two devices (and it hink inmame did a pretty good comparison in another thread). I just want to know which one would you guys choose (at this time) and why?

The only concerns I have is that since both device are aimed at multimedia..Sony has it's own DSP to process the video..but require to use the IC2 to convert video, otherwise most video including divx would not run at all due to it's handheld engine. LifeDrive, on the other hand, has sufficient CPU power to handle the native video file.

Would it be too much of hassle to convert the file using IC2? And can i acutally use a thirdparty video conversion software to convert the video (because i use OSX) to mp4?

Thanks,

David

dip

TCPMP can play native video files, so no problem here. I'd get VZ because it is a Sony, but maybe the japanese OS can be a hassle (are there translations available?).

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shamgar

like to watch videos like Sony Wega? stereo speakers? utra-bright screen?

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Bionic Antboy

The extra conversion for the VZ only takes a few clicks of the mouse, so if you don't mind letting movies and TV shows convert overnight, it's perfectly fine. I can get about 6-7 hours worth of stuff converted overnight, so unless you watch vid on the PDA 8 hrs a day, you should be fine.

I believe there are 3rd party converters (aimed at Mac PSP users). There's no comparing the quality of video between the VZ or other HHE based Clies and other PDAs. 480x320 30fps, and battery savings through the DSP, make it the best choice.

You can also use the 3rd party player TCPMP on the VZ I believe, if you don't want to go through the extra conversion step, but the playback won't be quite as good as mp4.

The LifeDrive DOES have a 4 gig hard drive, but watching a movie off of it eats up WAY more battery than if it's stored on an SD card...

see this thread... LifeDrive HD vs SD

So if you want to watch whole movies, you might want to keep that in mind.

Honestly, if you can live with the Japanese OS (partially converted by CliePet), the VZ will give you by far the best viewing experience, bar none. The OLED screen is AMAZING, not just a little better, it's truly a sight to behold, and online photos don't do it justice.

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dliao

Thanks guys. I'm not particular fond of watching video on small device, but every once in a while it'll be handy to have movie on it such as waiting for flight at airport. I know TCPMP would play natively, but it won't take advantage of Sony's DSP. So i guess conversion is required.

I can live with japanese, so I think i'm all set to go

Thanks again!

dliao

Btw, when using applications, can the apps rotate the display mode just like those in T5, or Life Drive? I can't remember in which version of Palm OS that they start supporitng portrate/landscape mode natively. I hope vz90 is one of them

Also how is the Clie Organizer's speed on VZ90? I liked using it in TH55, but it's really slow.

LupeValenz

Actually, TCPMP DOES use the Handheld engine. Here goes the thread that talks bout the plugin for that .

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shamgar

rotate screen

free

http://www.aibohack.com/clie/vz90_eng.htm

or $14.95 (works VG on VZ but immovable on Clie Organiser)

http://www.mobile-stream.com/landscape_info.html

speed of CO:
takes few seconds to start (month view)

hopes the info useful.

Pdaman

I would take Vz over lifedrive because:

-it has two slots, cf and ms
-excellent battery life
-super good screen
-made by sony

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Tam Hanna

well, it is a difficult question, as the VZ ia almost double the price of the LD.
The LD has the faster processor and way more storage, but that there are the various problems with the hard disk(erased at hardreset, slow softresets, eats much battery when movieplaying(why no cache, I wonder..)...). And, it is a PalmOne product so you can almost expect it to fail somehow or have at least one medior flaw.

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dliao

Hi guys, thanks for the reply again.

The price is acutally about 200 bux more for a new VZ90. Consider it used to be almost $1000 bux before..I think it's a good deal now.

tonyreynolds

I'd get a VZ...

... and put a herkin' CF MicroDrive in it.

For $269 or so, you can get the new Hitachi 6GB Microdrive. That, plus a 1 GB Memorystick and you'd be in memory heaven.

Think of it as a drive-upgradeable LiveDrive witha FAR, far better screen.

Tony

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Current PDA: Apple iPod Touch, 8GB

Past PDA's: Palm Personal, Palm Pro, Palm IIIx; HandEra 330; HP Jornada 525, 548, 565; Treo 90; Sony Clie NZ90, TG50, Toshiba Genio e550G, Sony Clie TH55, iPAQ hx4700

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tonyreynolds

Please tell us where you can get a new VZ for $600 ???

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Current PDA: Apple iPod Touch, 8GB

Past PDA's: Palm Personal, Palm Pro, Palm IIIx; HandEra 330; HP Jornada 525, 548, 565; Treo 90; Sony Clie NZ90, TG50, Toshiba Genio e550G, Sony Clie TH55, iPAQ hx4700

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the perfect PDA has not yet been invented - TR