anthonymoody

Remember, this is all IMO. So don't get all defensive about your NZ, NX whatever. It's IMO.

Well, everyone else got to chime in with their thoughts, so now it's my turn. Much has been covered I realize. But when thinking about a new device, sometimes you'll read all the reviews you can find!

So first, I think it's important to give some context. I haven't used a Palm device in over a year. I've been using a TMobile Pocket PC Phone Edition (i.e. the XDA). But before that I had a Treo 270, a Treo 180, a Palm Vx, V, III, and Pilot 1000.

The adustment back from the PPC OS was fairly simple, so if anyone is one the fence about that, don't be. That said, if you've *never* used the Palm OS it may take a little bit to get as comfortable on it as you may be with PPC.

Anyway, I recently decided to go back to being a two device guy. I really wanted a hard keyboard and landscape, not to mention a small form factor, so the UX was it. I bought a Siemens S55 BT phone (a nice little phone BTW), and ordered the UX from ecost with their decent discount.

Before I gave my impressions I wanted to set the device up to work to accomplish the key things I needed it to do, so I could judge it in the context in which I need it (functionally):

-surf and email via wifi
-surf and email via BT/GPRS
-dial the phone from the Clie phone book
-sms
-wireless LAN sync
-checking Hotmail

Frankly, setting all that up was a royal PITA. The various Sony manuals (some of which come in the box, some of which come only via PDF web links) are basically way too simple, going over the most basic palm functionality, or too obtuse to be useful IMO. In fairness to Sony, wireless settings differ depending on your carrier and phone. But still, IMO they don't even begin to explain the correct way to set up the device to work to do everything I needed it to.

Finally, I've been able to do everything but the last thing - checking hotmail. I tried installing a modified version of Netfront that spoofs IE, but it crashed the UX badly. It puts it into a permanent soft reset loop which forces you to hard reset. So, until someone hacks a version that works with the UX, no dice. I also tried xiino and blazer. Also no dice. There's a PQA that allows it (I forget the name...) so I may look for that for the time being.

Other than that, I freakin LOVE this thing. While the screen is smaller than that of my PPCPE, its higher rez and higher quality easily make up for that (to me). It's beautiful. Also, the magnify feature on Netfront makes it very easy to see text on web pages.

The keyboard feels and works great - easily the superior of the one on the Treo 180/270 I had, my cousings T/W and easily superior to keyboards on other Clies I've tried. I've gotten really good at thumb typing on it - even while holding the little stylus in my right hand for those moments when I havent figured out how to navigate something with the keyboard. I don't miss a portrait mode b/c I really only use it in clamshell - b/c I love the keyboard so much.

Some things that aren't great IMO:
1) charging requires the cradle, which while not large is still silly
2) the speed of the data import program (if you don't have a MS reader) is S L O W
3) battery life - I can go a day b/t charges, which for me is fine, but I know for others may not be
4) set up difficulty
5) the little cover that goes over the mini USB port seems flimsy

Other than that, I really love this thing. If you have any other Q's I'd be happy to try to answer them.

TM

elwuero

i also have a T-Mobile PPC Phone and am a prior user of almost every Palm and Clie ever made. I want to get rid of the PPC but have been waiting for a miracle device from Samsung or maybe the Treo 600 to get back to a Palm. I dont know how I will like two devices, phone and Palm again. I had a lot of different setups to get web content on past units and nothing ever worked that good. I mainly used modems w/ wires.

Tell me, I have a wireless router in my home from netgear. i should be able to access web from anywhere in my house easily? Is the speed thru wifi faster than thru the ppc phone?

how about bluetooth? are you still using a t-mobile account for that? do you have to set the phone up facing the Palm? or can you just have the phone in your pocket and connect?

please give me any advice or comments in regards to the merge from one unit to two. it seems we are in very similar circumstances. i am just afraid that once i make the purchase i will miss just having one device.

thanks, darrin

anthonymoody

Hmm, well, the good news is that everything you ask is very easy (once the set up part is done). Actually, wifi set up is easy (or was with my linksys router). So yes, you should be able to surf in your house via wifi. As for BT, the devices need to be close, but I've done it across the room (10 feet) and they pair fine. When you pair via BT, you can use the GPRS (ie data services) from TMobile. I have $20 unlimited per month, so it doesn't come out of your minutes. Alternatively, you could pair via BT to dial into a dial up ISP. That would come out of your minutes. I haven't tried that.

Wifi surfing seems faster than GPRS via BT, but I haven't really been able to do any speed comparison tests. If someone directs me to a site that could measure such speeds I'd be glad to try.

The bad news is that the decision to go back to 2 devices is a VERY big one, and one that I feel hesitant to comment on since everyone's situation is so distinct. I too was waiting for the miracle device. I've been eyeing the Treo 600 among others.

That said, for me the decision came down to a few things. First, surfing on the UX50 is much more pleasurable than on the PPC PE, and way better than the Treo 270. The screen orientation and resolution (and browser) make it much better. Wifi seems to help too b/c of speed as I mentioned.

Next, I really don't need to have my PDA with me at all times, especially when going out at night. At those times, a phone is sufficient for me. My Siemens S55 syncs with my PC, and while the internal memory wont hold all my numbers, it will hold a couple hundred or so, enough for the 'must have' numbers to be with me, even without my PDA.

On the other hand, I need a device that does web and email really well (on those occassion when I need such functionality - usually when I travel on business), and this one does - by far better than the Treo 270 or PPC PE (IMO).

Hope that helps. The other things I'd say is, depending on where you are, maybe try to find someone with a UX50 and play with it with a BT phone to see how the functionality is.

There's definitely a convenience hit when going back to 2 devices, but there are other things gained as well. The benefit of either really depends on personal preferences.

All that said, I think that eventually they'll build GPRS right into the UX line. Pair it with a BT headset and you're all set. Keep the UX in your bag/pocket, and wear the headset to make/receive calls. Until that time, i'm happy with the move I made.

if you're in NYC I'd be happy to get together to show you the set up.

TM

__________________
The UX50 - don't leave home without it!

elwuero

thanks for the reply and info. im in la so a little too far from ny but i really appreciate the willingness to help out. if i make the move i am sure i will e-mail you for some set up advice. i too have the unlimited internet via t-mobile and would keep it if i do switch over.

thanks again.

darrin

anthonymoody

no prblem...any time.
good luck!
TM

__________________
The UX50 - don't leave home without it!

vgill

Hi Anthony,

could you please post the exact setup steps for getting the S55 to work with the UX50 over BT/GPRS?

thanks

/v

Importluva

I went to Best Buy yesterday and took a look at the UX. I was VERY impressed. Now, some of you may remember me as a strong advocate of PPCs, but I have owned many palm devices as well.

Now, the keyboard-excellent. Size-amazing. Feel and look-beautiful. The only things that I don't like are the screen size (I still don't understand why sony didn't just make the screen at least 3.5") and how many of the apps don't take advantage of the landscape. For example, audio player could definitely make use of the other areas. Oh well.

However, I was very impressed. I couldn't afford a $700 device, and with Palm OS 6 around the corner, I don't think that this would be a smart purchase for many. I personally still like PPCs, but what they have done wiht this clie is awesome. I wouldn't mind having one some day.

Unregistered

just came back from CompUsa (Richfield, MN), the
truth is, the UX's screen sux (crapola), even at max brightness, it is noticeable dim, I compared it live e the NZ, T, NX and TT2, it is about 3/4 the size of the NX80's screen, but same resolution and the refreshing speed is kind of slow compared to the NX80... If you really don't need BT or if you can get a WiFi card, go for the NX.
After playing with it for 30 minutes, holding it in landscape mode feels akward unless you use the keyboard, conclusion, IMHO, HAND-HELDS should be vertical, just pure ergonomics.

I will skip this one.

Unregistered

I've found that the landscape orientation is fine and comfortable to hold. The device itself is very solid and well made. The screen, while not as bright as some other machines, is actually very nice and very sharp. The only real complaint I can see about this machine is the small screen. I do believe one would eventually get used to it and I realize the screen had to be smaller to allow for the border to prevent finger smudges. This device won't be for everyone. But for those that prefer a keyboard and clamshell design and don't want to lug around a large pda, this fits the ticket.

gfunkmagic

Hey anthony, thanks for your impressions. I'm also having difficulties deciding whether I want to go back to a two device solution. I just went to Compusa today to check out the UX50 and DAMNED that thing is small! I mean it's really tiny and compact. I compared the form factor to my Treo 300 and it was basically the same size being a little thinner, bit longer, and basically just as wide. I'm actually quite astonished with the size of the UX50. It doesn't have any protruding antenna and felt quite comfortable and sleek in my pocket, more so than the Treo300. Spec-wise the UX50 is obviously in another class than the forthcoming Treo600. It has a beautiful 480x320 rez screen, all be it rather small, but still larger than the Treo 300. But I guess coming from the grainy 160x160 screenie on the Treo300, anything is better for me! It also has dual wireless (wifi+BT), a camera, and a pretty decent and spacious thumbboard. The one thing it doesn't have is a phone, but the overall design and hardware is soo impressive IMO that I'm having serious second thoughts about the Treo600. The UX50 + BT phone (possibly SE T608 if it ever comes out from Sprint) would be incredible combo. The biggest negative is the $700 sticker price, which is an astronomical price. I normally wouldn't even consider spending so much on a handheld, but once you have the UX in you hand it sorta takes control of you! I swear it took every ounce of will power I had for me not grab that baby right then and there! Suffice to say, I was very impressed with the UX50. However, I've always thought I'ld never go back to a two device solution again, but now I don't know anymore. I told myself I'ld wait to see the Treo600 first hand before I make a decision, but I'm definitely not so sure about taking the Treo600 plunge anymore. What do ya'll think? Has anyone else whose played around with the UX50 come back with a similar reaction? I just feel like I'ld have to sacrifice too much hardware-wise with the Treo600 given what other options are out there. The truth is I don't think I would even be considering the UX50 if the Treo600 had a 320x320 screen...but unfortunately it doesn't. ARHHH... decisions...decision...

__________________
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Current devices: Treo 650 + Axim X50v

Device graveyard: Palm Vx, Cassiopeia E100, LG Phenom HPC, Palm M515, Treo 300, Treo 600

Moderator: PalmInfocenter and Treocentral

Unregistered

Don't look at the price of the UX50 and think of it as one product, think of it as multiple products.

Voicerecorder-$50-100 for a pretty decent recorder
Camera- its not the best so lets say bout $100 for a camera of its quality
MP3 Player-Lets say for a decent player, $100
Then you have the wi-fi which before we had to buy the wifi card which runs about nother $100.
all together thats about $350-400 dollars. Leaving the pda of the UX pretty much at 300-350. When you look at it that way, the UX isn't really that expensive for an all in one sparing you of the other gadgets you have to carry around.

LupeValenz

Loving the battery life of this baby, 25 mins of listenin to music and haven't came down one percent yet! Make any new model you want sony but this baby is mine now for a year at least, I won't upgrade like i been doing with NX-NZ-UX. This is the best design clie I've seen. I love how when you close it it just kinda 'snaps', feels very stable and solid. The picture quality is not too bad for a .3mp. The lighted keyboard is awesome and I been using that as my primary input device...*don't want to use decuma without a screen protector, such a beatiful screen* It feels great and in the dark, can type away no problem.

Importluva

ok, how do you activate decuma? Icouldn't do it in the stores.

Anyways, here is a better breakdown of what the price should be.

Voice recorder-$40
Camera/video rec-$50
MP3 Player-$75
Wifi card (just a normal one, not a sony prop. one)-$50

So, it comes to ~$215. That leaves ~$485 of pda left. IMO, that is a rip off. I mean the device is great, but the prices of these pda's have to, i mean HAVE to come down in price. I have my ipaq 2215-with wifi card and keyboard, it came to less than $500.
But oh well, I guess you can't always get something for nothing :P

LupeValenz

Hey there, to activate decuma, on the Graffiti area, the alphabet side, click on the small circle 'a' button and it will bring out Decuma. Hope that helps.