Handheld Reviews

A few weeks ago, I had a memory bloop on my palm and all the (doc) files that I had on it were deleted, including a bulk of my midterm paper. I wished that I had something like this so that I could go back and revert my palm or had a back of the files. Now that I have it, I back up religiously, when I am not able to get to my computer. Though the backup time is limited to the output of the connect points at the bottom of the unit. And the fact that it takes atleast 5 to 8 minutes to do it, it is a worthwile 5 to 8 minutes to prevent you from having a nervious breakdown when your Palm decides to develop amnesia at the worse possible time. Trust me, you think that the back up will take forever, but trust me the alternative for the immedate last minute speed typing of a 7 to 10 page paper due in 6 hours will make you think about doing a serious investment in this product.

Tip for users, use the select file back up feature if you are a religious user of your palm away from the computer, it talkes less time and you can get your doc files transferred alot quicker in less time instead of the full back up whenever you change alot of files, which I suggest at least be done once a week.

What a fantastic little attachment. Can't travel without it. This gadget gives me peace of mind. I fully recommend downloading the Memory Safe Flash as well if your handheld is compatible with it. Makes life much easier. No more of this mad panic to sync with your desktop or laptop everyday. And no more worries about the batteries running dead and losing all that RAM data either. Northstar, you have done well.

At a company meeting several states from home, my Pilot froze, and the only thing that could revive it was a hard restart. I lost my meeting schedule that I had meticulously entered, as well as all the notes from two days of meetings. If I had owned this module then, I could have gotten most of my work back, and kept on going. Instead, I had to resort to a tablet and paper, and recopy my notes into the computer on my return to home. The backup is simple, quick, and painless. I am very pleased to now be able to keep a safe backup copy of my Pilot whenever I travel.

I have a Palm IIIxe, and it does come with a stylus. REPLACE IT. You SHOULD BUY THIS 3-PACK, trust me, you will like it. The soft rubbery tip is much better on the touch-sensitive screen of the Palm, and it is a MUST-HAVE in order to keep your screen scratch-free. The black, plastic stylus that comes with the Palm will scratch your screen.

Both the head and the tail can be unscrewed; I don't know the advantage of the tip unscrewing, but the tail has a soft pin inside that can be used for a "soft reset" when your Palm freezes up.

ONE NOTE: I found that this stylus is heavier, and feels better when you are writing. BUT, It CAN SLIP out of the holder on the back of your Palm if you do not properly secure it. (It happened in mine, I'm not sure if this is a universal problem) Anyway, if your new stylus slips out frequently, what you can do is the following:

- After inserting the new stylus in the holder, press down the exposed tail into the back of the Palm (not down toward the battery cover, but toward the screen). That somehow clicks the tail into a groove, and keeps this heavier stylus from sliding out!...

After using the plastic m100 stylus, I upgraded to the Palm IIIc (nice), and ordered this along with it. Amazon has a great price on these fine quality styi.

-They have a firm, smooth, rubber head. (The plastic heads can get a nich in them then scratch the screen unknowningly, these don't)
-They are HEAVY so you can control input much easier.
-The reset pin is a useful extra. (Never search for something to hit that thing again!)
-A rubber tip absorbs impact of tapping your screen. (Increases screen life)
-Compared to the price of a new palm screen (especially color) these are ... CHEAP.

Its simple, if you want a quality stylus that will take care of that delicate silk-screen, I recommend buying these. You won't be disappointed at all. I promise.

They were in perfect condition. Nicely price too

I bought this device for use at work. I work as an emergency medicine physician so I was looking for something that would be "almost" pocket size or just easy to carry around in scrubs.
Good points about this unit. It is very light compared to later models. Great color screen, very durable, sony brand quality. No camera. A good point because the unit is lighter, you are not paying extra money for poor, poor quality pictures, and you can purchase a pocket size digital camera for good prices now if you really *NEED* to take pictures.

Overall, Great unit, great price. Worthwhile investment.

This is the first PDA I've ever owned, although I've been eyeing them for years, waiting for just the "right" one to come on the market. This is it. I could not be happier with it.

I opted for the PEG-NX60 over the NX70 because I have a great digital camera and didn't need one in the Clie. Since my camera is a Sony, it is very easy for me to swap memory sticks between the two devices. I've got tons of photos and videos saved on a 64 meg memory stick that I use predominantly for the Clie, and with the included image/video conversion program, I still have a comfortable amount of free space on the memory stick.

I found the Palm OS 5 to be quite intuitive, and even Graffiti was not a problem for me, although I was certain at the beginning that I would be using the hardware keyboard most of the time. Now, I use it infrequently, but I am still glad I bought this clamshell design Clie because of the additional protection it provides to the screen. I have been using this since December and have not felt the need to buy a protective case for the device. It rides in my purse and the well-built metal shell, plus clamshell design, feels very secure to me.

The included apps, especially Documents to Go, are terrific. I've set up the Clie to sync several Word and Excel documents between my home and work PCs, and it works like a dream. I always have the most current copy of those documents with me.

All in all, it's a good work tool, and a great play tool as well. I love having the ability to keep current work docs with me at all times, plus having a digital photo album as well. There's more to tell, but I think each user will tell his or her own story.

It's a winner, and I'm once again thrilled with a Sony product!

This is a great PDA. I was thinking of the Tungsten-T, but decided for the Clie because of its extended screen and multimedia capabilities. Programs like Documents To Go, media player, and web browser use the extended screen. Comes with a lot more programs. The screen tilts and moves over the keyboard for easier screen-only use. Tilt screen also allows to position the PDA on a desk and more the screen for better viewing. Memory expansion is a plus, specially to play MP3s, but the memory sticks are expensive. You can buy the compact flash driver (forgot the company name, $20) and use regular compact flash memory. I use the wireless LAN card so it is better for me to use the memory stick. Netfront 3 is great IF YOU DOWNLOAD THE UPDATE from the Sony web site. It eliminates/reduces the annoying "page too large" message. Netfront is by far the best browser I have seen on PDAs, and I can browse virtually any web site. Make sure you download all the updates. The keyboard is not that useful for typing documents, but it is great for small things.
ADVANTAGES: larger screen, lots of buttons, lots of extra goodies like the media player controller, nice screen, and NICE LOOKING PDA. Tilt screen feature is the best.
DISADVANTAGES: long format is not the best for business only purposes. MS is expensive.
CAMERA? Why? Buy a real digital camera. I can't see how useful it will be to have a digital camera in a phone or PDA unless you have a special use for it (like inventory, etc).

Good points:
-1 touch backup -- everything's automated. You just hit 'backup' to backup your ENTIRE handheld, or 'restore' to restore your ENTIRE handheld and it's done. No worrying about compatibility conflicts. You may have apps that may not be compatible with your Visor, but it wouldn't affect the function of the backup module
-It's thorough -- EVERYTHING gets backed up, including but not limited to all PIM data (can't speak for outlook users, as I don't use it, but my guess is that that's also covered), various settings in the "pref" icon, applications, as well as all its data. Examples include your ToDo entries, entries you've made in Bankbook3 (banking software), and even your saved game sessions and high scores from games like Space Trader and SubHunt (for the games part, hotsyncing only restores the actual game only. You'll need to start all over from scratch).
-Works right out of the box -- no extra drivers or updates are required. It's true plug and play just like the vast majority of Springboard modules
-Has limited but nice user error checks -- the only ones I know of are:
>being able to recognize that it (the module) is working with a different handheld/user, so you won't accidentally wipe out your (or someone else's) data on the Visor or backup module.
>being able to recognize that your request to backup stuff is much smaller (like files are missing) than what's already backed up. Good example to illustrate this would be when I deleted whole categories of bank records I didn't need anymore. Before the backup started, it ran a warning that I'll be losing a lot of info on the module if I went through. Deleting all the info was purposely done, but it's still nice to see such checks take place to safeguard your data.
-Fast restores -- Despite the slow backup process (described below), restoring takes considerably less time.
-I've had mine for over 3.5 years, since I had my Visor, and switched to my Visor Neo over 1.5 years ago. I haven't done a lot of restores, but it has been just as reliable, if not more as Palm Desktop and my handhelds.

Bad points:
-Backups are relatively slow -- I have about 5.9MB of used memory on my handheld, and each backup session takes almost 4 minutes. This figure is better on the Original Visor or other Visors with less used memory, but it's still going to be pretty slow compared to hotsyncing. Some of you may replace hotsyncing with backup modules for various reasons, but I'll bet that you won't be backing up on the module that liberally. This takes much more patience, not to mention more battery power.
-All or nothing -- Mentioned in another review as well. Restoring/backing up the whole handheld is generally the ideal thing you want, but suppose you accidentally delete an app, or it'd be easier to just restore an old version of some set of records rather than manually undoing everything. You'll get those modifications you done to be undone, but so will everything else you've done since that time, like new appointments you set up or new phone numbers you recorded since then.
-Kinda bulky -- In the age of high capacity SD/MMC cards and DVD +/- R/RWs, one would scoff to see only 8MBs in such a plastic cartridge. There aren't many other backup modules for Handspring though, and the smaller SD cards mean u just lose them easier.

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS?
-People on the road, going through extended periods of time without having access to a laptop or desktop to synchronize their info
-People who have, foresee, or are worried of their desktop AND handheld crashing. (For me, it was using Win98 SE, loading a bunch of 3rd party games and apps, and having to reset both of them often)
-People who find forty to sixty-five dollars a small price to pay for losing extremely critical data
-People who REALLY want to keep their high scores (expansion flash memory cards are another alternative)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
-Unless you're handheld is constantly bugging out (in which case you should consider getting a new unit that's more stable), than it'd be wise to keep that and the module apart for as much as possible. Specifically, if you're out on the road and keep the module plugged in, you'll be defeating the purpose of utilizing a backup module if your handheld (and the backup that's plugged into it) gets stolen, lost, or falls into a wishing fountain and shorts out everything. Technically you >could< restore from you're desktop, but the whole idea of having a backup is so that we wouldn't have to place all our trust in our desktop AND handheld right?
-If you feel you have a solid, stable PC and/or handheld, then you could easily get away with making backups every 2 weeks or once a week. If you just added a lot of important data to your handheld, then backup right away. Otherwise don't bother. The slow backup process will seem much less painful if you cut down on the number of backups you need to perform.

-Obviously, apps and files only on plugged in expansion cards aren't backed up, but those files on expansion cards would be backed up already in the case that you lose handheld and desktop information.
-In case it's not mentioned, this product has 8MB of memory, so it'll work for every type of Visor handheld except for the Visor Pro. For original Visor users, you don't get to save 2 - 4 profiles on there. Only one just like the rest of us.

Look, you know you need this if you own a Visor. Just buy it already and give yourself some peace of mind.

Here's my testimonial: I bought the backup module nearly a year ago and never had to use its restore function. I would just back up every week or so and go about my business. Then I cracked the screen on my Visor somehow and couldn't use the stylus for any data entry. Handspring sent me a replacement Visor (for $85 and they shipped it the next day) and I simply plugged in the backup module and I was back on track without missing a beat. I keep a ton of applications (Pocket Quicken, Dietlog, Fitsync, Noah Lite Dictionary, Avantgo, Vindigo, etc.) on my Visor and thankfully I didn't have to reinstall any of the software.

The convenience of the backup module means I will probably remain loyal to Handspring for the duration, especially if I ever upgrade from my Visor Deluxe to the Edge or Prism. Transferring all of my stuff from one Visor to another was simply a breeze with this backup module.

very helpful. When you're on the road and have to hard reset (happened to me), this is a life saver.

The PalmPilot Professional will change your life. You will finally be able to rid yourself of the daily planners that you have grown to love over the years. From now on you'll have instant digital access to phone numbers, appointments, todo lists, and you'll even be able to check your email, or just play one of the thousands of games available on the internet for free download.

You can enter information three different ways: * with the stylus * typing on the on-screen keyboard * entering the info in the desktop software and hot-syncing

If you want to share your thoughts with others you can even buy the $100 upgrade card to bring infrared capabilities to your handheld! The possibilities are endless. You'll never regret the purchase. Take it from a user who's had one for over a year and a half!

The recipient of this gift will love you forever!

The 3Com PalmPilots manage a huge variety of business and personal tasks. Using a simple graphic interface incorporating handwriting recognition, the PalmPilot Professional comes ready to work with a calendar/datebook (with alarms and the ability to handle repeating tasks), address book, to-do list, notepad and calculator. Included software and a linking cradle allow you to swap information with a desktop computer.

The Palm platform is fertile ground for small software developers: fully featured, inexpensive applications for the Palm are available for virtually any need: financial and scientific calculators, database and small spreadsheet programs, document readers and, naturally, games.

In addition, a number of excellent commercial software packages offer Palm links to their Windows-based products, including the popular contact management program Act! and DeLorme's enormously useful map products. With the addition of a compatible GPS unit and cable, the Palm computer running downloaded DeLorme directions can guide you on a trip, giving advance notice of the next turn you'll need to make and displaying speed, elapsed mileage and other parameters.

Add-on devices include modems, an alphanumeric paging receiver, even a compass.

The Palm computers operate on two AAA batteries which, depending on your work habits and use of the backlit screen, will last for a month or so.

Much more than an executive 'toy', the PalmPilot computers offer excellent function in a small, well designed package. A gift that is sure to be appreciated by the businessperson or computer fanatic on your holiday shopping list.

This Palm Pilot Organizer is the original and the best!!!! You Might think i'm crazy you might think i'm not but it is da bomb!!!!!

If you are the type of person that keeps your life organized in the palm of your hand and you love the game of golf then IntelliGolf is for you. The springboard takes a few minutes to set up and you can download scorecards from all over the world in just seconds. The stats that you collect can help you improve your game...as long as you take the time to put them in. If the course you play is very busy you may need to take notes on your game (i.e. Club used for tee shot, distance, chip shot club and putt lengths) and input them later so you don't have people hitting into you as you work through menus on the course. I have found that there is plenty of time to input scores and stats when playing in a threesome or foursome anytime, but if you have folks pressing you to play faster there isn't really time to keep all of the stats IntelliGolf allows. After you have your stats though, you can use them to turn yourself into a better player. IntelliGolf allows you to track the distances you hit your clubs, take notes about the course as you play, track the greens you hit in regulation (and the clubs that get you there), as well as your putting stats. I absolutely love it! I've cut 8 strokes by reviewing stats and making better "on the course" decisions because of them. I've also won a few bucks in some friendly Skins games (IntelliGolf keeps track of that too!).

Best Springboard module I have (and I own 6). Great for tracking stats, bets, foursome's scores and stats. Update the stats on next hotsync, then use the PC software to save my stats as web pages on my site.

Great springboard! Well designed graphics and extremely functional. Stores all sorts of significant course/play data with great internet site support. Download course info. on hundreds of courses. Great for any Handspring enamoured golfer!

An outstanding CB radio for my Jeep. For under $40, there is no reason to purchase a higher priced model for your portable needs. I would suggest a magnetic roof top mount antenna for increased reception. However, the factory antenna is adequate for 3 to 5 mile reception on level terrain. This model accepts ear buds which greatly extends battery life because you are able to monitor at much lower volume. A must for travelers.

This product will go through sleet or snow. It has 15 mile range and is a great deal. I can't believe how cheap it was.

Mike Siegel

We ordered two of these Midland units through Amazon and LOVE them. We use them in tandem with friends on camping and road trips and have found them reliable, light, and providing great audio clarity plus weather reports. We also got rechargable batteries and a lapel mic unit (Radio Chack) which compliment the unit's versatility. Absolutely recommend it as a first-time buy or for a more seasoned user.

I've been using the NX70 since December (currently late July). This is still top-notch in technology and use. The screen blows away everything I've seen...I highly recommend this device...because it can do just about everything...it has loads of upgradeability in it...You won't be disappointed...

Get a screen protector because my graffiti text area is starting to sound really scratchy after 8 months o' use...

tghis was the top of the line awhile ago. It still kicks most pdas butts but the high end ones can be campoared but un noticeable difference.(expect for 802.11B) but 8.02.11B can still be gotten on this thing for $150 extra. Get a load of this people say that the nx80v is better but they did not look at specs. for example the processor notice in this baby is 200MGZ not to mention made by intel and in the 80 it is frekin 66mgz i mean what is that crap!. Too bad it was disscountuned tough. Sony still has full support for it though

This PDA is everything and more. The NX80v is only a little better but this is the better buy because it is half the price!

The ePods-1 is highly recommended as a versatile device. While it comes dedicated to the ePods service, it should be noted that as a WindowsCE device, it is also capable of much more (including the playing of WindowsCE games). You can surf the net and download some WindowsCE games into it. To save on its limited amount of memory, you can buy a CompactFlash card... and store your programs in that, thus freeing the ePods-1 from one of its several memory limitations. All in all, this is a fine little unit that is easy to hold and easy to carry. Its built-in holder for the stylus is very convenient. A special feature is the on-screen keyboard. Press the keyboard button once, and you have the as-expected little tiny keyboard that you poke with the stylus. But press it again and the screen halfway fills up with a large keyboard that you can actually use two fingers to poke at. If you are a touch-typist, it takes very little time before you are using both index fingers to touch type even those longer missives you love to send to your significant other. It's the fastest, easiest PDA on-screen keyboard I've ever used! The USB ports (there are 2) support use of MS-compatible keyboards right away; I took the unit to a computer store and started plugging in various USB keyboards (they worked!) without the need to load any drivers or fool with anything. As soon as I started typing on the external USB keybard, the letters started appearing on the ePods-1 screen. Very nice! And now, I've gotta get going and put the infamous Solitaire onto the ePods-1...

Part PDA-part computer, the ePods EP1 is as close to a space-age Etch-A-Sketch as you can get; and the price is right. Supports plenty of standard USB and PCMCIA add-ons and can be easily made to work with internet providers other than the ePods service. Also runs plenty of WindowsCE applications that you can download online. Hope they get more of these in stock soon!

The ePods unit by Salton is terrific. You don't have to use their ISP if you don't want to, though. Check this web site for details: ...

All the complaints I've read about this scanner are pretty pointless. This is the best Hand Held scanner I've ever owned. Go to Sears or Best Buy, see what HH CB's they have in, Probably just one, the Cobra 37 ST. Does that have channel scan, 5 memories, memory scan, freq. display, REAL mobile adpater not just a car power cord, NOPE. How much do they want? $40 in Best buy, and get this, $79.99 in sears, check their website.

The problems with range come with any handheld. I dont see the problem, take any hand held in a car and its range will go way down, But midland is only company that provides you with an external antenna hookup/power cord combined and make your radio the size of most mic's, you cant go wrong. The best you'll get from others is a DC power cable, but no way to connect an external car antenna to it. and they will still be full length.

You could also MOD this unit to pick up 120 channels CB (all you need to do is solder one connection...) if your more experienced, you can mod it to pick up 400 channels (dont believe me, try a search engine and type "Midland CB Mod"...

This scanner is the BEST on the market, and I cant belive the price. Would be nice if it has USB/LSB but hey, you cant get everything. It covers all the bases.

This is a great radio. It is really easy to use in a car and out of a car. If using in a car you should buy an external. The attached antenna doesn't work well with the metal from the car.

This is an incredibly awesome CB RADIO. I have been using CB's for years. This one has great features and great reception. I was so impressed I ordered two of them! A must have for any CB Radio enthusiast.