Handheld Reviews

great radio with alot of features and toys. compact size makes it easy to carry and operate. a little disapointed in the reception doesn't hold the chanel your on very well no matter where you are. all in all im pleased with the cb radio.wish cobra made a case to protect it.

I HAD THIS THING FOR ONE DAY AND IT TURN MY LIFE AROUND I GET UP TO 5 MILES RANGE ON THE RADIO THANKS ALOT COBRA FOR MAKING A GREAT RADIO 10-4

i had this radio for 1 day and it is the best i have ever had
the noise reduction unit helps me pick up signals from up to 5 miles not four Five miles it is the best investment to buy two rite away!

This screen cleaner is very easy to use. All you need to do is use 2 cloths, one which is moist for wiping the screen, and the other which is dry for drying the screen. After doing this I found my screen to be almost as clean as when I first bought my PDA. The only downside is that it only comes with 12 wipes. On the other hand though it comes with a TrueTip stylus making this buy a great value.

First, I spend quite a while comparing this ... 12 clensing tissues and how much I love my pocket pc. Finally, after order and use it, surprisingly my ipaq screen friction just gone!! I also feel that there is a protection film on the screen. And the best thing is, although not recommend, the polish cloth seems to be reusable, so 1 pack of this cleanser can be used for a year. It's also good for my eyeglasses.

At first I was optimistic with this product, partly because of the price, but I noticed that the TrueTip finger stylus was also included, so I decided to purchase it. The first time I cleaned my screen, it looked brand new! The moist cleaning cloth (step 1) cleans all the dirt, grime, dust, and fingerprints from the screen, the polishing cloth (step 2) really shines the screen up, looking like brand new! I have a few very small scratches on the screen, they seemed to have disappeared after polishing, however, your milage may vary. An added bonus to this great combination was the TrueType Finger stylus. At first it took some getting used it, it is kind of flimsy, but after a couple minutes it works like a charm. I found using my Palm pilot is more comfortable now when using the finger stylus. To keep your screen in ship-shape, clean it using the CompanionLink Screen Cleaner and polish it (just as the directions say), and use the Fellowe's WriteRight screen protectors right after the cleaning, your screen will stay just as it was the day it was bought! The screen protectors last about a month a piece (there are 12 in a pack), so this product should last about a year as well if you use it as I just said! I noticed it said on the box it also cleans eye glasses, computer screens, CD's, DVD's and Laser Discs!

I just purchased a Visor Edge in Metallic Silver and realized when I got it from Amazon, a case was needed to protect it from bumping around in my briefcase. This zippered leather case is just about perfect in its design except for one flaw: it doesn't have a cutout allowing you to hook it up to the hotsync cradle for recharging/synching with your PC.

Otherwise, it's a nice quality leather case and not flimsy but of sturdy construction. There are slots on the left side opposite the Visor where you can keep extra business cards or other similiar items.

The right side holds the Visor Edge in place with an audible and reassuring snap. I leave the Visor Edge in the case, except for taking it out to recharge and Hot Sync. The case is only slightly thicker and larger than the Edge itself, so it probably won't fit in a shirt or pants back pocket, but it would fit in a jacket pocket easily. The zipper case will keep out dust very well.

I recieved this zippered leather case with my Visor Edge as a gift. Since I am in a crowded high school, getting around and moving around alot worried me because one false move could dent my Edge in my pocket. I got this case and it is excellent. It's almost like a solid cardboard with a pdeed leather exterior. The Edge clips very securely to the inside of the dase, so no velcro or hassle like that is required. Easy to remove as well. The zipper prevents anything from falling out, and I put money and ID cards in the pockets. This case eliminated the need for a wallet, at least for me. Hey, it's even got a nifty Handspring symbol on the outside so I can show it off.

Want a good case for your PDA? This is the one.

This case is great. Since the Visor Edge is so slim, the space the case adds to it still leaves plenty of room to hold your Visor Edge in your shirt pocket. It's protected very well, though with the flip cover and metal body it's well protected anyways. It is easy to put the Visor Edge in the case, and just as easy to take it out (much easier than other Handspring models), and there are no silly velcro pads either. Worth the money for the case (even though I got mine for free).

I purchased the IRISPen II with the intent to use it for my Master's thesis. So far I am very pleased with it.

It was very easy to install- I simply popped the CD in my Mac (running OS X), installed the software, and then plugged the pen into the USB port at the front of my monitor. Immediately, I scanned a line of text and automatically it was displayed on screen and imported into my clipboard. I could then copy that text into any application. I tried scanning faster and it wasn't as accurate as my first line, but there *is* a learning curve with it and it still beats typing the text in. Just pass it over text and it automatically turns on and scans- no button to press or keystroke required.

At first it appeared that the pen didn't scan more than one line, and that I had to paste the text into my documents, but as long as the IRISPen software is running, and your doument is active, each line you scan is automatically inserted after you lift the pen from the page. When you are in the IRISPen software itself, the pen will only scan one line at a time.
The Standard model is very nicely priced compared to the other pen scanners on the market (and offers more accuracy and ease of use, PLUS Mac compatibility). I'd give it 5 stars, but I haven't used it heavily enough to know if the accuracy will improve with use or if it works with all the apps I will want to use it with. But so far, no regrets.

First, a warning. As I type this, Amazon's description states that this "Recognizes text, numbers, handwritten numbers, bar codes, and dot matrix documents." That description applies to the EXECUTIVE version of this product, NOT the Standard. Standard's software is NOT designed to output bar codes, handwritten numbers, and dot matrix documents. A test of handwritten numbers just now shows that it will read a few neat handwritten numbers, but only about 30% of them. As for dot matrix, the manual states that this WILL read good quality 24-pin printouts, but not poor quality 12-pin printouts and worse. If you need that kind of capability, buy the Executive.

Do note that the hardware -- the physical scanner itself -- is EXACTLY the same in both the Standard and the Executive (so for more reviews you might check out the reviews of the Executive version too). Only the software differs. You have the option of upgrading to the Executive version later if you'd like, and the software is available for paid download at the IRIS site. The Executive version also includes translation capability and supports text to speech so that you can hear the words as you scan. I chose the Standard version for budget reasons, and I'm quite happy with it.

The error rate on this pen is excellent. For example, if I printed out this review and scanned it, I would probably find two or three minor errors. The cord is distracting, but I've solved that problem by hanging the cord on a hook attached to my desk so that it's in the air and out of the way. Scanning does take just a little getting used to, but once you get it down you can scan quickly and efficiently. It helps if the book is flat. I tried scanning while a book was in a book holder, and that was too hard. I had no problems with installation on a Dell 4400 desktop running Windows XP. XP informed me that the IRIS driver was not approved, but I installed it anyway and had no problems.

The software is fairly thorough, including such thoughtful features as end-of-line hyphen removal and the option to set your button to tabs, enters, or other keystrokes. It also has a spacing feature to help you get around problems when you scan, say, short newspaper columns and accidentally scan a little of the adjacent column. You can set the scanner to ignore sudden jumps in space, etc., which is nice. However, there are a few irritating limitations.

First, there appears to be no way to turn off the prompt asking you if you really want to shut down the software. I have shut down my computer at night several times only to wake up to find my computer still on, locked and waiting for my response to the question. There should be a way to disable this nag without using third-party automation software, which I installed just to get around this problem.

Second, there is no easy way to have the scanner insert two spaces between sentences instead of the usual one. There is probably a way to do this through the character conversion feature, but as many papers and manuscripts are supposed to be formatted with two spaces between sentences, it should be a built-in option. It's a pain to go and add those spaces. I have resorted to turning on my word processor's built-in function for the extra space, but that means loss of control over my document (which is why I turned that function off to begin with), and is something that should have been addressed in the software.

But these are minor points that only partly detract from five stars (I'd give it four and a half if I could). Overall I'm very satisfied. I use this 1) To collect quotes, and 2) To insert long passages into a working outline I maintain that covers a specific field. I wish I'd had this when I was a student. It would have made typing up block quotes and class outlines much easier.

I have been using the IRISpen for about a year and have been extremely satisfied. It is particularly useful for taking notes and reads standard text from books with few errors (and very quickly too). It can be set up for left or right-handed use and can be adjusted for text that is light or dark. I have the executive version, which I believe adds some additional features (recognizes handprinted numbers, bar codes, and dot matrix text and can adjust for different shades of paper). Drawbacks: Must remain attached to a computer (it inserts text into an open application as it scans), many errors on some text--light printing, unusual font, etc. Overall, an excellent product that I would highly recommend for researchers, students, etc. I use it nearly every day.

No problems here. Beats higher-priced similar models from competitors like Sony and Panasonic. The aesthetics/design quotient is a nice extra, too.

The Olympus Microcassette Recorder S711 is the perfect utensil for corporate meetings, fun stuff, and stuff you know you will remember. It slashes a digital recorder, because the simple tapes that you buy may include almost 90 mins. of space. That's 270 mins. with all 3 tapes (if 90 mins. are included) That is even more then some of the digital voice recorders that top $50. This proves a digital voice recorder isn't and wasn't worth my while. At first, when searching I'd looked towards Sony and Olympus for their digital recorders. But that is nothing compared to their microcassette recorders. Sony has been doing well for quite a while, but it is tiny, puny, and not worth it once compared to the Olympus.

Pros
-Large, easy to use buttons. Nothing fancy
-Allows 2 type of speeds
-From a name brand that you trust
-Cheap, but accurate
-3 tapes with 90 mins. can hold more than some digital recorders which top $50

Cons
-Looks aging
-Some buttons are too big and bulky
-Blue, I think not, Maybe Grey or something else

Overall, I rate the Olympus 5 stars. It isn't too big or small, and it is accurate. It allows you to record with microcassette tapes, and has been proven much better than a digital voice recorder. I'm glad that I own it, and I would like you to have it too.

I got my olympus for my anatomy class and it works great. the only problem i am having is trying to find the in the ear headphones for it. it records great. if your teacher mumbles you can turn up the volume so you can hear him better. Turning up the volume is like turning up the microphone. there is not wind sounding static noise. you can take a 30 min tape and make it an hour by using the 1/2 speed record. but if you want to listen to it on another machine with out this feature it sounds like alvin and the chiip munks. it is small and the blue is like navy blue not that pale blue in the picture. I have seen more expensive micro recorders for more. it is great for college or high school students with out alot of money. you could not ask for a better record quality.

I looked at many cases before I purchased a Dooney & Bourke Palm V Case. I liked its sleek styling and rail attachment. In my pocketbook it didn't take up much more space than the palm itself. However I am thinking switching to a hard case design because soft cases in general allow pressure from other items in your purse to turn the palm on inadvertantly. Thus consuming your battery power more quickly.

The case is elegant and exudes quality. I particularly liked the material used to line the business card holder (this is barely seen in the pictures). The case is also sown not glued. Buyers however must realize that it has no latch/closing mechanism so this case is excelent for a jacket pocket but may not be your best bet if you toss your Palm around.

Very very Elegant...It's nice and I love It... Well done and elegant again.... This is a case for a Palm V, NO dubt....

This is the pocket version of the Franklin Covey Planner. It is listed on amazon twice, this listing and another which has a cheaper price! The suggested retail on this is really 69.95 NOT 99.95. The suggested retail listed for this item is for the compact version (a step up from this one).

As a student, I have a ton of things to keep straight. I often find myself with a dozen scraps of paper by the days end. Or I find myself wanting to give out information, but no pen or paper. This planner is a perfect addition to my hectic lifestyle. It holds all my necessities for the day. Not only do I keep all my important items stored along with my PDA but I also use my binder as a purse. It's was a wise investment for a poor college student.

This is absolutely the best way to keep your Palm safe, secure, and handy for business. As everyone knows, a Palm pilot is fragile, so putting it in this binder makes a lot of sense. This is better than all binder attachments. My Palm doesn't totally eliminate my need for some paper notes, so this item doubling as a paper planner is great. Well worth the money.

this Handspring Visor Neo Clear is a great pda for all ganeral purpose. And is great for most of my everyday needs.Infinitely expandable with optional Springboard expansion modules

Small enough to stay out of the way on my desk at work (Which I share) and works well. no problems so far.

This is a great idea for those who like to Hotsync their info in more than one location. I bought one of these to use at work so that I could enter all work-related calendar issues and sync right there on the spot. Be aware that this will work with a regular Handspring Visor (not just the Neo, as the description claims) so feel free to grab several of these!

One of the great selling points for me about the Palm m130 (beside the color screen) was the rechargeable internal battery...a battery I never guessed would deplete as quickly as it does. However, with my old m125 I noticed how quickly the AAA batteries would go if I used the backlight, so I shouldn't be surprised how much power it takes to create the color screen image on my Palm...I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I was caught off guard anyway. The point is, whether you use your Palm a little or a lot, the battery gets sapped rather fast. One partial solution was the Palm Car Charger. I plug mine in every time I get into my car, whether I'm on a long or short trip. I have also noticed that it seemed to charge FOREVER without doing much in the way of actually increasing my battery, but after repeated use, I noticed it worked more efficiently. Whether this is a built-in feature, or just a fluke, I have no idea, but don't be surprised if at first you begin to think yours doesn't work.

All in all my car charger was well worth the expense. If you are having a hard time keeping your handheld from running dangerously low on battery power, you may want to consider buying this little baby and remember to give it some time before you worry about returning it for a refund. Good luck!

Essential equipment for the m515 user.

The device has a little light on its neck that turns from red to green when the battery has been fully recharged. I like this.

It seemed to take my m515 about an hour to take a full charge when I was on the road with it the first time, during which it was used very lightly (I looked up two phone numbers). I don't know if the speed is a function of the m515's battery or the charger itself.

The cord could be a little longer to enable easier use of the Palm whilst it is being charged.

No complaints about this device. It works just as it should. I find it very handt when away from my desk for long periods of time, when I might not need a "sync" but just a charge.

After using it for several days, I am really impressed with the amount of technology that's packed inside. Satellite acquisition is pretty good, but it has trouble inside buildings, even wood-framed. The accuracy and repeatablity is better than the manual claims, but battery life is worse. Also, it is easy to accidentally hit the buttons, especially the power button. They should all be recessed slightly to prevent this. I found that the "backtrack" feature is really nice, as it shows a simulated street display that is easy to follow. The installed map of major roads is pretty much what it claims, so if you need more detail, the extra memory & MapSend S/W is necessary. I wish, however, that it was possible to use other (read less expensive!) software to upload map data (for example, Microsoft Streets & Maps). Overall, I like it and will probably upgrade the memory & add more mapping data. However, I am a bit leery of the reported errors in the Magellan S/W, so I'll check things out a bit first.

I am very impressed with the performance and reliability of this product. There is a learning curve with which one must deal, however, easily overcome by using the included CD Rom Users Manual. Secure Digital Cards from various manufactures can be purchased affordably, yet maps seem to only be downloadable from Magellan Mapsend Software, and not some of the other popular varities

After I opened the box and inserted the batteries, it was ready to go! The best thing that happened since sliced bread. Easy to use, accurate, good enough to use with just the base map. How did I live without it for so many years? Besides your location (with backtracking dotted line) it gives you your speed, accurate direction in degrees from North, and many many more, including fishing conditions, sunrise and sunset. I am still trying to figure out however if the moon rises at 9:05 AM (as they show on the Magellan GPS) or at 9:05 PM!! I think this is a booboo...
Buyer be aware of just as much cost for the accessories such as the mounting bracket ($...+), the Streets USA Map CD ($...), the cigarette lighter adapter ($...), the SD memory card ($...), etc.
Still, an excellent GPS for the price.