Handheld Reviews

Good case, with necessary pockets for storing credit cards and other important stuff. The exterior is not so smooth that it will get cut by anything but also not too rough. My Palm IIIxe fits in very comfortably. The velcro for sticking the Palm is at the top so it does not affect the battery cover... ... price is cheaper than any other online store that I could find.

The only drawback is that when you have to HotSync Palm then you need to remove the PDA from its velcro. But then I can't think of any other case that allows one to do an HotSync with the PDA in the case.

This cover is the best! I had searched for the longest time for a nice cover for my Palm IIIx only to find really overpriced cheap looking ones. But this one is made really nicely and even has slots for some cards and another pocket for other small items. When I read the reviews for it I was concerned that they might still be making it with the velcro attachment near the battery door, but when I received it, the velcro attachment was on the upper half which is nowhere near the battery door. I don't think it's very bulky at all- it's the same size as my wallet. Overall, I am very happy with this cover.

Pouch made of good quality has a good blue richness color and zipper is made of quality.

The first Psion I bought was like a dream come true - it had all the features I was going to buy a laptop for;

Large phone and address memory. Downloadable to a P.C., for backup is case of a data crash. Limited, but very useful, word processing.(If you don't mind pecking on a small keyboard.) Connects to Internet, sends E-Mail, and Faxes. Lot's of shareware available on the Internet from fellow Psion users. (I downloaded a chess playing program written by a Psion user in Belgium that only uses 30K - and I haven't beaten it yet.) You can also write your own programs on it (in it's own basic type language.) And it has spreadsheet and data programs that are compatable with your P.C.

Another plus - it uses regular 'AA' bateries. Since I use the AC adapter when at my desk, using the batteries only when away, they last over a month!

The reasons I traded up to a Psion 5 are: The screen's backlit. It has a bigger keyboard (but still not as easy to use as a full-size keyboard.) It has enough memory to support E-mail, Fax, and Internet connection programs at the same time. The spelling function has many useful features, including showing a full line in spellcheck so you can see the context of the word. AND MOST OF ALL - The touch screen, which is as good or better than a mouse, makes moving between programs, choosing options, zoooming in and out, and highlighting text much quicker. And you can draw pictures directly on the screen with the stylus.

To put it simply - I have my whole life on this Psion 5. Since it fits in my side pocket, I always have it with me, and can jot notes while I'm shopping or travelling - times when I wouldn't have a full size laptop with me.

Those are the PROS - here are the CONS: (1) Psions have their own language. Everything has to be translated if you want to see it on a P.C. Once you set this up it goes quickly - but you have to be hooked up and the application has to be installed and there's always a chance that some sort of computer clitch will prevent the connection. This does not affect sending E-Mail or Faxes from the Psion 5 itself, which appear as printed text to the addressee.

(2) There's a small half-to-one-second delay for some functions to occur, like opening a program. It's not always instant, like a P.C.

(3) The screen is a little difficult to read without the backlight. It's better with the backlight, but that uses up the batteries much sooner.

(4) (Minor problems) The coating on the case peels, and the stylus tends to slip out of it's slot.

(5) The Psion records memos using buttons on the outside of the case, but this uses so much memory I hardly ever do it. However, it would be practical for short notes you erase after transcribing into text.

(6) There is a limit to the memory. I've added a few pages of text a day for a year, and soon I'm going to have to move some files permanently to my P.C. - or delete the E-Mail, Fax, or Intenet programs. This estimate is very rough, but gives you some idea of the memory capacity.

At this point I should say I am not an employee of Psion, just a fan who uses it every day and is glad to pass on my opinion to my fellow Amazonians.

- Marvin Silbermintz

I bought mine in 1995 in Europe. It worked fine until last year when the screen stopped working. Even though the warranty period had expired Psion USA repaired it free of charge, within about 2 weeks of my shipping the product to them. I have also found the technical service in the US (via e-mail) to be outstanding.
I have now upgraded to the Series 5mx, which has twice the memory and a faster processor. I only did this as the old one was stolen. I would not recommend upgrading unless you need the extra memeory. The only other advantage of the 5mx is that the paint on the casing is much more durable. ...I would certainly recommend the 5mx to anyone buying now.
The diary and address book work fine. I had about 1700 addresses in a 614k file. The spreadsheet is compatible with Excel, but with less functions. Sketch program is similar in performance to MS Paint. It is possible to record voices or sound, I have never found a compelling use for this feature which uses memeory quickly - 60 seconds takes about 500k.
The monochrome (grayscale) screen is OK. 2 std. AA batteries less about 20-24 hours, less if the backlit screen is used.
The main differnce I notice betwwen the EPOC operating system and MS systems is that the EPOC system never crashes - not once in 5 years, and the computer boots up instantly.

I bought my first PSION when I was due to attend an Austrian Economics Conference at Claremont McKenna in the early 1990's. Rather than lug my overfull Filofax on the 10 hour flight from London, I opted for the PSION rather than a laptop. The little computer did an admirable job but the screen was a little samll as well as dark.

When the series 5 was launched I replaced my existing one with this current model. Why not choose the Palm. Good question. I wanted a computer that could handle word processing as well as a spreadsheet and be more than an organiser. I wanted something small and inobtrusive that could fit in a jacket pocket and that was stand alone. As a reuirement was ease of portability I did not want to carry around all of the little gadgets and add ons that make this little computer such a remarkable device. I preferred a keyboard. These were all advantages over the early Palms.

Why am I writing this review now after years of faithful service? Another good question. This machine has been dropped on several surfaces, it has had hot tea spilt on it, it has been passed around many, many students some of whom went on to buy later models but now it is at the end of the road. the company is getting out of hardware and focussing on software and applications. My PSION is still going strong. I prefer it to my Palm and Clie and BlackBerry. The capacity is good and I still have no add ons.

I just wanted to place on record my testimony about the efficacy of such an excellent machine. Alas no matter how good the product, if the market does not cast it's vote of approval, it is doomed as is the case with the PSION family.

R.I.P. old friend.

I picked one of these up cheap on Ebay. I live in North County San Diego and the only station I can pick up really well on both UHF and VHF is Telemundo--which comes in *great*. Too bad english is my only language.

Anyway, I don't know if this is a fault of the TV or the technology--but I can't imagine traveling with this if I can only pick up 1 station so near a major metropolitan area. Can't imagine what might happen in the middle of nowhere.

This is an awesome tv with great reception. I have never had such a good picture on my home tv...but this little tv really delivers the great picture. It is extremely portable and easy to use I would recommend this tv to anyone who is a tv fanatic. A word to the wise though....buy some rechargeable batteries and a battery charger because you will need it.

I just love this product! I don't have a TV in my bedroom, so I love being able to watch the Late Show while in bed! 5 stars, definately! I have experienced some slight problems with it when the battery runs low (the sound cuts off for a few seconds), but once you replace the batteries, it works fine again. The TV gets great reception (it certainly is not cable, however!). I definately recommend this product to anyone who wants to buy a portable TV! Just be sure to bring some extra batteries along so that you don't have to listen to a silent soap opera!

I've used many other GPS units. I decided I wanted one of my own and set out to get the best. I believe I have succeeded. The Magellan Meridian Marine rocks. I wouldn't have written a review except that I had seen some people comment that they liked everything except for the download speeds when sending map info to the unit. I own the SimpleTech FlashLink reader/writer (STI-UMSD100). I know there are a bunch of others out there from Sandisk, Panasonic, Microtech Zio, Hagiwara and others. Anyway...instead of creeping along at serial interface speeds, these drives can increase your transfers by 30x to 50x. Also note the speed ratings of your media...some are much faster than others. Now the MapSend Topo maps get there quick! See the MagellanGPS site for the tweak to use a SD card in a reader.

This GPS receiver is fantastic. Some reviewers haven't done their homework. For example - I promise that San Francisco is in the database. I don't know where he was looking. The Power button is selectable for either Confirm Off required, or Cancel to stay connected. The street level mapping with the add-in MapSend data is selectable for Low, Medium, High or Very High resolution. Hidden costs for the software? Magellan has a ... rebate if you buy a Meridian and a software title. This unit is extremely accurate, and the maps are pretty good. Don't try to use this unit for surveying, but for any other use - it's fantastic. For the price it can't be beat.

This is an awesome GPS. This Meridian GPS is a beautifully sculpted lightweight unit.
It is very accurate with WAAS capability (common 1 yard accuracy). It easily records a track of points of your path. This track may be reversed into a route to find your way back.
It comes with 2MB of memory, although with an inexpensive memory card up to 64MB, you may add topo maps to the unit. I added the maximum 64MB and purchased the MapSend Topo software. I added ALL the topographic (altitude lines, special map features and more) of the entire state of California AND also about 95% of Nevada. This is a huge amount of area! This means that ALL of the Sierras-Yosemite etc.., California Coast and almost all of Nevada is always ready to go in the unit. PLUS, this added card enables you to save tracks which go to about 2000 points. I've saved about 20 tracks before. You may also save Waypoints to the card. The card saves the data if you turn off the unit-take out batteries etc.. until you erase it-it's saved.
I also own National Geographic TOPO! which incedently is wonderful software. It is fully in harmony with it too.
The unit comes with a huge amount of features. It has a two level backlight. The text on the unit is easy to use in "MSCOMIC" font. Included is moon/sun rise/set and hunting/fishing best time indicators for position. It has over half a dozen screens which show what you want-from set up. You may show a huge amount of data: MPH, AVG Speed, Position, Bearing, Turn right/left, velocity to waypoint, and many more!
One of the best features on the unit, is a mapping function. On the map screen which shows the topo lines, there is a way to use the cursor to go to a position on the map which scrolls if off the screen. By putting the cursor at a position, you may create a waypoint at this destination. This enables you to create a "GOTO" to that position. Thus, you may create a route or GOTO in the field from the map. You don't need Topographic software or the accessory memory card to do this map screen waypont trick in the field-the default GPS will do this.

Pros:
* Waterproof
* Huge, detailed mapping ability
* Lightweight
* Looks good
* VERY accurate with WAAS
* About 15 hours of battery life from rechargeable NIMH 2 AA batteries
* Affordable-I got mine NEW from Ebay for about $120

Cons:
If the unit's batteries run out while data is in its memory (not the card which saves all data regardless and won't lose it if power is lost)-it loses it. Best remedy: save your work to the card-just like a PC

Conclusion:
Buy it if you want an upgrade to WAAS and mapping ability-the price is hard to beat. It holds its value well-so if you sell it, you'll get a good price at Ebay.com or GEOCaching.com. Sure, there may be other brands, although this one is VERY FINE and will do the job whether hiking or GEOCaching.

As others state here, it is very easy to use! It's the cheapest and simplist solution to solve the lacking of memory issue. Howeve, be careful when you move your data files to the flash card. In my case, half of my applications will still function properly after the data files being moved to the flash card. The other half either crash or the application can't find the data files any more. So, you have to test each of your applications after the move. Fortunately, if it doesn't work, you can always move them back to HS memory.

If you own any Visor from the Visor family model-line and need extra RAM, this is for you.

Pros:
--easy and intuitive to use
--should be all the extra memory you'll need in one package
--I got it for only thirty two dollars (big factor for me)
--no major problems encountered so far

cons:
--certain applications or parts of an application won't work correctly or at all if its only on the module and not internal memory (however, It'll still store them)
--the above usually results in fatal errors and will require soft resetting and/or pulling out the module (but NOT permanently, just long enough to restore files back to the handheld) to remedy it
--MAY put a small drain on your battery life
--usually won't work in low battery situations (due to safety reasons to when transferring your data)

This is a good alternative to upgrading and shelling out unnecessary money on a new PDA that may not have enough enhancements/improvements to justify another few hundred bucks. Is memory shortage about your only issue? Then you're set. But before you do buy this memory module, here are some things that you should consider:

If you're buying this and some 8MB PDA as opposed to buying a PDA that has 16+MB of internal memory, u may want to reconsider. Typically the former will be the same price as the latter, if not more.

Certain applications won't be able to run directly off the module. If you have something on both, your Visor will automatically access the one on the PDA's internal memory. Otherwise, it'll try to run it right off the module. Problems arise when the application you're using (or parts of the application, such as database files) requires modifying data, and the module doesn't let you do this directly, as the process of updating stuff on the module is really just deleting the old stuff and replacing it with a newer version of it. This means you'll still need to keep certain stuff on internal memory. You'll also need to figure out which stuff will "blow up" if you don't do this and which won't if you want to store as much as possible on the module (The documentation that it comes with gives you some recommended guidelines, but I've discovered that some of them can be broken without any fatal errors when running the app).

There's also other memory formats available for the Visor, such as flash memory and compact flash. In a nutshell, get the Springboard format if:
--you won't need more than 16MB or memory (or any large amounts of memory)
--don't need the compatibility with other media devices such as MP3 players or digital cameras.
--Just want something that'll work, without any headache from worrying about limitations from the other formats...If your using this to backup info then this is very good at backing up specific items or group of items. If you want to back up your ENTIRE handheld, get an appropriate backup module. It's faster and only requires 1 tap on your screen

Oh, and finally, This Hagiwara Springboard module also has the same type of functionality as the one made by Handspring, so there shouldn't be any reason to shell out more money for the latter when Hagiwara's module is usually offer at a cheaper price

It couldn't be easier to use. I opened my package from Amazon, inserted the 16MB Springboard Module, and voilà, I have more than double the memory. The file mover is simple to understand, and it's easy to move both applications and data to and from the module. I've had no problems with reliability, and the only drain on battery life has resulted from increased usage since I have I have a lot more applications and games.

Owners of 2MB Visors need to be forewarned, however, that individual data files and applications are still limited by that 2MB barrier since they are first installed onto the Visor's internal memory and then moved to the module. Chances are this won't be a problem for you.

This combo pen is a 3-star product in appearance and functionality, but feels cheap. The weight of the pen is fine, but the mechanical function is not crisp. The pencil lead loading function is very difficult and slow. I am not planning on returning the pen, but would recommend against ordering it.

I have looked at other 3-in-1 pens but this is the one that caught my eye. First of all, it looks and feels great. The pen has some substance and it actually helps when writing on your PDA (personal digital assistant) versus the provided stylus. It is also cheap enough that you don't feel that you're making a huge investment in a fancy stylus that you might lose. The pen is also great when using it as a pen or mechanical pencil. Just turn the upper portion and the tip changes from stylus to pen. The pencil is located on the opposite side of the pen. The ink flows very well on any type of paper. The pen even comes with an eraser (located when you unscrew the top of the pen). It is a great gift for any PDA user as well as your favorite gadget fiend, I mean friend.

Before purchasing this pen, I looked at a number of multi function pens, including others available through Amazon as well as those from other makers, i.e. the Cross DigitalWriter Duo. In my opinion, this pen does everything well.

With a simple twist, it goes from a black ballpoint to a PDA stylus to a mechanical pencil. I differ with the previous reviewer in that the mechanism feels solid and of good quality. The pen can be customized of sorts by replacing the pen or stylus with a red ballpoint or a fine point highlighter. The PDA stylus that comes with the pen is red in color, thus preventing mistaking for the ballpoint and scratching the surface of your PDA. Also, all three options are stored unexposed, thus preventing any damage.

The top of the pen has a cap that screws off with an eraser underneath. The black ballpoint that comes with the pen is of very good quality and is a fine point. The stylus is much better than the ones that come with the PDAs.

The pen has a very good "presentation" quality about it. It looks very professional. I use both a pen and stylus equally in my job and this one has a very nice balance of form and function at a great price.

No one is a bigger gadget geek then me. I love innovated products and rather have a gadget over diamonds any day. With that said, I fell in love instantly when I saw the Casio's Pocket PC with the Camera attachment at a business meeting. From the moment I purchases my own (in 2000) I knew I would find multiple uses for my new toy.

I will be completely honest; this device does not take the greatest pictures in the world! HOWEVER, this camera has been a lifesaver on many occasions. I have met stars unexpectedly and taken pictures with them, stored pictures of my home to compare items in the store, endless job related purposes. It also came with video caption software and you can take 30 seconds of video and transfers it to your device and link up to your computer. Especially living in New York City, you just don't know what you're going to see! You can also transfer pictures from your pc to the handheld to cherish your favorite pictures on your mobile device. My only complaint is you have to have good lighting and you have to be completely still you get a decent photo. As for printing the pictures, the smaller you print the pictures the better the print. I never excess 4 x 6 prints and usually print 3 x 5.

This camera is for someone you love gadgets, loves pictures, and just loves to show off. No matter where I go people (including stars) always seem to be impressed with this device. Most important I'm impressed and I look forwarded for Casio to create one with better resolution. I purchase this about two years ago and I'm still happy with it. The price has dropped from when I obtained mine so that's even more reason to get this. Sometimes you don't have room in your bags or briefcase for a separate camera, and with device your camera is where your handheld pc is!

NOTE: Keep in mind if you need a digital camera then this is not for you the resolution is too low. Strictly for the gadget geeks.

Very cool gadget for the Cassiopeia but the picture is indeed rough especially when blown up on a PC. Photo quality is also dim without sunlight. Definitely not for pro or serious photo shoots. Okay for casual image capture. You may have to wait until they come up with higher pixels. ...

I give it 5/5 starts for the following reasons:

1) User friendly, not complicated at all.
2) One of the lightest cameras doesn't add weight to your device.
3) Excellent quality, it is Casio ;)
4) Flexible, it can be rotated in different positions with focus.
5) Price! Because I got 50% OFF ;)
6) It supports Siemens SX45, and I am using it.

Check for compatibility if you are interested you can visit casio for additional information.

Have fun...

I originally bought the Palm Glove case but didn't like it. I bought the Sumdex, which suits me better.

The Palm Glove case was a teensy bit too small for my M125, so I was constantly stretching it and, finally, the stitching blew out. Also, because it didn't fit quite right, the cool little button to show the time was often misaligned.

The second main issue was my fault -- I thought it had a belt loop but it doesn't. (I know, having a Palm organizer on one's belt is the hight of geekiness but that's the best place for it!)

Also, I wish it had a little pocket to hold 2 AAA batteries (the Sumdex doesn't either. It would be a very useful feature.)

If I kept my Palm in a briefcase or jacket pocket, the Palm Glove might be a better choice but if I kept it only those places, I probably wouldn't even use a case.

This is a great case for the Palm M100. I bought it with my Palm and am very happy with it. The Palm is held by the case with no problems. It has a plastic window, which covers only the Palm buttons (applications and scrolling buttons).

A total of 3 pockets gives you the ability to put in credit cards or anything else which can fit, but I really don't use them since it looks better only as a protective case for your Palm. One pocket is behind the Palm Glove, another inside and the last one is in the flip cover of the glove. The last pocket, gives you the ability to put in the flip cover of the Palm M100. I didn't have to remove the flip cover from my palm, since it gives you more flexibility to open or close the cover if you use it with the Palm Glove.

The Palm Glove has a snap closure which does not only protect the HotSync port, but does also secure your Palm M100 from any damage.

The case also does not make the Palm M100 more bulky, you can still carry it in you back pocket. But be careful not to forget that you have it there, since you can sit on it and....well....you know the story.

Anyway, I really recommend this case for your Palm. I have read the features and reviews from other cases and I really think this is the best one. I as an owner of it, I guarantee you that you won't regret you bought it.

The Palm Glove is as elegant and clean a design as anyone could wish for. The machine is held in place with a clear plastic window covering the area below the screen. Although sturdy, the plastic in no way interferes with the use of the four application buttons or scrolling buttons.

There's a pocket on the back of the case, another small one on the inside of the top below the window for the time/date, and a final one behind the PDA. The Glove opens up from the bottom and has a snap closure that shuts by folding around the bottom of the case, nicely protecting the Hotsync port from most potential damage.

The case has the standard feel of neoprene and the accents are true black, clear royal, and bright yellow.

The only curiosity to this case is what to do with the flip cover that comes standard with the M100. I've tried sliding it into the top pocket, folding it behind the machine into the inside back pocket and removing it. Have yet to decide whether it should stay or go. Right now, it's still on my Palm and not inserted in any pocket, serving as additional protection. As the other case styles do suggest removal of the flip lid, I can only assume that it should stay (somewhere).

This is a terrific protective case. Highly recommended!

Unfortunately, this device will not work with the palmOne Treo 600, despite the Product Specification sheet for the Treo 600's specific claim that its SDIO port could be used to support a bluetooth card... This is apparently because of an incompatibility between the Palm OS5 operating system used on the Treo600 and the palmOne bluetooth card.

Beyond that, the form factor is "problematic" at best, as the "antenna" on the bluetooth card sticks out quite a bit from the edge of the phone.

When I first was introduced to bluetooth I found myself looking for bluetooth devices. The first one that came to mind was the Palm handheld. I decided to fork out the [money] and buy one of these cards for my Palm m505, and I don't regret it. The card is extremely small, and fits in my Palm carrying case.

The card works well with MacOS X and my D-Link Bluetooth USB Adaptor. I can sync my m505 wireless using this bluetooth card, and better yet, I can be 30 feet away from my computer, I can sit on the couch and sync my m505.

The card should also work with bluetooth compliant phones, this is another nice touch.

I use this card w/ my m505 to interact with my Sony Ericsson T68i. Works real well to provide GPRS data access to the Palm, also for SMS and phone dialing. I have also printed to a Bluetooth-enabled HP printer which was pretty cool. I plan to Bluetooth-ify my laptop and printer at home and have Bluetooth talking between Palm / Phone / Laptop / Computer - cool!

Other than its somewhat-cute looks, the IMFree handheld is a terrible product, because it doesn't work. This is a big disappointment to me as I'm usually a big fan of Motorola's products.

First of all, the charging takes forever, and the units seem to have trouble holding the charge. BTW, you get one base and one handheld unit in each package. Kinda weird since I haven't found a way to buy the handheld unit separately. So you over-pay each time and get this large package with things you don't need.

Second, wireless range is truly terrible. If you live in a loft you'll probably be ok, but for those of us who live in walled houses, the reception completely drops after just a few feet when you move to the otherside of a wall.

Third, the keyboard sucks, and the screen sucks even more. Keys are very hard to hit, and the screen is not viewable in most lighting conditions.

Fourth, the IM program sucks. There's a slight but noticeable delay in IM, and it doesn't always tell you when your buddies log off.

In short, this is an alpha product, and you shouldn't have to pay for your frustrations.

I bought one and love it. I haven't had any trouble with it at all. My only two complaints are that the battery takes 16 hours to charge the first time (10 hours to charge after first charging and use) and only works about 4 hours, and that it only uses Aol Instant Messanger. It has the option to select service at the splash screen, but for the time being, only has AIM. I recomend this product highly. Also, numerous reviews have stated that the computer can be off. It MUST be on while using this product. It communicates through a program that must be running on the computer. If anyone can figure out how to run a program while the computer is off, then maybe you can use it...but untill that miracle discovery, sorry, but the computer must be on.

This is a great product, the kids are no longer fighting over the computer!

If you were wondering, I am not 1 year old, I just found the kids form not as hard.