Organizer Reviews

The Clio was a good idea, but doesn't meet expectations. The passive matrix screen is difficult to read. The keyboard is small and curved making touch-typing difficult. The unit itself is a bit heavy and ackward to lug around compared to some of the latest (and smallest laptops). With a max resolution of 800x600, images and video look cheap. There are NO output ports on the unit itself - you have to hard-link to a computer even to print! No VGA-out for use with a projector. Not even a PS-2 or USB port! The handwriting recognizer works about 3/4 of the time. That is, in a page of handwritten notes, you'll have to manually correct about 1/4 of the page. It does slightly better on single words or sentences. My recommendation: Take the [amt] that you'd spend on the Clio and add to it the [amt] you'd spend on a Pocket PC and buy a decent laptop.

I bought the Clio C-1000 about 3 years ago and have yet to see a product of the same form and functionality as either model. I bought it to replace a dearly loved Newton 2100, and fell in love with it from the moment I opened the box. With a battery life of 8-10 hours and a key board, you can't beat the verisility of the machine. Once I purchased my Handspring Visor, my wife took the opertunity to start using the Clio for her job, and I yet to get it back from her. I am currentlt contemplating replacing my outdated laptop with a new C-1050 model. You can't beat this machine for it features, use of use, compatibility of file formats and the "WOW! what's that!?" factor when people see you using it. The only thing that would make these units better would be the addition of Pocket PC2002 (or even Linix).

I would highly recomend these for any company that has a mobile sales force. you can load powerpoint presentations onto it, email, transfere data between units (IR port), and the 8+ hour battery and sixe make it easy to use in confined areas such as on a plane. Try using a full laptop on a NYC to LA flight for the whole trip!

The Clio is working great for me. I've been using it for about two weeks so far. First of all, it looks very small (and is light) when closed, but the 9.4" screen is great, wwaaaayy better than the Jornada's tiny screen. The folding arms are awesome and Tablet mode is cool too. The handwriting recognition actually works, it recognized most of my handwriting right away and I've further fine tuned it's settings since so it's even better. Recognizes cursive very well too. The C-1050 is twice as fast as the C-1000 and Mobilon Tri-Pad (by Sharp). There's virtually no delay in opening things. No booting up either, since it runs on WinCE and just suspends when you're done using it. Battery life is excellent! It isn't ten hours, but at least 6 on medium brightness & contrast. Synchronization worked without problems using the included software. It's definitely 10 times better than a Palm and in my opinion better than a laptop unless you need to be doing graphics or using Windows programs which don't come on CE as well. I highly recommend it.

I owned an ipaq 3150 for about two months before I decided that it was just too big to be practical. I needed a device that would fit comfortably in my pocket... I guess I figured that I could get by with 16 mb and not need to use the expansion sleeve. But the memory dissappeared rapidly and I discovered how bulky the thing is with the sleeve on. Bulky and heavy. I really enjoyed my use of this PDA, however; the large screen is nice for Ebooks and photos, if you can stand the monochrome display. If you can get by without the sleeve, the PC itself is quite sleek and attractive. I bought it in the first place because it seems less expensive than it's color relatives, but recently prices have plummetted and a thinner machine with a color display is no longer unaffordable.

I got the iPAC a few weeks ago. It is my first Pocket Pc, and I am so so happy with it!!
It is very simple to use, it covers my needs and it even has extra features I didn't expect.
I use it to keep my contacts and appointments handy at all time, my schedule, as a calendar, to write notes, play games, read books, listen to music, wake up in the morning, to tape reminders and messages, and as a place to keep other important info.
The box contained two other software programs, Audible and eWallet (great to keep track of all your credit cards, internet site memberships and so on)
I believe it has become my "right hand assistant".

I have to say, I love the "taping" option and it is very handy when Im driving...

The only things I believe this product lacks are the colour screen and a printed reference guide within the box.

All in all, its a GREAT buy for the money.

Bought mine initially because it was my first PDA and I didn't want to spend $5-600 on the color one. I live by it now and don't want the color models. The monochrome screen draws far less power. I can go a week between chargings whereas my friends with the color model have to re-charge everyday. If you have poor eyesight the color models may be better for you because the screen is a little tough to see in low light (despite backlight). Otherwise, it's a deal and a half.

Well, actually, I won 2 Compaq products. After buying a Compaq laptop 4 years ago and having nothing but problems with it and their support, I swore never to buy anything form them again.

However, I picked up a used compaq wifi card as a test on our wireless network @ work (Cisco 350 Series Access Points) and it worked wonderfully. The software install was a little tricky (getting the correct version etc.), but once up and running it is so reliable that I can't complain.

So then what? Well, I thought I would install it on my Pockey PC 2002 iPaq. Again, awesome stability. I can now take my handheld to Starbucks and get on their wireless network there and check email while having my morning (well, afternoon and evening) coffee.

It isn't as good as the Cisco cards I have tested, but it is one of the best cards I find that is closest to "true wired speed" then most I have used (linksys, xircom).

Hope this helps...email me if you have any questions.

Kevin

Excellent wireless connection. It gets connected in places where my previous cards dont. A good buy

Gear/Config:
Compaq WL100 pc card plugged into a Compaq PC Card Expansion Pack (w/ built-in external battery), which in turn, is connected to my Ipaq H3955 (BTW: I absolutely love this PDA!). O/S is Windows CE 3.0 (Pocket PC 2002). Also applied the "End User Update v3.0", which can be found on HP.Com as service pack SP22546.

Installation:
Piece of cake -- took me only 10 minutes to complete on the first try. Even though I was not able to locate network drivers specific to the Win CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2002, using the Win CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2000 driver worked like a charm. The installation file & instructions can be found on HP.Com as service pack SP16044.

Pros:
* Built-in antenna is much more sensitive than the Linksys and D-Link pc cards I've used in the past. The WL100's performance, range, and reliability is about on par w/ the Orinoco Silver pc card, which I've also had very good experiences with.
* Built-in antenna exhibits nice styling (i.e. arched tip is visually more appealling than the typical rectangular antennas).
* Works equally well in my Gateway Solo 1450 laptop, but I have it dedicated to my Ipaq.

Cons:
* Lacks a jack for use w/ optional external antenna (which would come in handy when I go outside to the far corner of my back yard). ....

Overall:
Definitely a keeper.

I bought this unit last year and was initially very happy with it. However, early in 2000 I discovered there was a bug in the 2.x units. The date and day of week will not line-up when the calendar rolls over to 2001. The manufacturer knows about the problem, but has not addressed how to fix the outstanding ones. My advice is to make sure you get one of the new ones, or else you will be very disappointed.

My husband got the Fuga to keep track of multiple appointments, etc. He wanted something easy to use and that would connect easily with Microsoft Outlook. After using the Fuga for 2 days, he became frustrated with it because the data did not directly transfer from Outlook, and that an export conversion process needed to occur. It was time consuming as he had to sync his handheld to Outlook several times a day due to his changing schedule. He ended up getting a Palm 3e and he enjoys it. I now use the Fuga. I do not need to sync up as often. I enjoy the fact that you can cross reference items and find things quickly. I do not like the "free software" for the desktop as it only shows the appointments you make, not an outline of the day. Both the Fuga and the software it comes with have some kinks- for example the address book section does not completely alphabatize- only the first two letters (I thought I was going nuts when I first noticed this. I emailed Fuga and they responed with an answer right away). Also the desk top software does not automatically roll over to do's. When I contacted Fuga about it, the reply I recieved stated that this was a "Free software" and it had some kinks some of them may be fixed but it was "free software". Implying since it was free it may or may not be fixed and one couldn't expect "free software" to be perfect. If in the future, if I get to where I need to keep track of more appointments- I will get a Palm. If you haven't purchased a PDA yet and interact frequently with your computer, go with a Palm. If you are mostly looking for an address book and list keeper, the Fuga does a fine job.

I purchased this device and was very happy with it. I am a college student and was looking for a personal organizer. I found the ediary on Amazon and purchased it right away. It fit all my needs and would recommend it as an organizer to everybody who is looking for one.

I read that some folks said that they did not receive any communications software. I received a CD with my Handspring 33.5 modem that had AvantGo and OneTouch Mail from JP Mobile. I recommend the Handspring Blazer internet browser.... The AvantGo software is free but uses a web-connect hotsync to get your daily off-line web channels. You can get the latest download... for version 4.0. OneTouch email was free and works great for the price. Multi-Mail was bought by Palm and is downloadable.... Free trial periodof 15 days.

The modem was easy to use and install. I use rechargable AAA NiMh 1.2V @ 650mah. I have 12 so when I rundown, I just slip in a fresh charged set. I feel that fax and 56 K is not what I need so the Handspring 33.6k baude is a great price...

The Handspring modem is one of the middle class modems on the market, and Amazon is offering at a great price! If you want to connect to the internet on your handspring at a good price, then this is your best bet. Although it may not be the fastest OR the thinnest in its class, it functions very well. Besides, on a tiny screen with limited content, you don't need to have a 56k modem for the connection to be fast. And, if you don't mind, carrying around an extra half-inch on your palm isn't that bad. You would be amazed with what you can do with a palm pilot hooked up to the internet. On the go, I often synchronize avant-go, connect to AOL anywhere, and browse the web all in the palm of my hand. So, if you want to be truly "connected" then buy this modem while they last.

This modem is awesome! I'm 14 years old and have the targus stowaway keyboard it helps a lot writing emails (and this review) I can also buy things too, it's almost like having a full computer with you all the time. This will help my mom a lot when she needs to work and i want to chat with my friends. (lol) people have written that it was hard but it was simple for me.

I have a palm IIIe in it and the fit is VERY tight. In order to close it I have to scoot the stylus over to the side of the pda and then I can barely zip it closed. Not enough room left over to even think about putting anything else in it. It also doesn't have as much protection as I had hoped, the sides are floppy and the neoprene is not all that thick. Overall, I'm very disappointed.

This case really only fits devices that are the same size as Palm Pilots. Palm devices that are slightly larger - like my Uniden - just don't fit. It is a very nice case, I just wish it fit or that the size was actually listed on the advertisment and I didn't have to cross my fingers until it got here - so much for crossing my fingers.

I have had this case for about a year now, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It has protected my Palm IIIx from at least two drops that might have resulted in permanent damage.

It is quite snug, but I am able to carry my driver's license and two credit cards in it. I use it as my wallet in most cases, but if you need room for more cards or money, you might want to get a bigger case. And, as another reviewer said, it would be nice if there was at least a wrist strap to hold onto. When fully loaded the unit is kind of "fat" for lack of a better term.

The velcro that holds the unit in is adequate but not as tenacious in it's grip as some I have seen in other cases. This is actually good, as I normally take the unit out to HotSync. If you use a HotSync cable, however, you would not even need to remove the unit. Just lift the bottom of the unit slightly, attach the cable and perform the sync. Very handy.

The neoprene holds up pretty well, although it is somewhat prone to picks if tossed in and out of briefcases or coat pockets, or dragged across rough surfaces. Nothing that causes permanent damage, however.

The graphics look good and game-play is smooth, but things quickly get repetitive. I enjoyed my first few rounds, but got bored with it after that with a feeling of 'been there, done that.' Also, the documentation is terrible, meaning that some shot features (such as spin) are apparently in the game but I have no idea how to access them.

The animations of Tiger swinging and putting are very good, as are easy controls and varying of courses. However, be aware that when aiming your shot down a fairway, you have to "drag" the course along with your stylus. when i got really into the game, i realised that i was making scratches across my visor's screen. Just be careful...

This is great game, considering that the Visor is not a gaming platform. The option to choose courses and types of play help keep this game interesting and fresh. The only problem I had with this game was the way you have to 'drag' your way around the course.

If you drop it, the cover and the hinges could come off. Good luck finding the hinges again! Now when I use my keyboard with my jornada, i have to do without a cover becasue those flimsy little hinges are long gone. And I overpaid for mine because I bought it ... at my local Brandsmart. Should have come to [Amazon.com], but it was an impulse buy. The keyboard also seems to add a lot a heft to the pocket pc, even though it doesn't feel that heavy on it own. Other than that, it's great. It beats the hunt and peck method you would otherwise have to use! And it lights up so you can use it in the dark.

The HP Jornada "thumbboard" has a nice feel, quite comfortable for long typing. The accompanying software driver is stable, and installation is simple.

Unfortunately, the method used to attach to the Jornada is ungainly - remove the lid, then shove the little pins on the keyboard face into the old hinge slots. To make matters worse (much worse), the keyboard blocks the sync/power cable connections, so you have to at least partially remove it in order to put it on its cradle to sync or recharge. I'd expected better from HP.

After 2 weeks using my Jornada 568 with the pocket keyboard, I can honestly say it is one of the best accessories I have ever purchased for any handheld. As a former owner of several Palm and Handspring units, I tried nearly all of the available keyboards -- the Palm/Targus stowaway keyboards, the GoType models, and even the Seiko Thumboard for Palm 505. My favorite was always the Palm foldaway -- it had a tiny form factor for easy storage, but opened up to a near full size keyboard, with excellent tactile response to the keys. It also worked without a hitch, everytime! The only problem with it was that you needed a flat surface to place it on in order to use it -- you could not set it on your lap.

With this pocket keybaord, HP has really come through with a great product. After a quick install of the driver, I connected the PK to my 568, launched the PK software to configure the device, and was typing away -- all in a matter of minutes. The keyboard works for all applications that take text entry, and I've so far had no problems whatsoever. The keys are spaced just far apart enough for me to type relatively quickly, and with few errors. The keys have a nice feel to them to, with a slight tactile response that signals you've properly pressed and released each key. I'm 6 feet tall with fairly large hands -- if I can type on this with ease, most folks will likely have no problem.

I also like the way the keyboard comes with its own protective cover for the unit -- it slips on over the Jornada in place of the cover the unit comes with, and only adds about a quarter to half an inch to the length of the unit. It's still slim and short enough to carry in my shirt pocket.

Finally, the unit is just darned attractive -- the Jornada was already a good-looking Pocket PC, but the keyboard gives it a whole new and compelling look -- if you see one, you'll really want to try it out!

On the down side -- for one, you need to remove the keyboard in order to charge or sync. It's a minor annoyance, but if you only sync once a day or so, like me, you can leave the keyboard on most of the time.

My only other minor gripe is that the keyboard covers up the hot keys on the Jornada, and I would have liked the keyboard to have included its own hot keys for just this reason. I've yet to figure out whether I can program the thing to open apps based on keyboard shortcuts, which would greatly enhance my PK usage. The keyboard does, however, include power on and off buttons, and a slider control on the side that allows you to lock the Jornada to keep it from turning on accidentally. That's just more smart engineering, which seems to have been behind this product from the beginning.

I'm fairly new to the Pocket PC world, having spent all my prior PDA time with Palm units. I still like Palms, but my Jornada 568, with the always on, ultra-portable Pocket Keyboard, has become my new favorite PDA. I take it everywhere, and highly recommend both the Jornada and the Pocket Keyboard.

It really is a bit much for a cable. It does what it says and gives you flexibility on the road...but if you can find a cheaper alternative...do that.

For [the $...] you could probably build your own and still go to a movie and have the big popcorn.

Forget infrared sync, it's way slow compared to serial, and WAY, WAY slow compared to USB. If you travel, this is a must to keep your iPaq in sync with a laptop. Of course, if you don't take a laptop, it's useless and you should get a CF modem to dial up your ISP.

I can only rate 3 stars though because of the blatant price gouge Compaq is sticking us with. The USB cradle costs $10 LESS than just this cable, and it gives you more functionality.

used without a hitch. what more needs to be said. sync time was cut in half compared with the serial cable sync time. recommend highly

Great tool for taking quick pics as long as you don't need high res or macro focusing capabilities. takes pretty decent pictures if lighting is good, and it obviously beats having no picture if you're not one to carry a camera around. You can't beat always having it with you, which is where your Jornada is if you depend on the PDA the way I do!...check out hp.com or best buy for much better price

ok....with the hp jornada 525....it kinda [wasn't good], but it was the pda not the camera...the 525 is a great little pda but it doesn't have the resolution to use the camera well! when i got my jornada 568 this little gadget takes pretty good pictures, much lighter and clearer than on the 525!really glad i held onto it cause this tiny little accesssory is easy to carry and i can take pictures anytime i want...it has lots of setting for night, action, zoom ect....being a nurse at a nursing home there are alot of wonderful moments when i say why don't i have a camera,,,now i do!

This is not a professional-grade digital camera with lots of bells and whistles and a manual which requires a masters degree in photography to read. This is a convenient, easy to use, and compact camera for people like me who occassionally like to take pictures. Best of all, if you always have your Jornada with you anyway...now you can have a digital camera, too, without making extra space in your purse or pocket.

This is one of my favorite accessories for my Jornada. As mentioned before, there is no flash. Pictures taken in low-light will therefore be grainy and generally low-quality. But in good lighting, especially in daylight, this camera takes beautiful pictures. The maximum resolution is 640x480, and I've found that to be more than adequate for casual photography. At that resolution, with the highest quality settings, and in daylight...this camera will take pictures rivaling top standalone digital cameras. The pictures are extremely web-friendly and look great on a web page.

The software included with the camera is very good. You can leave the settings on "auto" in most cases and get great results. If you experiment (or know what you're doing), you can use the manual settings to achieve better results in low-light conditions and other special circumstances (such as capturing fast motion). The zoom feature, as with most digital cameras, achieves only marginal results. It's nice to have, regardless.

There are a lot of other features in the software that offer good flexibility and power. All the basic functions are there--shutter speed, exposure, gain, etc.

I suggest the first thing you do is pump up the image quality and size of your pictures to maximum. Each picture will take more free memory on your device, but the quality is worth it. You can always transfer your images to a storage card between photo-ops.

The camera, itself, is very small. It's a painless addition to carry, and is well-protected in the included case. I love the fact that you can use it without opening the cover on your Jornada, if you choose to. We all know how difficult the Jornada screen is to see in the sunlight. The built-in viewfinder and shutter button let you operate your Jornada just like a regular camera. Simply turn it on and it's ready to point and shoot.

I have taken hundreds of pictures with my Jornada and have been very happy, sometimes even amazed, with the results. I've received "oohs" and "ahhhs" from people who use professional grade digital cameras costing hundreds more. But for me it's the genuine portability that really makes it worth the price.

I use my Jornada for just about everything. It is my address book, calendar, planner, MP3 player, photo album, alarm clock, movie player, game machine, notebook, organizer, spreadsheet, checkbook, oven timer, calculator, Internet portal, safe, alarm clock...well, I could go on but you get the idea. And with this accessory, it is my digital camera, too.

I appreciate the feature of being able to record a voice memo along with a picture. I've used this feature to do comparison shopping in stores. I'd find a product I was interested in, take a snapshop and record where I found it and how much it cost. There are so many ways to use it!

Sure, a standalone digital camera might take better pictures. Might. But thanks to my Jornada and accessories like this one...I'm able to carry a very small purse and still carry more devices than most people could fit in a duffel bag. A big one.

- Heather