Sony PEG-N760C Clie Handheld

Rather than CompactFlash or SmartMedia, the Clié N760C uses Sony's own Memory Stick cards for expanding memory. While more expensive than other forms of media, they can be used in a variety of Sony devices, from MP3 players to digital cameras. If you're a Sony aficionado and already have other Sony peripherals, it won't be a tough transition to the Clié. Unfortunately, while the costs of SmartMedia and CompactFlash cards have dropped recently, proprietary Sony Memory Sticks have stayed much higher.

Although the N760C ships with only a total 16 MB memory (8 MB internal memory and 8 MB via a Memory Stick), it can be upgraded as high as you're willing to spend for additional sticks. The N760C treats the inserted Memory Stick as a removable drive, making it an easy way to transfer data from your PC and other peripherals, such as digital cameras or camcorders. The interface on the base of the N760C, used to connect to the AC adapter or the USB docking station, can also be used to connect a Clié modem.

The thin gray and silver unit weighs less than six ounces and fits snugly in the palm of your hand. The nifty Jog Dial scroll wheel sits right under your thumb, letting you switch between applications, move from one audio track to another, and even fast-forward or reverse during video playback. A removable leather face cover protects the N760C while it's in a pocket and flips up out of the way easily.

Sony includes an extensive software bundle with the N760C, from games like Acid Solitaire and Race Fever to interactive maps in Rand McNally's StreetFinder Express and Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Pocket Vineyard, with tips on tipping and sipping.

The 16-bit color, high-resolution screen works well for gaming as well as watching small video clips (again, you'll need to beef up the Memory Stick to take advantage of the media player). The audio software on the Clié can play MP3 files, and the attachable in-line remote control (which features a shirt clip and also doubles as a stylus) handles playback functions and volume control. The headphones can plug into the Clié or pass through the remote control.

The lithium-ion rechargeable battery juices up in less than four hours initially and will last up to 15 days for normal use (although if you're playing a lot of audio files it will drain much faster).

You'll need to spend at least another $75 to $120 to get a large-enough Memory Stick to make it worthwhile as a full MP3 player. But even with that additional cost, the Clié N760C offers enough functionality and entertainment value to make it worth consideration. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Bright, 16-bit color display
• Built-in MP3 audio player
• Headphones and remote control
• Compatible with thousands of Palm OS programs

• Memory Sticks not cheap

After much contemplation and research I decided that the Clie N760C was my next PDA. Owning a Vx for about a year and a half, my next PDA certainly had big shoes to fill. Now that I've had my N760c for about 2 months, those high expectations were not only met but in some areas exceeded. I will break down this review into three criteria's, which I feel are critical in reviewing the N760C.

The first criterion has to be the SCREEN. Both fans and critics of this unit will agree that the screen is its crowning glory. It's an accepted fact that to date it has the best screen of all Palm OS units and even Pocket PC units. Its high resolution of 320X320 is a far cry from all of Palms and Handsprings 160X160 resolution. Text look so much better in hi-res particularly Avantgo. Also its 16bit screen (65,546 colors) displays a far better range of colors then the m505 and the Prism. Even at the lowest brightness level, the visual output is comparable to the m505. Viewing pictures is quite amazing. It's really like looking at a (sony) flat screen TV. The screen is bright enough that it is really adequate at one third setting. (equivalent to m505 with backlight on) Keeping it at this setting conserves the battery considerably. The only grip I have about the screen is that it seems to be softer then most silkscreen displays. Although it doesn't bother me now, the screen is noticeably softer then the Vx's. It is also a known fact that Clie's, had the ability to get dust on the inside of the screen. Fortunately Sony addressed this problem with the N760C model. They plugged up the holes and the screen is sealed well. I also suggest that before you buy one, check the screen for dead pixels. These are pixels that don't display any color, just white. Although it's rare, it occasionally happens.

The second criterion is FORM FACTOR. It has a sleek case with a combination of brushed silver aluminum, metal and plastic. It quite a looker. It has a jog dial, which is standard on all Sony electronics. The integration of the jog dial to the operating system and applications is really a huge plus. With the combination of the jog dial and back button, only does it eliminate wear and tear on the screen, you can virtually navigate through applications with one hand. Although this unit is longer and thicker than the famous V/m500 shape, it is noticeably narrower. Strangely enough, because it is narrower then the V/m500's, it actually feels smaller in your hand. One thing about this unit that might bother a few people are the buttons. They simply weren't made for game play, particularly the rocker buttons. If you're a serious Galax or Pacman fan, I suggest you go elsewhere.

Another criteria is the MEMORY STICK. There is a huge debate on which medium is best, Secure Digital or Memory Stick. I'm not even going to attempt to convince you one way or another. With the recent price drop of memory sticks, 128mb memory sticks are almost half the cost of Secure Digital cards. I'm sure SD price drops will follow. The only I/O devices available between memory sticks and SD cards are the memory stick cameras and GPRS devices. Although there are rumors that SD devices are on the way, its still pretty much wait and see.

Lastly there is the built in MP3 player. To my surprise it is quite amazing. It was a little trick to figure out how to transfer MP3's at first, but once you got the hang of it, it's as simple as drag and drop. In terms of audio output, maximum volume is loud while not losing clarity. After all "It's a SONY". It is certainly comparable to dedicated MP3 players in sound quality.

I would certainly recommend the N760c to both old and new users of PDA's. The N760C is really a class in its own in that it bridges the best of both worlds with PALM and Pocket PC's. For those who want color and multimedia capabilities of PocketPC's but the hassle-free, intuitive aspect of PALM with its endless database of practically free applications, then the N760C is really the only PDA to chose from. The only downside about Clie's is its anemic choices of accessories. (unlike PALM accessories) But with 5 new brands and 2 upgrades in less then a year, Sony has made its mark as a serious player in the PDA industry. Accessories will surely follow.

The last thing I recommend is read a lot of reviews before you go out and buy your PDA. There is really no one ultimate PDA. From the m100 all the way to the PEG-T615, they certainly have their strengths and weaknesses. Other then the criteria's which I mentioned, there are many others to consider like power consumption, durability, customer support, upgradeable OS, application compatibility and many more. The only way to find out all those things is to read as many reviews as possible.

Good Luck!