Sony CLIÉ PEG-SJ30 user reviews

3.5 stars

"It has been invaluable for me" on July 8, 2004

Pros: Beautiful hires screen Very light Perfect as an eBook reader on long commutes

Cons: No sound ouput other than the tiny buzzer.

3.0 stars

"For the most part this Sony product is okay" on April 11, 2004

Pros: This product has some nice features on it, and is well priced. If all your using this product for is to keep information and addresses than this this the product for you!!!!

Cons: This product needs to have more applications that you can download to it. It also needs more memory.

3.5 stars

"Good if you don't need wifi" on June 18, 2003

Summary: -good screen (320x320) but can only be read (without eyestrain) with backlight on, though this reduces battery life dramatically -easy to use with scroll button and back button -16 MB memory (15 available) fills up fast with new applications -no cradle included, only cables -flimsy cover. definately get a case or zippered bag -no wifi -only one slot: memory stick slot...few expansion options limited to Sony products (few exceptions) -obsolete....try to find a good deal or just get a newer model. I got mine as a gift...don't check the teeth on a free horse, as they say -just got wireless keyboard from office depot...highly recommended! actually cheaper than sony keyboard!

3.0 stars

"Good Value for what you get, but as of today you can get more for your money" on March 31, 2003

Summary: I've actually had two of these SJ30's. The reason for this, and my big issue with the SJ30 is the buttons, Particularly the middle scroll button. On my first SJ30 the middle scroll button became loose and then locked up causing the system to constantly scroll down w/o stopping. On the second one I had the middle scroll button again became significantly loose so I returned it because of that. Another thing I noticed about the SJ30 was performance. Although adequate for basic tasks, If you are planning on doing more than just the basics, I.E. Games, video, graphics-pictures etc then you WILL notice that the unit is sluggish, particularly with newer software for the Palm OS. Although this can be overcome with overclocking software, www.megasoft2000.com Another thing is battery life. Sure if you turn down the brightness to around 25% it will last longer, but the point of having a backlight is to be able to see things comfortably. The brightness on the SJ30 is great, but it does eat up the battery quickly. Certainly expect to recharge every day if you use it at 50% or more brightness. That being said there is now a newer model the SJ22 which is exactly the same thing as the SJ30 but costs less. So bottom line its a great PDA compared to other PDA's running the Palm OS. But when you compare all PDA's today, including Pocket PC's you have to really consider what your going to use it for. If you going to do more than just basic organizing then I would go with the higher model sony clies or certainly a Pocket PC. Especially since there are several great Pocket PC's under $300.