On June 23, CNET is launching a substantial redesign of its Web sites. Initially, only a small percentage of users will see the new design. As the summer progresses, we will gradually increase the pool of users seeing the new site to 100 percent. As part of the changes, we are converting the rating system from numerals (1 through 10 with decimals) to a five-star system, with half stars. Nothing is changing regarding how we test products or calculate their ratings. (Read more about this process below.) You can send feedback by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
- Reviewed by:
- Bonnie Cha
- Edited by:
- Kent German
- Reviewed on:
- 10/11/05
- Updated on:
- 10/11/05
- Released on:
- 10/12/05
- Click here to see CNET editors' review for Palm TX
- Design:
- 8.0
- Features:
- 8.0
- Performance:
- 8.0
- Overall score:
- 8.0
Editors' rating: handhelds
We rate handhelds on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere
on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance. For example, a handheld's performance score counts less than its design score.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
(45 percent of the total rating)
This criterion covers the look and feel of the handheld as well as ease of operation. We consider the size, weight, and shape of the device. We look for intuitive layout of buttons and examine the ease of use of any keyboard or cradle that is included. We also take into account ergonomics, how cool it looks, and how well the implementation achieves its implicit design goals. An uninspiring but functional design will rate a 5. An especially small or lightweight handheld will earn a higher rating.
Features
(35 percent of the total rating)
We rate a handheld's feature set relative to its competitors, looking for that perfect combination of capabilities that matches its users needs. We consider factors such as processor, RAM, and expansion slots. A product that provides just a basic electronic organizer functions will rate a 5. Products with wireless connectivity, abundant software packages, or other, more advanced features will earn a higher rating.
Performance
(20 percent of the total rating)
We evaluate the performance of a handheld in comparison to similar handhelds. We also evaluate battery performance and the quality of the display under varied lighting conditions. A handheld that can perform basic organizing tasks seamlessly will rate a 5. Devices that can perform more sophisticated operations seamlessly will earn higher scores.
What the numbers mean
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars
User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 295 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 295 user reviewsSee all 295 user reviews
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190 out of 192 people found this review helpful
"From Palm to PocketPC, and back to Palm! The TX is awesome!"
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81 out of 85 people found this review helpful
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59 out of 60 people found this review helpful
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21 out of 21 people found this review helpful
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31 out of 48 people found this review helpful
- See all 295 user reviews Write review
Palm TX:
