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CNET product brief
Description: This Viewsonic V37 is a Pocket PC-based, consumer-oriented handheld device.Compared to other consumer-oriented handhelds on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $130.You can expand the memory of this unit using Secure Digital (SD), or MMC media.The Microsoft Windows mobile for Pocket PC 2003 premium operating system comes installed on this PDA.
Pros: Has a mere 0.5-inch thickness, which is considerably thinner than some similarly priced handhelds.Also, this handheld weighs just 4.9 ounces weight, which is considerably relatively lighter than some similarly priced handhelds.By way of comparison, the average cost of a product with this light a weight is $325.Its Intel 400 MHz processor is fast compared to most other handhelds on the market today.
Cons: Offers only IrDA wireless capability, which is less favorable than some similarly priced handhelds.For example, the Nokia 770, a proprietary handheld at around $135, offers IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, and Bluetooth wireless capability.Since this device runs on Pocket PC, it will work only with Windows, not with Linux or Macintosh operating systems.
Suitability: Built for someone who wants basic PIM functions.Also, its display, supporting standard at 240x320 resolution, makes it barely passable for viewing standard images.In addition, you can also use this handheld to playback MP3 files stored in memory.
Value: Given its very inexpensive price, this handheld has great features for the money.Note that the Microsoft Windows mobile for Pocket PC 2003 premium OS supports all of the latest new features available in a Pocket PC-based handheld.
Suggestions: (1) If you plan to enter large amounts of data, consider getting an external portable keyboard for your PDA.(2) For news and reviews of the latest handhelds, visit the Handhelds Feature on CNET Reviews.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
