Entered CNET Catalog: 06/17/2003
SKU: PEGNX80V
Manufacturer: Sony Electronics, Inc.
Manufacturer description
The PEG-NX80V redefines the popular NX-Series CLIE handhelds with a new design, improved hardware features, and upgraded application software. Palm OS 5 and ARM-compliant 200 MHz CPU, provide enhanced overall performance and an exceptional multimedia experience. The built-in 1.3 Mega-pixel camera supports SXGA (1280 x 960) resolution for high quality still photos, and you can save JPEG images or MPEG4 motion video to Memory Stick media. The "Capture Light" provides additional light to help take pictures in places with low ambient light, and a Slow Shutter Mode is also useful in low light conditions. In bright sunlight conditions, the Neutral Density Filter will reduce the amount of light entering the camera lens. Designed for the CLIE Wireless LAN Card (PEGA-WL100/WL110, sold separately), the CompactFlash (Type-II) slot also provides limited support for CompactFlash Memory Cards as optional data storage. When the CompactFlash Slot is not needed, it can retract into the back of the unit, maintaining the slim profile. With the optional Wireless LAN Card equipped, you can check email, browse the web, and synchronize data wirelessly with your PC via wireless Local Area Network (LAN access point sold separately, and Internet Service Provider required). Three methods of text entry are provided to give you maximum flexibility. In addition to the built-in QWERTY layout keyboard and standard Graffiti method of entering text, the PEG-NX80V also features Decuma Input Handwriting Recognition Software, which converts your natural handwriting into text. Use the text entry method that's easiest for you. The PEG-NX80V includes a built-in MP3 player and stereo headphones. You can listen to music on the handheld while using other applications or with the screen turned off to conserve battery life. The built-in Voice Recorder lets you take notes even if only one hand is free, and the adjustable microphone sensitivity helps keep voice recordings clear.Product summary
The good: Sleek design; fast processor; built-in minikeyboard and 1.3-megapixel camera with a neutral-density filter; CompactFlash slot; MP3 support; generous software package; removable battery.
The bad: A bit hefty; no Bluetooth; optional Wi-Fi card is pricey.
The bottom line: This feature-packed CLIE offers more built-in memory and a better camera than the step-down NX73V.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 08/25/2003
The most-obvious cosmetic difference between the NX models is that the NX73V is black, while the NX80V is silver. User and editorial feedback also resulted in a few improvements. First, Sony reinforced the swivel hinge a bit; hopefully, it's now less damage-prone. Also, the function keys have moved to the opposite end of the screen for easier accessibility in tablet mode. When you flip the display, you'll now find the buttons below it. Finally, the camera's resolution has increased from 300,000 pixels to 1.3 megapixels.
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| Though the NX80V is smaller than its predecessors, it's still a bit bulky for a PDA. |
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| When you're not using the CompactFlash slot, its pop-up design helps the CLIE keep a low profile. |
Otherwise, the NX73V and the NX80V are identical. The 8-ounce body; the large, high-resolution 320x480-pixel screen; the swiveling camera lens for shooting stills and low-res video; and the minikeyboard are all still here. The keyboard isn't quite as tactile as the one on BlackBerry devices, but it's tolerable and certainly usable, and it's backlit for nighttime note-taking. With a little practice, you'll find typing a good alternative to Graffiti 2.0 and Decuma Input, another handwriting-recognition program Sony threw in for good measure.
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| In addition to a QWERTY keyboard, the NX80V includes a 1.3-megapixel camera with a light. |
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| You sync and charge the unit via the cradle or the dongle. |
Also shared by the NX siblings is the spring-loaded expansion slot that opens and closes like a boombox's cassette deck. This design hides and protects the slot when it's empty. Better yet, the handhelds accept not just Sony's PEGA-WL100 Wi-Fi adapter but also CompactFlash media from Lexar, SanDisk, and other manufacturers. Therefore, you can use both a CompactFlash card and a Memory Stick or a Memory Stick Pro simultaneously--finally breaking a Sony taboo.
For syncing and charging, Sony includes both a cradle and a small USB dongle, which attaches to the bottom of the device.
The NX80V runs a tricked-out version of Palm OS 5.0 and packs a speedy 200MHz processor, 32MB of RAM (though only 27MB are available for use), and 16MB of ROM. The unit also houses a 1.3-megapixel digital camera. Typically, CLIE personal entertainment organizers, as Sony calls them, come with good software bundles, and this model is no exception.
All the usual PDA features are here, including a calendar, an address book, a to-do list, an alarm clock, and software for syncing with Microsoft Outlook; an extra software package is necessary for Mac syncing. An e-mail client (CLIE Mail), a Web browser (NetFront), an image viewer/editor, a document viewer, a remote control, and a movie recorder are preinstalled, but you'll need Sony's $150 PEGA-WL100 Wi-Fi card to take advantage of the advanced communication capabilities.
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| Store your music on a Memory Stick for on-the-go listening. |
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| The expansion slot accepts Sony's optional Wi-Fi adapter and select CompactFlash cards. |
The handheld records instant voice memos, plays MP3 and ATRAC3 sound files, and, like the NX73V, comes with a wired remote and earbuds. The audio from both models is rich and vibrant, but with our test headphones, the CLIEs never reached volume levels loud enough to block out background noise, especially when we were walking along city streets.
The included CD-ROM is chock-full of programs (some are trial versions) and utilities. The best of the bunch are a world clock, an image album, and Margi Systems' Presenter-to-Go. You need to install each application separately, which is a bit of a drag, but on the other hand, you fill up your memory with only the software you intend to use.
The NX80V's Intel StrongARM 200MHz processor is fast, but it can't beat the Palm Tungsten C's 400MHz XScale chip. The 32MB of internal memory is ample for holding several additional applications, though you'll want a Memory Stick of at least 64MB to store music, photos, and videos. The handheld's support for the higher-capacity Memory Stick Pro and certain CompactFlash cards is an advantage. The 65,536-color, 320x480-pixel screen is impressive; even the smallest icons are bright and sharp. Our trial versions of GTS (a car-racing game) and Zap2016 looked good and played smoothly.
Images look rather good on the CLIE's roomy screen, but it is a power hog.
The camera is better than the NX73V's, but don't expect wonders. You get passable, 1,280x960-pixel pictures suitable for viewing on the device itself, e-mailing, and printing at small sizes. Though it doesn't take the place of a flash, the built-in light slightly helps illuminate your subject in dark environments, especially if you're shooting video. Plus, the neutral-density filter, which has an on/off toggle switch, tones down overbright conditions. The video is also decent, but again, we're talking Webcam--not camcorder--quality.
The included lithium battery, which is rechargeable and, thankfully, removable, offered average life. With the screen brightness at 50 percent, the CLIE ran a Kinoma Player movie for 3 hours, 21 minutes before the juice ran out. This is a reasonable performance, considering that the large display is a power hog and that playing video and sound taxes system resources. You can maximize battery life by minimizing backlight use.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25out of 25 user reviews
WOW!!! this PDA is amazing
Pros: great camera, flip screen, tough outer case, easy to use, screen is bright and sharp, universal remote!!!
Cons: cant think of any except for the lack of internal wifi.
out of 25 user reviews
Bring back the NX80V!
Pros: Great camera; great memory; great screen; very flexible; sooo easy to use!
Cons: Ummm...wifi card's a bit expensive :(
out of 25 user reviews
SONY PLEASE RE-RELEASE!!!
Pros: Does EVERYTHING!!!
Cons: Isn't available anymore
out of 25 user reviews
Sony should put this back on the market
Pros: Camera photo quality is crisp enough to capture meeting notes of white boards, and email to participants. keyboard allows another input option for lengthy meetings. Wish Sony would have kept this on the market - 3 co-workers have used for over a year an
Cons: heavy use of input screen in the graphiti areas definitely shows the wear and tear
out of 25 user reviews
SERVICE SUPPORT SUCKS !!
Pros: Good things, fair camera
Cons: TERRIBLE SUPPORT, when everything is going well no problem, but, when you need assistance...you ll be alone. Two times crash, the first battery and Mother board, the Second the power button (its really fragile) I hope i will never have to buy a clie. Big
out of 25 user reviews
its worth the bootey!
Pros: thi si the top-of=the-line-gadget! its like your fiddling with it and your like: 'just-one more-fiddle-omygosh-is-it-rea lly-3AM' to summarize it all: it is really good
Cons:
out of 25 user reviews
PEG-NX80V is a great handheld
Pros: One of the coolest features with this PDA is the camera. At 1.3 Megapixels it is adequate for quick pictures. This is very handy at work. I capture whiteboards after a meeting, I capture good examples, bad examples at work. It makes it very easy to ge
Cons: I thought I would love the keyboard, but that is the feature I use the least. There is little feedback from the keyboard.
out of 25 user reviews
just the perfect pda
Pros: everything
Cons: recording video pixels 160x112 should get better on all sony's pda models...
out of 25 user reviews
Fantastic handheld considering its current price point
Pros: - Tons of features. Equals or better most PocketPCs. - Palm OS extremely reliable compared to Windows Mobile (one soft reset in 2 months). - Overall built quality excellent. - Backlit keyboard quite useable even for my big hands. - Both MemoryStick and Co
Cons: - The paint easily rubs off of the few plastic components. - The power/hold slide seems flimsy, and I've read several posts from users who have had it fail. -
out of 25 user reviews
Excelent all-in-one PDA and multimedia device.
Pros: Good camera & video. Excelent screen resolution and clarity. Multimedia feature.
Cons: A bit oversize & weight
out of 25 user reviews
Its really great but wait a bit before you buy.
Pros: everything about it is pretty damn good, its got a lot of mother-luvin' features and has a great battery life!
Cons: i kind of know a lot about these kind of things, i mean, i dont want to sound like, supirior to any of you dudes or anything but like, these kind of stuff is my area of expetise. anyhow i idvise you wait a bit before you buy this product becouse, knowing
out of 25 user reviews
The NX80V gives the most bang for the buck!
Pros: Hands down, Sony PDAs give users the most features for the money in my opinion. I love the versatility of the clamshell design. When folded down it looks very sleek and fits very well in my purse or briefcase. I also like all of the data input options giv
Cons: No native Macintosh support (though I appreciate the information Sony provides about Missing Sync on their web site!); no built-in wi-fi or bluetooth.
out of 25 user reviews
Get while prices are still low
Pros: its a lot better then my old nx70v, with all its extra editions and espesially the 1.3 megapixel and the slow shutter mode wich relly helps, couse without it you can only film in PERFECT light which really sucks. GET WHILE ITS STILL SO CHEAP!
Cons: none
out of 25 user reviews
NX80v - better than hauling a video camera everywhere ;-)
Pros: I also own a NR70v and gave it to my wife ;-) Sony has worked out many of the failed expectations that I had with the NR70v, and even though it's noticeably 'fatter', it is so worth it - a total steal at $350 (I paid $579). With the NR70v I experienced mo
Cons: I just recently figured out the slow shutter speed and it works better in poor light - don't bother with the capture light. Mainly just use CF as backup and moving files back/forth because it is just that much more 'bulky' when inserted.
out of 25 user reviews
IT ROCKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!
Pros: everything is really great! it has tones of features such as the camera (1.3 megapixel) the videocamera, mp3 and lots more! also the keyboard rocks the dudeliness!
Cons: NOTHING
out of 25 user reviews
Very good for the price now
Pros: Price has just dropped to around 350 in some places. This makes this a superb buy imho.
Cons:
out of 25 user reviews
Superb value at $359!!
Pros: Crisp, hi-rez display, memory stick port; camera, movies & recorder all in one. Price came down from $600 to $359 with introduction of UX40, which has a worse camera!
Cons: Can't think of any.
out of 25 user reviews
Frustrating; poor support
Pros: Camera is very good quality. Swivel and two writing options (keyboard/Graffit) nice.
Cons: Could not use outside software after loading. Sony support was remarkably lacking in knowledge, and I spent 14 days struggling with this.
out of 25 user reviews
Excellent buy, but whatsup with memory sticks?
Pros: Excellent features...i dont have any experience with pda's so i dont have anything to compare it to. I like how the camera rolls into the the pda though becuase it would be easy to scratch the lense. I love the clamshell design and the backlit keyboard
Cons: I cant find a hard case specially designed for it anywhere! I really want an aluminum hard case for it that has holes for all the quick buttons and plug-ins (headphones,compact flash,memory stick). Innopocket makes great cases for the earlier models, bu
out of 25 user reviews
The Clie NX80V Handheld Rocks!
Pros: The display is as good as you would expect from Sony. I've found any problems with speed or stability as this Clie is able to run everything I've throw at it without a hitch. Depending on the situation, I use the minikeyboard, onscreen input via handwr
Cons: This item is somewhat larger than other handhelds, but that the price you pay for all the features. No bluetooth or WiFi included, but both are available at a price of greater than $100 for each. Yes, there is a bluetooth memory card. I don't own it, b
out of 25 user reviews
Great but pricey
Pros: versatile, colour screen, keyboard and graffiti support, decent snapshot camera, mp3 player, universal remote,long battery life
Cons: borderline video recorder, but you can't have everything for this price. no built in scientific calculator like in Handspring models
out of 25 user reviews
It isn'a a phone, thank goodness...
Pros: The color screen is bright and sharp. Reading text is as good as on paper. The computer software with Hotsync is slick and easy.
Cons: Some will think it is heavy (read solid) and expensive.
out of 25 user reviews
I Love my NX-80
Pros: Very easy to operate and, movie clips,photos,documents, pdf, look great and MP3's sound very good! I work for the DOD USAF, I put a 250 page T.O. manual in it, runs good.
Cons: None
out of 25 user reviews
Jack of all trades!!
Pros: In my opinion, the best Sony PDA to date: Large and very bright screen, useful 1.3 meg camera, loads of internal RAM (extra 15mb recovered with Jackflash), excellent free software for document landscape views (PicselViewer), adequate keyboard with backlig
Cons: Removable media still too expensible with a 1G MS costing more than the PDA itself!!. A bit heavy to keep in a shirt pocket. Fragile CF slot assembly. No built in landscape view mode for third party applications. Still my best PDA so far, streets ahead of
out of 25 user reviews
i have a NX70V,its great!!!!!!
Pros: As a pda its excellent you can`t ask for more,but if you want to watch movies in it you need a 256 mb memory stick which can hold 60 minutes of mpeg (movie)if you use some software like vcd cutter and cut the picture from a vcd or dvd,you need one more m
Cons: Paint started peeling.screen looks as if it may break off but doesn`t.remote software doesn`t support denon surround amplifiers and sony hifi sets
