Sony T625c

The Sony T625c PDA is a small, compact machine in a sturdy case. Screen has excellent defintion. Bought as a replacement for Psion 5, owing to recuring keyboard board fault, I am surprised by fact that basic software provided with Palm OS is so basic. Real expense in ownership of Clie/Palm OS I find is in the 'extras' I have had to buy to get the machine to the same functionality as the Psion, simple things like 'spell checker' are not provided - nor can I find one! Still trying to understand why my OS4.1 CLIE version of MEMO will not allow fullscreen writing, only via graffiti area. World Alarm application is basic and hardly a 'world' application - very average. Docs-to-go is very good but I had to 'upgrade' to the PRO version to make it really useful.

Sony seem to have created an excellent piece of hardware but then lost the plot - Clie accessories are few and far between and very, very expensive - as is any software. Sony stores are hopeless for any info - staffed by people who do not even know their own products - only able to selling basic unit - and they failed even in that. Sony Web site is very poor for support to PDA users.

Overall basic hardware product is sound but software bundle lets it down, and functionality it's well below that of the Psion. I can see that it's going to be an expensive PDA to own but that propably true of any Palm OS solution. I read the reviews in the computer magazines before buying the Sony/Palm OS for many months. Frankly the professional reviews seem to have completly missed 'support cum on-costs' of the Palm solution, or perhaps they do not use their own money to buy and maintain their PDAs!

If you are already a Palm user then I am sure the Clie would meet your limited aspirations - but I would recommend you take a hard look at the Psion or better still Win CE PDAs.

Having looked at all of the current hand helds lined up, the Sony T625c Clie definitely stood out for its good styling and looks. However, you had to have a good look around to find a retailer that hadn't sold out.

Once you get your hands on a Clie and switch it on, you will find the best display on any handheld including the Ipaq. Although smaller than some of the pocket PC screens the detail and colour is superb.

The jog dial takes some getting use to, even if you're already familiar with using them on other Sony products but once overcome, it is ideal for scrolling instead of using the stylus. The buttons on the bottom of the screen could quite honestly be done away with in favour of a larger screen.

There is plenty of memory and the memory stick slot allows you to add even more if you need to do so. Memory stick prices are still falling and you can pick up a genuine Sony £128MB stick for £90.00 now in the high street.

There is an excellent bundle of software that is a doddle to install and set up and setting the icons onto the 'small setting' gives you a 28 icon view which looks like the doggy's doodahs when showing the Clie off to those having lesser palm handhelds.

The only drawback is the lack of peripherals from third party suppliers, although Sony are releasing an MP3 player and memory stick camera very shortly but at a hefty price. Still, what else do you expect from Sony?

The Sony Clie concept will I think turn the PDA market on its head. A PDA may have previously been the preserve of the geeky techo guru's but now Sony has combined the functionality of having your important documents on the road with a high-tech multimedia library all wrapped in a super slick styled package that will fit in just swell with the Rolex watch, Hugo Boss suit and Monte Blanc pen!

The T625 oozes class from every angle with a performance to match from such a diminutive delight. With its size comparable to that of a typical school calculator, it provides its users with an easily pocketable (that's trouser not jacket!) device that can complete an unfeasible amount of tasks thanks to its market leading Palm operating system.

Functionality in abundance combined with style, build and "brand", Mercedes Benz of the PDA!!!!!!!!!