Sony Shows New PDA Concept, Lowers Prices

Posted By: Ryan Wednesday, May 28, 2003 2:46:52 PM

New Sony Clie PDA Concept ~ Click For LargerSony showed off a new Clie/PDA concept at a management meeting in Japan. The new prototype has a clamshell like design, a camera and built in wireless. Sony has also lowered prices across the board on many of their US handhelds.

The prototype Clie model was briefly displayed by a Sony Executive at a recent management press briefing. Sony gave very little specific information about the device other than it will include some form of integrated wireless. It is also reported to have an integrated camera on the hinge. The shape and form factor of the device loosely resembles the design of the Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP.

Longtime readers will remember that Sony first showed off a prototype of what later became the NR70 in a similar manner at PalmSource 2002. That prototype was later released less than two months following the sneak peak.

Sony lowers prices
Sony has cut the retail price of the SJ20 by $20 to $129.99, and the SJ33 dropped $50 to $249.99. The TG50 was also dropped $50 to $349.99.

Sony is offering a $50 mail-in rebate on the TG50 and all Sony Clie models have free shipping until. In addition the SJ22, SJ33, TG50 and NZ90 have mail-in offers for a free leather case.

Thanks to Gary Ankney of EduPalm.org for the price update.

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That's neat looking!!

Fat_Man @ 5/28/2003 3:46:27 PM #
Hey first post...I think

Yeah, I saw this on Cliesource... this may be the new clie form factor line. I wonder if it will be 320x320 or 320x480?



KAY

RE: That's neat looking!!
gfunkmagic @ 5/28/2003 3:56:45 PM #
Considering the square looking screen, it most likely would be 320x320. But this thing looks sooo sweet. It looks like the ultimate portable device! Very cool!!!

----------------------------------------
"Computers are useless. They can only give you answers."

-Pablo Picasso.

RE: That's neat looking!!
jbeedham @ 5/28/2003 4:33:55 PM #
This looks really cool based on the small size. If this plays mp3's Sony could have a winner on their hands.

-------------------------------------------------------
currently using Palm m125 and waiting for Garmin iQue.
RE: That's neat looking!!
Foo Fighter @ 5/28/2003 4:37:03 PM #
Actually, gfunk, I believe the screen is rectangular, not square. It only looks square because of the angle it is being held.

RE: That's neat looking!!
Palm Cow @ 5/28/2003 4:48:16 PM #
Well, it looks like it is about 6 Sony-CEO-fingers long. Maybe 4"? I dunno. It's possible it's 320*480, but it would be cutting it close. *Close.*

----------------
Sulla has Spoken
RE: That's neat looking!!
rsc1000 @ 5/28/2003 6:09:34 PM #
I really hope this is 320x480 - and with landscape support (it would have to have lansdcape with this design - i guess). I am assuming this has a keyboard. I have heard comparisons to Gameboy Advance SP. I think (considering this is a PDA) a better comparison is the Zaurus folding PDA line. This design makes more sense then the N series because the keyboard can be larger by using the space more effectively - no space wasted like on the N-series. I hope this has a keyboard like the new Zaurus AND it is 320x480. Would be perfect.

RE: That's neat looking!!
elo @ 5/28/2003 11:27:34 PM #
Almost positive it's square. We had a team look at the angle he was holding it and also measure his head for a sense of proportion. Our conclusion is that the photo itself is slightly horizonally streched and that the device has a square screen.

elo

RE: That's neat looking!!
mikecane @ 5/29/2003 12:02:43 AM #
That screen is SQUARE. "Landscape-oriented," my patootie! It's SQUARE, dammit! Hold it anydamnway you ant, it's still SQUARE!!

RE: That's neat looking!!
mikecane @ 5/29/2003 12:23:28 AM #
When I saw SQUARE, I *mean* SQUARE:

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2003/0528/sony_8.jpg

-- try to fool yourself into thinking it's NOT square, and you need some sort of prescription. And I don't mean glasses, either...

RE: That's neat looking!!
macfixer @ 5/29/2003 10:57:24 AM #
Yup -- it's rectangular!

http://www.pdaavenue.com/news/Images/newclie199.jpg

K

RE: That's neat looking!!
JKingGrim @ 5/29/2003 2:46:19 PM #
The form factor may be nice, but it has an ugly apearance to me. If they make it more sleek, I would like it better. I know an actual release would not look exactly like this, but still. Change it.

RE: That's neat looking!!
mikecane @ 5/29/2003 2:57:00 PM #
I no longer believe it is a CLIE. See my message way at the bottom here.

RE: That's neat looking!!
abosco @ 5/29/2003 9:10:32 PM #
The screen doesn't seem to be a touchscreen, either. It's possible it's an early alpha prototype of the PlayStation handheld gaming console due the end of next year. The screen looks somewhere between 320x320 and 320x480, so it's probably something totally different.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods
It's not matter of looks though
xeniac @ 5/29/2003 11:09:41 PM #
I say the screen's kidna too small
Even though they say the smaller the better
I would prefer something bigger

I love PDAs
RE: That's neat looking!!
ray00pal @ 5/29/2003 11:42:25 PM #
This is certainly a nice super square-screen PDA. I am not sure about the white color around the screen. It sucks.

Hinge

abosco @ 5/28/2003 3:45:45 PM #
The hinge doesn't look too attractive at all. It looks like the Magellan antenna on either side of the hinge. Great idea, but it needs work.

This COULD fit into what I was trying to say on the last article in one thread.

Posted 5/27 at 4:50 by me:

"IMO, they should discontinue their whole product line and revamp it starting with a BETTER version of these new NX's. 400 MHz PXA255, 64 MB RAM, cameras in these NX's at $500 and $600 as well as Bluetooth and CF slots. Then, at $400, have a TG with VG and 400 MHz/64 MB. At $300, release a unit with a PXA255 at 200 MHz and 32 MB with another VG screen. At $200, go for a cheap ARM with a 200 MHz PXA255, 16 MB RAM, and a 320x320 transflective screen. Reduce the SJ22 closer to $100-150, and you'll have a killer lineup. Seriously, there wouldn't be one thing wrong with it."

This seems to resemble what I was talking about. Not only this, but I called a lot of the specs in what the new NX's should include (retractable CF, Bluetooth, more RAM, backlit keyboard, 1.3 MP camera, but not the processor).

Really, if Sony revamped their lineup like this with this new NZ replacement at the top... wow. How could they go wrong?

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Hinge
Pepper @ 5/28/2003 4:44:05 PM #
I second the hinge comment. Although i REALLY love the idea of a PDA that tiny, the hinge just doesn't do it for me. Its like the unit screams "look at me! im small, portable, cute and very modern"... but then once your eye wanders to the hinge its like "um, or maybe not"

I really do love the idea of making palms so tiny, but step #1 will be to either a) lose the hinge entirely or b) redesign so it is a smidge subtler.

Understandably, this isn't the final release unit, so they might fix it up a smidge

-Pepper

I love my Palm . . . do you?

RE: Hinge
rsc1000 @ 5/28/2003 6:15:20 PM #
No offence Bosco - but what the hell does yr previous wish list for a new Sony line up have to do with this device? The only thing we know about the new device is that it folds in landscape orientation - you never mentioned anything about this. Not to start an argument or nit-pick - but nothing about yr list has anything to do with this, aside from the fact that it is a new design (though not "a BETTER version of these new NX's" or a TG w/VG).

Again - i dont mean to pick or sound harsh - but we already have a mike caine / pseudo-prophet :)

RE: Hinge
abosco @ 5/28/2003 6:32:32 PM #
I didn't make it clear enough that I was referring to the price cuts on current models. It's pretty close to what I said, so I quoted it. Who knows, it might come true.

Oh great, you mentioned Mike. That's like asking for a pain in the ass.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Hinge
rsc1000 @ 5/28/2003 6:35:47 PM #
>>Oh great, you mentioned Mike. That's like asking for a pain in the ass.

LOL!

RE: Hinge
abosco @ 5/28/2003 8:06:21 PM #
I see the error of my ways. Mike will come in and rip me a new one, so allow me to make ammends:

Mike, you still rule. Wifi is the best. Screw Bluetooth. H2200 series all the way. I want a beginning/end button in Memo Pad.

That should cover it.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Hinge
Tungsten @ 5/28/2003 8:26:25 PM #
The screen is hinged from the long side, just like the Sharp C700. This design should be much sturdier than the NR/X/Z. I'm glad Sony makes devices for everyone - not just for some idiot's wishlist.

RE: Hinge
daihung @ 5/28/2003 10:19:44 PM #
First question is, where is the Camera? on the hinge? Where? is it like NX/NZ factor that rotate?
ps: if you look at the other picture on Cliesource, you might see that there's a little black circle on the top left side under the screen, that might be the camera too (so the camera is facing us instead of pointing out). But that's a stupid way to place a camera (unless it's dual cameras!! :)

If the Camera is on the hinge, then you CAN'T make the hinge smaller. Check the NX80, it's the smallest they can get. So if you think about it, that hinge actually house the entire camera unit, it's not that big.

Second question, how's the camera position? like the traditional NX/NZ factor? OR (this is intersting) is on the tip of the hinge? (so len is acutally pointing to the side of the machine)

Why this would be interesting? because if the camera is on the tip of the hinge, we can 1) open the screen 90 degree, 2) twist the screen half way. Now, we have a Camcorder like machine. You hold up the Clie sideway, and you can use the screen as a view finder.

The Panasonic P2102v cell phone in Japan actually has this twist, quite interesting.

http://panasonic.jp/mobile/p2102v/index.html (in japanese)

I don't have a cell phone, I only have a P800

RE: Hinge
mikecane @ 5/29/2003 12:04:33 AM #
>>Really, if Sony revamped their lineup like this with this new NZ replacement at the top... wow. How could they go wrong?

-- by listening to YOU! Who the eff WANTS this pissant little thing? The Powerpuff Girls?

(And, yes, Bosco, old bean, I saw your PITA comment. Traitor! *YOU* are probably BlueAnon, you wanker! Talking to yourself! God knows what else you do to yourself... and He can *keep* that disgusting knowledge too!)

(And it's spelled CANE, you dimwits.)

RE: Hinge
abosco @ 5/29/2003 8:58:06 PM #
Yeah, notice this thread was started by me saying the hinge was pug ugly. It needs redesigning. With the right specs and a slicker design, it could easily be the handheld dream of people who have always wanted a landscape model like an HPC or Zaurus with the comfort of Palm OS and still a 2 MP camera.

And I agree with you on several tough issues and you repay me by calling me a wanker??? And a dimwit for something I didn't say??? Damn you, good sir.

How dare you call me ska. Shall I start the marquee?

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Hinge
mikecane @ 5/29/2003 9:12:19 PM #
Oh, geez, not the marquee!!

RE: Hinge
mikecane @ 5/29/2003 9:12:58 PM #
And who called who a pain in the wheresis?!

And it's a SQUARE screen, dammit! There's nothing landscape about it, period.

And I don't even believe it's a CLIE, neither.

RE: Hinge
abosco @ 5/29/2003 9:17:29 PM #
Actually, I meant no harm by calling you a pain in the blank. I was actually trying to say it would be a pain in the blank for him to have to deal with you since he ripped on you good. I reread my post, realized it made ME look bad, and that's why I posted again referring to SEVERAL things I agree with you on to avoid exactly this. That was the point, damn it. Do I have to bold, italicize, underline, AND marquee to get the message across this time?

"And I don't even believe it's a CLIE, neither."

Read up. Neither do I. It's up in the air.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Hinge
mikecane @ 5/29/2003 9:24:00 PM #
Oh, stop groveling, dammit. You're so freaking insincere it ruins the pleasure.

RE: Hinge
abosco @ 5/29/2003 9:27:41 PM #
It's pretty hard to be sincere in text without having to resort to girly AOL lingo.

Is that what you want from me? Girly AOL lingo?

Reread the thread.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Hinge
UZI4U182 @ 5/31/2003 1:29:28 PM #
The Moon is made of cheese.

UZI4U182@suscom.net
www.bigdumbpalmreviews.tk
Main PDA: Sony CLIÉ PEG-NX70v
WiFi setup coming soon...

is it just me...

calamari @ 5/28/2003 3:51:03 PM #
Or does this thing look alot lilke the Gameboy Advance SP.

Anything that gets away form the current brick of a form factor that Sony uses is good with me.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

RE: is it just me...
iebnn @ 5/30/2003 5:21:02 AM #
hehe calamari, I bought a GBASP.

my nx isnt a brick, it's clamshell (means no need for a case) and is 320x480 :( the NZ is a brick

Thumboardmania

robrecht @ 5/28/2003 4:11:49 PM #
Yeah cool ... but I'm so tired of SONY's obsession with thumboards.

Thanks, robrecht
RE: Thumboardmania
robrecht @ 5/28/2003 4:13:29 PM #
Me again. Think about how much smaller and cooler this could be without those hinges.

Thanks, robrecht
RE: Thumboardmania
robrecht @ 5/28/2003 4:15:55 PM #
Of course the thumboard is great for a gameboy, but who needs a gameboy after 6th grade.

Thanks, robrecht
RE: Thumboardmania
bcombee @ 5/28/2003 4:18:48 PM #
I do. I really like my Game Boy Advanced SP, which works very well as a gaming device. The clamshell also helps protect the screen and controls, reducing the need for a case.

Here at Metrowerks, we have lots of people using PageWriters, which are small and rugged two-way pagers with a clamshell design, and they seem to like those fairly well.

--
Ben Combee, CodeWarrior for Palm OS technical lead
Programming help at www.palmoswerks.com

RE: Thumboardmania
abosco @ 5/28/2003 4:21:09 PM #
Actually on this one, I would imagine you could touchtype. It would be a little cramped, but you could fit in a lot more text than with a thumbboard.

They just need to redesign it a little bit, and it'll be ready for primetime.

-Bosco
Proud Member of the Top Non-Mods

RE: Thumboardmania
robrecht @ 5/28/2003 4:36:51 PM #
I know I got a little carried away. Does this thing have a pill box for lithium? I know how popular those Blackberries are in the corporate world too. I just wish SONY would release a high-end PDA without a thumboard. I apologize to all 6th graders.

Thanks, robrecht
RE: Thumboardmania
rsc1000 @ 5/28/2003 6:24:58 PM #
Think - new Zaurus clamshell - not gameboy advance sp. The space is not wasted like on the current N series - so you caould have a larger 'touch type-ish' keyboard like on the new Zaurus:

http://www.sibelle.info/gadgets/fold.htm

I would love to have that form-factor for a PalmOS device. The only way the N-series clamshell / keyboard design would have made sense is if they used that vaste tract of real-estate below the keyboard for a decent D-Pad. Alas - they wasted it.

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