New Entry Level Clie Shown in Japan

Posted By: Ryan Wednesday, September 17, 2003 7:01:23 PM

New Sony ClieSony is showing a new Clie model at the WPC Expo trade-show in Japan. The new models has a slim design with a jog dial located in the front. A few details are know about the handheld and a few pictures are available from the expo.

New ClieThe new Clie has a 320x320 pixel screen and runs Palm OS 5.2. Sony has placed a redesigned jog dial on the front of the handheld, where you would typically find the up/down buttons. The device has a thickness of 11.9mm or .47 inches. It appears to lack an audio port and some sites are reporting the devices does not have an audio program.

It is said to come in six different colors (purple, white, black, red, blue, silver). It should be available in Japan before the end of the year for around 20,000 Yen, which is roughly $175 USD. Not many other details or information about a version for outside of Japan are known yet.

New Sony Clie New Sony Clie

The Japanese websites, intermezzo.cool and the WPC Expo have additional pictures of the handheld and show.

According to ZDNet Japan Sony was also showing a prototype projection keyboard. The demo was put together by Canesta, Inc, which has developed the chipset for the virtual keyboard. It enables devices to project an image of a keyboard on a nearby flat surface, and then read the finger movements of a user who types on that image, as if it were a physical, full-sized keyboard. Canesta’s electronic perception technology resolves the user’s finger movements in real time into keystrokes electronically provided to the device.

Thanks to Tiger_BB for the tip!

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5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future

Palm Cow @ 9/17/2003 8:05:56 PM #
IF this comes over to the USA, it will take the SJ22 price point, so that will probably be driven to $150 (the SJ22). This probably will play MP3s, so the SJ33 will be pucshed down too. If teh SJ33 is at $150 then the SJ22 will be forced down to $120 or $100, right? COOL!

_____________________
Kevin | Iospeff
kevin707s@mchsi.com
Current PDA: SJ20
RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
IVBoy @ 9/17/2003 8:24:37 PM #
It`s listed on a couple of sites as not supporting music/MP3 playback.
Better luck next time.

``It will not come with a headphone jack, and will therefore not be able to be used as a music player. ``


RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
guesswho @ 9/17/2003 9:10:05 PM #
Lack audio port? lol

and who is going to buy this piece of junk?

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
skennedy1217 @ 9/17/2003 9:19:59 PM #
Do you really think that your negativity is ever going to convince anyone of your position? It's a major turn-off to folks. You should try to be more positive and channel your energy into producing a better PDA or OS. You're obviously passionate...so do some good in the world rather than bring everyone down.
RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
guesswho @ 9/17/2003 9:56:20 PM #
What are you trying to say? Somebody is going to buy ARM powered PDA without audio capability?

Organizer era is over, and the competition can out do the feature for same price. (wireless option and audio capability)

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
skennedy1217 @ 9/17/2003 10:12:29 PM #
See, you CAN be polite and sound intelligent at the same time...if you want to.

BTW, I agree with your point.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
TTrules @ 9/17/2003 10:24:19 PM #
Finnaly a low-end Sony!

One Palm to rule them all!

-Sniffer

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
gfunkmagic @ 9/17/2003 10:32:24 PM #
Quote: "Lack audio port? lol
and who is going to buy this piece of junk?"

Actually I think gonna have to agree with Ska here. If the T|E has an audio port, then this thing is gonna look pathetic in comparison. Furthermore, how is it gonna compete with the h1935 with no audio and thus no mutlimendia capability! UGH! Way to go Sony...

Visit http://goodthatway.com/
-better living through better technology.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
LiveFaith @ 9/18/2003 12:36:33 AM #
Maybe this is designed to be a Zire killer?

Pat Horne; www.churchoflivingfaith.com
RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
LiveFaith @ 9/18/2003 12:42:53 AM #
Looks like the Visor Edge with color screen that HS fans were screaming for @ one time. Actually it seems 2b an OS5 T615 with a button shuffle @ 1/3 the cost.

When tech moves ahead it's interseting to see how disgruntled we can be towards yesterday's cutting edge. Wasn't it only 2 years ago when the m505 was the Palm OS rage? This unit is much much better.

Thinner, faster, hi-rez, better OS.

Pat Horne; www.churchoflivingfaith.com

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
I.M Anonymous @ 9/18/2003 2:37:39 AM #
Looks like the Zire71 minus the camera and audio. I'd be really tempted if it could play MP3s, but I guess I'll have to pass.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
hoodoo @ 9/18/2003 8:31:58 AM #
Personally, I couldn't care less about MP3/audio etc.

Mr guesswho thinks the organizer era is over, but I think there is still a very strong market for a basic PDA targetted at newbies. If you want to grow the PDA market, reel them in, then they'll start to upgrade.

Basic marketing 101 says to me that there's always room for an entry level model. If we all own Honda Accords do we scoff when a new Civic is introduced? Or do we sit there and complain that it's samller, underpowerd, yadda yadda. well, maybe we do, but it's not aimed at us dudes! New buyers step in and upgrade later.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
drac @ 9/18/2003 9:18:06 AM #
I *would* have agreed that organizer era is over, except that I've just been involved in the choice of PDA for three newbies, and all three say they prefer cheapness to MP3 support.

*They* want organisers. Except for the one who wants an organizer that also acts as a chess database.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
Rico @ 9/18/2003 10:04:05 AM #
This model looks interesting to me. The lack of mp3 capablity bothers me not in the least. In fact, I've owned PDA's that had this capability, and wished that I could get a cheaper version of that model that eliminated mp3 capablity, since I never used it.

I like to read the various PDA discussion boards, and I sometimes wonder if it is a very specific audience that frequents these sites, the so-called "power user." I imagine that user to be younger than I am and interested in as many of the latest features (especially multi-media and gaming features) attached to a model as is possible. That person is often hard to please!

I do admire the responses that view the "big picture" of a manufacturer designing a line of models that contain various feature sets at different price points. One of those models is likely going to be what I am looking for, and one of those models might be what you are looking for.

I have no idea if, as has been suggested, the manufacturers are monitoring these boards for feedback about their models. That may be true, but I bet they "consider the source" in evaluating the conversation and opinions. I would guess their marketing department's analysis and sales figures play a greater role in their decision making.

Regardless, I enjoy reading these posts. I love the term "early adopter tax" to describe being willing to buy the most recently introduced model (long before your current model has outlived its usefulness) because the lure of "new...better" is too hard to resist. That describes me at many stages of my life!

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
hoodoo @ 9/18/2003 11:11:28 AM #
Then again, in defence of guesswho (:-O), I it wouldn't surprise me if this new Clie will be overpriced when compared to the competition.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
guesswho @ 9/18/2003 11:17:46 AM #
We won't know for sure, but this is the preliminary sketch:

-X3 ($150 rumor)
-X5 $199
-E330 $199 (end of season sale)
-h1935 $199 (introductory discount?)
-V36 ($199 rumor. this model come with VGA camera)

all of the above has audio capability plus SD slot.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
Palm4u @ 9/18/2003 11:42:39 AM #
I agree. I could care less for the MP3 player.

Many of us already have MP3 players. My iRiver plays 15+ hours of tunes on 1 AA battery. Its small enough to carry in my pocket without worrying breaking or scratching a PDA screen. And not using precious battery life of my PDA.

Its a nice CLIE to come out, in the sense that the older CLIEs' prices will now be pushed down or adjusted. So whats wrong with that? Nothing!

I say, keep coming out with CLIE please SONY!!!

================================
PDAs rule the world !

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
alexp @ 9/18/2003 12:07:48 PM #
"Maybe this is designed to be a Zire killer?"

Not at $170, it isn't. And if you're talking Zire71, well, no again. This has no audio.



RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
alexp @ 9/18/2003 12:09:21 PM #
"Basic marketing 101 says to me that there's always room for an entry level model."

Yes, but the entry-level PDA is no longer priced at or over $150. This is at least mid-range, and with dozens of PDAs currently or soon-to-be available with many more features at a slightly higher price, this seems doomed. Not cheap enough for the low end, not enough features for the middle, and kiss the high end goodbye.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
hotpaw4 @ 9/18/2003 3:08:11 PM #
someone wrote:
> Lack audio port? lol
>
> and who is going to buy this ...

If priced clearly below $199, then likely same class of buyers who make the entry-level Zire the best selling palmtop ever. I'm sure Sony would like some of that sales volume as well.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
guesswho @ 9/18/2003 3:35:30 PM #
hotpaw4 @ 9/18/2003 3:08:11 PM
If priced clearly below $199, then likely same class of buyers who make the entry-level Zire the best selling palmtop ever. I'm sure Sony would like some of that sales volume as well.
------------

except 20,000Yen is also happen to be the target price for Dell X3.

RE: 5 Way Navigator of sorts, Sony's product line future
mikecane @ 9/20/2003 11:35:12 AM #
Yeah, Dell X3 with its lower-res screen. YAWN. Another me-too me-too PPC...

Styling

skennedy1217 @ 9/17/2003 9:05:40 PM #
I think it looks very reminiscient of the Palm V and M500 series...both in terms of the proportions and how it is sloping at the bottom. However, the sides are straight instead of concave.

Scott

RE: Styling
Kesh @ 9/17/2003 9:33:34 PM #
This does seem positioned as a competitor to the (unannounced) Tungsten E series. Simple, elegant buisness PDA, hopefully for around $199.

Sony really needs an affordable PalmOS 5 device right about now, and this looks like a good possibility.

eew

helf @ 9/17/2003 9:34:29 PM #
ugly ugly ugly!

Power/Hold Switch

Kesh @ 9/17/2003 9:38:05 PM #
Hmm. From one of the pics at a linked site, the Power/Hold switch is located on the lower section of the right side. That's going to be very inconvenient.

I imagine most right-handed users hold the unit in their left hand while doing entry, meaning you have to replace the stylus to free up your hand before turning the unit on/off. Also, it's harder for one-handed lookups, like turning the handheld on to check an address while on the phone.

RE: Power/Hold Switch
Jeffry @ 9/17/2003 10:29:38 PM #
What's the point of the hold switch if there's no audio support anyways?

STRANGE

RE: Power/Hold Switch
Kesh @ 9/18/2003 9:43:39 AM #
Probably so you won't accidentally turn the unit on in your pocket by hitting the launcher buttons. Plus, it's expected on Sony units now, since every other model has one.

RE: Power/Hold Switch
Quik_Fix @ 9/18/2003 4:22:51 PM #
I think they should make one with the stylus port on the left, so you righties out there can see what it sucks like to be a lefty!
:-)


My sould for a left-handed PDA. Hell, left-handed software even.

Oh my God. They found me. I dunno how but they found me...
RUN FOR IT MARTY!

Quik_Fix
quikfix@hotmail.com

why not support mp3 paly?

yeefei @ 9/17/2003 10:06:38 PM #
It use PalmOS5.2,so it should use ARM9 CPU.
Why disappear the music feature then?

----------------------------
yeefei:What's the PDA can be?
I love PocketPalm!
RE: why not support mp3 paly?
Konstantin @ 9/17/2003 11:00:19 PM #
I think it lacks audio because Sony will probably release some sort of an audio/video adapter adapter wich presumably will be able to record audio and video on the memory stick.

RE: why not support mp3 paly?
a3 @ 9/18/2003 8:50:08 AM #
Maybe it has bluetooth headphones...

____________________________________________
Former Tapwave's Helix fan, now a T|T3 fan.
RE: why not support mp3 paly?
bcombee @ 9/19/2003 5:18:07 AM #
It probably does support the audio API, but only has a speaker, not a headphone jack. This would allow it to play MP3 files using other software, and it would also provide feedback for games and alarms, but you wouldn't be able to use it as a personal player.

I'm actually wondering if its using the new Sony ARM "Handheld Processor" that's also being used in the UX40/50 devices. I'd think that Sony would want to move as much of their production to their own chip if possible.

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

Someone pinch me, I'm having a nightmare!

Foo Fighter @ 9/17/2003 10:16:34 PM #
Oh my dear God. Someone pass me a drink.

No digital audio capabilities...no wireless...no hi-res+ screen...no built-in camera, nor any other advanced features to speak of? So basically this device does absolutely nothing? It's just an old T615C running a new processor and OS5? Ha Ha Ha! Is Sony devolving or something? What next...monochrome screens? My God Sony, could you at least PRETEND you are trying to make competitive products? I could overlook the 320x320 screen, but why would Sony strip away every compelling feature that other handheld vendors are offering at this price?

I hope this isn't the ONLY new product they have up their sleeves, or I'll be stuffing Sony's stockings with coal (or some other material) this Christmas.

Well it looks like my choices are down to the Tungsten E or Zodiac. Hmmm...at least the Zodiac has a flip cover.

-------------------------------
My blog: www.pocketfactory.com

RE: Someone pinch me, I'm having a nightmare!
gfunkmagic @ 9/17/2003 10:36:40 PM #
I agree, it doesn't look sound so appealing, However, I'ld like to see how this new clie compares to the T|E when it's finally released. If T|E doesn't have an audio port either, both the devices are gonna be in a world of hurt and Sony and Palmone might as well cede the entire low end to HP and Dell. Hopefully, PalmOne will fullfill expections. Whoa! Isn't it funny how the roles have changed?

Visit http://goodthatway.com/
-better living through better technology.
RE: Someone pinch me, I'm having a nightmare!
guesswho @ 9/17/2003 11:25:58 PM #
Sony is showing its stripe. They are a consumer electronic companey. And Clie is just another walkman product instead of computer. Like walkman, they think they can change casing with louder color, move around buttons a little and call it new product. They don't give a rats ass if the computer can or cannot run third party programs. It's an organizer, If it runs built in apps, what else would people want?

Dell and HP on the other hand are making handheld like they are making laptop. Either you redo the old stuff with lower price, or add features with new price. Otherwise don't even pretend offering a product as new and think people will buy it.

RE: Someone pinch me, I'm having a nightmare!
Strider_mt2k @ 9/17/2003 11:26:26 PM #
Hey, it worked for Plam!

They're selling millions of their POS, the Zire m150.

RE: Someone pinch me, I'm having a nightmare!
guesswho @ 9/17/2003 11:48:40 PM #
Zire sale has gone down hill since. The sub $100 market was a virgin territory, that's why Palms sell zire by the bushel. But in low end PDA, once a buyer get what they want they rarely upgrade new PDA just for the heck of it. A grandma or a socker mom, won't update a PDA because it is now has color screen or faster processor. They won't purchase new PDA as long as the old one still works.
RE: Someone pinch me, I'm having a nightmare!
heavyduty @ 9/18/2003 4:05:19 AM #
No audio = no sale, unless the price is extremely competitive. But at $175 it doesn't sound like a bargain either.

If the TE doesn't have mp3 I'll be getting myself the the iPaq 1940, with or without the yellow screen.
Period.

RE: Someone pinch me, I'm having a nightmare!
sandeman @ 9/18/2003 6:56:12 AM #
I think the majority of PDA's is still purchased by large companies for their employees.
These companies don't need sound, but can see the benefits of color screens, small size and an up-to-date OS. At my work new PC's are also delivered without speakers, so if you want sound you have to arrange it yourself.

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