Customer Reviews

Casio Cassiopeia E-200 Pocket PC

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I was looking for compatibility with certain Win CE Programs.
It tells you nowhere that it has its own Casio Proprietary customized operating system, that does not allow running Active Sync (which is the interface between your PC and this dumb PDA)
Instead it has a program called "PC Connect" and very few programs have been written for it. Very dissapointing and deceiving

I bought this PDA after extensive obsessing over web reviews, product information specs, and visiting the "red shirted" and "blue shirted" sales associates at my local tech retail stores. I chose the Casio BE-300 for its functional ability, and to supplement, not replace, my laptop.

I highly recommend this unit for those of you who, like me, need a small, inexpensive, yet fully functional color display PDA to record your calendar events, take quick notes, maintain Outlook-like contact lists, and check basic email. This unit does all this beautifully, and synchronizes well with Outlook 2000. The only strange synchronization I've found is that items sent from the PDA to Outlook 2000 are sometimes misspelled, but never in the other direction. I wonder if this is more due to my "typing" using the stylus and the smaller display, rather than an actual synch problem. The entire synch process is very easy to set up, and operates seamlessly for calendar appointments, to-do tasks, contact lists, etc.

As for the lack of software, I don't use a PDA to play games, use Word, and manage spreadsheets; for those, I rely on "real" computers, with at least a 15" display; great graphics card; lots of RAM and cache; a real joystick, mouse, and keyboard; and a true sound system. I just can't do this cramped by a screen smaller than a floppy disk. I know how frustrating this can be, because in 1982 my "real computer" was an Osborne-I with a 3" screen! So trust me on this; work in an ergonomic environment, and if you seek diversion on those long flights, buy an inexpensive hand held game, and use this PDA for your true business needs.

If you've used Pocket PCs in the past, you will likely be thrown a bit by the menu system; it reminds me of the old DOS shells (such as 1dirplus) that don't give you a functional desktop but require you to work through set menu choices listing its functions and programs. That's actually MORE user friendly when you think about the ease with which you can access your programs.

Lastly, you can easily add basic accessories, such as compact flash memory and modem cards. The BE-300 is the roughly the same size as a Handspring Visor, so if you want to put it in a carrying case, you can use one that is compatible with Visor. The only negative I can say at this time (after one month ownership) is that the battery seems to depelete pretty quickly; I use it daily, on and off, and at the end of each day, I seem to have 50% to 60% left only. That may be normal for a PDA, but seems fast to me.

The BE300 is a cross between a high-end PDA and an entry level PocketPC - with the exception of the price! I was able to get mine for $149 at CompUSA, and I can safely say that was one great deal I got there.

Though you will see lots of reviews saying that the BE300 has too little software out there and has a 'weird' main menu (not like the windows-type menu for PocketPCs). But if you really 'dig in' and see how much resources there are for development for the BE300, you'll grab one fast!

In my case, my unit's startup screen doesn't even look any close to the default screen and why? Research, and with the help of a lot of BE300 owners and developers for this platform who knows a good deal when they see one (special thanks to all the dudes at the Brighthand Forums for the BE300). My BE300 now has a 'desktop' with the works, including selective wallpapers and startup menus like Windows has! The available software is also growing at a high good rate! Even software that run only for the PocketPC are now being ported to the BE300 (Pocketstreets, various MP3 and video players, spreadsheets).

So imagine...a $149-$199 unit (166mhz MIPS CPU w/ 16MB built-in, beautiful and very clear color screen, and CF expansion) capable running applications that a $400-600 unit can? Hmmm....go figure :-)

And with a full Windows CE Net OS upgrade in the works, the BE300 will definitely make it big time!

Some considerations: get a nice PDA case for protection(it'll fit in the Palm Glove series w/o it's face cover) and get at least a 128MB compactflash card (BE300 supports type I and II) - you'll be filling it up with applications, games, ebooks, mp3s, pics, movies in no time. :-) Do get it before they start jacking up the prices!!

The Casio BE-300 way outclasses everything else in it's price range. I've used Pocket PCs, Windows CE devices, Palms, Visors and several organizers. This device plays videos and displays photos better than the Pocket PCs we bought at work that cost twice as much. Syncronizing email worked well too.

The BE-300 has a powerful processor; 133 Mhz (speed) - 64 bit (if a 32 bit processor is a 2 lane highway, this one is a 4 lane freeway!). The screen is great, high color and much better resolution than the Palm. The operating system is upgradeable (flash rom) which means it's also recoverable - if there is an error you can reload it. Extremely flexible and expandable piece of machinery.

I found it as easy as the other Pocket PC/WinCE devices I've used and much less trouble than the Palm/Visors.

Why is it cheaper? I've read that Casio wrote it's own interface for the brand-new Windows CE 3.0 because Microsoft requires devices running Pocket PC to have a speaker, microphone and infrared port.

Available software for the BE-300 has doubled in the 3 weeks I've owned it. I've contacted services like AvantGo and Mazingo; both were interested in making versions for the BE-300.

Amazon's engine that compares it to other devices is missing quite a bit of information, probably because this is a new device. If I haven't made it abundantly clear, I highly recommend this device.

Check out an on line forum for more detailed information from folks that own them - (...)

I really like the styling, weight and dimensions of this unit. The color display is excellent and it has all of the basic tools you'll need. However, I still haven't decided on whether or not I'm going to return it because of the fact that it's not compatible with most software made for pocket PCs. Casio has been adding quite a few software titles within the past 3-4 weeks but I think it will be quite some time before they will have an adequate arsenal.

I actually sold my Compaq 1650 to purchase this unit (mainly for the color LCD). However, I do miss the voice recorder, solitaire and ease of the ActiveSync software with the previous unit. This unit comes with PC Connect/Intellisync and it seems to have a mind of it's own when it comes to performing a syncronization.....sometimes it will and sometimes it won't.

Loading the limited software titles and program files from MyCasio.Com has been somewhat of a challenge as well. However, I was able to download some game titles from Jimmy.Com made for this unit fairly easily. The gaming possibilities are actually pretty promising.

Besides the limited software, my biggest gripe is that it doesn't have GPS capabilities right now. I'm in sales and I hate to be lost while driving around new territories. A GPS system would probably sway me into keeping the unit.

I guess the biggest question for me is do I want to spend an additonal (money) for a Casio E-125 or another unit of greater price when the BE-300 practically does everything all the others will do?

I suppose limited software and hardware applications should be expected with such a new product and if Casio remedies these few faults, they can really gain a substantial market share for a unit that is an overall good buy when you stack up the competition.

Although this unit looks cool and probably functions well, I was misled. My intention for purchasing a pocket PC was to use the Pocket version of Microsoft Streets & Trips and to be able to use a spreadsheet I created using Microsoft Excel. After hours of trying to install and connect using Microsoft ActiveSync (the program required to install Pocket Streets & Trips & other Windows CE Software) I gave in and called customer service. They quickly told me that it wasn't going to work because Casio's system is NOT WINDOWS CE but rather is BASED on that technology. It is Casio's own version of Windows CE so, guess what, the software made for Windows CE pocket PC's will NOT WORK ON THE CASIO. The only software available for this unit is the little it comes with and whatever is available on ... Check out the website and you'll find there's NOTHING there. What a disappointment. I'm sorry to have wasted my money and time. Again this is not based on the unit's performance itself, but rather on the fact that its operating system is very misleading. They claim that it's "Windows Powered" and they use the Windows logo but again it IS NOT WINDOWS CE and will NOT RUN WINDOWS CE SOFTWARE!

I got my BE-300 roughly 3 weeks after I ordered it. Anyway, I thought I knew what I wanted; I had gone to all these web sites, looked at reviews, checked it out at best buy (the usual) After I recieved it, my next obstacle was figuring out how to syncronize it and put new programs onto it. Now, I'm pretty good with computers, better than most, I would say, and I still got confused. I don't see how someone with less knowledge of computers could have figured it out. I also don't like the fact that it isn't really windows CE, (that also confused me when I first heard about it) It is ONLY good if you want to do EXACTLY what programs are available, (all by casio) Anyway, I returned mine to get an iPAQ 3765, I decided I would much rather have a more flexible device with Pocket PC 2002. Bottom line: Only get it if you only want/need what it comes with.

My review isn't going to be about how I can use the BE-300 for business (although I'm sure it is excellent at that), it's more for those who are thinking about getting one just for fun and a little personal organization. First of all, I love this thing...it has beautiful color and has a bunch of different brightness settings. You can even change your color theme, much like on a PC. I use this to write down thoughts, song and video ideas, reminders with alarms and the calendar for schedules. HOWEVER...the things I love most about this pocket wonder are:

1. You can bring it to school work, whatever. I wish I had this before I graduated. Store pictures that you wanted to show people, but you don't want to get lost or ruined...or carry around the bulky stack. The pictures look great on the color screen and you can store plenty, especially with an extra memory card!

2. Plug in some headphones and listen to MP3s after a test or whenever when there is nothing to do. Get an extra memory card and store a ton of songs, with what in my opinion, is awesome sound. It's a little light on the bass, but it is by far good enough.

3. The best thing about this little machine, in my young minded opinion, is the fact that you can store video on it! I bought a memory card that has an extra 120 megabytes, and stored two episodes of Friends, a couple pictures, and some MP3s on here. Whenever I'm somewhere waiting around really bored, I can get this from my car, and watch the show - which plays in a windows media player type thing. The size is obviously incredibly small, about a little over one square inch, but I couldn't care less...for all that this thing does, it just amazes me that I can watch some episodes. The gadget comes with software to view the pictures, video and listen to the MP3s. Also comes with a video converter so you can convert your video into compact Casio video files on your PC...then just hook the USB cord into the PC and viola, transfer the stuff you want. This is probably the smallest thing you can watch video on, and is functional in so many other ways. Why buy an MP3 player when you can have this, for generally less, AND watch and listen to video, take notes, set an alarm, make a schedule, view pictures, play games, check email and even search the internet with a wireless modem to check the waves, see the score, read about new music and movies-etc etc etc on the go. The possibilities seem endless with this tiny thing. Oh how jealous the others will be.

Better than IPAQ any day. This has been the most versatile PDA with all of the great qualities that I was looking for
1.Two Memory Slots: It was the premiere PDA to have 2 Memory Slots before anyone else. Of course the reviewers said that it was bulky but when you compare it to an IPAQ which requires a sleeve to access a CF slot, the Bulk and Weight of an IPAQ is huge. I have DATA (Text Books, Pictures) and Music on SD Memory cards and I leave the CF Slot open for other things
2. CF SLOTS are mandatory and should not just be an additional sleeve. I have a socket CF card connection kit to my phone digital phone so that I can access the internet by dialing my ISP to retrieve messages. I have a CF modem so that I can access the internet via a phone line. This is nice if you are sitting in an airport and don't want to eat up your cell phone minutes. I just bought a CF WiFi and connected to the internet at a cafe. My next purchase is to buy a CF digital camera.
3. Removable Battery: At the most 2-3 hours per battery. But it's ok. I have two and I change them out. There is a small backup battery that protects your data in case the main battery wears down too far. The unit has a Warning that will pop up intermittently to tell you that it is low. I HAVE NEVER LOST MY INFORMATION DUE TO BATTERY DRAIN. There are times during a meeting, I am not near an outlet and to exchange out the battery is ideal rather than move all of your stuff.
4. USB attachment: This was where Casio was ahead of its time. To have the USB adapter so that I can attach USB items. Unfortunately, the only thing I can attach is a USB keyboard (Small View Sonic USB Keyboard until a USB Fold out one is made) b/c products have not written drivers for the Pocket PC but they are coming--Tell the companies "NO MORE PROPRIETARY Accessories"
5. Speakers: Fair but with earbuds-Wow the sound is great.
6. Voice Recorder: The quality is wonderful. I had a presentation to do and the computer couldn't record my voice blurbs for a power pt presentation. I recorded them on my Casio, Downloaded them to my computer and popped them in the power pt presentation.
7. Customer Service: Initial Batch had problems with the Back light. The company sent me out a new one within the week.
8. IR port at the top. I think this is easier by design to do more but I wonder if it highly critical. If you wanted to beam something across, YOU DON'T HAVE TO TURN IT SIDEWAYS as with the Toshiba. I use the IR port to hotsync with and IR adapter to my computer. I don't need a cradle at work. I just bought the Seiko inklink and finally got it to work (use COM4 on Tablet Set UP) so I can write my notes and have them transcribed as a jpg.
9. Flaws: The SD Card Slot door is fragile but once you figure out how to close it you can be more aggressive with it. The MAJOR ONE: Casio Marketing has decided to not market this in the US anymore. BAD DECESION they didn't catch the wave and fight the lame beast of IPAQ.
Overall, This device outways the IPAQ, less problems than the Toshiba e740 which prided itself with higher speed (not) and WiFi (Weak) IR port on the side, and battery problems. For the future, I am happy with my Casio and will wait until they solve the problems of the next generation of 400MHZ. If you need something Now the new Dell is about the same size but I believe just doesn't have the USB connector and I don't think that there is a keyboard.
For now, I reached my ideal. No more heavy Laptop. I can sit in a coffee shop, Listen to my music, work on a Spread Sheet or Word, or surf the internet using my WiFi CF and read email.

This device was designed to be cheaper than a ppc 2002 device therefore it lacks some of the features of the standard ppc 2002 devices. No IR port, no speaker, no StrongARM processor, skimpy app support right now(applications must be ported to the casio overlay on win ce 3.0, and presumably for the MIPs processor). Plusses include the unit is great for wireless networking, including that the built in webbrowser is superior to the pocket IE and that all the memory is flash. So if you happen to run the battery dry as can happen with ppc devices, no data will be lost, this also means when you hit the power button, the unit really is off. The unit has a compact flash type II slot, which supports the IBM Microdrive and other CF Type II devices along with standard CF Type I cards and such. Casio makes a battery backpack and pc card backpack that allows you to use this device with pc cards used with laptops. If you're looking for a handheld that offers mp3 and video playback, uses compact flash storage and has PIM functionality and to play a few hands of solitaire on, check out this unit, at a rockbottom price. The only unit that can compete with this one on price is the older HP Jornada 525, which is much larger, features a slower processor, serial synch, no cover, ppc 2000, and no place to store the stylus on the device. If you only want PIM and games, check out something running Palm OS.

I've seen several reviews complaining about being unable to use activesync with the be-300, this is not true, installing a third party patch allows one to use activesync with your b3-300. I've seen several people complain that it doesn't play mp3's, again not true, included in the bundled software is an mp3 player. I've seen a few reviews saying that it doesn't run windows ce, not true, it doesn't run pocket pc, which is microsoft's "special" version of windows ce run on the higher end models. I saw a review complaining about the lack of a video encoder for the CFM format, not true, included in the bundled software is an encoder for their CFM format. One can also purchase a third party app called PocketTV for the be-300 to play mpeg video. Yes, this device may require you to actually put forth a little effort to get it doing exactly what you want, what doesn't? Visit ... to connect with be-300 users around the world and see what it can do.