Sony PEG-N760C Clie Handheld

Other products by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [3.98mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 2.8 x 68 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005U243
• Item model number: PEG-N760C
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,249 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
Sony's Clié N760C combines the best of a Palm OS handheld computer and an MP3 player. Bulkier than your average audio player, it still manages to be sleek enough that you'd consider taking it out just for music-listening purposes. And you'll have all your typical Palm applications at the tip of your stylus, including your address book, to-do list, and e-mail.

Rather than CompactFlash or SmartMedia, the Clié N760C uses Sony's own Memory Stick cards for expanding memory. While more expensive than other forms of media, they can be used in a variety of Sony devices, from MP3 players to digital cameras. If you're a Sony aficionado and already have other Sony peripherals, it won't be a tough transition to the Clié. Unfortunately, while the costs of SmartMedia and CompactFlash cards have dropped recently, proprietary Sony Memory Sticks have stayed much higher.

Although the N760C ships with only a total 16 MB memory (8 MB internal memory and 8 MB via a Memory Stick), it can be upgraded as high as you're willing to spend for additional sticks. The N760C treats the inserted Memory Stick as a removable drive, making it an easy way to transfer data from your PC and other peripherals, such as digital cameras or camcorders. The interface on the base of the N760C, used to connect to the AC adapter or the USB docking station, can also be used to connect a Clié modem.

The thin gray and silver unit weighs less than six ounces and fits snugly in the palm of your hand. The nifty Jog Dial scroll wheel sits right under your thumb, letting you switch between applications, move from one audio track to another, and even fast-forward or reverse during video playback. A removable leather face cover protects the N760C while it's in a pocket and flips up out of the way easily.

Sony includes an extensive software bundle with the N760C, from games like Acid Solitaire and Race Fever to interactive maps in Rand McNally's StreetFinder Express and Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Pocket Vineyard, with tips on tipping and sipping.

The 16-bit color, high-resolution screen works well for gaming as well as watching small video clips (again, you'll need to beef up the Memory Stick to take advantage of the media player). The audio software on the Clié can play MP3 files, and the attachable in-line remote control (which features a shirt clip and also doubles as a stylus) handles playback functions and volume control. The headphones can plug into the Clié or pass through the remote control.

The lithium-ion rechargeable battery juices up in less than four hours initially and will last up to 15 days for normal use (although if you're playing a lot of audio files it will drain much faster).

You'll need to spend at least another $75 to $120 to get a large-enough Memory Stick to make it worthwhile as a full MP3 player. But even with that additional cost, the Clié N760C offers enough functionality and entertainment value to make it worth consideration. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Bright, 16-bit color display
• Built-in MP3 audio player
• Headphones and remote control
• Compatible with thousands of Palm OS programs

Cons:

• Memory Sticks not cheap

Product Description
If you're like most people, your life is filled with appointments, social engagements & meetings. Keeping track of it all can be tough. Until Sony created the Clie, that is. From a Palm OS 4.1 & 8MB built-in memory to Calendar, Appointment & To-Do List functions, this is one sharp organizer. But it doesn't stop there. It also includes great entertainment & expansion features, like a Memory Stick expansion slot, a built-in MP3 player & a video player. Who says life has to be all work and no play?

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of both worlds, January 30, 2002

By	J. Lara (Pasig City Philippines) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sony initially entered PDA market with a somewhat weak PALM unit in the Clie PEG-S300. With little fanfare and poor design, it was destined to fail up against PALM and HANDSPRING. Many thought that was the last we would hear of the Clie. Only a few months later, not only did Sony introduce two new models, but they took the PDA market by storm. Although the Clie line is still relatively unknown to many people, among PDA aficionados the Clie line has arguably surpassed HANDSPRING and even PALM as the number one palm unit in the market. Its combination of innovative initiative, sleek design, affordable prices, multimedia capability, enhanced screens and battery source that has really made SONY the new driving force in the PDA market where PALM once was. Considering that SONY is a baby in the PDA market this is an amazing feat.

After much contemplation and research I decided that the Clie N760C was my next PDA. Owning a Vx for about a year and a half, my next PDA certainly had big shoes to fill. Now that I've had my N760c for about 2 months, those high expectations were not only met but in some areas exceeded. I will break down this review into three criteria's, which I feel are critical in reviewing the N760C.

The first criterion has to be the SCREEN. Both fans and critics of this unit will agree that the screen is its crowning glory. It's an accepted fact that to date it has the best screen of all Palm OS units and even Pocket PC units. Its high resolution of 320X320 is a far cry from all of Palms and Handsprings 160X160 resolution. Text look so much better in hi-res particularly Avantgo. Also its 16bit screen (65,546 colors) displays a far better range of colors then the m505 and the Prism. Even at the lowest brightness level, the visual output is comparable to the m505. Viewing pictures is quite amazing. It's really like looking at a (sony) flat screen TV. The screen is bright enough that it is really adequate at one third setting. (equivalent to m505 with backlight on) Keeping it at this setting conserves the battery considerably. The only grip I have about the screen is that it seems to be softer then most silkscreen displays. Although it doesn't bother me now, the screen is noticeably softer then the Vx's. It is also a known fact that Clie's, had the ability to get dust on the inside of the screen. Fortunately Sony addressed this problem with the N760C model. They plugged up the holes and the screen is sealed well. I also suggest that before you buy one, check the screen for dead pixels. These are pixels that don't display any color, just white. Although it's rare, it occasionally happens.

The second criterion is FORM FACTOR. It has a sleek case with a combination of brushed silver aluminum, metal and plastic. It quite a looker. It has a jog dial, which is standard on all Sony electronics. The integration of the jog dial to the operating system and applications is really a huge plus. With the combination of the jog dial and back button, only does it eliminate wear and tear on the screen, you can virtually navigate through applications with one hand. Although this unit is longer and thicker than the famous V/m500 shape, it is noticeably narrower. Strangely enough, because it is narrower then the V/m500's, it actually feels smaller in your hand. One thing about this unit that might bother a few people are the buttons. They simply weren't made for game play, particularly the rocker buttons. If you're a serious Galax or Pacman fan, I suggest you go elsewhere.

Another criteria is the MEMORY STICK. There is a huge debate on which medium is best, Secure Digital or Memory Stick. I'm not even going to attempt to convince you one way or another. With the recent price drop of memory sticks, 128mb memory sticks are almost half the cost of Secure Digital cards. I'm sure SD price drops will follow. The only I/O devices available between memory sticks and SD cards are the memory stick cameras and GPRS devices. Although there are rumors that SD devices are on the way, its still pretty much wait and see.

Lastly there is the built in MP3 player. To my surprise it is quite amazing. It was a little trick to figure out how to transfer MP3's at first, but once you got the hang of it, it's as simple as drag and drop. In terms of audio output, maximum volume is loud while not losing clarity. After all "It's a SONY". It is certainly comparable to dedicated MP3 players in sound quality.

I would certainly recommend the N760c to both old and new users of PDA's. The N760C is really a class in its own in that it bridges the best of both worlds with PALM and Pocket PC's. For those who want color and multimedia capabilities of PocketPC's but the hassle-free, intuitive aspect of PALM with its endless database of practically free applications, then the N760C is really the only PDA to chose from. The only downside about Clie's is its anemic choices of accessories. (unlike PALM accessories) But with 5 new brands and 2 upgrades in less then a year, Sony has made its mark as a serious player in the PDA industry. Accessories will surely follow.

The last thing I recommend is read a lot of reviews before you go out and buy your PDA. There is really no one ultimate PDA. From the m100 all the way to the PEG-T615, they certainly have their strengths and weaknesses. Other then the criteria's which I mentioned, there are many others to consider like power consumption, durability, customer support, upgradeable OS, application compatibility and many more. The only way to find out all those things is to read as many reviews as possible.

Good Luck!

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hardware is great; software and support is typical Sony, February 28, 2002

By	Wayne Chung "c4ID" (Atlanta, US) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

+ The basics of PalmOS is all there with some nifty Sony add-on programs that show images, video, and of course the MP3 audio files. There's a software interface that essentially allows your memory stick to act as your extended memory drive. The easy movement of files from cpu to Clie is either through an install app or simply drag-drop once your computer sees your Clie as an external drive.

+ The foremost knock-dead product quality is the crisp and clear and bright screen. You need to see it to believe it. I dump portfolio images to display to clients, friends, and show off. The upper casing is metal (aluminum probably), the lower a painted plastic. The Sony side scroll-dial has a new companion - a separate back button below it that acts beautifully on AvantGo; learned browser manipulation actually is capitalized on mobile products!

+ The MP3 audio player (included) is two pieces - the remote control and then a plug in headphones. The remote has a nib that allows Clie input without fumbling for a stylus. Personally the earphones are a real pain though. The two wires are almost completely separated creating a wire management mess; the slip around ear lobe design is just too annoying with tension and constant pressure placed on a part of the body that shouldn't be used as a latching zone. Dump them for something more ergo.

(-) This all leads to the negative issues. Sony support for their software is ridiculous. It says XP compatible - but it is NOT. It installs incomplete with no `Intellisync' limiting me to using the Sony calendar and no sync to Outlook. After 5-6 attempts at complete uninstall and install - there's no more sync capabilities whatsoever; rendering my XP machine non-communicado with Clie. No response from Sony other than the automation. However, the software works flawlessly on my other 2, Win2000OS cpus.

(+/-) I also purchased the unit for the accessories. I'm excited about the camera, regardless of the resolution. The modem seems silly with the accessibility and mobility of today's computers; and I'm waiting on a stupid microphone to be designed and manufactured...will anybody listen to the consumer? The negative here is that I'm still waiting on my camera unit. A lost opportunity is the lack of decent cases. I've got fours cases - the original has a flip top that is minimal screen protection. The 2 leather ones make you stick a Velcro on the unit - yuck, no way! So, I'm using the old Clie wrap-around nylon padded case because it keeps the unit safe and snug.

Overall, 4 solid stars for the great product and the ability to expand. The software issue still remains Sony's downfall; the lack of accessories is temporal; but the constant failure to provide adequate and appropriately designed cases to help you holster your treasure will is a constant afterthought for many hardware companies. Unfortunately, this sad software issue has sealed the deal as my last Sony computer/PDA purchase ever - the hardware design is advanced but the software is not.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Palm-based PDA Now, December 21, 2001

By A Customer

I have been nothing but 100% satisified with the Clie 760. To be honest, I was leaning heavily toward the Palm m505 until I decided to learn more about the Clie 760. The Clie 760 is quire simply the m505 with a better screen and an mp3 player. When the prices of the 760 became very close to the m505, my decision was made! Now I will be able to get all of the benefits of a great PDA, but will also have a walkman to travel with as well! The bundled software is excellent, the Clie 760 has Palm OS 4.1, and the color screen is second to none. I especially like the bundled feature that allows your Clie's memory stick to be shown as a removable drive in Windows Explorer. This makes transferring apps or mp3s to the sticks very easy. With the cheaper memory sticks available from companies like Lexar, there are no drawbacks. If I have to throw in one complaint, I would have liked to see more business-related bundled software. Getting Documents to Go (like the m505 bundles) would have been nice, but I am nothing but glad I took the time to check out and purchase the Clie 760!