Customer Reviews

Sony Clie PEG-TG50 Handheld

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

The best thing that I can say about this product is that when my original one was stolen, I immediately replaced it with another of the same model, even though newer ones (like the high-end UX-50) had become available.

I bought this one because it was the smallest & lightest PDA available with a keyboard. After 4 years of struggling with Graffitti, it took me roughly 30 minutes to adapt to the admittedly tiny keyboard on the TG50. I found that I could two-thumb data using the keyboard far faster, and I've never used Graffitti again.

The two most important considerations with this model are the size and the keypad. Graffitti junkies should avoid this model, but I suspect that I'm not the only person who finds the Palm OS handwriting recognition technology is troublesome. Likewise, those who want a really big screen for watching movies should get a different PDA. Personally, I like carrying it in my jacket pocket, and find the lid to be convenient and not the least awkward. The metal case is sturdy & scratch-resistant, and for me, it would be silly to put this PDA into a carrying case. Its a tool to use on a daily basis, and I'm not taking heroic measures to avoid scratching it.

Battery life is a bit disappointing, and I recommend purchasing the battery adaptor which allows you to recharge the internal battery using 4 AA cells. I have no reason to believe that battery life is any worse than competing units, though.

I already have memory stick devices, so this is a convenient media for me. I'm using a 512Mb stick without problem. Although earlier Sony laptops cannot be upgraded to read these larger sticks, its easy to put MP3s and other data onto the memory stick by using the Import/Export utils. This is a very useful capability in which a TG50 in the cradle can function as a removable drive in Windows.

Its a bit disappointing that only 11Meg of internal memory is available, but in practice, this hasn't proven a problem. Most 3rd party apps support add-on memory. I've put all my BDict foreign language dictionaries on my memory stick, for instance. Those with a large number of applications can even store & run the apps from the memory stick, as long as they use a third party launcher, like SilverScreen.

Speaking of MP3, the player is a bit vanilla, but does a fine job of playing music. Ironically, Sony's proprietary ATRAC3 format is not supported by the Memory Stick Pro standard necessary for 256Mb and larger memory sticks. After experimenting with ATRAC3, I never use it any more, ripping my CDs to MP3 instead. I'm not sure why you'd want to view movies on a dinky little screen like this, but the movie player does work. Its very practical to use a Sony camcorder to store an MPEG on a memory stick and play it back on the PDA. Ripping DVDs is a lot more complex (look to one of the Clie discussion boards for suggestions on how to do it), and I don't have the patience or desire to do it, but I have downloaded and watched about 40 minutes of video, just to prove it could be done.

The jog-dial and backup button on the side of the PDA are quite useful, allowing simple left-hand operation of all the built-in applications and many 3rd party applications. Although the jog-dial was useless on laptops, its perfectly suited to PDA use. When talking on the phone, for instance, I can pull my PDA out of my pocket, flip open the lid, and review my schedule and contact info with my free hand.

Speaking of phones, I do not have a Bluetooth mobile, but I've tested this, and it does connect to the Nokia, so I have every reason to believe that it would integrate well with mobile phones.

I do use Bluetooth to synch with my laptop, which works very well. Its nice being able to travel without needing a synch cable. Also, the TG50 can receive files sent by other Bluetooth devices. It only recognises .VCF and .TXT, asking your permission to store the received object in either an address book entry or memo. An inexpensive 3rd party utility called ReceiveIT will let you add support for additional file extensions, so you could accept JPGs and .DOCs, storing them in the memory stick, if you like.

PicselViewer will let you view either of those types of files. The screen is small for viewing full-sized documents, but in a pinch, you can scroll around and read the whole thing. Its kind of handy sometimes to be able to view PDFs, Word docs, and graphics.

The built-in applications for manipulating bit maps seem pretty weak, and I'm not interested in doing that on my handheld. You can setup a slide show, and given how cheap memory sticks are, its perfectly practical to carry around slide shows showing your family, your vacation, whatever.

The ability to store voice memos was appealing to me, and I do sometimes 'jot down' ideas verbally when it isn't convenient to use the keypad. I have accidentally left the voice recorder running a couple times, but I've trained myself to always leave the Power button in the 'hold' position, so it isn't a big problem.

Although the built-in applications are decent, I'd already been using some 3rd party apps on my Handspring, so I put the latest versions of them on my Sony. All of the following work fine with the Sony, supporting the jog-dial, color, and the high-res screen mode. I launch them one-handed using the row of 4 application buttons across the top of the keypad. Datebook5 for calendar and todos, KeyContact for contact list, and WordSmith for memos and larger documents.

I'm totally pleased with this PDA. Its fast, convenient, attractive, and sturdy. It fits my needs perfectly.

PRO:
1. Palm OS5, 200 MHz CPU and the built-in keyboard. (Though the keyboard is a bit stiff, I find it prevents me from entering wrong letters.) The size of a notepad (It's 2 7/8 x 5 x 0.5)

2. Voice Recording with Built-in Microphone. One click to start recording and the quality is so SONY.

3. Browsing the web without paying an extra bill. Using Bluetooth enables me to connect to my cell phone (T68i which has built-in modem) and to dialup to Earthlink to get the internet access anywhere in the US. Getting my Earthlink account setup on the Palm and receiving the emails is also effortless.

4. Awesome color display. I can read the web page content without zooming in and scrolling left and right, even in 320 x 320 screen. I don't feel the screen is small at all.

5. MP3 player has three levels of BASS and you can create a playlist. The sound quality is really great and the device has a built-in speaker as well.

6. It¡¦s a TV and VCR remote. Setting up the remote is an ease.

7. Long battery Life. I tried 5 days without charging and it's still going. Also, you can save the battery life when you listen to MP3 by shutting down the screen. (Just switch to HOLD)

CON:
1. Most of the apps haven't been developed for this model yet. Ex: I installed the Document-to-Go that came with PEG-T615C but the text got all smashed together.

2. Little built-in memory. I need to make changes to my Memory Stick when I installed new programs on it.

Conclusion:
This device is designed for users who want to have internet access. Although the speed of the internet access can not be compared to Wi-fi connection, the dial-up speed through cell phone isn't unbearable. Besides, when you have a Wi-fi connection, don't you have a computer close by most the time. On top of which, I could save that extra money for the Wi-fi service for getting a faster connection. All I need is to read some news articles and to receive emails.
Personally, I think this is the best PDA out there. I¡¦ve seen many models and been waiting for this device for a long time; I want a device that is thin and light in my pocket. Having the same size of a 3 x 5 x 0.5 inches notepad, I know I made a right decision. When SONY named it 'Personal Entertainment Organizer', they are absolute right. I really have a lot of fun with this device and yet stay organized.

Don't get me wrong. This is a wonderful PDA as you would expect from Sony. It's just very confusing at first. Remember when you were first introduced to MS Word. You were glad that it could do everything but were frustrated trying to figure out how. Likewise for this PDA. Sony's approach to OS5 breaks from tradition causing the user to have to find all the essentials( info, delete, copy, screen brightness etc.). It's all there. You just have to page through the manual to find it. And that's just the beginning. Count on being joined at the hip with the instructions for at least the first couple of weeks.
There are two accessories that are a must have with this unit- a memory stick and a case. You should be aware that this unit is advertised with 16mb of ram. Not so. You only get 11mb. I don't know why. Since this unit has state of the art audio and video (once you figure out how to use it) you will need a memory stick of at least 64mb with 128mb a better choice. You will also need a case.
There is a case made ONLY for this model. It is Sony Pega CA62. It comes in 3 colors- black, brown and red. ... The case is not leather (polyurethane) but is well made and fits the TG50 like a glove. It really is very nice and worth the price.
Finally, this unit is rather large and heavy. I would not recommend putting it in a shirt pocket no matter how deep. You are tempting fate for losing it. If you want a killer PDA that does everything for a great price then you should consider this unit. Just don't lose the instructions.

The screen is nice and bright, very readable. I have only used it for basic stuff so far (Calendar and Address Book), but it does that fine. It syncs with a PC, and I've had no software problems or glitches with it at all.

I wanted a PDA with a keyboard, and I do find it handy, but it's tiny and there's three different shift keys (standard, red, and blue) to get all the characters supported. Typing numbers is particularly awkward (it involves the blue shift key), which is too bad, because you need to do that a lot.

As other reviewers have noted, the documentation is skimpy. There is a quick-start manual but it doesn't have much detail. I thought there was no documentation on Grafitti at all until I found a tiny reference card in the box (that's apparently all .. I guess it's not a problem if you've used this before). Their Web site doesn't help much either, although there's some kind of advanced guide referenced there they want you to pay money for.

I have looked at the Palm Tungsten C and Handspring Treo 600 - both also have keyboards. Maybe they're better, and they do have more features (the Palm has WiFi, and the Treo is a phone too). However, the Sony is significantly lower cost. I'm happy enough so far to not want something higher up the scale.

I have only had this PDA for a week and I love it. The color screen is gorgeous. My previous PDA was a trusty Palm IIIx, that had lasted forever, but now I wonder how I survived without a color screen.
It was very simple to get it synched with my Outlook (Exchange Server) using the software that Sony provided. The new "Launcher" menu system that Sony has created for Palm OS 5 has made it so that you can navigate to all the applications with just one hand, no need to fumble with the stylus to open the mp3 player.
Just be sure you purchase a memory stick (try Lexar rather than Sony), otherwise you can't use the mp3 player.
So, if you are looking to spend less than $400 on a PDA this is the one to get.

I bought the TG-50 about a month ago after having my handspring visor for 3 years. I loved the functionality of the palm os and hoped 5.0 would remain simple. Although most of the OS usability survives it does as much as the windows pocket pc. It plays movies beautifully and is easy to convert (if its a file format that the sony convertion software likes, dont like divx for instance) and loading mp3s are pretty easy and sound great. The screen is bright and easy to read and the keyboard is actually faster than graffitti so I rarely even use the stylus. I was disappointed documents to go was not included as this is geared toward the business user whats up with that? What good is being able to view it with their packaged viewer if you cant edit on the road (doesnt replace my laptop unless I buy Doc to go)

pros: Great screen; great price...; FAST 200mhz processor; nice materials, good multimedia capability; easly to sinc up with Windows XP; and Palm 5.0 OS

cons: stylus pops out the bottom pretty easily; no SD slot; no Compact Flash slot; One of the few Clies that doesnt come with Documents to Go; low basic memory (buy a 128K mem stick at least with the clie); the great world clock and calculator prepackaged with older OS no longer avail on 5.0

I would have given 5 stars if it had SD or Compact Flash and slightly better software package.

Currently, I won a DELL PPC, Palm Zire 71, and Sony Clie PEG-TG50. My favorite is the Sony Clie. Why? The Sony clie has a fast 200 MHz processor, good batter life, much better than my Dell PPC, and Has an expensive feel. This PDA also includes a Bluetooth, Keyboard, and Syncs very well with my MS Outlook on my Windows XP Dell PC, and MY Toshiba Laptop. This PDA has almost the same specs as the more expensive Clie Models, without the larger screen and graffiti area, but you can still use software graffiti built into the os. If you were to buy a Zire 71, then you must know that you're getting a product from China, whereas the Sony Clies are made in Japan. Also, Zire 71, has a weak MP3 player that doesn't sound loud when you use it with your headphones. Sony Audio Player sound louder and richer. Zire 71 also as a very cheap digital camera that doesn't look good when you transfer the pics on your computer. Don't even talk about PPC. Once I only used PPC, but Palm OS 5 seems to be very competitive. If decided to go with PPC, then you better get used to soft booting at least couple times a day and recharging the battery frequently. If you think the Sony Clie PEG-NX70V with a flip screen is good, then this little device is the same thing in a slick little package. At this point, for [the price] I would go with Sony Clie, since it has good software packaged, 200MHz processor, built in Bluetooth, and is easy to carry around. If you must have a graffiti area and need a cheap digital camera, I would go with Zire 71. I would know this because I own all three units I've just described.

I got my tg50 from ebay, you all should. It retails for about $300, I got a used one(that is great) for $97, less than I payed for my clie sj20 (b and w screen)
1- keyboard, gotta have it cause i hate graphiti
yah it takes a little getting used to but i like it (but it obviously doesn't compare to the one on the ux50)
2- Truely awesome crisp colorful screen
3-well thought out and overall fantastic design
4-very thin (1/2 inch thick)
5-OS 5
i previously had a sony sj20, which has a palm OS (no OS 5), so I am used to a palm pda, but that being this pda is extremely easy to use, I never looked at the manual, but figured out all the features anyway.
Neccessary accessories include
-a memory stick (64mb if just using for apps, 256 if you want to store a few songs(get these on ebay too, for about half price))
-a case, if you are getting a case that stays on it all the time(custom fit) which I recommend get the Bellagio one, its nice and it allows the pda to hotsync in a cradle while still in the case

I have used the TG-50 for about 9 months now and it has performed well. In addition to the basic PDA functions, I like the one button activated voice recorder. I also use it to play MP3s and music videos and it works well.

I use Outlook on my PC when I hot sync, and have not had a problem. The software that comes with the TG-50 lets you sync with Outlook without much hassle.

The only irritaion that I have had is, sometimes it will give an error and the only option left is a hard reset. However, when it comes back up the most recent data is still there (I use a memory stick). Use the TG-50 with a memory stick and back-up regularly. Data back-up is essential no matter what technology you use.

Bottom line is...It really is a cool little gadget, and provides great value for your money.

Overall this is a good unit. Sony's screens put Palm to shame. The colors are brilliant and the readability is excellent. It runs fast. Most of the programs I need have Palm 5 compatible versions. The main problem is that, jammed into my pocket, something always happens. For example, the voice recorder is easily set off or the Memory Stick pops out. These are plainly annoying. The voice recorder can fill up your memory card and drain your battery. The keyboard in poorly contoured and basically useless. It would be much better to have a larger, 320 X 480, screen to have more room for the Graffiti entry window. The function buttons have dual functions and are not convenient. The "software" graffiti window is good and bad. It is good to see what you have entered as you trace it. It is bad that the screen is so small that its location is fixed. (Graffiti was best on the old Newton. You could move it anywhere on a screen that was not much more than 320 x 480 pixels.) The photo viewer is LAME. There is no way to go to the next photo in your cue unless you go back to the slow to render thumbnail view. This could have been a great unit with a few changes. Lets hope Sony gets it better with the next generation. Lets also hope they do the trivial work (Palm and Apple really have done most of the work for them) it would take to support Mac OS X right out of the box.