Sony Clie PEG-SJ33 Handheld

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Product Details

Product Manual [1.68mb PDF]

• Item Weight: 1.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008K4BD
• Item model number: PEG-SJ33
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,682 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

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  Electronics > Computers & Accessories > PDAs, Handhelds & Accessories > PDAs & Handhelds

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 17, 2003

Product Description

Product Description

The modern design of the newest SJ-Series CLI? handheld feels as good as it looks. The smooth, translucent cover protects the screen from dust and scratches, and flips easily out of the way for operation.The 66 MHz processor, high-resolution color screen, and built-in MP3 player are ideal for the latest multimedia applications. Get organized, listen to music, and play games, all with one stylish handheld. You can even view and edit Microsoft Word and Excel files using Documents to Go - Standard Edition by DataViz, Inc.The Memory Stick media expansion slot provides virtually unlimited storage capability for your favorite applications. Plus, the Jog Dial navigator makes it easy to access most of your stored information using only one hand.The SJ33 comes with a variety of full-version and trial-version software so you can get maximum use and enjoyment out of your new CLI? handheld, plus the Palm OS software is compatible with hundreds of 3rd-party software applications available for download.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best bang for buck, but a star short., July 20, 2003

By	Christopher Wanko "-C" (Nutley, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Sony doesn't exactly develop the newest technology, but nobody
has better designers and nobody can refine an idea like Sony.

The SJ33 is the case in point today: I'm a former Handspring Visor owner, when it was the first PDA to come in colors and the first to come with 8 Megs and an advanced version of the Palm OS.

It was cutting-edge then... and the SJ33, while not cutting-edge any longer, will fill the bill for former Handspring Visor owners and newcomers alike.

First, the display is color, 65k colors worth and bright as all heck. You want to keep a virtual picture frame on your desk, this is a nifty 320x320 screen for displaying hundreds of wallet-sized photos.

Second, MP3s out of the box. Sure, no Memory Stick is included, and you are limited to 128 Meg Sticks at that (the new 256 Sticks are merely double-sided 128s), but you score a few Sticks, and you've got nearly as much MP3 space as a CD. And because it's solid state memory, no shock, no skip, just pure sound.

Third, it comes with the best software bundle of any PDA today. In fact, all Sony handhelds come with superior bundles: Documents to Go lets you view *and* edit Word and Excel documents; Intellisync is the best sync software for Outlook users, bar none; the games are terrific, but Bejeweled is possibly the most addictive game since Tetris; and the utilities for viewing and managing music, photos, and movies (yep, movies too) are far beyond my expectations.

Fourth, it's a Lithium-Ion battery, so you charge it whenever you're not using it, and just go. It lasts awhile, not nearly 9 hours if you're playing Bejeweled constantly or listening to MP3s, but you can go a whole day easy.

Fifth, those flip cases come in colors. I'm sorry, but a little funk in your PDA is a must. I dig colors, and I'm gonna score me that excellent orange one soon.

Now, the bits that kept a fifth star from alignment in the Clie Constellation:

#1 The SJ33 doesn't support Memory Stick Pro, so if you think you want 256, 512, or even 1 Gb Memory Stick space, you have to go a different route, like the NZ series or T series Clies.

#2: MP3 encoding from bundled software is limited to 128kps, 44Hz encoding. If you like 192 or even 256k encoding, you need 3rd party software. Good news is I can play my 192 or 256-bit MP3s with no problems.

#3: The Jog Dial is very cool, but a bit small and stiff. You need some serious dexterity to properly use it while holding the unit (heh, I said "unit").

#4: Palm OS 4.1. Keeps the costs down, keeps the software in the greatest compatibility, but Sony's lead time could've allowed for Palm 5. And it's not truly upgradable either: you patch it. Ah well.

#5: It doesn't come with a cradle. Yeah, the fifth star is withheld on that alone. Cradles are a necessity, and while I do give Sony credit for the compact travel sync/ charge option, I expect a cradle with any PDA. Period.

Let's sum up. A solid four stars, a really good choice for your 1st PDA (it'll go around two hundred), an outstanding upgrade from older PDAs (especially B&Ws and lo-res color), and an all-around high performer. If you don't need a camera, Memory Stick Pro capacities, or Palm OS 5, this is your best bang for the buck.

80 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More compelling design but still pricey, April 17, 2003

By	Roy Chan (Long Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Pros: Built-in MP3 player; fast processor; high-resolution screen; slick clamshell design; 16MB; excellent screen; hard cover; faster processor; small shape; Thin; light; great color screen; Great battery life.

Cons: Wimpy scroll buttons; includes OS 4.1 rather than OS 5.0; expensive; buttons are small again; Doesn't come with a memory stick

Summary: This is my third handheld, and I'm quite impressed with it. Before this I've used two Palms, the 130 and the 515. I always give my old gadgets away to family because I love keeping up with the latest.

The first thing that should strike you is the great look. This is a handsome PDA; although built with plastic, and not metal, it doesn't take away from the quality feel.

The screen is great. Way better than the Palm 130 and 515, and much better than most Power PC's I've seen. With the backlight on I'm able to utilize it non stop for about 9-10 hours, so this will last you probably about 2 weeks with average use.

The processor speed is lightening quick, I was able to move around while playing MP3's with no lag, also playing MPEG's was a great experience. With the 128 or 256 or bigger meg memory sticks you can fit a huge amount of multimedia in there.

My favorite thing about this as opposed to the Power PC is the speed with which I can just open up and use it. This is a great OS first and foremost, and doesn't have TSR's and other BS piggybacking it like the Power PC OS.

82 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Love this thing!, March 14, 2003

By	Kelvin S. Bryant "snickadoo" (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I upgraded from a Handspring Visor Deluxe that I have been using for almost 3 years. The Clie's higher resolution screen and text look really nice. Colors are bright indoors (a little washed in sunlight). Battery life is very good although I wished they would have included a cradle for recharging and synching. Sony only included cables that plug directly into a port at the bottom of the pda.

I really enjoy the built-in mp3 player and the jog-dial on the side. The unit fits nicely in my front pocket where it can be quickly accessed. Installation and setup were a snap.

Pros Summary:

- Great screen resolution and colors.
- Small size and convenient flip cover.
- Integrated mp3 player works and sounds great.
- Good battery life
- Reasonably priced

Cons:

- Recessed buttons on front bottom can be kind of hard to press.
- No cradle (just plug-in cables).
- Included datebk does not include the week-at-a-glance that was
included on my old visor.
- No voice recorder.