The Clie NX80 is the improved version of the Clie NX70. I have reviewed the camera-less version NX60 in my MemoWare Features (I and II), and I won't repeat the same characteristics but rather focus on the changes from the previous models.

The screen resolution is superb at 320x480, but I do not believe Sony's screen is the same as the latest transflective color screen used by Palm in their latest Tungsten and Zire models. It really had a heavy bluish tint, and although bright and clear on its own, it just did not compare favorably when it sat side-by-side with my new Tungsten C and Tungsten T3.

The one big change is the improved resolution of the built-in digital camera. The built-in 1.3 mega-pixel camera now supports SXGA (1280 x 960) resolution, and you can save JPEG images or MPEG4 motion video to memory stick cards. The digital camera now offers a couple of new features that help you take pictures in low ambient light conditions: the new “Capture Light” and a slow shutter mode. Although the capture light is not a true flash, it was bright enough to use as a flashlight, and both features helped to take indoor pictures under the insufficient light condition. The NX80 also comes with the Neutral Density Filter that reduces the amount of light entering the camera lens. The new camera allowed me to take a number of photos in varying lighting situations, and most of the time, the camera produced decent pictures. Anyone who has any interest in digital photography knows that a 1.3 mega-pixel camera is limited in its usefulness, but for quick snap pictures, the camera served me well. It was only a few years ago, the entry-level resolution for digital camera was 1.3 mega-pixel, and I'm glad to see that Sony has incorporated this into their PDA's.

The biggest news for CF users is that the new Clie NX now allows you to use the CF slot with a CF memory storage card. The previous NX series only allowed the CF slot to be used with Sony's own Wireless LAN Card (PEGA-WL100/WL110), but Sony has now released the driver to use the CF slot for memory CF cards (However, you still need a third-party program if you want to use the CF card for MP3 play capability). Furthermore, the Clie NX now has the retractable CF slot, and when the CF card is not inserted into the slot, it can retract into the back of the unit, maintaining the slim profile.

The Clie NX incorporates a new input mechanism besides familiar Graffiti and the QWERTY keyboard. The NX80 features Decuma input handwriting recognition software, which converts your natural handwriting into text. I have to say it took me awhile to figure out how to use this feature, and even after I figured it out, it did not work as well as it was supposed to. One of the main failings of the Apple Newton was the handwriting recognition, and I was saying to myself, "Oh, No! Not again!"

Sony has listened to its customers, and now there are four hardware buttons below the screen in the NX80. So, even though the screen is flipped on top, you can access at least four applications using the buttons. Unfortunately, you still don't have the up-and-down button, but I guess we have to take it one step at a time. Sony however also hasn't listened to its customers also since the up-shift key in the built-in keyboard does not stick as in the older NX devices.

Sony has also changed the hardware configuration for the left and right side panels. The capture button, jog dial, and back button are still on the left side, but the headphone jack is moved to the right side. Now the left side has a new power switch that double as the hold button. On the right side panel, there is a memory stick card slot as well as a voice-recording switch

The Clie NX is really showing its age right now, when other Palm OS devices have faster processors, more RAM (128MB for the Zodiac; and 64MB for the Tungsten C and the T3), and higher visibility transflective screens. This is not to detract from the NX80 at all. It is a good device, and it does everything competently, but there is nothing here that is ground breaking. Sony has reduced the price of the NX80 to $549, but to me it is still expensive. In order to do Wi-Fi, you would need to spend more than $150 to buy the Sony Wi-Fi card, and that would push it up to the $700 price range. You can easily buy the Tungsten T/C for $499 and get a 1.3 mega-pixel camera for less than $100, or you can get the Tungsten T3 for $399, get a camera and keyboard for less than $150. Either way, you would be saving $$$ compared to the Clie NX.

Sony has been facing a stiff competition of late from several upstart companies as well as venerable palmOne. The biggest difference I see now is how Palm has come back with a vengeance and stolen most of the headlines with its latest releases. The Palm Tungsten C broke the 16MB limitation by 4 times, and The Palm Tungsten T3 brought the extended screen while maintaining the slim form factor. Tapwave has been garnering a lot of attention with the Zodiac, its newest release. So, unless Sony comes up with something exciting (I don't think the latest UX50 or 40 is the answer by the way) in the next 6 to 12 months, Sony may not be able to hold onto innovation leadership in the Palm platform.

As far as the NX80 is concerned, I do not think it offers a good value for its money right now even though it is a competent performer.

Next Week: Come back and read about the new Tungsten T3 and Tungsten E next week. I have already looked at the latest basic PIM applications, but now it's time to examine the whole package since I have been using them for several weeks now.