If it only had a 5 Mpeg camera
Written: Mar 31 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Powerful, great graphics, easy to use
Cons: no built in USB, stubborn stylist, whimpy speaker
The Bottom Line: Super flexible and powerful hand held.
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| LaFeet's Full Review: Toshiba Pocket PC e800 Handheld |
I am not one for going out and getting the newest gadgets….okay, may be I am. But I don’t need one of those daily organizers, either the manual or electronic type.
But, since Toshiba introduced their new Palm-style PC, I thought I should check it out. Besides, I really liked their successful e750.
The Pocket PC e800 has many of the e750's features, but Toshiba managed to bring back the simple aesthetics of the earlier e405. The e800 measures 5.3 by 3 by 0.6 inches and has two expansion slots. Total weight prior to expansion inserts is a manageable 6.8 ounces. The kids seem to think the cobalt casing is cool. So easy to please.
The first thing that really caught my attention was the rather large and vibrant screen. With a 4 inch view and 240 x 320 pixel resolution (you can bump it up to 640x480 for full VGA support), the Pocket PC e800 has no trouble displaying any of its possible 65,536 colors. The transflective TFT screen performs beautifully and is easily readable inside as well as out in the sun. The e800's display offers crystal clear resolution with rich colors in true 16 bit resolution . Brightness adjustments (10) maintain superior viewing in low light and sunlight conditions. The screen itself is an intuitive touch panel, using analog resistance sensitivity to navigate through your choices
With the fast processor and excellent memory capability, the e800 can handle videos with ease. I did notice blurring during fast scenes but nothing that would cause me to miss something.
Toshiba's Pocket PC e800 is quite powerful for an itty bitty pc. Utilizing a surprising fast 400MHz Intel PXA263 processor coupled to 128MB of RAM and 32MB of ROM, there are few tasks that I found that I could not perform. Programs loaded effortlessly and ran smoothly.
Toshiba even included the ability to use 32MB of separate flash storage as well as provide expansion capabilities (check out the dual CompactFlash II {Type I/Type II 3.3V} and a SDIO {Secure Digital – 3.3V} media slots).
While I am out in the boonies, I did get to check out the 802.11b Wi-Fi capabilities while visiting a wired facility. I had no problem connecting and transferring data via WiFi.
The e800 supports Voice over IP (VoIP). This is a protocol that allows you to make phone calls through the internet. Keep in mind, use of VoIP requires a subscription to VLI's Gphone Buddy Service (way too expensive out here - prices vary based on options chosen).
All the basic necessary programs come with the e800. Windows Pocket PC 2003 operating system is supplied with Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet Explorer. Adding programs are simple. I have already added MSN Messenger and several games to keep me awake at night.
The ClearView Suite allows access to files from Microsoft Office 97, 2000(and 2002), PowerPoint; Excel, Word as well as displaying JPEG, Portable Network Graphics (PNG), and Windows bitmap (BMP) pictures.
Connecting to a WindowsXP machine is accomplished by utilizing the Terminal Services Client software. I have had no problem down or uploading to my e800.
I hate to admit this, but I do use this thingy daily. The virtual keyboard is a snap to use. Included letter recognizer and transcriber help me keep notes on what happens in rapid fashion. You can also control and utilize programs with Toshiba's text to speech feature and Microsoft's Voice Command software.
Since Toshiba thought to include Windows Media Player 9.0, Microsoft Reader, and a voice recorder, you can watch videos and listen to music to your hearts content. With its own 2MB of RAM, the ATI video controller generates quicker and superior graphics than many other hand held goobers.
Down below the screen are all the requisite controls. Toshiba thoughtfully kept the same layout as their venerable e405. The four way toggle encloses a small, yet accessible Select button. There is a dial selector on the left side near the record key. Four keys (which can be customized) are located conveniently around the four way toggle. These keys have a default setting that will be used by most people (Home, calendar, contacts, contacts, and task). A small speaker in the lower right is included to allow recording and audio playback.
Infrared port allows data transfer data between the e800 and another handheld. I have not tried this feature yet. But I imagine there will be no problems. Besides, my Furbies still talk to one another in the garage.
The all too apparent reset hole is set on the right side.
As with most hand held pcs, the bottom contains the accessory ports, cradle hookup, power cable socket, hard reset and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Toshiba has put the expansion slots, stereo jack, ON/OFF button, and the stylus holder on top.
Toshiba says that the e800 battery will last at least 4 hours. I manage to squeeze nearly six out of mine, as long as I am not playing games or watching videos. And Toshiba was ahead of the game by allowing you to replace the battery without having to ship it in for service. New batteries cost 49 dollars and I think are well worth having a spare around. They do offer a higher capacity battery ($109) that is supposed to be good for 12 hours of use. But I figure the 49 dollar backup is more than plenty.
For the amount of money I paid, you would think that I would have no complaints. Well, anyone that knows me knows that I always try to find the good in anything. Which means I recognize the bad all too easily.
No USB connectivity without buying something extra. The USB host cable adds another 20 bucks to the deal. Video hookup actually requires 99 dollar presentation pack, which lets you run an S-Video cable from a projector to the handheld. Birds nest styled cords – especially the charger cord. Use the cradle often to avoid the mess. There is no Bluetooth capability, unless you purchase Toshiba's Socket SDIO Connection Kit With Bluetooth Wireless Technology (another 135 dings). The e800 does not come with ArcSoft PhotoBase image viewer and editor. If you but the e805 you get it as part of the package. I really love this program and think I may trade the e800 in on the e805 just for the PhotoBase. The speaker does not provide quadraphonic capabilities…not that I really expected it to either. I just hate having to wear those little bitty earphones to hear my music. Oh well. And finally, I had the darndest time withdrawing the stylist. My fat fingers just do not seem to have the constant ability for pulling it out (watch you thoughts).
All in all, a nice gadget worth a few case of beer money.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 545
Recommended for: Gadget Lovers - Trendy and Hip
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Epinions.com ID:
LaFeet
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Member: Paule Patterson
Location: Cushing, Ok
Reviews written: 314
Trusted by: 36 members
About Me:
Retired Submariner, ex Air-Force Brat, current radiation protection tech, hiding in urban Oklahoma
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