The V35 is a solid, entry level PPC
Written: Apr 01 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Best value for money PPC under $300
Cons: Limited accessories and battery life
The Bottom Line: Great first PDA if the Palms offer too little and the high end Pocket PCs offer too much.
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| reggylister's Full Review: ViewSonic V35 Pocket PC |
The Viewsonic V35 has a bright screen, 2nd only to the latest PPCs offered by HP. On the default medium screen brightness, everything is already super clear indoors. Outdoors, you'll need to turn the screen brightness to its highest setting. It's questionable if ANY PPC performs adequately in direct sunlight. This is something you really have to compare with your own eyes.
The 300Mhz processor runs all the basic applications and functions fine. If you’re a power user who wants to do things like watch movies and play games, then you'll need to spend more than $300. But if your on a budget then you'll appreciate the extra 100Mhz you get, compared to the other sub $300 PPC available.
The built in flash disk and preinstalled backup program enables you to restore your PPC in the event of an emergency. This comes in handy if your battery dies or if you have to do a hard reset but don't have access to a PC you can sync to. Also, any data files stored on the flash disk will be retained in the event of total power loss. I don't think any other PPC has the ability to do this straight out of the box and at no extra cost.
Battery life isn't the best. I sometimes read e-books (so the screen is constantly on and backlit) and this is where the V35 falters. I eventually bought an AC adapter which is small and light enough to carry in a bag and plug it in if I have to at school or work. When I'm not reading e-books the battery usually lasts the whole day without recharge, though I do watch my usage.
Accessories are limited as the V35 is a unique product and the only one offered by Viewsonic. Cases, styli, screen protectors and other basic accessories are fine, but if you’re looking at blue tooth, wireless internet or any other SD expansions then you’re out of luck. (At least for now.) On the other hand if you can afford blue tooth accessories and a Starbucks/Tmobile account then you probably wouldn't be looking at an entry level PDA in the first place.
I use the V35 mainly as a personal organizer, mp3 player, thesaurus, dictionary and for reading news (avantgo) and e-books. If I ever need to do more than that, then I'd consider upgrading. For now, it does all the things I want and all for under $300.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 300
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Epinions.com ID:
reggylister
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Reviews written: 2
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