SONY CLIÉ PEG-TJ27

IN BRIEF: The compact design and integrated camera make this Clié a sure-fire hit with the gadget community, but it’s also an exceptionally affordable PDA

Sony’s business model is designed around the constant updating of its product range. While other companies seem content to release a limited number of designs a year, Sony will often refresh its laptop and PDA ranges up to four times a year, listening and reacting to feedback from buyers. To this end, the Sony Clié PEG-TJ27 (£169 inc. VAT) is essentially a refresh of the Peg-TJ25, but with a number of differences. While the chassis design remains visually similar – with a 3-inch touchscreen above a graffiti area and jogdial and scroll buttons– Sony has changed the appearance of the function keys into two rocker switches that can be programmed to suit whichever applications you need quick access to. The keys are awkward to use with your thumb, but have indentations for stylus activation.

DIGITAL IMAGE

The most obvious addition to the TJ27 is the inclusion of a 0.3-megapixel digital stills camera. With a maximum resolution of 640 x 480pixels, it’s ideal for taking quick images that can be transferred on to your laptop during synchronisation and sent as email attachments. The camera is built into the unit, so that the TJ27 remains the same size as its predecessor. At 145g, it’s slightly heavier than the 140g of the TJ25, but this is a minimal weight increase. A small slider on the base of the device allows the user to open the lens cover, which will automatically switch on the device to allow you to catch images instantly.

Pictures can be taken using either the onscreen button or the hardware button found above the lens. The 2x zoom is also a nice touch that moves it away from the limited approach of cameras found in many mobile phones. Overall, the addition of the built-in camera turns the TJ27 from a basic entry-level device into an excellent multimedia one. The touchscreen is used as a viewfinder, in landscape mode, as well as for accessing standard applications.

With 32MB (23MB is accessible by the user) of built-in memory, the TJ27may seem rather minimally specified, but without the need for an additional card, the device can take and store up to 230 pictures at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels as well as storing a host of extra applications. The Memory Stick Pro slot on the top of the device allows for expansion – currently up to 1GB in size.

CONNECTIVITY

Being an entry-level device there are obvious drawbacks with the TJ27, namely in terms of connectivity. With no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support, users are reliant upon the infrared port and a wired synchronisation cable. For users looking for a higher specification machine, Sony will be updating itsPEG-TJ35 with the PEG-TJ37 (£225 inc.VAT), which includes the digital camera and adds Wi-Fi connectivity.

Powered by a Motorola i.MXL processor theTJ27 is quick and responsive and is capable of handling and loading applications quickly. This even included Clié Viewer and images files we had taken. Overall, we were more than satisfied with the performance of the device. The Clié PEG-TJ27 manages to match the needs of the basic PIM functions with an additional host of multimedia functions.

While it seems Sony is intent on including a digital camera in all its products, the addition enhances its usefulness. Had the camera adversely added to the weight or size of the PDA we would have found it difficult to justify. However, the PEG-TJ27 is an excellent addition to the range.

PRICE: £143/£169 (EX/INC. VAT)
RATING: 9
PROCESSOR: MOTOROLA I.MXL PROCESSOR
OPERATING SYSTEM: PALM OS 5.2.1
MEMORY: 32MB
EXPANSION: MEMORY STICK PRO
SCREEN: 320 X 320 PIXELS, 65,000 COLOURS
BATTERY: LITHIUM-ION POLYMER
LINK: USB
SIZE: 75 X 113 X 13MM
WEIGHT: 145G
CONTACT: 08705 424424 WWW.SONY.CO.UK

Prices correct at time of review