Sony Clie PEG-TG50 Handheld

The PEG-TG50 runs Palm OS version 5, and has Bluetooth built in. The processor is a nice fast 200MHz Intel PXA 250, and 11MB of the 16MB of RAM on board is available. There is a Memory Stick slot if you need more. The screen offers a resolution of 320 x 320 and is square rather than the more usual rectangular shape we've seen in other Clies with a clamshell type design. The keyboard is small so you'll need to use the stylus or a fingernail to make the most of it, and entering text is pretty slow. Though on the plus side, an orange backlight provides illumination when you press a key, which could come in very handy in dark situations. There is a Graffiti area which is software driven so you can use this for text input instead of the keyboard.

Among the huge amount of software Sony provides pre-installed is a voicenotes tool so you can record memos to yourself, Sony's own music player which can cope with both MP3 and ATRAC3, and the superb Picsel viewer for looking at documents and images in a range of popular formats such as HTML, PDF, Microsoft Word, and JPG. If you are a user of either Sony's DSC-FX77 Cybershot or DCR-TRV80 Handycam then you can remotely control these TG50.

The hardware design makes this PDA a lot thinner than other `flip lidded' Clies, which means it should fit more easily into the average pocket, though it isn't especially light, and it lacks the digital camera that other flip lidded Clies offer. Still it does have something of a personality, being pretty unique in the looks department. --Sandra Vogel

Amazon.com Product Description
Early Adopters Pick: March 2003 One of the most feature-packed handhelds ever, the Sony Clie PEG-TG50 handheld includes a high-resolution color screen, built-in voice recorder, MP3 Player, integrated Bluetooth networking feature and more.

The PEG-TG50 Clie handheld, which features the latest Palm OS 5 software, provids everything you need to stay organized and entertained. The integrated keyboard can be used to type in new appointments or take notes on the go. Don't want to take your notebook PC on the road? You can view native Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files on the handheld with no need to convert the files. Integrated Bluetooth networking feature will allow you to browse the web using wireless connection with similarly enabled cell phones.

Display
The PEG-TG50 features high resolution on its 320 x 320 pixel backlit color display, which can display over 65,000 colors.

Operating System
The Sony Clie PEG-TG50 is powered by Palm OS 5.0 for more processing power, multimedia features, wireless connectivity, and higher security than OS 4.1.

Extra Software
The PEG-TG50 comes with the following Sony software: Audio Player, Clie Album, Clie Files, Clie Launcher, Clie Mail, Clie Memo, Clie Remote Commander, Clie Viewer, Image Converter v. 1.0 (for PC), Memory Stick Backup, Memory Stick Export v. 1.3 (for PC), Memory Stick Import, Movie Player, PictureGear Studio v. 1.0 (for PC), PhotoStand, Photo Editor, Remote Camera, Reversi for Clie, SonicStage v. 1.5 (for PC), Sound Converter2 v. 1.0 (for PC), Sound Utility, Voice Recorder, and World Alarm Clock.

Compatibility
The Sony Clie PEG-TG50 is compatible with Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, and XP Home and Professional Edition.

In the Box
The Sony Clie PEG-TG50 comes with a USB HotSync cradle, stylus, AC Adapter, AC cable, hand strap, installation CD-ROM, instruction manuals, End User License Agreement, Graffiti card, and limited-warranty statement.