FIGURE A

You can tell that the Sony CLIE is different than other PDAs just by looking at the box. Click picture for a larger image.

There are currently three new Sony CLIE devices to choose from, all of which I've already seen in stores:

• PEG-N710C: This is the device I described in the introduction, priced at $499. Mine was shipped with Palm OS version 3.5.2.

• PEG-N610C: Same as above, except without the audio player and with Palm OS 4.0 installed, which allows for an even higher-resolution screen. Priced at $399.

• PEG-S320: The affordable grayscale version of the CLIE (at $199), sans audio player and back button and with Palm OS 4.0.

Throughout this article, I'm going to focus on my experiences with the PEG-N710C, since it's what I currently own and it has all the key features. You can then decide for yourself if you want to save $100 by not having an integrated audio player or if the combination of the audio player, color screen, and back button is worth $300 more than the $199 grayscale base model. I wanted my PDA to be loaded with as many features and as much functionality as possible.

I really think the key to finding your ideal device is identifying your killer application or applications and then seeking out the device that best meets your needs. Audio is my killer app when bundled with a Palm handheld. Why? Because I'm an audiophile; I love listening to portable devices. I have a Rio 500, a teensy Aiwa portable AM/FM radio, and three Sony Walkmans. You can see a picture of all of the devices I use on a regular basis in Figure B.

FIGURE B

Here's a picture of my CLIE cold chillin' with my other devices. Click picture for a larger image.

Confessions of a Sony-phile
For purposes of full disclosure, I do admit I have a penchant for all things Sony. Here's a sample list of some of the Sony merchandise I own:

• Sony VAIO Slimtop PC (PCV-LX800);
• Sony Tivo Recorder;
• Sony Walkman (I own three);
• Sony radios/cassette players (I own three);
• Sony Memory Stick Voice Recorder;
• Sony bookshelf stereo with 50-CD changer;
• Sony VCR;
• Sony underwear.

OK, so maybe I don't own Sony underwear, but only because they don't make underwear (yet).

However, just because I really like Sony merchandise doesn't mean that I bought the new color CLIE blindly or that I didn't look past the Sony name and really examine the device closely. I examined the heck out of it, and here are some of the key advantages I found:

Audio player with remote
The audio player has a remote control that enables you to control the audio without having to tap on the screen. The remote plugs into the headphone jack, and then you plug your headphones into the remote. This is a huge advantage, enabling you to store the CLIE somewhere safe and out of the way and to control it using the remote. It actually makes it practical and safe to use in the car, provided you memorize the controls on the remote. Once you've memorized the controls, it's very easy to find exactly the song/file you want to listen to. The remote even has a little stubby stylus on it, which, while not necessarily good for writing, will certainly help you tap your way around the device.