PalmMax PD-131:
CNET Review
By E. W. Johnson
(09/01/00)
URL: computers.cnet.com
Rating: 4
The good: Pocket PC platform; 32MB of RAM; includes low-res camera.
The bad: Setup problems; slow.
The bottom line: This device doesn't cut the mustard.
The debut of the PalmMax PD-131 Pocket PC marks the arrival of the latest color handheld to run the Microsoft Pocket PC
operating system. Imported from Taiwan and available only through McGlen Internet Group's online stores, the PD-131 is a subpar device masquerading as a full-featured handheld. Despite a meaty 32MB of RAM and an included add-on camera, the PD-131 isn't a good value because of its dodgy performance and setup headaches.
Slow Charge
We had trouble with the PD-131 right from the beginning. Charging the battery (for a recommended 48 hours!) is the first step in the setup process. Unfortunately, the PD-131 doesn't snap securely into its docking cradle, nor does it have a charging light. So we wasted 48 hours not charging the battery because we didn't realize that the handheld wasn't completely engaged in its cradle.
Our PD-131 also shipped with an outdated version of Microsoft ActiveSync, which not only made connecting to the PC difficult (because the default baud rates didn't match) but also made synchronization impossible. However, once we downloaded the latest build, ActiveSync 3.1, we were able to flawlessly connect and synchronize.
Free Camera
We were intrigued to see that the PD-131 comes with a digital-camera add-on, which attaches via the CompactFlash slot. We had hoped this would help offset the handheld's rather high list price of $519. But the 640-by-480-pixel resolution images were grainy, and the color balance was uneven. Snapping images with the device is still fun, but the quality is not suitable for anything but the
most casual use.
To make matters worse, it took more than three minutes to download one JPEG image of about 310KB to our PC, due to the slow transfer rate of the docking cradle's serial connection. The device's performance was also slow, with a noticeable lag when launching applications.
Dim Display
We also found the color display disappointing. It was so dim that we needed to keep the backlight on at all times. This makes the screen look better but compromises the already limited battery life. PalmMax claims eight hours of operation on one charge, but that appears to be a little optimistic.
Most of the PD-131's positive features can't even be credited to PalmMax. The pieces of Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system--including Calendar, Note Taker, Task Manager, Contact Manager, Voice Recorder, and Alarm Clock, as well as Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, and Pocket Money--are all excellent, but that's nothing new. The Windows Media Player and headphone jack make the device a suitable portable audio player. However, it takes a very long time to copy music onto the device because of the slow serial connection.
The PalmMax PD-131 isn't ready for prime time. Poor performance, out-of-date software, and a slow connection to the PC make it a hassle to use. If you're after a Pocket PC, we suggest the Compaq iPaq H3650.
Quick Facts
Form factor: pad
Installed operating system: Windows CE 3.0
Built-in OS compatibility: Windows 95/98/NT
Amt. of RAM: 16MB (Reviewed model: 32MB)
Input method: pen
Software included: MS ActiveSync |
