Toshiba e550G now out at CompUSA?

[Jason Dunn]

This image posted by <i>pocketpc568</i> says it all: it appears that CompUSA is selling the e550G for $599, and giving away a free CF memory card and 802.11b CF card. Seems like a great deal!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/e550g-compusa.jpg" /><br /><br />Elsewhere in threads on this site there have been some questions about a possible recall of all the units from CompUSA based on a faulty battery - I have no information whether or not this is accurate, but if you do buy one from CompUSA, keep your receipt! There are some other photos of the e550G <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=24558">in this thread</a>.

[heov]

actually, the ad says free 64 mb CF card, so you get two CF cards, one memory and one wifi...

[TypeMRT]

If only the screen was transflective, then my Ipaq 3955 would have to find a new home :(

[Jason Dunn]

Thanks for the correction heov - I can't read today. ;-)

[ThomasC22]

It is interesting that they are marketing it at a $599 pricepoint, looks like Toshiba really does want to turn this into a pricewar (which is good given the prices Hpaq is trying to charge right now).

As for the device itself, I'm not impressed. Since the screen res. is locked a bigger screen will probably only serve to make things fuzzy.

[Wes Salmon]

Why not offer a 64MB SD card instead, that way you can do WiFi without losing the extra storage.

I know I know, CF is cheaper. :)

[Dave Conger]

Nobody is saying anything about the free 3 months of AOL!!! I mean, CF cards are great and all, but can they really compare to free AOL? :P

[Jonathan1]

If only it was transreflective,
if only it was a higher resolution,
if only it had some for of wireless built in (pref bluetooth)
if only....

Thanks but I think I'm going to stick to my Jornada 568 for just a little while longer. I have a feeling CE.NET is just around the corner. I'm not a big fan of buying a new PDA within 3-6 months of my previous one.

[Sslixtis]

H***, I just want to actually see one with my own eyes! They keep saying it will be in stock in 2 days, every 2 days :lol: Looks like I'll be getting an Hpaq, that screen just rules!

[Jonathon Watkins]

If only it was transreflective,
if only it was a higher resolution,
if only it had some for of wireless built in (pref bluetooth)
if only....

Thanks but I think I'm going to stick to my Jornada 568 for just a little while longer. I have a feeling CE.NET is just around the corner. I'm not a big fan of buying a new PDA within 3-6 months of my previous one.
Any ideas of when CE.NET is coming our way? I've heard rumours of the new IPAQ with trasreflective 640x480 res screen.

Any other rumours of juicy new devices out there?

[24va]

1Ghz processor, 256M memory, built in WiFI AND BT, 64M flash ROM, price point $499.99

What's the difference between a rumor and fabrication?

[Jonathon Watkins]

What's the difference between a rumour and fabrication?
One MAY happen soon, the other won't - I was asking for serious rumours :D (Seriously).

1Ghz processor, 256M memory, built in WiFI AND BT, 64M flash ROM, price point $499.99

That WILL happen one day - say 5 years or so..... :wink:

[jornadaholic]

i new i wasnt dreaming when i saw that add

[Dave Conger]

Snapped this at CompUSA:

http://www.davespda.com/images/gatcomp.jpg

[B747Purdue]

Thanks for the picture of the sign. The Manager at the Louisville store has been nothing short of rude. I was told because of the recall Toshiba would NOT ever be coming out with this product. He also refused to give me a raincheck and even take my name just in case it did come in.

[Web_golden]

Actually, the unit was recalled. There was an issue with the battery. The new units are supposed to be in the stores later this week.

H***, I just want to actually see one with my own eyes! They keep saying it will be in stock in 2 days, every 2 days :lol: Looks like I'll be getting an Hpaq, that screen just rules!

[Web_golden]

Was it the store manager, or the customer service/front end manager? I am curious. I want to know who to avoid in that store!

Thanks for the picture of the sign. The Manager at the Louisville store has been nothing short of rude. I was told because of the recall Toshiba would NOT ever be coming out with this product. He also refused to give me a raincheck and even take my name just in case it did come in.

[disconnected]

Unless something has changed recently, bundling free AOL with a PocketPC is like bundling free Microsoft Reader ebooks with a Palm.

[Jason Dunn]

As for the device itself, I'm not impressed. Since the screen res. is locked a bigger screen will probably only serve to make things fuzzy.

Until you see one, how can you say this? Yes, THEORETICALLY this is true, but you have no factual basis for making this statement. :!:

[ThomasC22]

As for the device itself, I'm not impressed. Since the screen res. is locked a bigger screen will probably only serve to make things fuzzy.

Until you see one, how can you say this? Yes, THEORETICALLY this is true, but you have no factual basis for making this statement. :!:

Hence, why I used the word PROBABLY...

[B747Purdue]

I dealt with two Managers on the floor, not at the customer service counter.

Today I went over there with the sign printout and was told, "Yeah, we have that sign, but didn't put it out." So, I asked if I could pre-book and was told that they didn't know how to do that with the other products bundled in. So, they finally took my name and are going to hold one for me when they get it in tomorrow. I'll be glad to get it and will never have to deal with this store again.

[Newsboy]

As for the device itself, I'm not impressed. Since the screen res. is locked a bigger screen will probably only serve to make things fuzzy.

Until you see one, how can you say this? Yes, THEORETICALLY this is true, but you have no factual basis for making this statement. :!:

Go get 'em Jason! You're right!

And I only say that because I HAVE seen the 550g! Stopped in CompUSA today, and HO BOY! 8O That thing is AMAZING! I have a Meastro now, which I'm happy with, but in a month, I will be the proud owner of a new 550g! (School loan money, b/c ya know, I NEED a pda to do well in my classes... :twisted: )

- Screen is NOT fuzzy! In fact, I'd say it's sharper than my Maestro, approaching the quality of the Em-500 I had previously!
- Bright, good contrast, not transflective, but better than the other Toshiba offerings.
- Slimmer in all three dimensions than the Maestro, and even the e740. Also *feels* better, subjectively, than the e740. Not as "square" as the e740.
- Very fast, at least on par with the Maestro. The processor speed can even be set to 200 OR 400 mhz!!! Nice!
- The bigger screen is THE reason I'll be getting one of these! It's amazing, makes me feel like I'm squinting when I look at the Maestro's screen now.

I've been wishing a long time now, for a PPC device which uses more of the front surface area for the most important part, the screen! This is it! Looks like someone is going to get an Audiovox Maestro soon! Ha!

[Newsboy]

One more thing to add...the power button is on the lower left of the front of the unit, instead of on an edge like the e550, e570, and e740. Less likely to hit it, and it's easier to turn it on when you WANT to. Again, EVERYTHING about 550g just *feels* better than any other PPC.

[B747Purdue]

I finally got one today!! I like it a lot. I am just having trouble activating reader and am disappointed Pocket Streets is not included like the CompUSA website says. You have to buy it.

[max1milion]

I found this reveiw (http://www.pdagold.com/articles/detail.asp?ArticleID=62) of the Japanese model of the 550g from before it came out here. It implies somewhere around the 10th paragraph that the device can be switched into a 640x480 screen mode. This screenshot (http://www.pdagold.com/img/articles/Toshiba_e550_08.jpg) (well, sort of a screen shot anyway) is also in there, and it looks a heck of a lot like 640x480 to me. The thing is I can't find any site anywhere (other than that reveiw) that implies that the device can go up to full VGA like that. Anybody here know if it can?

Thanks.

- Max

[duckie201]

I just called both of the CompUSA's in my town, one said they would not sell it because it was recalled, other said that there was no recall. I am so tempted to get it. How come I can't find any information on this Genio 550G at the Toshiba website? :x
Is there even such a product? I can't find any other places that sells this. My girlfriend has a Toshiba e570. It's great, but since no stores sell it, it's mighty hard to find any accessories for it.

[oturn]

I don't believe anyone has mentioned it, but this deal is available from the CompUSA web site as well. I ordered mine on Tuesday, and it's already on the way! This recall must not really amount to much, or CompUSA is really screwing up! I'm fairly optimistic myself.

It seems that Toshiba is slow to update their U.S. site with new product information. I'm sure this will change once the e550g gets into more U.S. hands.

[Dave Conger]

It seems that Toshiba is slow to update their U.S. site with new product information. I'm sure this will change once the e550g gets into more U.S. hands.

Don't be so sure. Toshiba might not put it on since it is a CompUSA sold product and Toshiba Sales isn't selling them. They also might not put it up if they have "sold" the design to Audiovox for US release.

[yvilla]

Got it today at CompUSA Buffalo. (Rochester didn't have it yet!). I'm just setting it up now, but so far I'm very happy. :D The warranty card refers to audiovox.com, so I guess that's where we should all be going to for info, etc., instead of Toshiba USA, which has no mention of it.

[yvilla]

Just finished searching the audiovox web site--but they have no info at all yet on the E550G. I hope this is only just because its been so recently released. I'm already frustrated though, because I'd like to be able to find accessories--like the PC card expansion sled. If anyone knows where else to look, please post it.

[dragonx]

I just got mine today! There was a recall but they were re-shipped fine. You get a free 64 meg cf card and 802.11b card. The screen is impressinve and I like it. Much faster than my IPAQ 3650! I am pleased so far.

A graet machine! One happy customer!!!! :D

[apeguero]

Hi,

I have an e740 and am debating whether to get this new e570g. Would any of you suggest this move? Or do you think it would be foolish?

Thanks for your opinion. :) :P :idea:

[yvilla]

I called the Audiovox customer service department. The rep had never heard of the e550G, but then she went to ask a supervisor. They do know about the fact they are selling them, thank goodness :lol: the problem is only that they are so new. I was then told accessories are on order, apparently from Japan, and that info on the model and accessories, etc. will show up on the web site once they are in.

I am very happy with mine! I love my Casio E-125, but the one fatal defect for me is the inability to use it outdoors. I've always wanted to be able to read outside during my lunch hour with it, and the fact that I couldn't is what drove me to finally buy a replacement. The e550G passed what was thus the crucial test for me today--I had them both out in full sunlight and I could see and read things on my Toshiba perfectly, while my poor Casio was impossible to see, as usual. :D

[B747Purdue]

Does anyone have an idea of a screen protector I could get because they don't make one for this particular model?

[Dave Conger]

Does anyone have an idea of a screen protector I could get because they don't make one for this particular model?

You could make your own. Pocket PC Passion has a tutorial on this.

I wonder if because this is kind of a limited release, if companies that make screen protectors will even bother making products for the 4" screen.

[max1milion]

I have an e740 and am debating whether to get this new e570g. Would any of you suggest this move? Or do you think it would be foolish?

I have a similar question: I'm selling my Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 on Ebay (there's just not enough software for that QTopia OS) and I'm looking to get a PPC. I've decided I want either an e740 or an e550g. It looks like I can get an e740 online for around $530, but since the e550g is available only at CompUSA, I'd have to get it for $600. Is it worth the extra money to get the .5" bigger screen and lose the Wi-Fi feature in the e740?

I'm hoping some of you who actually have an e550g already can give me an opinion on this one.

Thanks,

- Max

[yvilla]

Max1milion, its really hard to say, because preferences among pocket pcs can be so personally idiosyncratic. For me the bigger screen was definitely important, because I like to do a lot of reading on my pocket pc. Also, I already had a compact flash wifi card, so the e740 with its built in wifi didn't seem to have such an advantage, especially since the e550G has the two slots. But, even for someone without a wifi card, since the CompUSA bundle includes that free wifi card (and the free 64 mb compact flash card too)--if you buy it by tomorrow--you would be set anyway. That is, unless the built in wifi is more important to you, leaving both slots free for other peripherals. I'm happy with the e550G (having really considered the e740 too, and the Loox), but ultimately you will have to make sure its the one for you.

[apeguero]

Well, I went ahead and bought this e570g anyway. It turns out that the e740 was giving me problems and since I bought the extended warranty at CompUSA back when I bought the e740, they did me a favor and exchanged it for this new e570g :twisted: They're my favorite PC store now :D

I did give up the built in WIFI but I figure CompUSA gives one in the package. I find that the one from CompUSA gets a much better connection - weird? I found I was not using the WIFI as much so having to swap it now with a CF card is no big deal. Besides I'm using a 256meg SD card which for now gives me plenty of storage. I'm going to use that 64meg Free CF card that came with this unit to store music for now.

As for the unit itself, the screen is just really awsome! It's about time they came out with a decent screen. It looks better then the e740. The speed on it seems faster then e740 too! I don't get that one. Also, is the screen size on the e570g (4") the same as the Casio E125?

This little unit does include some nice setup tools like the one to control the power consumption and the front light. It allows you to feed power to the CF/SD slots while in suspend. It also gives you the choice to wake up the unit when pressing the record button and or one of the quick launch buttons. There's also a setting to control the CPU speed where you can select between 400mhz, 200mhz, or auto. The purpose which would be to conserve power. There's also a System Property program that shows you important information regarding Storage and Memory space as well as SD and CF info/space. It has a tab named "System Information" where it lists all of the system info and allows you to click on it and change it (if available).

The system came with the usual stuff plus Acrobat Reader, Pocket Streets, Pocket Money, MS Reader, and a package of software called ClearVue which I guess acts like Office where it also lets you view Powerpoint Presentations in it.

The unit itself feels just right. I like how the power button was integrated. You basically have to press it with a purpose in order to activate the unit. I used to turn on the e740 by mistake a lot. The other buttons are actually set in pretty well in the front bezel where - again - you'd have to press with purpose to get a program going. I don't expect to be turning this unit on by mistake :)

The settings allow you to setup the record button so that touching it won't wake the unit up. This option is also there for the other buttons but as a group rather then individually. Pressing the cursor button won't wake the unit up. The cursor button actually has a nice feel to it. Crisp and precise.

I'm sure I'll be discovering a lot more about this unit in the days to come. I think I made the right choice, or at least I hope. So far I'm happy with it. I only have one small gripe: the actually battery power itself. I mean, having the unit turned on and doing some occasional surfing with the WIFI card inserted and front light set at 1/2 way has drained power down to 70% in just 45 minutes. That seems a bit excessive if you ask me. Are these new units received at CompUSA now supposed to be the ones without the battery problem? I didn't want to ask to much since they were hooking me up if you know what I mean.

[dragonx]

I spoke with compusa about the battery problem when I bought me 550g. They informed me that all the models currently at stores are fine. They had just gotten in the new shipment the day I purchased mine. They informed me that a recall was issued and the new models are the ones out in stores now. I love mine!

[apeguero]

But are you experiencing the battery drain I'm experiencing?

[max1milion]

I know many people have posted about having purchased their e550g's at this point, but I felt that I still had to do my part and tell everyone about my experience.

A few days ago I posted about a dilemma I had regarding whether to get the e740 or the e550g. Conflict resolved! I went to CompUSA today (Saturday -- the last day of the sale) and asked if they would let me compare the two units side by side. I must say, that extra half inch of screen diagonal makes a huge difference; it convinced me to buy the e550g.

I just got home and finished setting up the GENIO, and I'm really happy with it. The screen is great, but the device itself is very nicely designed and laid out as well. I hadn't used PPC OS before about half an hour ago, so I am still getting used to the little things about it. Nevertheless, I must say that what I have seen is very impressive -- I really love this PDA.

I'd like to be able to tell you all how it performs as well, but I haven't sync'ed it yet so all that's on it is what it came with. At this point all I can say is that it's had about six programs running (as many as I could find on it in out-of-the-box condition) at the same time with no noticeable slowdown. I'm about to hit up microsoft.handango.com and some other sites for some goodies to load in.

Sorry to take up everyone's time with another long post about someone else getting a GENIO, but it's definitely a great PDA; if your CompUSA is still open in your time zone I can say that this is not a chance I would reccomend passing up, having almost done so myself!

Congratulations to all who have gotten one of these beautiful devices already; it feels great to finally have one.

- Max

PS - I would also like to be able to tell you about the battery life, but I haven't even finished charging it yet. I will post updates on everything after I've had it for a while.