PocketMatrix Reviews the Asus A730

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketmatrix.com/reviews/a730/' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketmatrix.com/reviews/a730/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Asus has really gone in a new direction with their upcoming a730 line of PDA’s. They are offering two devices carrying the a730 name, one with 64mb of RAM and Bluetooth. The other will be offering 128mb of RAM, Bluetooth and WiFi. This review is of the 64mb unit with Bluetooth only. Another important note is that although some of you may have already seen a couple a730 reviews on the internet, many of those reviews were written based on pre-production hardware. This review is of a final production unit. All of the images throughout this review can be clicked to see a much larger high resolution picture."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/boxfront_thumb.jpg" /><br /><br />This A730 looks like a powerful PDA, but when I saw the photo of it on top of an iPAQ 1900, I realized how chunky it really is. That's one thick PDA!

[Duncan]

Well... it has a nicer box than the Loox 720 comes in...! ;)

[Ripper014]

Seems like a great PDA... well the great one is coming... the wifi version... this one is just very good.

I love the look of the device... it comes with a nice case... (may not have to spend money on an aftermarket one)... unlike some other large companys I know.

The sound issue... could be as simple as the one on the Hp2200's... a stuck toggle switch... I would not be concerned.

As far as the thickness of the device... well WHAT IS A THIN AS A Hp1900...??? Besides when comparing the thickness of this and the Hp4700 there is not much difference... 2 mm... or for those of you that need a conversion... 3/32nd of an inch.

With what the Asus has to offer in that extra thickness over the Hp1900 is a world of difference... I for one will be looking to upgrade when the new dual wireless unit makes it to Canada... my only concerns are accessories... I have had a keyboard for my units since my E-125... and I am not sure that I am ready to be without one... But in saying that... maybe it is time for a bluetooth one... :)

[ignar]

Pretty nice unit, but gotta wait for a 128MB one. 64MB with 33MB usable is a big downside for me.

[whydidnt]

Nice unit, but the lack of memory is a bit of a concern. Of course the jury is still on on HP's decision regarding that and the 47XX series. It also seems the battery life leaves a bit to be desired. Just 2 hours on full brightness, and only 4 hours on very low backlight. This means probably around 3 hours on 50%, which is where I like to use my PDA's.

I'm also not convinced on the removable battery implementation. Since you have to remove the entire back panel to access the battery, I doubt it will be possible to use an add-on extended battery, since those are typically larger and extend beyond the back of the device.

Otherwise the screen looks great, the device is certainly a manageable size, if a little thick. Hopefully the upgraded version will be available soon as well, as that is a lot more interesting to me.

[gregmills]

It comes with "Dung Cleaner?" Alright!

http://www.mactiontech.com/english/shop/product_img/MP01109_3.gif

[surur]

That screenshot of Excel in VGA mode sure looks nice. What most impressed me was those brilliant megapixel pictures, very detailed and free of noise. I can imagine the device becoming useful for more than thumb-nail like shots.

Surur

[Ripper014]

There will be an add-on battery... and if it indeeds is larger... I am sure they will supply another back cover for the unit. Not unlike the current extended batteries on the market that protrude outside the casing. they all come with special cover plates.

[Prevost]

Man, that comparison of the spreadsheet is simply DRAMATIC.

With VGA, the limit is no longer the screen, but the eyes. Fine thing.

[Matt Keys]

Thanks for the kind words on the review. I am glad that excel comparison photo turned out as well as it did. I think it shows people the difference and advantage of a VGA screen very cleary(no pun intended).

About the headphone jack, I did try removing and replugging in the jack to try and 'trigger' it to work again but it did not happen.

One thing I wanted to address is that the a730 is not a chunky device. Maybe next the HP 1910 it is, but I have never held a smaller pocketpc than the 1910. I think Asus did a great job keeping the size down, it has a great weight and feel in your hand.

I will be recieving the a730w which will have WiFi and 128mb of ram so expect a review of that soon.

[Kai920]

Good review and looks like a very capable unit. Too bad it doesn't have GSM capabilities built in! :cry:

Yes, I can add in a GSM module via the CF slot, but I wonder how well those work...

[ignar]

About the headphone jack, I did try removing and replugging in the jack to try and 'trigger' it to work again but it did not happen.


Try it multiple times. I had the same problem with iPaq 4150 and plugging in and removing the jack for 10 times rather rapidly solved the problem.

[Prevost]

Hey Matt, BTW, you are NOT a "Pocket PC Neophyte"...you MUST do something to mend that... :mrgreen:

[Matt Keys]

I wouldn't want to make my own forums jealous. But thanks for your concern:)

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Very nice review. VGA screen that is 3.7" in size. This unit will definitely be on my radar.