Clio CE Handheld Computer Back Again

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/5547.html' target='_blank'>http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/5547.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Still featuring the same 180 degree pivoting display and 9.4" screen as the original Clio, both features of which contributed greatly to its success, the Clio NXT from Data Evolution offers an updated feature set which brings the palmtop on par with competing offerings from other manufacturers in the handheld and palmtop space. A 400 MHz Intel processor will power the unit, which now runs on Microsoft's Windows CE .NET 4.2 Professional platform and has gained support for Wi-Fi 802.11b. In addition, the unit features USB connectivity and multiple memory slots, although Data Evolution did not comment further which expansion formats will be supported." </i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ClioImage03.jpg" /> <br /><span><i>Note, these images are of the current Clio, not the Clio NXT</i></span><br /><br />We've had our eye our on the new Clio in the CE Forum for <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=31181">a while now</a>. The much loved device definitely falls between the usual computer/portable device categories, but what's what a lot of folks love about it. I wonder when the next wave of truly innovative Pocket PCs and Windows CE devices will arrive. It feels like we've been looking at the same old shapes and design solutions for quite a while now. :? Still, the Clio NXT certainly looks the part. The units are expected to ship in early 2005 and there's no word on price yet. You can find the full press release at the Data Evolution website <a href="http://www.dataevolution.com/pressRelease.php?in_press_release_id=10">here</a>.

[felixdd]

I hope this thing has those active electromagnetic touch screens found on tablet PCs. With a screen this big, passive touch screens are almost useless.

[KAMware]

I have had two of these, the original ones. I loved them. The touch screens are passive and worked great. This was before all the small laptops came out so it always got people interested. They were great on airplane trips. Very small, light and instant on.

They are a bit dated now though.

:)

[Kati Compton]

The specs seem a bit "last generation" to me, and given that it's not coming out until next year, that'll put it maybe 2 generations behind...

[EricMCarson]

I agree, this thing needs 624MHz, 802.11g & bluetooth plus user-replaceable battery to keep me interested. I have been severely attracted to the Clio and plan on keeping a close eye on this one as my daily note-taker, planner replacement (I am in a business where taking notes is of utmost importance, but the Tablet PCs are not powerful enough to use as a desktop replacement for the other software I need).

[ricksfiona]

I agree, this thing needs 624MHz, 802.11g & bluetooth plus user-replaceable battery to keep me interested. I have been severely attracted to the Clio and plan on keeping a close eye on this one as my daily note-taker, planner replacement (I am in a business where taking notes is of utmost importance, but the Tablet PCs are not powerful enough to use as a desktop replacement for the other software I need).

I think 802.11b would be fine, but I agree on everything else. 400MHz is not good. For memory, it better come with a CF or SD slot.

If this unit were about $800, I would seriously consider it with the specs we want.

[mscdex]

I wouldn't mind having one of these new ones if the price was right. I never got a chance to use the old one, but with upgraded hardware and all, it sounds promising nonetheless. :)

[dazz]

BTW, the price should be $900 to $1000. I am still trying to get a review unit and will let you know if I do.

To me this looks like it would be a good unit. It is not going to be targetted to consumers so I don't think they are worried about having the latest processor. For note taking and as a thin client the 400MHz processor is fine.

Most of the customer they have that are using the first gen Clio are in Healthcare and are using these as wireless thin clients.

[rmasinag]

I have a classmate that has the current Clio and the first thing I can say is "Me love my hp 2210 screen ten times better" :D

I don't know, but the specs are disappointing to me, plus the crappy screen sealed the deal. But I have to admit, since WM and this came from CE, I felt tight at ome when I play with my classmate's unit. (her Clio I meant)

[johnm]

With tablet PCs coming down in price I can only see one use for this, as a remote desktop thin client. For that purpose all you need is a decent screen and wifi. The 400mhz process should be fine. For any other use, this thing is as big as a sub-notebook without the functionality. They need to nail two things in my opinion: 1. size and weight. It needs to be significantly smaller and lighter than most sub notebooks. 2. Price. Its functionality is limited to that of a pocket PC, only with a larger screen. It needs to be priced between a typical pocketPc a low end laptop.

Summary: You're not exactly going to clip it to your belt and take it with you everywhere you go like your Ipaq. If you only want to take notes on it, just get a folding keyboard for your pocket pc. But as a general light weight thin client for work and home I might consider one for somewhere around 600.00.