**Genio E550G Hands-On Review** [Archive]

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bslenter

08-24-2002, 10:15 PM

Two days ago I purchased a new Toshiba Genio E550G from CompUSA in San Francisco. Apparently the new units (fixed after the battery recall) are now finally shipping to the stores. I've had a couple of days to try it out. Here's my review of the unit after two days of use.

Overall I'm extremely pleased with my purchase and would venture to say that it is the best PDA available today. The Genio is solidly constructed, thin, and light. It has a very clean modern-looking design and feels really good in the hand. The nearly edge-to-edge screen really enhances the look. The screen is freakin' awesome...so let's start with that..

The Amazing Big Screen

The most popular feature of the E550G, by a longshot, is the 4-inch diagonal reflective TFT 320x240 screen. To my knowledge this is the only PDA on the market that has a screen this large, and no others are on the way in the near future (unless they are still being kept secret). (Sorry, this sreen does not have 640x480 capability as implied by at least one review I read on the web, though you can fake it with JS Landscape.)

Though not transflective like the newest iPaqs, Toshiba has done a tremendous job providing evenly-lit and easy-to-read image quality. This was honestly quite a surprise to me, because the side-lighting is on the bottom of the screen. With so much screen area to illuminate, you'd expect the top of the screen to be noticeably darker (like the E310 and some of the reflective iPaqs). But it is not. In fact, I can't detect any noticeable darkening whatsoever, not even in the corners. However contrast is a little flat. Blacks are a bit washed out and whites are not very bright, but on par with all other reflective screens out there. That's where the transflectives still have a distinct advantage. The bottom line is that the image quality is as good as the best reflective screens out there, and the extra screen area makes this the best reflective screen available.

Some people have expressed concern that the combination of 320x240 resolution and the 4-inch screen size would result in a rough, pixelized image. I don't find that a problem at all. If you hold the PDA 6-inches from your face (like you might want to with a 3.5-inch screen), then, yes, you can easily see the pixels and the LCD "grid pattern" quite clearly. Sure it's more obvious than with a smaller screen, and can be a bit distracting when viewed up close. But you don't need to hold this PDA so close. The bigger screen enables you to hold the PDA about even with your elbows while you use it, much more natural in my opinion (like writing on a pad of paper). At that distance, the sreen looks perfect and is very easy to read.

Where the large screen really shines is when tapping around the screen and using Transcriber. There's plenty of room to work with your stylus without feeling "cramped". It's less likely you'll miss-tap (ie. miss your target). When writing long words in Transcriber, you're less likely to run into the right edge of the screen (a frequent problem for me on my Casio). Overall, touch-screen usage is just more natural, because the screen is closer to the size of a small pad of paper.

The enlarged screen has not caused any noticeable design compromises elsewhere. Battery life does not seem to be affected (my impression after two days of use). And the unit is quite thin, perhaps thinner than the E570 and only a little thicker than the E310, even with the two card slots.

Other Feautures

The Genio comes with a 400mHz X-scale processor, an ample 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of ROM, and CF and SDIO card slots. Like all X-scales, the speed is not detectably better than the StrongARMs, but future software revisions will hopefully change that. Wireless is not built-in but can easily be added in one of the two expansion slots. There's a cradle connection on the bottom, separate AC charger connection next to that, and a headphone jack on the top. The IR window is on the left side. The lithium ion battery is integrated (ie. not user-replaceable).

Buttons are recessed to prevent inadvertent pressing. Some may not like the recessed design because you have to press a little more firmly than normal to get the tip of your finger into the recessed area to press the button, but I think most will get used to it quickly. There's a temptation to use the tip of the stylus or your fingernail to press buttons, especially the power button, but soon you'll find that's not necessary. The buttons feel solid and durable. The 8-way directional knob is easy to operate and has good tactile feedback. I had no trouble playing the classic Ms Pacman with this control (which requires rapid directional movement), whereas on my old Casio E-115 it was near impossible. In comparison to my old Casio, the E550G does not have a rocker dial (for scrolling) or a "windows" button on the side, but the E550G does have four quick launch buttons on the face instead of the Casio's three. The buttons that are present should be fine for all relatively recent third-party software, and I believe are on-par with most current PDAs.

The Genio comes with the standard accessories, including a bare-bones black slip case (all-black, without the annoying silver trim on the other Toshiba cases). Because the E550G is still so rare in the US, it may be very difficult to find good aftermarket cases (can anyone help with this?). The software bundle includes a few goodies, like Acrobat Reader, ClearVue (for viewing MS Office documents in native format), three Microsoft games, Flash player, Pocket TV, several Toshiba wallpapers, and the slick Toshiba HOME screen.

Conclusions

Though I've only had my Genio E550G for two days, I'm already certain that I made the right choice. I've been planning to upgrade from my Casio E115 for over a year, but kept holding out for that "perfect" PDA to hit the streets. Well this is the one I've been waiting for. The Genio oozes quality. Everything about it feels right. The only potential compromises are the lack of built-in wireless (easily added) and the non-transflective screen. But the immense size and great side-lighting of this screen make it the best implementation of a reflective screen available. I'll choose this over a smaller transflective any day. And I much prefer the style and feel of the Genio over the closest alternative, the 3900-series iPaqs. Plus it's cheaper than the new iPaqs at $599. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go play with my new toy :)

Nikhil

08-24-2002, 11:41 PM

Great review...I have my order in at CompUSA for one (Currently I have a 3970).

Vaja does have an e550g case available...it's on their website.

Take1

08-25-2002, 12:32 AM

Too bad this is not trasflective. Guess I'll wait for the next version of this device...

apeguero

08-25-2002, 03:01 AM

bblock

08-25-2002, 05:00 AM

Great review. What I want, however: a 4", transreflective Pocket PC Phone Edition with Bluetooth for the headset and a MIC INPUT for audio recording!!! This will be the ultimate, and I'll sell my 3850 in a picosecond for it.

BTW - anyone heard of an external, add-on mic/audio input for any Pocket PC?

nuopus

08-25-2002, 06:28 AM

Hello ... I was wondering what kind of graphics coprocessor is included with the unit. Im sure its not the ATI. Is it the MeidiaQ or something of Toshiba design?

jconsole

08-25-2002, 06:29 AM

where do you find accessories like the pc card adapter ?

B747Purdue

08-26-2002, 03:04 AM

Great Review and I agree with everything you had to say. This is a great Pocket PC.

I just have one question about the software that came with it. One of the programs on the CD is Pocket Streets, but when I go to download this it takes me to Microsoft's website and from what I can understand you must pay for this program. Am I missing something? If not, I am going to be needing a program that provides driving directions on a whim.

So, should I purchase Pocket Streets or can someone recommend a program to give me directions. I am going to be relocating so a really great program is needed.

Thanks!

jdhill

08-26-2002, 05:34 AM

The CD is somewhat misleading. Pocket Streets is not included on it. Pocket Streets is part of Microsoft Streets and Trips for the PC. You have to buy that to get Pocket Streets.

Pocket Streets can locate an address. It does not, however, do routing (i.e. driving directions) between addresses. Still I find it very useful and have used it on both my PC and Pocket PC since it was first available.

islandsnow

08-26-2002, 08:15 AM

Nice review man. I sort of did one myself earlier today in another section of this forum.

Check it. I think the e550g I had bought yesterday was one of those faulty ones. I did a simple power test right at CompUSA. What I did was measure the time it took for the battery indicator to go down a percentage point on mine. That time was 1 minute and 25 seconds. I then measured the time it took on a new one at the store. That one took 3 minutes and about 40 seconds. That's a big difference. This was done with not cards in any of the slots and also with all programs unloaded from memory. The people at CompUSA in Braintree, MA, were super nice and helpful and swapped it right away, no questions asked.

I hope that solves my only gripe about this wonderful PPC. I'm sure it will hold me up until the arrival of those nice .NET PPCs I've been seeing on the net.

Later.

i did my own testing just now. with backlight turned off, and one CF card in the slot, and no programs running in memory, mine took about 7 minutes and 9 seconds before it dropped one percentage point. did you do yours with or without the backlight turned on?

do you have the webpage that shows the new .net ppc's? good thing i bought the 2 year replacement deal with compusa :)

apeguero

08-26-2002, 02:45 PM

I saw the pics of the .NET PPC in www.mobigeeks.com/e. You'll have to dig around. It's made by a Korean company and it should be a prototype. The OS though, as described in the article, is awsome. One nice feature of it is it has a built support to change screen resolution and orientation!

spursdude

08-27-2002, 01:59 AM

that link doesn't work and i don't speak french...can anybody find a working link of that? that would be excellent!

bslenter

08-27-2002, 02:14 AM

Thanks for the compliments on my review...

Here's a few responses and new comments...

It's true PocketStreets does not really come with the PDA. The CD takes you to a download link but the download won't work unless you have a licensed copy of Streets & Trips '02. Typical bait n switch...

I checked the battery life on my E550G to make sure I didn't get a faulty unit. I think mine is ok. For your info, here's my data after a few hours of informal testing, all of which was done with no apps running and all power saver functions disabled. Total battery life is estimated based on the readings I got after 20-30 min of testing.

Backlight at 0% (off): lost 5% power in 38.5 min = 12.8 hrs est.
Backlight at 20% (notch 2): lost 10% power in 40 min = 6.7 hrs est.
Backlight at 60% (notch 6): lost 10% power in 25 min = 4.2 hrs est.

Please let me know if you're getting results much better than this.

Last comment - I HATE the cheap hard plastic stylus that all manufacturers supply with their PDAs. Maybe there's a few exceptions out there, but my Casio had one and this Toshiba has one. They can SCRATCH the screen. After only a week my beautiful 4" screen has a few hairline scratches that are difficult to see but definitely there. One of them faintly spells out a word that I remember writing in Transcriber. Ok I admit they are very very hard to see and I can't feel them with the stylus, but at certain angles they stand out. And I keep my screen immaculately clean too, so it wasn't dust or dirt.

The factory stylii are made of hard plastic with no soft tip - sometimes they have tiny "edges" from the manufacturing process. Sometimes they develop invisible sharp spots over time from usage that can scratch DEEP. That happened with my Casio one day - after a year of use all of a sudden I was writing something and it etched DEEPLY into the screen - and I mean DEEP. It was so bad it felt like speed bumps when writing on the screen. I was lucky with the Casio because I found a supplier of new touch screen glass on the web and bought a new glass for $30 (!), which I installed myself. I doubt I'll be so lucky with this one...

Anyway the scratches in my e550g are insignificant enough to be ignored, but you can bet I instantly ditched those lousy plastic stylii and bought a nice Cross pen/PDA combo stylus with a polymeric tip, before any more damage is done. The Cross is available at CompUSA and fits perfectly in the Toshiba (apparently any Palm III stylus matches the Toshibas). I think this tip is softer and can't damage the screen. My only concern is the pen tip isn't covered and I might use the wrong end by mistake. Need to order something better.

bslenter

08-27-2002, 02:40 AM

Go to this link to see CE.net (search results from the Mobilegeeks page):

http://www.mobigeeks.com/e/search.php?query=windowsce.net&topic=0&what=stories&limit=30

Check out Item 6 for example - a new Hitatchi running .net. Looks great! Note the specs of the Hitachi - especially the 400mHz Xscale and the 32mB of flash ROM...hmmmm....my E550g has that...should be able to flash the upgrade when it comes out :)

spursdude

08-27-2002, 06:13 AM

hm....

i really like the circly menu thingy-ma-bobber (please excuse my eloquence). it looks really sleek and simple yet still functional.

on the other hand, it seems like the CE.net is trying to cram too much onto a small screen. http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/pc/docs/2002/0219/hit06.jpg

imagine how crammed that bottom bar would be if you had 3 or even 2 apps running...

come soon, high-res screens, come very soon!

still looks quite promising though!

Jason Dunn

08-27-2002, 03:43 PM

on the other hand, it seems like the CE.net is trying to cram too much onto a small screen.

Ah, but here's the thing: CE.Net will not look like that on the Pocket PC! Those are people loading up the default kernel which is "device neutral" - it has no optimized GUI at all, and if anything, it's designed for HPC-sized screens. When the Pocket PC team builds the next OS on top of CE.Net, they'll optimize it for the Pocket PC.

Windows CE.Net in Pocket PC 200x will NOT look like that - you can bet on it.

spursdude

08-27-2002, 06:46 PM

ah, ok...that's comforting.

Jason Dunn

08-27-2002, 07:49 PM

ah, ok...that's comforting.

It drives me frickin' CRAZY to see all these companies slapping Windows CE .NET onto a PDA and toss it out the door - they have no concept of what a PDA UI should be. :evil:

apeguero

08-28-2002, 02:46 AM

Check out this one http://www.andrewshuttleworth.com/pocketpcjapan/ It's another Pocket PC site with some new stuff in it including that so-called Hitachi .NET Pocket PC and a link to the accessories they have for it.

I'm going to CompUSA tomorrow to pick up one of those Cross Pens. I've had to resort to making my own screen protector out of GBC Laminate It! Self Laminating sheet, which work pretty well, for now at least.

Hey, did you all notice that Audiovox is now including the e550g in their website lineup now?

Do you all know where in the states I can get one of those fancy Vaja cases? Have you all seen it? It's really nice looking.

What about the extended battery in the http://genio-e.com/pda/store/index_j.htm ? Looks nice. I wonder if that fancy Vaja case would handle the extra girth :)

apeguero

08-28-2002, 02:54 AM

Try this link for the accesories available in Japan :cry: https://genio-e.toshiba-tops.co.jp/index_j.htm Can't wait until they start selling them here. From my past experience with CompUSA, they should probably carry the accessories within a month or two. My last Pocket PC was the e740 which I had bought from CompUSA on 7/4/02. It took them about a month or so to start carrying the accesories for that one. So, I guess (or hope) they start carrying accessories for this one by the end of next month.

That was a nice Pocket PC [the e740] but the screen was just not good enough. If you all notice, the screen on the e550g is basically edge to edge while the screen on the e740 has a small gap all the way around it which makes it look even smaller.

islandsnow

08-28-2002, 03:00 AM

Check out this one [url]I'm going to CompUSA tomorrow to pick up one of those Cross Pens. I've had to resort to making my own screen protector out of GBC Laminate It! Self Laminating sheet, which work pretty well, for now at least.

:)

i just picked up the cross stylus today. very nice! fits in the stylus slot on the e550g. but i wish the stylus was on the other end.

spursdude

08-28-2002, 03:02 AM

do you know if that cross stylus fits in the maestro/e570? all three of the styluses (styli??) that came with my maestro now scratch my screen occasionally.

ichiro

08-28-2002, 02:05 PM

has anyone noticed the problem of screen flickering in the e550g? this has been one of the problems with the pocket loox it would be a good if some one can also look at the condition of the screen of the e550g.

yvilla

08-28-2002, 02:46 PM

jgrnt1

08-28-2002, 03:25 PM

apeguero

08-28-2002, 05:32 PM

No flicker here :) Just a nice screen.

Have you all noticed what I've noticed? I had to return my original one because I had suspected the battery was crappy as it was using power too fast. I compared it to another one in CompUSA and they saw the same thing. Now for my observation, when I got the new replacement I noticed that the Toshiba sticker on the box was sealed but below that one was another sticker which had been originally cut. Is this because these had been recalled and therefore worked on by the factory and then returned to CompUSA? I had also noticed the double sticker on the defective one.

bslenter

08-28-2002, 08:17 PM

I see a lot of other people talking about the battery life issue, saying that they had to do an exchange at CompUSA to get a good one. On Page 1 of this thread I posted some test results for my E550G - can anyone tell me if those are good or bad results? I estimated 13 hrs with no backlight and 4.2 hrs at 60% backlight on my unit.

I see others are also finding that the plastic stylus scratches the screen. The Cross is great except for the stylus being on the top end - I'm always afraid of using the wrong end and really scratching my screen. Any other good alternatives out there?

Spursdude, the Cross should fit in the E570 but you should bring a stylus with you to CompUSA and compare. If they are the same diameter and the ends are similar, it should work.

I don't have a screen flicker problem...Ichiro you should take yours back.

spursdude

08-28-2002, 10:33 PM

thanks about the stylus.

about flickering screens - it could be a similar problem to the maestro/e570, where the screen begins to flicker under high temperature. for example, on my maestro, the screen only flickers if i've had it in my pocket for a long time, or if i use the sun to try to light my screen.

of course i'm not promoting heating up your e550g just to test the screen. :D

islandsnow

08-29-2002, 03:43 AM

I see others are also finding that the plastic stylus scratches the screen. The Cross is great except for the stylus being on the top end - I'm always afraid of using the wrong end and really scratching my screen. Any other good alternatives out there?

yeah i agree... i really wish the stylus side was on the other end. i've done it once where i took it out of the slot and without thinking, tapped the screen and realized i used the pen side. ouch! luckily, i don't think it scratched the screen. i think the only other similar alternative is the pilot pentopia chameleon for palm III. in fact, thats the one i should have bought. the stylus end goes into the slot instead of sticking out like the cross. and at least there's a cap on the pen on the chameleon.

you have to get the palm III equivalent because thats the one that fits into the 550g's slot.

bslenter

08-29-2002, 04:17 PM

Anyone have a problem with their directional pad? I've noticed that as I'm paging through an e-book using the pad, sometimes the book will jump forward or backward a number of pages. I thought it was a software issue but I did a test in Calendar and the same happened. So the directional pad must be making intermittent contact causing the PocketPC to think I'm tapping it right or left rapidly.

Looks like I'll have to take it back to CompUSA for another. Actually that's a good thing cause now I can get a new one without any scratches in the screen.

medic119

08-30-2002, 07:49 PM

I have been waiting on the 550g for a long time and finally picked one up.

1) I love the device! But why can no one except the defunct HP Pocket PC group and NEC come up with functional Covers for thier devices!!! I hate Slip cases. They completely negate the slim Compact form of the devices!! Even the form fitted cases offered by third parties add unecessary bulk! ARRGH!!

2) Does anyone have any ideas on a screen protector since no one makes 4" screen protectors! :)

B747Purdue

08-30-2002, 09:47 PM

I have seen somewhere on the internet (I don't remember where) some pictures of the e550G with different colored side panels. Has anyone else seen these and would you know where to get these?

And, medic119 I've been using screen protectors I make myself. I got them at Office Depot and the Product is called GBC Self Adhesive Laminating Sheets and it's about $6.50 for 10 sheets. Each sheet makes over 6 protectors.

Also, I'm a Pilot and I was wondering if anyone has run across any great aviation software that is a must for the Pocket PC such as a logbook or anything else.

Thanks!

B747Purdue

08-30-2002, 10:00 PM

Ok, I found the link that mentions optional color side panels http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/hardware/wheretobuy/americas.asp?style=99

But, it mentions them about the Toshiba e570. Now, the ones on the e550g pop right off. So, now I wonder, does anyone know if the e570 and e550g side panels are the same? Because I would like to get some.

Thanks again.

pypeters

08-30-2002, 10:09 PM

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/ws.asp

See bottom of page.

medic119

08-30-2002, 10:22 PM

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/ws.asp

See bottom of page.

I won't be buying those, Not for $40 bucks

jgrnt1

08-30-2002, 10:53 PM

medic119,

If you don't mind ordering from Hong Kong --

http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php

I ordered mine a couple days ago. I haven't used one myself, but the reviews look good.

yvilla

08-30-2002, 11:31 PM

jgrnt1,

Do you have any idea how long it will take to get your order from Hong Kong? (Trying to decide between those, and the above ones that I would be willing to try, but aren't expected to ship until late September).

jgrnt1

08-31-2002, 12:54 AM

yvilla,

The website and my confirmation email indicate about 15 days for overseas shipments. Order tracking indicates it shipped the same day it was ordered....and UPS says my Vaja case shipped today, too!

medic119

08-31-2002, 12:56 PM

If anyone is looking for a good stylus replacement, the HP568 Stylus from PDA Panache fits the e550G just fine. Its actually a little shorter so you don't have to worry about bottoming out and it fits snuggly, so it won't fall out. The only thing is the nubby bit sticks out a bit on the back, but a Dremel tool will fix that.. :)

Is it true the Pentopia Chamelon for the Palm III fits really well too?
I noticed the Stylus resembled my Brother's Visor Stylus alot also.

Xman

08-31-2002, 11:17 PM

Hi -- I contacted PDAscreenprotectors.com a few days back, and they've told me that until I had emailed them, no one had inquired about screen protectors for the Genio.

They asked me for some measurements, and they'll be sending me some samples next week. I'm looking forward to it because I love their product, and I'm finding myself being overly paranoid with the Genio when I write on it "bareback."

I'm all into the safe PDA thing. :wink:

On a side note, how do you know if you've got a bum Genio with a bad battery? The unit I picked up had a two seals on it, so I figure it had been inspected, but the battery's drain is pretty fast, when compared to my old iPaq 3835. I figured it was from the Xscale and the real estate on the screen, but ...

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/ws.asp

See bottom of page.

I won't be buying those, Not for $40 bucks

gdaswani

09-01-2002, 05:16 AM

What a dirty plug :)

Piel Frama Case, and bluetooth stuff (works perfectly with the e550G).

http://discussion.brighthand.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59209

ichiro

09-11-2002, 05:20 AM

is there an english users manual for the e550g available for download?

islandsnow

09-11-2002, 09:56 AM

medic119,

If you don't mind ordering from Hong Kong --

http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php

I ordered mine a couple days ago. I haven't used one myself, but the reviews look good.

Do you have any idea how long it will take to get your order from Hong Kong? (Trying to decide between those, and the above ones that I would be willing to try, but aren't expected to ship until late September).

i ordered a screen protector from them. AND I LOVE IT! its great. went on easy. no glare. no bubbles. smooth. it took about a week or so for mine to come. before that, i tried to make my own as some people have suggested using the self laminating sheets. problem with those is it doesn't go on very smoothly. although there weren't bubbles, it left streaks which shows up more during the day.

yvilla

09-11-2002, 12:43 PM

is there an english users manual for the e550g available for download?

The manual is a PDF file on the CD that comes with the e550G.

mcohn

09-11-2002, 02:39 PM

I've had mine for two days now and like it very much (coming from an iPaq 3630. Expect to have the Vaja case delivered on Friday. Best feature so far is not having to keep that huge heavy sled with me virtually all the time. I do miss the screen brightness, but am getting used to it. Also I've noticed two things which though not troublesome in themselves make me curious. The screen seems "softer", I see it noticebly dip when I press the stylus to it. And I seem to get a lot of fingerprints on the screen, never saw that before with my iPaq or Visors. I wouldn't mind these if normal, but can anyone else confirm?

Two more questions: I've installed Battery Pack from Omega One, which I used to use on my iPaq, although it may still be "learning" my usage, it displays about 3hrs 36 min charge left when the Toshiba is fully charged, and battery power Power Save is set to the 4th line. Is this about what I should expect? If this is accurate, it doesn't seem much better than my iPaq. Would it help if I set the processor to 200 or Auto instead of 400?

And are there any uses yet for the USB port on the cradle?

gdaswani

09-12-2002, 05:21 AM

I received my PCCARD + Extended Battery today (ordered it from Japan).

It can't seem to detect the following PCCARDS

Orinoco Gold (latest drivers installed)
DLINK DWL-650 (latest drivers installed)
Belkin CF Bluetooth PDA + PC CARD Adapter
NE2000 PC CARD (built in drivers)..

Works just fine when memory type cards are used (Like the Toshiba PCMCIA 2 GB Card, 256 MB CF Card + PC CARD Adapter)..

I'll try and see if PC CARD modems work..

George

islandsnow

09-12-2002, 09:46 AM

Two more questions: I've installed Battery Pack from Omega One, which I used to use on my iPaq, although it may still be "learning" my usage, it displays about 3hrs 36 min charge left when the Toshiba is fully charged,

mine is about the same too... at 100% charge, it will read 3 hours and about 36min too.

mcohn

09-12-2002, 01:50 PM

For 2 days Battery Pack was showing @3hr 36 min of battery time left, when the 550g was fully or almost fully charged. BUT I was constantly recharging it or keeping it in the cradle. I never really allowed it to go below 96%.

Yesterday and last night I let it run longer (power lines were down in my neighborhood). When the battery had gone down to about 86% of charge, Battery Pack showed 5 hours 30something minutes of usage left. I put it in the charger this morning and at 91% charge, I'm seeing 5hr 41 min. Those numbers are big differences, and are numbers I never came close to approachiing with my iPaq.

The information supplied by Battery Pack says that it will "learn" your battery usage and adjust accordingly.

My level of satisfaction with the 550g and the smile on my face :D are also growing.

Peter Traugot

09-12-2002, 06:44 PM

I found a web site that (japanese) that took a Cross Micropen and replaced the ink cartidge with an item called a "minibar". This, evitently, is a replacement stylus for a Palm. It seemed to be a simple drop-in. I contacted the company that makes the Minibar, but he has no way of collecting foreign funds right now. He is, however, sending me a "sample" to try.

Now I haven't gotten either the pen or the Minibar yet, but Cross also makes a PDA Stylus refill. It replaces any Cross ink cartidge with a stylus point (about $6.00). When I get my Cross Micro, I'll see if this will retrofit.

pixelator

09-20-2002, 09:11 AM

No flicker on mine, either. However, I bought mine last Friday and the screen would not light at all. CompUSA replaced it with no hassles. The new one is fine. Now I just need to figure out what to do with my iPAQ 3630 and all its accessories.

I just bought my e550g the other day and yes, it does have a small amount of the flicker that was infamous on the Maestro and (presumably) 570 Genio. It's not quite as pronounced as the Maestro's, but it's there. The good news might be that there's a potentiometer in roughly the same area as the one on the Maestro. I might explore inwards and look for it if the flicker gets too annoying. Thus far, even to my sensitive, picky eyes, it's not.

b

bslenter

09-20-2002, 05:02 PM

The screen flicker problem is common, but NOT normal. Most units (such as mine) don't have that problem at all. Instead of opening your unit to adjust it, you should demand a replacement from wherever you bought it. If it was CompUSA, don't wait, because they only do exchanges for 14 days (unless you bought the extended warranty). Definitely take it back. If you have any doubt that this is a not normal, have them turn on another one for you at the store and compare the screens.

Good luck!

bslenter

09-24-2002, 06:14 AM

Well, earlier in this thread I spoke highly of the Cross stylus/pen combo. The main reason I bought it is that the OEM stylus can develop an edge which will scratch the screen.

Sorry to say that the Cross just scratched my screen today pretty good. I guess some kind of debris lodged itself into the tip, though I can't see or feel anything. But it definitely has a sharp spot, quite obvious when I test it on the surface of a blank CD. I can write my name in the CD with it.

This sucks. So much for keeping my new screen immaculate. Time to begin a thorough search for 4" screen protectors. I've always hated the feel of screen protectors, but I guess it's time to get used to it, or else ruin my screen.

Anyone find a source for screen protectors that will fit the e550G?

yvilla

09-24-2002, 06:26 AM

I've heard that several people bought Brando screen protectors. I went for the Write Shields from PocketPCTechs.com. They are expensive, but so far I agree with the glowing reviews at Pocket PC passion--and there is a 10% discount from Dale's site that helps a bit.

mcohn

09-25-2002, 04:23 PM

After I noticed a few micro scratches on my screen I sent for the Brando screen protector. IN the past I'd used WriteRight on my Visors and even made my own out of plastic sheeting.

The Brando, so far, is the best of all. It has a very nice screen feel to it, and even though pretty thick, does not much affect stylus tapping (that is: it probably does but you get used to it and compensate within a very short time).

It was a bit difficult to put on, because I'd been used to the single sheet kind where if you made a slight error, you could easily lift it off or wait a couple of weeks and do better with the next one. Take the time to do it right the first time.

Not only am I pleased with it, but now I don't have those annoying fingerprints on my 550 screen.

gdaswani

09-26-2002, 01:29 AM

The Brando, so far, is the best of all. It has a very nice screen feel to it, and even though pretty thick, does not much affect stylus tapping (that is: it probably does but you get used to it and compensate within a very short time).

It was a bit difficult to put on, because I'd been used to the single sheet kind where if you made a slight error, you could easily lift it off or wait a couple of weeks and do better with the next one. Take the time to do it right the first time.

aha, I became a self-made master in putting on the brando.. It's a tighter fit IMHO than the PocketPCtechs..

The trick?

get some scotch tape (note, the normal milky scotch tape, not the packing tape)..

Stick one on top (adhesive side) then stick one on the bottom..

Then strectch out the brando and position it perfectly on the screen... Aditionally, one can remove annoying lint during installation by dabbing it with the scotch tape..

G

portus

09-26-2002, 04:35 AM

gdaswani,

Good tip! I spent about ten minutes to apply the Brando perfectly on the screen! This tip may require me only 3 minute!

islandsnow

09-26-2002, 09:20 PM

wow, compusa's website is selling the 550g for $499 now after instant internet rebate!

pixelator

09-28-2002, 02:51 AM

It's really almost imperceptible... I'm just really sensitive to this kind of thing. The Maestro still had it even after some adjustment, it just was less visible. Even my Casio E-750, E-125 and EM-500 had it.

b

mmainello

09-28-2002, 05:00 PM

I have had my 550 for about a week. I love the screen size and brightness. I loaded battery pack and my meter only reads 2 hours and 58 minutes. I am not sure if this is because I have both a 128mb CF & SD card in it or not. I use it every day and charge it at night. My screen brightness is 60%.

I have noticed a significant slow down using the contact portion of the program. It seems a lot slower in searching for names than my Maestro. Does anybody have any ideas?

Ainvar

09-29-2002, 11:10 AM

So which is better for the e550G. I have a protector from PCTechs and man it is like writing on the screen itself and it protects. Or should I try the Brando one? I dont see why I need to buy 3 from PCTechs when they last virtually forever unless you use them for a floormat. I use transcriber alot so I am really scared of using my Toshiba until I get a screen protector.

I am pretty happy with it so far, my only fear is batterylife. I use to use and still have an iPAQ 3835 with the cf plus expansion sleeve. Would listen to my music while on the bus to and from work during the week and rollerblade in the evening and weekends. Love the fact I have a nice solid plastic covering for my iPAQ. Anyone know of a good case for the Toshiba that is similar to the one the CF plus sleeve gives the iPAQ. I like hard cases not the leather cases that seems to be popular these days.

Thanks in advance guys and gals!!

islandsnow

09-30-2002, 07:08 AM