Casio E-3000 Pocket PC [Archive] - Thoughts Media Forums

marlof

01-22-2003, 09:58 AM

<a href="http://www.casio.co.jp/release/2003/e_3000.html">http://www.casio.co.jp/release/2003/e_3000.html</a> Although the linked news release (dated January 22, 2003) is in Japanese, and many of you won't be able to read everything it says, it does contain some information that is highly interesting. Casio E-3000, Xscale 400 MHz, CF II, SD/MMC, 32 MB ROM, 64 MB RAM, 3,5" TFT, 78×135×17.6mm, 190g and .... Pocket PC 2002! <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/casio_e3000.jpg" /> The looks of the device remind me both of the Casio E-200 and the hp iPAQ 1900 (the four application buttons). I think it makes it look better than the E-200, and if it has the build quality of earlier Casio products, it might be quite a device! Anyhow, it seems that the rumors that Casio would leave the Pocket PC market to concentrate on their own OS as in the BE-300 might not be true. What do you think about that?

Andy Sjostrom

01-22-2003, 10:46 AM

I would LOVE to see Casio "back" again! We should not forget that they made sure Windows CE had a place to be at in the E-105 days. I sometimes wonder where we would be if they hadn't stood by Microsoft during the "tough" years.

But this device... is another brick. I really hope they have something smoother and cooler in store for us when PPC 200? arrives!

Take1

01-22-2003, 10:59 AM

This is definitely a Casio device -- the huge amount of space both below and to the sides of the screen scream 'CASIO'!

The styling is pretty nice, but I wonder if this is yet another attempt at selling a brick? Perhpas the Sony NZ-90 suitcase gave Casio hope that brick PDAs are coming back in fashion? Hopefully this device thin is paper thin, but wide and tall.

Casio's super twisted TFT is their claim to PDA fame, I wonder if they figured a way to make it transflective? THAT would be a major selling point for their device!

Michman

01-22-2003, 11:09 AM

The styling is pretty nice, but I wonder if this is yet another attempt at selling a brick? Perhpas the Sony NZ-90 suitcase gave Casio hope that brick PDAs are coming back in fashion? Hopefully this device thin is paper thin, but wide and tall.

:oops: At 17.6mm thick...its too thick for my taste. Would have been interested if it were in the 11-13mm thick range.

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-22-2003, 11:28 AM

TFT screen? Is this a backlit-reflective screen like the rest of the newer PPCs or is this a return to their E125/EM500 days?

The device actually reminded me first of the E125 to be honest. It's surely shaped like it, but those E125/EM500 were just rock solid when it came to reliability and features!

Casio is still a major PDA presence in Japan, their BE300/E200 is still selling there so I'm not surprised to see them rethink their strategy for Japan. The question is whether they'll decide to branch out or not. While the device looks interesting, I'm not sure that this is the device they'd want to re-introduce to the world.

wiley

01-22-2003, 11:32 AM

As an owner of the E-125 (and therefore the owner of the stowaway for casio as well as a couple cf cards) I'm happy because I'd like to keep all of the stuff that I've accumulated, but sooner than later I'd like to upgrade to a new device. Hopefully it comes in at a better price point than $600.00

Rirath

01-22-2003, 11:36 AM

Looking at this device I almost feeling like saying "ooh, it's in color!". I mean, it almost looks like a feature on this. Certainly not my idea of design. :?

pocketpcdude1024

01-22-2003, 12:25 PM

Looking at this device I almost feeling like saying "ooh, it's in color!". I mean, it almost looks like a feature on this. Certainly not my idea of design. :?

I disagree. I think that the design reflects simplicity and elegance. 8) There are some designes for Pocket PCs that I don't care for. The Axim, for example.

gwinter

01-22-2003, 12:41 PM

a few bits of infomation more...

SDIO capable. Removable battery. Standard battery last 15 hours. Optional high-capacity battery last 30 hours.

Available: Around end of March.

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-22-2003, 01:06 PM

Available: Around end of March.
Where? Japan only?

Ed Hansberry

01-22-2003, 01:40 PM

I think they only planned to leave the US market - http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2481

They have always had more Pocket PC offerings outside of the US. Remember the 700?

NLS

01-22-2003, 01:52 PM

there was no 700 in Europe

the thousands naming sceme is for japan btw... for example E-200 was E-2000 there... so E-3000 is a future E-300 (if ever)

jpaq

01-22-2003, 03:18 PM

Appears to be a nice alternative, but where's the ROM?

I would not buy another PDA unless it had 48 MB of ROM with user access.
I have a Maestro now without user access to the ROM and it makes me nuts.
48 MB ROM would seemingly be the standard moving forward. All indications are that the next version of the Pocket PC/Windows CE OS will need more ROM than the current version.

PLUS!
Where are the connectivity options? 802.11, bluetooth, CDMA, GSM/GPRS, anything?

Nice balloon to float. They just need to tseak the specs.

gwinter

01-22-2003, 03:22 PM

Available: Around end of March.
Where? Japan only?

Considering the Japanese announcement only, probably yes.

Can't read that much Japanese but I think they also say it is compatible with E-2000 accessories.

jpaq

01-22-2003, 03:23 PM

Look at this!
IT looks like the thickness may be a sleeve type of device. It looks like it actually might be a very thin device.

http://www.casio.co.jp/release/2003/images/e_3000/02_L.jpg

NLS

01-22-2003, 03:23 PM

well probably 32MB EPROM
and probably expandability the same as E-200 (i.e. the CF and SD possibly upgraded to SDIO...) ...I don't know if they'll ever release PCMCIA sleeve like E-200

NLS

01-22-2003, 03:25 PM

Look at this!
IT looks like the thickness may be a sleeve type of device. It looks like it actually might be a very thin device.

http://www.casio.co.jp/release/2003/images/e_3000/02_L.jpg

thought about that too...

NLS

01-22-2003, 03:31 PM

well it's thinner than what we thought

also check out those two pages:

http://www.casio.co.jp/pocketpc/e3000/product/spec.html
http://www.casio.co.jp/pocketpc/e3000/product/hardware.html

interesting points:

- USB host ON THE DEVICE (not on craddle or sleeve like E-200)!!!
- TWO extra buttons (total of 6)
- 4MB irDA (not only 115200)
- pad is 5 way (i.e. can be pushed)
- SD is not mentioned as SDIO anywhere

HTK

01-22-2003, 03:41 PM

http://www.worldlingo.com/products_services/wst_preview.html

Insert the casio page and put japanese to english, then you have a translation...

tks

01-22-2003, 03:43 PM

What a surprise! I thought it is time for me to change from my current EM-500.

But what a disappointment! Where is the built-in WiFi???

JMountford

01-22-2003, 03:50 PM

No one really knows this, but I am very into brand loyalty. I have always loved the iPaqs and that is what I buy. That said I have always had a strong asppreciation for Casio and their Devices. Casio was there to revolutionize the mini PC camp when it forst started. The Casio Devices have always been feature rich. Furthermore, Casio is always first for Upgrades, Updates, and Customer Support.

All in all, this is a very classy looking device. I love the idea of USB host built in. I am curious as to what the price point will be and as to whether it will come to the US. To top it off, it is a little big. I mean there are PPCPEs out there that look smaller. But we take our trade offs.

I am looking forward to this device hitting the shelves.

gwinter

01-22-2003, 04:00 PM

Where are the connectivity options? 802.11, bluetooth, CDMA, GSM/GPRS, anything?

Perhaps it is designed this for the Japanese market, where I think they normally use PHS cards like AirH" (http://www.zdnet.co.jp/mobile/0208/27/n_hondacf.html). Last time I checked some web stores, they seems to have quite a bit of 802.11a stuff, so maybe they decided not to choose any WiFi system. But yeah, maybe they should squeezed in the Bluetooth...

dcmorris

01-22-2003, 04:23 PM

I have an E200 and a Dell Axim. My E200 is nice because it has the expansion sleeve and can do just about anything I ever want it to do. BUT it looks dull and sad next to the Dell's bright screen and generally more friendly user interface. As far as the E200 being a brick, I don't feel much difference between it and the Axim in the weight or size department, but I have never compared them directly. I'd love to see Casio back in the game. With all due respect to those who love their IPAQs, I think the E200 did an awful lot to advance the level of competition in the PDA ranks with their inclusion of SD, CF on board and PC cards with a sleeve it is a pretty complete PDA.

briansturdivant

01-22-2003, 05:14 PM

I'm still fuming about buying an e125 for $500 and not getting SOMETHING toward a new unit when the market switched to only supporting ARM processors!!! I know, it's the natural lifecycle of product development but I have a bad taste in my mouth after the experience. Even if they couldn't offer an upgrade they could have offered a trade up or something!!!!!
I'll never buy another CASIO :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x !!!!!!

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-22-2003, 05:41 PM

I'm still fuming about buying an e125 for $500 and not getting SOMETHING toward a new unit when the market switched to only supporting ARM processors!!!
I'm not sure why Casio should be held responsible for that?

When the E125/EM500 were built, there was no enforced standard for CPUs. HP used SH3 and Casio used MIPS. The MIPS processor from what I understand actually had better raw power than the legacy StrongARM, but due to some compiler issue, MIPS never realized its full potential.

When the decision was finally made, I'm sure MS didn't provide Casio with any sympathy fund.

Gremmie

01-22-2003, 05:44 PM

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-22-2003, 05:51 PM

For sure I like the rocker buttons on the side. The button on top of the rocker buttons is an action switch (NOT a record button) which means this device can be easily operated with one hand.

Near the bottom of the side where you see the notch accompanied by the lock icon is something described as a "lockswitch" (from reading the Katakana). Not sure if this is to lock the sleeve in place or to lock the device down somewhere, but a switch would seem to indicate the former. It's not clear from the larger pic what the sleeve would be for since it's clear from other shots that the CF and SD are both part of the base unit and not the "sleeve" portion... perhaps an extra battery?

Ed Hansberry

01-22-2003, 05:55 PM

I'm still fuming about buying an e125 for $500 and not getting SOMETHING toward a new unit when the market switched to only supporting ARM processors!!!
I'm not sure why Casio should be held responsible for that?
Casio was protecting their MIPs investments. They knew. So did HP, who was trying to protect their SHx investments.

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-22-2003, 06:00 PM

Anyways, I think the areas of concern is, will the first batches actually work? Will the sled and the host of accessories talked about be released within a year? How much would it be? Doesn't sound like a particularly special device, but I could see it competing with the higher end Axim.
The E200 was an aberration for Casio IMO. While they're not known for creating the slickest looking devices, they did once foster a rep for creating very solid and stable devices.

One thing that would set this unit apart would the the HAST TFT screen. I remember many enthusiasts were sorely disappointed when they heard that the E200 was going with the sidelit reflective instead of the traditional HAST screen that the E125 / EM500 once used.

It'll be interesting to see if this unit makes it out of Japan. If it doesn't, there is no competition between this and the Axim especially since Dell doesn't have much presence in Japan.

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-22-2003, 06:14 PM

Casio was protecting their MIPs investments. They knew. So did HP, who was trying to protect their SHx investments.
When was it known that future PPCs would be required to use StrongARM?

Fishie

01-22-2003, 06:16 PM

Why is no one commenting on the fact that this one actually has two more hardware buttons then previous pocket PCs?

pocketpcdude1024

01-22-2003, 06:29 PM

Why is no one commenting on the fact that this one actually has two more hardware buttons then previous pocket PCs?
Someone already has:

well it's thinner than what we thought

also check out those two pages:

http://www.casio.co.jp/pocketpc/e3000/product/spec.html
http://www.casio.co.jp/pocketpc/e3000/product/hardware.html

interesting points:

- USB host ON THE DEVICE (not on craddle or sleeve like E-200)!!!
- TWO extra buttons (total of 6)
- 4MB irDA (not only 115200)
- pad is 5 way (i.e. can be pushed)
- SD is not mentioned as SDIO anywhere

Page two of this thread...

Kevin Daly

01-22-2003, 07:11 PM

ExtremeSIMS

01-22-2003, 07:30 PM

I really liked the E-125. It was a solid unit, and gaming was a blast on it. I did not mind the brick look - I acutally preferred it to the iPaq look. The scroll wheel was a winner, as well

I have a Toshiba e740 after a brief hiatus from Pocket PC. I like the design here, too, despite it being maligned in the press. Nice, solid, clean. Not too slick, not too forward fashion.

If Casio delivered a new unit with the brilliance of the HAST TFT, gaming performance scaled to today's levels, and their solid quality, along with WiFi, I'd be in.

vincentsiaw

01-22-2003, 07:42 PM

i envy those who stay in japan, they always have the fanciest gadget ever built :lol:

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-22-2003, 08:10 PM

kaiden.1

01-22-2003, 08:49 PM

Well; I actually like the device and would buy one....... Where can we purchase!

I was hoping casio was still around. I loved my old E-125! :D

markpmc

01-22-2003, 08:53 PM

E-200 5.12 x 3.23 x .68 6.7 oz
E-3000 5.30 x 3.07 x .7 6.7 oz

I was fine with the size of the E-200, my problem was the 950 mA battery. If Casio has really fixed the battery issue then I hope it jumps the pond.....

markpmc

Ed Hansberry

01-22-2003, 09:30 PM

Casio was protecting their MIPs investments. They knew. So did HP, who was trying to protect their SHx investments.
When was it known that future PPCs would be required to use StrongARM?
Lets just say Compaq didn't guess lucky when they switched from the MIPS or SHx based Aero to the StrongARM iPAQ.

Fishie

01-22-2003, 09:37 PM

i envy those who stay in japan, they always have the fanciest gadget ever built :lol:
I tell you what, if you're ever in Tokyo and decide to visit some of the larger electronic stores, plan on being there all day. You'll know the large ones when they have the name "Camera" in them (Biku Camera, Yodabashi Camera)... normally have several floors of stuff!

Oops my mistake, someone already did comment on the extra buttons.

Oh and ekkie, I was in bic camera less then two weeks ago before continuing on to Nagoya and I was kinda underwhelmed with theyre PDA section, other smaller or dedicated computer stores definitly have more stuff then Bic camera.
Mind you youre right about losing an entire day and stuff.
And man the zaurus is popular over there, the new clamshell Zaurus was sold out everywhere with waiting lists stretching months.

ppcsurfr

01-22-2003, 09:44 PM

What hapened to Casio discontinuing the E series? I think I first saw it on PDAbuzz and it was confirmed here.

Anyways, I think the areas of concern is, will the first batches actually work? Will the sled and the host of accessories talked about be released within a year? How much would it be? Doesn't sound like a particularly special device, but I could see it competing with the higher end Axim.

It's sad that some sites generalized the US sitation as a worldwide one... It is Casio USA which actually backed out from supporting the Cassiopeia Pocket PC line. Here in the Philippines, our distributors have been in constant contact with them... and I with the distributors. The news was quite disturbing for us when it was made to appear that Casio was backing out of the Pocket PC worldwide... Well, the USA ain't the whole world... I've consistently posted that Casio Japan has been sending us messages that claim that they are not pulling out of the Pocket PC race... The new E-300... if it will be sold outside Japan, most likely will not make it to the US Market due to the recent PPC situation between Casio USA and the main office which is Casiio Japan. Hopefully, we here in Asia will be receiving the export versions about 3 months after the Japanese release.

ppcsurfr

Hyperluminal

01-22-2003, 09:56 PM

Well, if you speak Japanese, or can switch the ROM (like Pixelator did with his E-700), you could always get an E-3000 from Dynamism. (www.dynamism.com) They'll import almost anything, as long as you can pay for it... :)

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-22-2003, 10:53 PM

Oh and ekkie, I was in bic camera less then two weeks ago before continuing on to Nagoya and I was kinda underwhelmed with theyre PDA section, other smaller or dedicated computer stores definitly have more stuff then Bic camera.
Yeah, I was just referring to electronics in general... Most of the Bic Camera stores are good, but there was a new one opened in Shinjuku which is HUGE!! Yodabashi camera is about a couple blocks away and their PDA section is slightly better, but to tell you the truth, I've never been tempted to buy any of them... most of my $$ went into all the other cool stuff you normally don't see elsewhere...

Fishie

01-22-2003, 11:04 PM

Ah yes, the Shinjuku one thats the one I was at and youre right about the other place.
Good Kalbi closeby and lotsa good arcades, got my ass kicked at Virtua fighter tourney close to Shinjuku by some of the Tournament champs.
Awesome stuff, in the west we lack a competitive arcade scene.

johncruise

01-23-2003, 01:10 AM

The new E-300... if it will be sold outside Japan, most likely will not make it to the US Market due to the recent PPC situation between Casio USA and the main office which is Casiio Japan. Hopefully, we here in Asia will be receiving the export versions about 3 months after the Japanese release.
ppcsurfr

If ever that happen (E-300 not being released in US but only in asian markets such as the Philippines), I guess that's ok. Some asian PPC are usually in english so we can have it shipped in the US or in Canada ;-)

William Yeung

01-23-2003, 02:56 AM

Heard from some friends in the manufacturing market:
Casio is finding the same OEM in China to create the machine, which does creates the machine for Axim, it really depends how unique this device could be... IMO seems these devices are really generalizing nowadays.

And, I can tell if from the same OEM, the plastic quality would not be comparable to the days when Casio is working their own E-125 :(

Janak Parekh

01-23-2003, 06:04 AM

Ekkie Tepsupornchai

01-23-2003, 08:17 AM

And man the zaurus is popular over there, the new clamshell Zaurus was sold out everywhere with waiting lists stretching months.
Let's hope they get the hint that the Japanese aren't the only ones who want it. ;)

--janak
Those Zaurus' are definitely nice looking devices and the newer ones I saw recently are smaller than the originals. Many of the Japanese I've worked with use those devices and one of my favorite things about it is that there's a tiny plastic lid that you can attach to the thing that covers up the screen only.... adds practically no bulk and yet so practical...

Fishie

01-23-2003, 02:38 PM

The Zaurus lineage goes back a looooooooong time and in Japan the line is the most popular PDA saleswise.
I saw last years models(the black ones)being sold for like 120€ yet people didnt buy them becouse they wanted the latest models, seems like students pick them up for cheap after a while while most gadget and bussuines users always get the latest version asap.
Even the Clie hasnt been able to slow the sales of the Zaurus and the PPC in Japan is an also ran sharing its market with the new CE.net devices offered by phone carriers.
Heh even the pocket post pet is getting a CE.net version soon(pocket post pet is a handheld pc 2k aimed at children, with games and productivity suite adapted for them, it can be used as a fully fledged hpc2k unit as well)