Clio NXT: Aaaaaaalmost Ready for Release (Perhaps)

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/14/clio-nxt-unleashed-on-duke-university-kind-of/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/14/...ersity-kind-of/</a><br /><br /></div><i>". . .[T]he Clio NXT was (is?) the successor to the cult 1998-released WinCE laptop/tablet which is said to feature Windows CE.NET 5.0 (yes, CE), a 10.4-inch, 800 x 600 touchscreen LCD with 180-degree pivot, WiFi, 64MB SDRAM and 64MB Flash memory, a near full-size QWERTY keyboard, and a smattering of connectivity and expansion options including SD card slots, PCMCIA, USB, a headphone jack, mic, and video out. . . . [W]e received a press release stating that Duke University's Fuqua School of Business will serve as "beta site" for the NXT . . . That's it -- no price . . . no expected start date for this beta program, let alone a revised ship date... nothin'. In a market now flooded with reasonably priced tablets, UMPCs, and dirt cheap laptops, we're feeling, well, a bit jaded ourselves."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ClioImage.jpg" /> <br /><br />Ho hum. We <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=34667&amp;">posted about </a> this device a <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=35731&amp;">few times in 2004 </a> and it's *still* not been released yet? That's not just missing the boat, that's not even getting within a hundred miles of the water! :P Having said that, the spec still seems to stand up even in 2006. I would hope that they would at least offer <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=48562&amp;start=0&amp;postdays=0&amp;postorder=asc&amp;highlight=">Windows CE 6.0</a> as an option. Heck, at this rate they can offer Windows CE 16.0 as an option. :devilboy:

[Paragon]

It comes with a coupon for a free GPRS sleeve for the 3650 Ipaq.......rumor has it they should both hit the market at about the same time. ;)

Dave

[daS]

I have one of the original Clios in my "collection". It was very innovative back in 1998, but now with small Tablet PCs available, I don't think it will find itself a market unless it's very low cost.

One problem with the Clio was the hinge design was bulky and not too robust.

One nice feature of the hinge is that, because the screen pivots from the center, the device can be used in tight places - such as on the airplane tray table in coach - where other units of similar size can't.

[klanum]

Actually I had one and just loved it! I sold it a couple years ago on eBay. I agree with you in that with all the other options on the table now, it may be too late but I will say it was ahead of its time from a form factor!

[fborgwash]

Hey all,

Yes, Clio NXT is late. But, it's going to be great!

CE.NET 5.0, IE 6, 2 USB Ports, Wi-Fi, MP3 capable. Compatable word,
excel and powerpoint programs. A 10.4 inch screen with a beautiful
display. Instant on/off, 6-8 hrs. battery life, very low virus risk, 2 SD
slots, pc card slot and more!

Those little XP computers are/will be fragile because they have a hard drive. Their batteries are for 2 1/2 hours! They need to boot up and shut down. They will be vulnerable to viruses like any other XP computer.

Plus, if you ever need a keyboard (let's face it, they're nice to have) Clio NXT has a real one!

The arm does not make the Clio fragile. In fact, the arm (that controls
the multiple design winner "swing-top" screen), is pretty darn tough.

I've dropped my Clio 1050 twice (once on the arm) and it was not damaged either time. Both times I had to snap the battery back in place, but it was no big deal.

I'm not saying you should throw a Clio around, but you certainly don't have to baby it like a laptop.

Now let's talk about upkeep. On my Clio 1050, I spent $50.00 on game programs in the 6 years I've had it. That's it! I never needed or longed for any other software. I also shelled out I don't know how much
for a 32mb compact-flash card (at the time a lot of extra memory).
-Do people remember that 32 mb is about the same memory as it would take to store 30, three-hundred page novels?-

That's it. This goes against the joke of a laptop having a dollar bill slot
on it's side huh!

But CE is a stable, embedded OS that doesn't require much upkeep.
At least, it never did on my other Clios.

I believe Clio NXT will be a hit in vertical markets, but a great solution
for anyone who wants more than a pda can offer.

Note: I have been a huge Clio cheerleader/PR Man for over a year on the web. While I do not work for Data Evolution, I am to receive a Clio NXT for my efforts. (I do have a PR Degree and have put in many hours on blogs like this because of my love for the Clio.) Anyone who feels I am biased because of this, certainly has that right. But, the truth is, I consider the Clio line the best computer products I have ever owned. :D

[darkdestroyer]

Over at Smartmobileassets we have had a continued discussion about the NTX since it's intial announcement. Another usetobedale, has been commenting frequently about the status of this device.

The original thread is here.
http://www.smartmobileassets.com/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?,v=display,b=news,m=1119297877


From what I've heard this device sounds like a winner. It'll be much easier to use and perfect for many mobile professionals who only need constant connectivity, battery life, and the basic word, excel, powerpoint, internet, and maybe a VOIP / Chat client.

[fborgwash]

Yes, I am usedtobedale on the other forum. On this forum I am fborgwash. Anyway, I'm the one who comments on the status of Clio NXT.

[Balsky]

What about pricing? What Range are we talking here?

[darkdestroyer]

I believe it was ~999$ but pre orders of ~799 will be honored.

[fborgwash]

Yes, that's the current price. Remember, these machines will come with
an embedded useable OS and compatable software.

[Gerard]

USD ~$1000 for "64MB SDRAM and 64MB Flash memory"??? That's nuts. 64MB of RAM is just not good enough any more. Sure, one can expand using memory cards (and one hopes external hard drives) with this device, but if main memory is going to be so small, it's also going to quickly clutter and bog down with basics such as PIM data and email, and of course any software which needs to be installed to RAM.

Back in 2000, I seriously considered the early model of this thing. Seemed perfectly suited to our uses at the time, which were primarily word processing (my wife was going to nursing college), email, and internet uses. I sat on the fence for a couple of months, but eventually decided on a notebook PC - at about triple the price.

Obviously the pC proved far more versatile, and was essential for feeding programs and media content to my PPC. Turns out I'd have had to buy at least a desktop PC anyway, for PPC support. Still, this folding thingy was and remains an attractive form factor. Very slim, light, and the battery life sounds wonderful. considering such a large screen. If they'd just ramp up the specs a bunch, maybe throw in the option of a 20 or 40GB slim hard drive (with an 'off' switch perhaps, to save power when not in use), I could see this thing being well worth $1000. As it is, the specifications just don't justify the pricing. At $700 or maybe $800, I could see justifying purchase for use in ways such as those Jason is always expressing in his ThoughtCasts; as a mostly around-the-house information/control appliance, with enough portability to take with you as needed. Minimum 256MB RAM and a few GB native memory would garner a much more enthusiastic market.

[mscdex]

I would have to agree that $999 for a device with the mentioned specs just won't make it. I'm seriously considering buying a Clio 1050 (I like the design), not minding if it has HPC Pro as an OS. It is a shame that the NXT isn't so much up to par hardware-wise with PPCs and other devices.

[fborgwash]

Dell Axiom w/Windows Mobile 5.0 (rated best by PC Magazine, Sept. 2005)
has 64 MB SDRAM.

My Toshiba E-755 has 64 MB SDRAM. In fact, most pda's have 64 MB.
Let me assure you I have no memory problems on my Toshiba. My browsing is lightning fast too. My Toshiba came with a ton of games and extra programs (I bought it on ebay) and the programs are stored on memory cards.

While the Clio NXT will be more of a laptop than a pda, it will use CE.Net 5.0, which I understand is very close to Windows Mobile 5.0.

The Clio NXT is being throughly tested at Duke Univ. too. Data Evolution Corporation is going to tweak it, and get it right. They have a ton at stake here.

Relax! Clio's have a cult reputation all over the world. The company is not going to mess around with it's biggest asset.

[Gerard]

Having struggled for 5 years with too little RAM (32MB in my Casio E-115 &amp; EG-800, 64MB in my iPAQ 3835, 3870, and Dell X5) it was a huge relief to finally obtain a Toshiba e800, with 128MB. Finally, no more 'low memory' errors. Finally I have the same speedy operation after an hour or two of web crawling as just after a soft reset. RAM shortfalls had plaqued my PPC experience since 2000. No more.

The Dell 'Axim' (not 'Axiom') X51 and X51v use 64MB of RAM because the Windows Mobile 5.0 OS doesn't use RAM for any software installed files, nor databases, nor the registry. RAM is used to run these things, and as such (at least with the better-optimised WM5 devices - upgraded devices are a very different matter) not so much is needed. At least that's the theory. In real-world use, many users have complained that they need more RAM, as WM5 tends to bog down, for them at least.

WM5 is not CE5. You may guess whatever you like, but until we see from these Clio folks that they're implementing a similar persistent storage focused model, one would be safer presuming a typical RAM-based device behavior.

You've explained your position. You're a fan, and you will be compensated with a free device for your having expressed that enthusiasm in forums, etc. Good for you. Might I be so bold as to suggest that your status makes you rather a poor source, if one is seeking factual information without bias? I'll hold on and look for an independent review.

[ricksfiona]

This time next month, I will have my TabletKiosk with Windows XP. I'm just tired of software that doesn't integrate well with the normal Microsoft apps. I have Textmaker and it worked well before my PPC died, but its just not a seamless enough transition to work with those files in Desktop word.

My T-Mobile SDA will handle my Calendar, eMail and Contacts just enough while I'm out and about and the UMPC for all work stuff. With hosted Exchange, it rocks.

I see the PPC being used by professionals to replace their Blackberrys for more connectivity options, vertical market apps or multimedia devices. When the UMPC gets better, and it will be MUCH better this time next year, the PPC is going to be much more a specialized device rather than a 'do-it'all' kind of device that some people want them to become.

[fborgwash]

Gerard,

I have explained my position. I certainly have told everyone that they have every right not to accept me as a source. You are not being bold in any way to suggest that. I've been straight with everyone on this
issue.

I have also owned both previous Clio models. That is why I became such a fan.

I'm sorry you've had memory problems in the past. But, all I did was point out that many pda's come with 64 mb memory. You want more and that's fine. I am glad you found what you feel is right for you!