Product Description

Sometimes you get so wrapped up in work that you forget about important obligations. With personalized audio alert & World Alarm Clock software that keeps track of multiple time zones & has a wake-up alarm, Sony's PEG-T415 Clie lets you stay on top of things. From a Palm OS« 4.1, 8MB RAM & a Memory Stick« expansion slot to Calendar, To-Do List & Spreadsheet functions, the Clie can tackle any job. And, with an infrared port & included software, it can even remotely control audio & video products.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28962 in Consumer Electronics
• Size: Silver
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Sony
• Model: PEG-T615C
• Dimensions: .50" h x 2.83" w x 4.65" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

• Slim design--only .50 inches thick--with 16 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash ROM
• Bright, high-resolution TFT color display
• Jog Dial navigator allows you to access phone numbers, notes, and more while keeping your other hand free
• Synchronize with your PC using included HotSync cradle; compatible with Windows PCs
• Expandable via optional Memory Stick cards

Amazon.com Review
Having already dipped its toe in the ocean that is the PDA market with the Clié PEG-SN760C and the PEG-S300 models, Sony has now jumped in with a second-generation color model--the PEG-T615C. Featuring the same 33 MHz DragonBall processor, high-resolution 320 x 320 color screen, and jog wheel functionality, it also boasts 16 MB of internal RAM, the latest version of the Palm OS (v. 4.1), and a superslim aluminum body.

Very similar in design to Sony's previous color model, the Clié PEG-T615C features the same Jog Dial button, allowing for easy, one-handed navigation around applications. The scroll buttons have been replaced with a tiny rocker switch, which doesn't function as easily as the original buttons. Also, the included flipover screen protector does have a tendency to detach from the unit a bit too easily.

The Memory Stick slot has been retained, allowing for increased expandability. Battery life runs at about 15 days before a recharge is required, though this does depend entirely on how much you use the PDA.

The PEG-T615C has lots of little pluses that make it stand out from the rest. It sits in the cradle nicely and it doesn't make a horrible crunching sound when it's removed, unlike some PDAs. Clié-specific applications such as the AV Remote Commander, World Alarm (which allows you to use your own sound files), Sound Utility, and Clié Paint are fun to play around with. Those of you wanting to do some serious work will be pleased with Documents To Go and Intellisync Lite. The latest version of the Palm OS includes easier data entry and enhanced security and mobile connectivity.

However, the standout feature on the PEG-T615C has to be the high-resolution screen--the images are sharp and detailed, while the text is supersmooth. It makes other PDA displays look positively archaic.

With its bright color screen, superior sound quality, and supersleek body, the PEG-T615C is probably the best (and sexiest) Palm OS-based PDA on the market at the moment and well worth your consideration. --Martin Snelling

Pros:

• Bright, high-resolution color screen
• 16 MB of memory that's expandable with Memory Sticks
• Superslim
• Fun Sony add-on programs

• New rocker switch replacing scroll buttons not as functional
• Flip screen protector detaches too easily

Amazon.com Product Description
Powerful productivity wrapped in an attractive body, the Sony Clié handheld will appeal to both your practical and aesthetic sensibilities. The Palm-powered Sony PEG-T615CS offers great organization tools in a slim PDA (just a half-inch thick) with a crisp color screen. And exclusive Sony features like the Jog Dial navigator and Memory Stick media expansion slot make the Clié the smart and stylish way to keep yourself organized.

The Sony Clié PEG-T615CS features 16 MB of RAM and a high-resolution TFT color display that's great for showing off your pictures to friends and coworkers. Use the PEG-T615CS as a remote control for audio and video components using its enhanced infrared port and Clié Remote Commander software.

The Sony Clié handheld runs on the proven, reliable Palm operating system, which means it comes complete with all the standard Palm OS applications you need for organizing your life. It comes with Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, Mail, and Expense tools, and the Sony-enhanced Address Book that enables you to add photos to your contacts.

It also features a wide range of fun and productivity applications, including StreetFinder Express from Rand McNally for interactive maps, Vindigo city guides, Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard and Pocket Gourmet, and games such as Zap!2016, Acid Solitaire, and Race Fever. Plus, the Clié is fully compatible with thousands of Palm OS add-on applications available for download.

Connect to your PC and synchronize your contacts and date book using the included USB cradle. You can also beam information to other Palm OS handheld owners using the IrDA infrared port.

The Sony Clié PEG-T615 comes with a number of exclusive Sony features. The Jog Dial navigator allows you to access images, phone numbers, notes, even video clips, while keeping your other hand free. And you get virtually unlimited data storage with Sony's Memory Stick removable media. Transfer digital content between your Clié handheld and other Memory Stick-compatible products, including digital cameras, digital camcorders, and PCs. The PEG-T615 can also be used to remotely control audio and video products up to 15 feet away using its enhanced infrared port and Remote Commander software.

The Sony Clié is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98, 98 SE, 2000 Professional, and Me, and connects to your PC using the USB port. It comes with a USB HotSync cradle (which also charges the lithium-polymer battery), detachable AC adapter, stylus, and a protective cover.

What's in the box

• Clie handheld
• USB HotSync cradle
• AC adapter
• Stylus
• Protective cover
• Installation CD-ROM
• Application manual
• Read This First
• Registration Notice
• Graffiti sticker
• End User License Agreement
• Limited Warranty Statement

Customer Reviews

A Great General-Purpose PDA
T615C Review

I have had a Sony Clie T615C for a week now, and here are my impressions and some considerations for potential buyers.

PROS
- The T615C has a great screen. Text and other fine details are crisp and easy to see thanks to the 320x320 resolution (four times the pixels of the typical 160x160). Photographs are particularly stunning on this display, and you can fit much more text on the screen (with proper application support). Having experienced the higher resolution, I would never go back to the lower resolution of other PDAs.
- The beautiful slim design (only half an inch thick) makes the T615C very easy to fit into pockets and other confined spaces. Also, the unit feels very sturdy and well-built.
- The Jog Dial and Back button are great enhancements that all PDAs should have. Once you start using them, they will make navigation through programs much easier. (I believe that these are currently only available on Sony Clie models like the T615C.)
- The 16 MB of RAM is much more than enough for most users; I have about a dozen programs installed, plus a full dictionary, and have only used about half the space. Also, inexpensive Memory Sticks can give you even more room.
- The included application bundle is quite comprehensive, with a photo viewer, paint program, games, and more. Especially valuable for Microsoft Office users is a full version of Documents To Go 4.0. (Note that some of the included programs are demos only.)
- MIDI music clips on the T615C sound great and make for fun alarm sounds.

CONS
- Colors on the screen tend to be a bit washed out and muddy (not fully saturated). For example, the red on a T615C screen is not as "vibrant" as the red on a computer monitor. This appears to be a function of using the backlight, since the colors are much better when viewing the T615C screen in direct sunlight (of course, you will almost always be using the backlight). This issue is not important unless you need perfect color reproduction for some reason.
- Some T615C units seems to have brighter screens that others, due to manufacturing inconsistencies. Nevertheless, unless you compare the screen side by side with other units, you probably won't notice it.
- There is no way to charge the T615 without using the cradle, which is a bit cumbersome to carry around. There is a small AC adapter, which connects to the cradle, and a USB cable to connect the cradle to your computer, which results in a big jumble of wires. If you do a lot of traveling, I recommend investing in a travel charger.
- It is unfortunate that Sony is calling the T615C a "personal entertainment organizer" since I find it to be better-suited for everyday business / personal management tasks, not entertainment. This model is not well-suited for playing action games, since the application buttons and the scroll button are somewhat small. Also, it does not play MP3s without a special accessory. If these things are important to you, look elsewhere. Note that *stylus-based* games look great, sound great, and play great on the T615C.
- There are not many third-party accessories (e.g. keyboards) for the T615C... yet. This situation will get better over time. Also, though Memory Sticks are great for storage, the MS interface has not been widely adopted for implementing add-on peripherals, like a GPS receiver. If accessories are important to you, you should consider a Palm or Handspring model instead. (Though remember that accessories do detract from the portability of a PDA, particularly a slim model like the T615C.)

ADVICE
- Before you buy, visit a local retailer to see the T615C in action, especially its amazing screen.
- If you purchase the T615C, I strongly recommend getting a screen protector at the same time. A protector is a thin plastic film that is laid on the screen to protect it from scratches. Though you may be able to keep away bigger scratches by handling the unit carefully, it is possible for dust to get caught under the stylus and scratch the screen slightly during normal use. Check online for PDA screen protector manufacturers.
- I also recommend getting a case, though this is not as important as the screen protector. You can get a hard case, pouch, or belt clip case, depending on your needs. There are not a large number of case options for the T615C, but enough to satisfy just about anyone.
- If you are on a budget, you can get the T415 for about half the price. It does not have a color screen, and has only 8 MB of RAM, but it is even thinner than the T615C and has all of the other features.
- For more buying information and advice for the T615C and other Clie models, I have found the Clie Source web site to be an excellent resource. (Amazon does not want URLs posted in reviews, so check a search engine for the URL.)

In summary, I highly recommend the T615C for anyone who wants a great PDA, but who doesn't need a lot of add-ons or entertainment functions. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Sony delivers!
I've been a Palm user since 1997 (Pilot Personal, Palm III, IIIx, IIIxe and Vx)so I thought It was time for a color upgrade, my choices were between the Palm m505 and CLie T615 (Handspring is going to stop making the Visors on behalf of the Treo- phones and I didn't like the low/cheap quality of the Visors anyway).

Well, choosing the T615 over the m505 is a no-brainer, It took me few days of research, you get double memory (16Mb) which really makes a difference!, the color screen in brighter and hi-res (320x320) compared to the m505 (only 160x160)-once you get used to that neat, sharp screen,its hard to go back!. Very important, the high quality craftmanship of the Sony case (aluminum) is impressive, very slim but feels rock-solid! just like a Lexus :) The buttons are not that easy to use cause thay are very stylish, but once you get used to the jog dial/back button you realize you really dont need them anymore!

The enhanced infrared port is a plus, with >15 feet is now really useful as a remote commander (the included software is excellent too.) Also the new polyphonic speaker is very nice and loud, it plays even MIDI and WAV files that you can download from your PC!
The only complaint I have is about the stylus, which feels a bit too thin for a comfortable grip, but I'm already used to it.
This is a great PDA, very innovative and with Sony's high quality standards!
I really recommend it!!

Unlimited Future
Sony has a winner in the Sony PEG T615C. 16MB of onboard memory, with external memory expandable up to 128MB with a memory stick (...), high resolution 320x320 screen (twice as sharp as the Palm m505 or the Handspring Visor Platinum), and the thinnest form factor out there. The Clie has surprising heft for its size; it feels reassuringly solid, like it was machined out of a solid ingot of aluminum. The digitizer works great, and the ousnd fetures are an added bonus. I work in a hospital, and the added memory is very helpful: I use a dictionary, drug guide, emergency reference and two other reference titles and I still have 8MB free space on the internal memory. PLUS I have 150+ photos on my memory stick, along with a few movie titles. Also, using Sony's MS Autorun, the Clie will run programs that are split between the internal memory and the Memory Stick.

Since the Clie is now in a new form factor (the T series versus the N series), this leads to its one failing: lack of accessories. No wireless (or wired!) modem, only one case style available, and the audio adapter and camera. Once more accessories become available, the Clie will be a runaway winner