HandEra 330


HandEra 330

By David Haskin
Tuesday, May 15, 2001 12:00 AM

7.8 Editors' Rating




The HandEra 330's most visible innovation is the high-resolution 240 by 320 pixel, 16 grey-scale LCD. This displays roughly three times as many pixels as other Palm OS handhelds, which have 160 by 160 pixel screens. Applications developed for the HandEra 330 can rotate 90 degrees between portrait and landscape modes, which enables you to see, for instance, more spreadsheet columns. The bundled Quickoffice Microsoft-compatible spreadsheet and word processor support the ability to rotate on-screen content, although the standard personal information management (PIM) applications such as the calendar do not. Still, the crisp image combined with the ability to rotate screen modes makes the HandEra 330 the most visually usable handheld we've seen for applications that don't require colour. HandEra has also enhanced the 330's input capabilities, borrowing some ideas from Pocket PCs. Like those devices, the 330 features both a button and a jog wheel along its left edge. The button works like a keyboard's ESC key, cycling you through previous screens. The jog wheel acts like an Enter key when you press it and cycles you through records (such as contact entries) when you spin it. Also like a Pocket PC, the 330's Graffiti text-entry characters are visible on-screen, and the unit comes with a voice-recording application plus built-in microphone and speaker. With both a CompactFlash slot (like a Pocket PC) and a Secure Digital slot (like Palm's new m500 series), the Handera 330 is more expandable than most handhelds. So a vast array of add-ons will work with the device. By using four AAA batteries, the 330 delivers twice the battery life of its competitors, and a rechargeable battery will be available later this summer. Considering the functionality it packs in, the device weighs a reasonable 167g, including batteries. Our only complaint about the HandEra 330 is that it uses a slow serial connection instead of USB for its docking cradle. But overall, this innovative device is easier to use, more expandable, and costs about the same as the competing Palm m500 and Handspring Visor Edge. It's a compelling handheld choice if you value power, flexibility, and usability over slimline dimensions or a colour screen.

Software Reviews

Windows Server 2008 iSCSI multiple connected session modes

Enterprise Servers & Storage

For administrators using Windows Server 2008's iSCSI initiator, selecting the right connection policy is critical. Rick Vanover explains the options for the ease-of-entry storage protocol.


Read more »


 
Virtualize your way to cost savings
Build an infrastructure that is flexible, scalable, and economical, as you strive to become a truly agile business.

Red Hat Outlines Its Virtualization Strategy and Roadmap for 2009
» Watch the video




Tags

  1. accelerometer
  2. acer inc.
  3. battery
  4. camera
  5. device
  6. gps
  7. headset
  8. high tech computer corp.
  9. htc touch
  10. keyboard
  11. microsd
  12. microsd card
  13. microsoft windows
  14. microsoft windows mobile
  15. mobile
  16. phone
  17. screen
  18. smart phone
  19. touch screen
  20. video