VTech Helio Handheld PDA (Metallic Blue)
[Archived in $100 - $200, Organizers, Products]
Manufacturer: VTech
Price at amazon.com: $179.99This item is not stocked or has been discontinued.
- 8 MB RAM, 2 MB flash RAM
- 3 shortcut keys
- Features e-mail, scheduler, memo, address book, expense manager, and a voice recorder
- Stylish color
- 1-year warranty
Product Description:
The VTech Helio handheld PDA allows you to express yourself with a color that best suits you while the 8 MB memory keeps your personal data close at hand. The Helio features an expense manager, a scheduler, a phone book, a to-do list, a calculator, a memo function, and a sketch pad. You can also download e-mail from your PC and write new e-mail drafts to be sent after you synchronize with the desktop. For added convenience, the Helio has three shortcut keys to access applications, two scroll... read more
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VTech seems to be going for a slightly different audience, judging by the some of its color choices (among others, it's available colors include Pearlized Pink, Metallic Charcoal, and Translucent Lime). But other than that, the Helio looks quite similar your average handheld. It also offers a syncing cradle, desktop software, and the basic scheduling, e-mail, and notation applications of other PDAs.
Inside is where you'll find the differences. The Helio offers voice recording (up to 50 minutes with its current storage), memory upgradability (up to 16 MB--although you'll have to remove the current 8MB), and character recognition superior to Palm's Graffiti (the Helio uses CIC's Jot). Instead of having to memorize slightly-off gestures (the "7" for "t", for example), you write the letters and numbers just as you would on paper, which can lead to an impressive input rate.
In addition to three buttons for voice recording and playback, the Helio features three programmable application buttons on the front, and two scroll buttons that are conveniently placed on the side of the device.
However--there are no Internet connectivity options available for the Helio yet, although VTech says a 19.2K or 28.8K modem is currently in development. And since the Helio uses the VT-OS proprietary operating system, the number of third-party applications is much more limited than with a Palm OS-based handheld.
If you're looking for a gift that's a little outside the normal PDA box or just looking for a powerful handheld for general on-the-road tasks, the Helio shines. --J. Curtis
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- 8 MB of internal memory, 2 MB of flash memory
- Voice recorder
Cons:
- No Internet options
- Lack of third-party software
Comment: Better value than most PDA's Rating:
I have spent a lot of time researching the PDA market. The choice was between the eBookman (not yet available) and the Helio. The Helio won on price and availibility. It does everything the other PDA's do, just a little differently and much less costly. I caused a few (Helio) problems on my own, yet I must say VTech customer service was 1) Live, 2) Knowledgeble, and 3) Courteous. Things worth noting: There are some games and applications out there for the Helio. The voice recorder is handy for those who can utilize it. You can sync with Microsoft Outlook seamlessly. There is an ebook reader. The apps with the Helio are user friendly and intuitive as is the Jot handwriting recogntion program. I have found only one flaw-when using the Helio in low/no light situations, the backlight is great except the "Exit" button is not lit. Having to dig that deep to find a flaw should speak as to this writer's opinion of the VTech Helio. Give it a try, you'll like it.
Comment: Good for basic data Rating:
The Helio is just fine for most data storage needs like phonebook, notes and a calc with metric converter. I like the LARGE FONT mode and the screen is of a descent size. I just returned a Clie' Sj22 because the fonts and screen are too small.
JOT hand writing recognition works GREAT... better than graphiti.
On the bad side, the batteries are killing me. 2-"AAA" are needed and on average last only a week. I am a light user. The Duracell Ultra (recommended) may last 2 or more weeks. Rechargeable are lower in voltage (1.2 volts / cell as opposed to 1.5 volts with alkaline) and cause the battery indicator to appear low, even after a fresh charge. This was a bad choice of power supply. Yes, there is a backlight, but I never dare to use it.
I keep my fingers crossed each time I sync because the software (Helio Desktop) can act buggy because it is slow. Once you get a grip on syncing a few you should do OK.
Comment: It is worth the price! Rating:
I purcased the vTech Helio for myself in Dec.2000, from Amazon.
Then,I was given a Palm llle for Christmas.
Since then I have used them both extensively, and have decided that even though my Palm was FREE,:>, the Helio is a much better value, with 4x the memory, a voice recorder, available for far less, when purchased, than any other PDA in its' class.
The vTech Helio will perform all the standard PDA functions, PLUS the voice recorder, as well as any other PDA I have tried!
It is easy to use the script input, with little practice needed to learn the JOT shorthand.(I had more trouble learning the GRAFITTI used by the Palm PDA).
With everyday use, including playing several games, the batteries last 5-6 weeks, (Longer when I use the GOOD ones)
The only drawback I have found is the lack of a flip cover being available for it.(BUY A CASE!!-it is cheaper than replacing the PDA if you, or the cat, drop it!)
Since I am shopping for another PDA because the Palm died of a cracked screen, (the cat did it!), for which Palm will charge $100. to exchange for a refurbished unit,(Their form of repair), I can replace it with the more versatile vTech, at a lower cost, here at Amazon.
Now, if vTech will offer a COLOR capable model....
Posted at November 11, 2003 07:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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