Running Palm OS 5, on an Intel PXA263 processor running at 200MHz, the NX73V has 16MB or RAM and a 300K pixel camera that supports up to 640 x 480 resolution. However, it is the screen that is the biggest attention-grabber as its capable of 320 pixels of width and 480 of length if you shrink the Graffiti area. Viewing diary dates, or reading files using the supplied Picsel Viewer, which can cope with document types including HTML, PDF and Microsoft Word, is a positive experience because the display format is closer to the `portrait' orientation of standard paper, and therefore somehow feels better than more usual squarer Palm PDA screens.

There is plenty of other software provided by Sony, pre-installed so you don't need to take up any of the RAM to use it. The range runs from an MP3 and ATRAC3 player to an infra red remote control, world alarm clock, handwriting recognition software, digital video and stills viewers, email and SMS applications, and software for taking still and moving images with the built-in camera. There is no flash, but you can make settings for indoor and outdoor shots which should help you get the most out of your images.

There are both Compact Flash and Memory Stick card slots, and as is usual with this range from Sony, there is a tiny thumb-tappable keyboard which, if your fingers are small enough, you can use pretty effectively.

This is an expensive, top of the range Clie, which has plenty of multimedia capability but could also be used to good effect at work.--Sandra Vogel

Product Description
The PEG-NX73V redefines the popular NX-Series CLIE handhelds with a new design, improved hardware features, and upgraded application software. Palm OS 5 and ARM-compliant 200 MHz CPU provide enhanced overall performance and an exceptional multimedia experience.The built-in 310, 000 pixel digital camera supports VGA (640 x 480) resolution, and can be used to save JPEG images or MPEG4 motion video onto Memory Stick media (sold separately).Designed for the CLIE Wireless LAN Card (PEGA-WL110, sold separately), the CompactFlash slot also provides limited support for CompactFlash Memory Cards as optional data storage. When the CompactFlash (Type-II) Slot is not needed, it can retract into the back of the unit, maintaining the slim profile.With the optional Wireless LAN Card equipped, you can check email, browse the web, and synchronize data wirelessly with your PC via wireless Local Area Network (LAN access point sold separately, and Internet Service Provider required).Three methods of text entry are provided to give you maximum flexibility. In addition to the built-in QWERTY layout keyboard and standard Graffiti method of entering text, the PEG-NX73V also features Decuma Input Handwriting Recognition Software, which converts your natural handwriting into text. Use the text entry method that's easiest for you.The PEG-NX73V also includes a built-in MP3 player and stereo headphones. You can listen to music on the handheld while using other applications or with the screen turned off to conserve battery life.The built-in Voice Recorder lets you take notes even if only one hand is free, and the adjustable microphone sensitivity helps keep voice recordings clear.Plus, most of the CLIE software that comes with the PEG-NX73V is pre-installed into ROM memory, leaving the RAM memory free for you to add your own software applications!