Widescreen viewing in bright colours

THE Samsung Nexio S160 is a budget-priced PDA (personal digitalassistant). For quick and basic organiser functionality, Palm devices(like the Palm and early Handspring models) reign supreme. Windows isWindows: familiar idiosyncrasies.

This week's Samsung is a solid example of a Windows-poweredPocketPC.

The S160 in your pocket

The word PocketPC itself sums up the basic intent behind the wholefamily of Windows-powered devices. It's an attempt to duplicate yourfamiliar Windows desktop PC so that all the "features" that we havebeen enjoying can fit our biggest pocket.

With the right clip-on accessory, you can watch video clips,access your e-mail and do just about most things that you can on yourWindows desktop. You can also listen to MP3 tracks (depending onmemory size and battery life, which on a colour device is notoriouslyshort) and of course, operate a diary (Pocket version of Outlook) andyour contacts list.

It's clear that a Windows PDA offers a different group ofutilities and entertainment to its Palm, Linux or Symbian siblings.

A stylish design

The Samsung Nexio S160 looks and feels sleek. The screen is brightwith 64K colours. You have the familiar Windows layout with logos andall. This device offers multi-media functionality in a smart littlepackage. Battery life is a little on the average side but it is to beexpected for a device of this type. The screen is built onto a stronghinge and is pretty flexible.

The specs

* Operating System: Microsoft Windows CE.NET (4.1).

* CPU Intel PXA250 400MHz.

* Transflective LCD display (800 x 480, 64K colours).

* Memory Flash: 64MB ROM (NAND type)/ 128MB SDRAM.

* Wireless Comm: Built-in WLAN (802.11b) Module, Wi-Fi Certified.

* Interface CF Type ll /USB port for syncing (PC sync.,VGA-out,Power charging).

* Battery: Li-polymer 1500mAh (rechargeable).

* Battery life: two hours under constant use.

* Key button: five-way key for easy navigation (four-directionalplus one for action)/ three programmable hot keys/hold switch.

* Leather cover for keyboard (optional).

* Size: 155mm x 91mm x 13mm (with leather cover).

* Weight: 250g (including battery and leather cover).

* Included Accessories: USB cradle/ AC adapter/ USB Data Cable/VGA.

* Output cable/ Quick start guide/ Nexio S160 CD.

* Leather cover/portable stand/stereo.

* Ear-microphone.

* Optional Accessories: Li-polymer 2000mAH extended battery.

* Keyboard: 53-key QWERTY style keyboard for easy data entry.

The price

The price for the Samsung Nexio S160 varies according to thedesired package. It's about RM4,747 for the Samsung Nexio S160 PDA(400MHz PXA250, 128MB, WinCE .NET 4.1), about RM567 for the S160-EB2000 mAH extended battery, about RM339 for the PA-S160E spare ACadapter, and about RM225 for the S160-KBD Samsung Nexio detachablekeyboard.

As usual, shop around in the electronics outlets at Bukit Bintang,KLCC and so forth. You can also check out prices on-line. Go to thewebsite www.dynamism.com to order direct from the US.

Initial impressions

The Nexio S160 is compact and provides good value. You can fit itinto a large pocket or bag.

Samsung is an excellent game-playing machine, and for basic PIM(personal information management), it is fine if you're already usedto navigating Windows. If you come from another OS (for instance aPalm or Epoc device), then you'll need to acclimatise for a while.

The on-board programmes are pocket-sized versions of Office andalso the Internet Explorer gives the appearance of your desktopbrowser.

There is a strong family of Windows portable programmes and eBookscoming on-line so PocketPC owners can expect the rich array offeredto Palm and Epoc users.

The bottom line

This column's Value Rating system is a somewhat arbitrary analysisof a whole PDA/mobile device package comprising design, features,price and real-world user testing in the life's daily stresses.

The Samsung Nexio S160 belongs to the Windows family of PDAs. Ifyou want colour and the familiarity of Windows screens on a PDA, youshould check this one out. I would want to handle the gizmo for sometime before giving it a rating.

Web resources

Samsung:

www.Samsung.com

www.Samsung.com.my

PocketPC sites:

www.microsoft.com/pocketpc

www.pdabuzz.com

http://cewire.com

www.pda-archives.com/windowsCE.html

www.wincity.com/index-pc.html

www.inquiry.com/techtips/wince_pro

www.memoware.com