Pocket PC with MP3 Player

The e310 from Toshiba is one of the lightest pocket PCs weighing only 140 grams (inclusive of the battery and the stylus). Made of magnesium alloy, the handheld sports a sleek silver look. It has Intel’s StrongARM 32-bit processor at 206 MHz and supports Windows Pocket PC 2002 OS. Besides Pocket PC versions of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, IE and Media Player, the e310 can also play MP3s–a feature missing in rival Palm handhelds. It, however, does not support Mac. It comes with 32 MB of default memory and 32 MB Flash ROM. It has a digital card slot that supports SD memory card, SDIO card and Multi Media card–so you can store data, music, video clips and so on.

Synchronizing data on your notebook (or a desktop) is easy. However, you need to install Microsoft ActiveSync software on the latter. You can then connect the handheld to the notebook via the USB port. Its USB cradle acts as an automatic synchronizer–the moment you save data on the handheld and if it’s placed in the cradle, it also gets updated on the notebook. It supports Wireless LAN cards in the SD format as also Bluetooth. It has an InfraRed port to support wireless file transfer from up to a distance of four meters.

The display is quite clear on the 3.5-inch reflective TFT display. It supports 16-bit stereo, a built in speaker and microphone. It supports voice recording, which however sounds better with the headphones on. Alternatively, you can transfer the audio file to your notebook and get better sound output. This ability is particularly helpful for journalists who can use it to record interviews. Its Li-ion battery can last up to 10 hours. When not in use, the handheld goes into the sleep mode to save on the battery resources. Even when the battery is discharged, the data can be stored for up to 3 days.

Price: The complete kit comprising the Pocket PC, the USB cradle, power adapter, charger, manual and the software CD will cost you Rs 32,990. It carries a one-year warranty.

Contact: HCL Infosystems, Noida. Tel: 0118-4520977. E-mail: ksiva@hclinsys.com

Neetu Katyal in Noida