Quite good but has some flaws (Psion Revo)

Member Name: mneedham

Product:	Psion Revo
Date:	11/03/01 (407 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simply brilliant

Disadvantages: Heavy

In a competitive market the Revo stands out because it does many different things well. The Revo has some limitations. However, its various features distinguish it from the pack.

Keyboard: I had decided to purchase a Handspring Visor. It is a very capable handheld which is easy to use and functional. At a local CompUsa I practiced graffiti and found it slow. I was drawn to a Psion Revo. I practiced with the keyboard. Although it certainly is not equal to a standard keyboard it worked well. The Revo keyboard is as good or better than the after-market keyboards available for the Palm and Handspring. You also do not need to carry the extra keyboard. Edge to Revo.

Screen: The Revo's screen is larger than the screen on the Palm or Visor. It is not backlit (and of course not color) but it is larger and easier to read. Many other reviewers are discouraged by the absence of a backlight but so far I have not had a need for a backlight. Edge to Revo.

Functions: When it comes right down to it, I purchased the Revo because of its existing programs. If you intend to (buy) and load lots of after-market programs on your PDA buy a Handspring, Palm or Windows CE machine. The Revo offers some useful programs on various Symbian (its operating system's) websites, but there are far fewer programs than produced for Palm OS. But look at what you do get: The Revo has the usual, Agenda, Contacts and a To Do list. It also has a very useful word processor. In fact, you can drag and drop Word documents with your PC. I have placed letters produced with Word on the Revo and have edited them while waiting at the DMV. Later, with my PC I drag them back into Word and print. There is also a spreadsheet program which works well with Excel. For some the word processor and spreadsheet capability (with the compact keyboard) makes the Revo the handheld to buy. In most cases, edge to Revo.

Syncing: When I compared the Handspring with the Revo I was most concerne
d about syncing. If the Revo did not sync well I would have returned it. I use Microsoft Outlook at work on a Windows NT platform. On Outlook I enter calendar dates, use tasks extensively and contacts too. I absolutely had to have accurate and thorough syncing. As far as I can tell, the Revo syncing is flawless. In fact, sometimes I find myself picking up my Revo to add or check a date or to do. I have not used the e-mail feature due to the volume of e-mail I get. My systems administrator told another colleague using a Handspring to avoid the e-mail function as well. I expect both the Handspring and Revo to handle e-mail equally well. Edge to Revo.

Expandability: The Handspring is getting a lot of attention because of the Springboard. The expansion modules may one day make the Handspring the PDA to have. I bet most people really do not need or want the modules available today (except for the extra flash memory.) You cannot expand the Revo. It has 8 mb which seems to fill fast. Moreover, the battery pack in the Revo, which has a lifespan of about two to three years, must be replaced by Psion. Edge to Handspring. Think carefully, as I did, about what you really expect to get from your handheld.

MAC use: I have an iMac at home. At work I use a PC. The Revo is not yet Mac friendly. A serial adapter is needed. If I had to sync with a Mac I would not buy a Revo.

Features: The Revo uses an easy to navigate file and folder format. There is a full feature calculator, jotter and database. You can connect with a cellular phone which has a similar infrared connector. I have not tried this. Apparently, if the cellular phone has a modem you can access the internet through your regular ISP.

Summary: Handhelds are easy to use. If you use an organizer, such as Outlook at work, a handheld will make your life easier. The Revo stands out because of the keyboard and useful programs. There are things the Revo does very well compared to equally priced P
alms. The Revo cost £250. In that price range it is an exceptionally versatile tool. You may be able to get more at a higher price, but for a meat and potatoes handheld, this product functions very well.

A Revo Plus will be on the market shortly. It will offer 16 mb. The list price is £400.

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