HPC Evaluation
Function Testing Review for the
Vadem Clio
Requirements
Sound, stable manufacturer and market proven product
Vadem is
provider of mobile computing products and systems to OEMs for the past 15
years. The Clio is also the basis for the Sharp TriPad.
Near or under
$1,000.00
MSRP $999.00 - Can be purchased for as little as $868
Instant power-on
Push the power button and the Clio is on and you resume working where you
left off.
Cradle or cable
only connection
Simple serial cable connection via DB9F-DB9F null modem cable. Includes
adapter to connect the cable to Clio. The docking adapter is also where
you plug in AC. The adapter seats well enough but it is easy to disconnect
when both wires are attached. I would recommend a second cable if the system
is going to be used on multiple machines.
Ability to be
connected to Internet and/or Home Office and retrieve email (RAS)
I
was able to synchronize remotely and access the Internet via the RJ RAS.
IE/CE has a nice feature called “fit to window” which resizes the width
of the page to fit on the screen. My home page,
http://www.dawleyonline.com/
, is designed for viewing at 800X600. I changed the view to “fit to window”
and it worked well with minimal distortion. The configuration is a little
odd, you have to use your PC's IP addess as the primary WINS server.
Easy, one touch
or no touch synchronization
Synchronization
can be set to active mode. As you save or update Outlook items, it is automatically
updated on the Clio.
Color screen
The
Clio 9.4” 640X480 256-color DSTN display. While the Clio’s display cannot
compare to a display on a true laptop in terms of resolution or color depth,
it is highly functional. It is usable outdoors but not in direct sunlight.
Presentation
ability - Run PowerPoint - Nice screen size and view
The
Clio has Microsoft Pocket PowerPoint. I ran up the sample presentation and
it worked. It would make sense to have someone who makes a lot of presentations
look at it to see if is suitable for the task.
Keyboard and
keys large enough on which to touch-type
The
16.5mm center to center keyboard is functional though touch typists may
find the keyboard a little cramped.
Functions
Touch
pen
The
Clio comes with a stylus and is one of the primary ways to navigate screens.
Touch pen with
satisfactory handwriting recognition
The Clio handwriting recognition is satisfactory. It will work for note
taking, but I suspect that the keyboard will be the primary mode of local
input. One has to be careful resting your hand directly on the screen while
writing because Clio may try to interrupt it as input.
Windows CE 2.0
or better operating system
The Clio comes with Windows CE version 2.2
Outlook98 synchronization
Synchronization can be set to active mode. As you update Outlook items,
it is automatically updated on the Clio. Outlook synchronization is very
easy and very solid.
PC/ANYWHERE
CE 1.0
I downloaded and installed PC/Anywhere CE. It worked fine. The 640X480 resolution
is a little cramped, but it allows you access to a remote machine and it
is fully functional.
External VGA
port
No
external VGA port, but the Clio can use a VGA PC/Card.
Ability to send
documents directly to print
If
the printer has an infrared port, printing is no problem. I tested printing
a week’s worth of Outlook items and the speed seemed quite reasonable. The
Clio can also print by attaching the serial cable directly to the printer.
Ability to view
and run Advisor’s Resource/Digest
I
was able to access to traverse the Digest with no problem.
Storage space
minimum
The
Clio contains 24MB ROM and 16MB RAM and can be expanded. The Clio has Type
II PC Card slot and a Compact Flash slot.
Infrared
The
Clio has an infrared port that can be used to print, synchronize and transfer
data with other Handheld PCs.
Touch sensitivity
I
am a semi-touch typist. I did not make many more typing mistakes than I
usually do. I would not want to do
lot of typing at one stretch on this keyboard. The arrangement if functional,
but I expect it would aggravate my carpal tunnel after an extended amount
of time.
Upgradeable/Expandable
(RAM, Modem Speed, etc.)
The
Clio has Type II PC Card slot and a Compact Flash slot.
Built-in modem
The
Clio implements a 33.6Kbps low-power modem via software.
Battery life
- how long the unit can go on a charge (test for 3 cycles)
The
Clio was partially charged when I got it. I charged the batteries fully
the first night I had it. I
did not need to recharge until 2 days later. I would guess that I am getting
a solid 8 hours of active use. I left the Clio connected (with ActiveSynch
running so it was up to date) throughout the charging process. It took about
8 hours to charge under those conditions.
Battery
- how long it will take to recharge (test for 3 cycles)
I
left the Clio connected (with ActiveSynch running so it was up to date)
throughout the charging process. It took about 8 hours to charge under those
conditions.
General Comments
I was dialed into work
with two active telnet sessions with 2 calendar entries open one of which
I was editing with the handwriting recognition on battery power. An impressive
display of multitasking functionality! Sure beats being chained to my
desk! I have had the Clio for 12 days. I have really put it through its
paces. I have to say I am very impressed! It will not solve all of my problems.
It helps me keep on top of things, keep connected. It will not do everything
a laptop will do, but that is not the intended use of this machine. The
Clio was well above the "glorified Palm III" that I was expecting before
I started this evaluation. It is a solid blending of current hardware and
software. I do not want to give up the machine.
Recommendation
Until someone can show me a more capable machine, the Vadem Clio is the
one I would buy.
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