Sony CLIE PEG-SJ22 Handheld

I bought the PEG-SJ22 because my old Handspring Visor got Alzheimer's. It kept losing my data whenever the battery runs low. Also a few weeks ago I got my wife a Zire 71 because she wanted the build-in camera for her real estate business and the color screen on the Zire 71 was so nice (see my review for the Zire 71) I decided to get myself something similar but cheaper because I didn't really want the build-in camera, hence the SJ22. With some searching, I found the SJ22 at Staples.com for $95 less then the Zire 71 (~$155 after coupon and rebate and tax, I paid $250 for the Zire 71) and thinking that I was a pretty good bargain hunter! However, I am sad to report that I couldn't setup the SJ22 to play nice with my wife's Zire 71 on the same computer so now the SJ22 is going back to the store. But before I send it packing, I manage to install the software on my 2nd computer and had a chance to review what the SJ22 had to offer.

Screen and Size
The SJ22 is a little shorter but thicker then the Zire 71. The screen for both units are capable of 320x320 resolution but the Zire was brighter. Also, the font on the SJ22 was different then the Zire. When using the smallest font for display, the text for SJ22 was skinnier then the Zire and this made it harder to see.

Software and Hardware
The Sony SJ22 uses Palm's OS 4.1 and the Zire 71 has the latest Palm OS 5.2.1. Even though both use the same processor but the Zire 71 was faster in terms of loading and running applications. Both SJ22 and Zire 71 have an expansion slot for more memory. The SJ22 uses Sony's proprietary MemoryStick while Palm uses SecureDigital / MultiMedia Card. SJ22 helps you manage the additional memory by providing backup applications and Palm comes with nothing in that area.

Sony's address book comes standard with the ability to load pictures for each of your contacts, which seems to make more sense for Zire 71 since Zire is the one that has the build-in camera. Sony also includes better software for uploading pictures into the SJ22 and for slide shows. The picture software has a desktop counter part makes importing pictures into SJ22 a breeze.

Zire 71 has the ability to play mp3s and SJ22 needs an added accessory before it can play mp3s.

Other
The SJ22 also doesn't come with a docking station. Instead it has a connector that has a mini-USB plug and another plug for the power. The Sony takes longer to reach full charge and seems to use up its charge faster then Zire 71 as well. When the SJ22 is charging, there is an amber light at the bottom of the PDA that goes off when charge is complete. The Sony has a flip thing to protect the screen that's very convenient to use but it doesn't seal at the bottom. So the cover just sits over the screen losely. So if you are planning tossing it in a bag or something, I would suggest getting something a little more protective.

Conclusion
If price is a big consideration for you and no need for a build-in camera and mp3 then the SJ22 would be a very good choice. The bundle software works very well together and like all other Palm devises it performs its basic functions perfectly. And even though the color screen is not as good as Palm's it is still way better then anything in black and white. And there's nothing more enjoyable then playing color games on your Palm handheld when you have some time to kill. Just make sure you don't pay the full retail price.