Product Reviews

Don't worry, the price isn't a typo: for £134 the CLI PEG-SJ33 really does offer a superb 320 x 320, 16-bit colour screen, Palm OS 4.1 and high-quality audio playback.

And audio is undoubteldy this PDA's main focus. The first sign of this is the bundled pair of in-ear headphones, complete with volume dial. The audio player, which plays ATRAC3 and MP3 files, is simple to use and delivers excellent quality thanks to a dedicated sound chip. It will last a while too: we squeezed almost eight hours of life out of the 800mAH battery playing MP3s non-stop.

Previous CLI owners looking to upgrade will appreciate the new combined Power and Hold button, which allows the device to be used as an MP3 player with the screen switched off. No longer can you accidentally hit the Hold button and wonder why the handheld won't turn on.

You'll need to buy a Memory Stick to take advantage, though, as the CLI won't play music from the internal 16MB of RAM. This amount is rather overshadowed this month too, but you can't expect more at this price.

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Naturally, there's no docking cradle either, but the USB cable allows synchronisation while a separate power supply plugs directly into the unit's base. We just wish there was a dedicated HotSync button - the only way to achieve a one-touch sync is to re-map one of the hardware buttons.

The low price is also reflected by the SJ33's all-plastic body, which is accentuated by a gloss finish. It looks good when you first get it out of the box, but is a magnet for fingerprints and smears. Still, a removable flip-up lid protects the screen well and, as it's semi-transparent, you can easily check a phone number or appointment using the Jog Dial with it closed. But as it covers all the buttons, there isn't much else you can do.

As with other CLIs, the screen is the best part - bright and evenly lit, they put others to shame. Even outdoors, it's easy to see at most angles and the fast refresh means there's no ghosting or streaking. Naturally, this is a 320 x 320 screen, not 320 x 480 like more expensive CLIs, with a dedicated Graffiti area at the bottom that follows the usual Palm layout.

Palm OS 4.1 looks gorgeous on the SJ33 and includes all the expected Sony-enhanced apps such as the address book with photo support. Kinoma Player is bundled for movie playback and Palm Mail is usefully included in ROM. There's even the addictive Bejeweled for after-hours entertainment, and CLI Paint for some on-screen dabblings.

Optional extras are reasonably priced, with a docking cradle at £26 the most notable option. But, as standard, the SJ33 offers awesome value if you're after a PDA that doubles up as an MP3 player.