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Page Two of Asus "MyPal" A620BT PocketPC with Bluetooth
Two LEDs in the top left corner of the A620BT provide notification of battery charging, alarms and appointment alerts, and Bluetooth activity.

The A620BT features a fast IrDA port with 4Mbps/115kbps speed capability. This feature worked well, but like most PocketPC’s, the port is on the side of the A620BT. Inconvenient when "beaming" to another PocketPC or trying to use the screen, in normal portrait mode, while communicating with a laptop computer. I would have preferred the port be placed at the top.

In addition to the usual applications built into Windows Mobile 2003, the A620BT includes a great program called SmartKeeper. This is a very useful program as it automatically and intelligently backs up existing system status and data in order to prevent loss when the power level is low. A back up utility is also provided to save all your data to a Compact Flash card. The Asus Settings utility allows you to control the A620BT's screen brightness, processor speed, microphone sensitivity, audio volume, treble, and bass, as well as other functions. A basic application launch program is also included, but would have been more useful if it contained functions to close running applications.

imageThe A620BT includes a CD of additional software that you can install. Included are full versions of:
IA Presenter – Allows you to play Power Point presentations
IA Album – A very useful photo tool for image viewing
IA Zip – A WinZip compatible file compression/decompression utility
Zera – Puzzle game where you arrange balls to remove them
Boyan’s Crystal – A shooting puzzle game where you combine balls in groups of three.
Dung Cleaner – An arcade game where you climb ladders and clean up…stuff.
Pocket PC 2002 Themes – Many themes to customize the look of your PocketPC

Trial versions of a number of other applications and games are available on the CD. If you want to continue using them after the trial period, you must purchase them.

In a world of "reduced cost" manufacturing, it is refreshing to find a product that still includes a printed manual, something I really appreciate. It is very common to find computer products that have a one page "quick start" guide and the complete documentation on the CD. The A620BT comes with a very complete, printed, instruction manual. I was impressed that the Asus quality extended all the way to the Docking Cradle. Unlike most docking cradles, the Asus cradle is a solid design with a "weighted" base and two wide rubber pads to prevent slipping. Once placed on the desktop, I never had the cradle move when I did not want it to. One nice touch is the guide tabs, which are a part of the plastic back support on the cradle. The tabs slip into the recessed "channel" on either side of the A620BT. Unlike many PDA cradles where the user must always carefully place the PDA into the cradle so that the connector lines up with the PDA, I could easily drop the A620BT into the cradle without having to always line up the connector and remove the A620BT from the cradle with one hand. The guide tabs allow you to quickly "drop" the A620BT into the cradle and have perfect alignment almost every time. The carrying case is even surprising. A basic case design with a long, cover flap which closes using a Velcro pad, it is a simple design using a scuff resistant material. It even has a small pocket for an extra Compact Flash card. The impressive part is the firm plastic insert that is built into the case to protect the front of the A620BT. This is a nice feature for a standard case that is included with the product. Something you would normally only see on premium, after-market cases. Unfortunately, it is missing a belt loop or clip, which would have made the case much more usable.

The weight and feel of the A620BT is comfortable and easy to use. The smooth edges and texture are a nice part of the design. After two weeks, I have had no problems using the A620BT. It has become one of my favorite PDA’s. The lack of an SD Slot might be disappointing for some users, but the wide range of Compact Flash accessories will allow you to do anything that can be done with SD. And Compact Flash accessories are traditionally less expensive than their SD counterparts. For the price, performance, and features of the A620BT, this is one PocketPC that everyone should consider. The Asus A620BT has won many awards in Europe and Asia. I expect the same will happen here in the U.S.


--Harvey Lee
Technology Editor

Pros:
Great quality
Light weight and slim
Fast Performance
Built-In and bundled software
Long battery life
Competitive Price

Cons:
IR Port on the side
Non-replaceable battery
Low speaker volume

Rating: 9.5 out of 10 Stars.



Buy your Asus 620BT Here and get Free UPS Ground Shipping with purchase of this Pocket PC! Free shipping offer valid through 04/30/2004.

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