Brighthand Reviews the ViewSonic V35

Ed Hardy · 04-11-2003, 09:50 AM

The V35 offers a beautiful screen, a 300 MHz processor, and a slim and light design for just $300.

Read the full review at www.brighthand.com/article/ViewSonic_V35_Review

Ed Hardy · 04-11-2003, 10:09 AM

Before any of you ask, yes, this is a new review, and yes, it's for a handheld that was released months ago.

To understand why the review is just coming out now, you have to realize how we get handhelds for review. With very few exceptions, all of these are on loan from the manufacturers or their PR firms. We certainly don't have the budget to buy every handheld that gets released. Therefore, the timing for our reviews depends entirely on when we can get a unit in. ViewSonic only recently sent me a V35 so I was just now able to review it.

Some companies are very good about sending us their products. Others less so. If you've ever wondered why we didn't do a review of a certain model, its almost certainly because the manufacturer wouldn't loan us one.

And no, we don't get to keep all the handhelds. The typical loan period is about two weeks.

Of course, if everyone who read Brighthand every day became a contributing member , we could afford to buy the handhelds and you wouldn't have to wait for some reviews. (Hint, hint.

)

andrewlwood · 04-11-2003, 10:42 AM

Interesting... Was looking at the Viewsonie when l went to pick up an lpaq but rejected it because I'd not read any reviews and wanted integrated wireless. The form factor grabs your attention though... Its a handsome machine (even with the little birds on the front, which l quite like in an odd way). The review makes it seem like a first-time buyers choice, though I'm not sure why - its kind of mid-range in features. Good review though.if l was looking at this or a TT, I'd be swayed - but l am biased

PeteB · 04-11-2003, 12:04 PM

Good review, although I'm somewhat disappointed that Ed didn't more directly compare the V35 to the hp1910, its main competition. When you put them head to head, it's hard not to conclude that the V35 is the better value--more ROM, SDIO, cradle, lighter weight. The V35 is the "little secret" of the Pocket PC world.

The review also didn't mention:

5mb flash memory available for user storage
32 mb of ROM (vs 16 on hp 1910) will allow upgrade to PocketPC 2004/2004 OS
Responsive and sensitive touchscreen that results in good handwriting recognition

And by the way, I don't think the cradle is that huge. Not much bigger than my old Jornada 568 cradle.

Pete

Ed Hardy · 04-11-2003, 01:02 PM

Pete, you make some good points and I added a couple of paragraphs to the review.

> 32 mb of ROM (vs 16 on hp 1910) will allow upgrade to
> PocketPC 2004/2004 OS

Do we know this for certain yet?

ucfgrad93 · 04-11-2003, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ed
Pete, you make some good points and I added a couple of paragraphs to the review.

> 32 mb of ROM (vs 16 on hp 1910) will allow upgrade to
> PocketPC 2004/2004 OS

Do we know this for certain yet?

We may not know this for certain, but it has a better chance of happening than an upgrade for the 1910.

Nice review Ed, with one exception. I personally think that the v35 is light on RAM. With only 36 MB accessible, it is definitely lacking in RAM.

charger71 · 04-11-2003, 01:49 PM

I think that was a great review.

My thoughts on the matter, (having owned a 1910, then V35, currently A600), are that the screen is nice and extremely bright, though the color quality is slightly washed out, not much richer than a relective, though much brighter.

Also, I dont think its fair to compare 1 or 2 pockets pc's in a review, ie. V35 to 1910, as there are other ppc's in the same class, such as the Zayo A600, which is now also $299.

IMO the A600 has a good screen, performance blows both the 1910 and V35 out of the water, battery life is better, has a CF+battery sled etc.. As far as best kept secrets, I'd have to cast my vote for the A600 at $299.. Though if you are set on transflective. I do think the V35 is the best way to go..

I think the bottom line is that they are all great pda's, it just comes down to which features matter most to you.

(One minor qualm though, something I noticed on my V35, Does your speaker make little pop/clicking noises when you have the volume off and you click the start bar and on menus?)

masitti · 04-12-2003, 12:09 AM

So hold on... other users have been bashing the h1910 and how it does not have SDIO... yet there are no SDIO cards that work with the V35 now because drivers aren't released?

imported_Soulstice · 04-12-2003, 02:16 AM

Well for all practical purposes, a BT SD is the only one peripheral SD/IO one can get right now. not exactly big party .. lol

masitti · 04-12-2003, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Soulstice
Well for all practical purposes, a BT SD is the only one peripheral SD/IO one can get right now. not exactly big party .. lol

And even that doesn't work right now with the V35? Or am I mistaken?

Also, there are SD cameras, and SD VGA solutions as well.