Digital Trends

Sony Clie TG-50 May 19th, 2003 | by Brian Bordenave

Use and Testing

 

A visit to a local consumer electronics store that shall remain nameless proved that the Clie TG50 is quite capable of controlling most electronics on the market, with some exceptions.  I wandered the store turning devices on and off, frustrating a few customers who were shopping.  Personally, I found a few incompatibilities with my Panasonic TV which is about 6 years old and my Kenwood 5-disc CD changer which is even older.  If I had to guess my appliances are older than the codes on file within the Clie. 

 

Besides productivity, the Clie TG50 is loaded with features for passing the time.  MP3 playback is seamless and enjoyable, sound quality is good for an MP3 player, yet it lacks, depth.  Although it is equipped with Sony's MegaBass™ circuitry, I found it did not measure up to the sound quality found on similar MD or CD players.  The difference is not dramatic, that is to say the sound is not poor. To clarify, the sound it delivers is quite good, but if you are an audiophile or you have a sensitive ear, you will notice the difference in sound compared to a quality dedicated audio device.  I think it is important to note that in order to use the Clie as an MP3 player it is necessary to purchase a Memory Stick (available in 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB).  One thing I would like to see is the incorporation of an AM/FM function in order to be able to hear local radio stations.  While this could be perceived as an extraneous add-on, it is a feature many people would enjoy if available.  Commuters, travelers and anyone who enjoys listening to sports radio, talk radio or just music could enjoy their favorite station while they are getting organized or conducting business on their PDA. 

 

The Clie TG50 is capable of playing video games, movies and displaying photos. As a gaming device, the full-color screen makes the games enjoyable, but I'd like to see slightly better graphics. The games I played which were included were fairly basic and did not employ high-level graphics.   As for movie playback, full-motion video is amazing for a handheld, while somewhat choppy for fast-action video. I was impressed given the simple fact that this is first and foremost a handheld and not a TV.  The limitation of the device is the size of the Memory Stick.  Most movies greatly exceed the capacity of Memory stick technology, so watching a feature length film is not yet possible.   I don't think you would want to watch a full-length film on the TG50 simply because the 320 x 320 screen is too small.  Besides the form factor of the screen ruins what we all enjoy about the big screen and our tubes at home.  Size matters for movies and TV programs.  Overall, I preferred the Clie's ability to organize and display photos.  It is a great device for the transport of photos and memories.  If I were a business traveler on the road a lot, it would be invaluable to me to have such a device that was capable of carrying photos of my family at home.  For that matter, it is a great back-up device for presentation graphics in case the originals become corrupted or the laptop bombs out while on the road. 

 

Conclusion

 

All in all, Sony's Clie TG50 is an extreme device.  It is important to remember that first and foremost, this is a PDA.  It is not a portable TV, nor is it a Harmon Kardon stereo.  What it is, is sheer technological genius.  In its basic form it is not complicated by swivel screens or built-in cameras. The PEG TG50 is yet another example of Sony's prowess at building competent multifunction electronic devices that satisfy the needs of today's demanding consumer and greatly impact the overall quality of their life.  Overall, I believe Sony's Clie PEG TG50 ranks a competitive 9.