OmniGo Review

BjpDoyle@aol.com
XXX, 3 Nov 1995 22:31:17 -0400 (EDT)

I have had an OmniGo 100 for about a week. My primary use and need of a PDA is as an organizer. I have been looking for a complete replacement for my Franklin (paper) planner and I have finally found it! Previously, I used a HP200 along with a small notebook to keep notes, jot down phone numbers, etc. The OG with pen entry and Graffiti replaces both for my needs. I flip the keyboard behind the screen and use pen entry 99% of the time. Graffiti is excellently integrated into the PIM and Financial applications. I have a friend with a Newton 120 who is extremely impressed with the Graffiti integration and wishes his Newton could do the same (although I understand the new Newton 2.0 OS should improve this).

Ratings:

Organizer Functions and Use -- EXCELLENT
Value -- EXCEPTIONAL for $350 compared to Zaurus, Psion, and Newton
Screen -- OK, this is the area that needs the biggest improvement. This needs a bigger, crisper screen
Speed -- GOOD, but could be quicker
Pen Entry -- EXCELLENT, Graffiti and Ink are easy, intuitive, and work well
PIMs -- VERY GOOD, needs "smart linking" like the Zaurus and Newton to be rated excellent
Financial Apps - usual HP EXCELLENT
Engineering -- EXCELLENT, creative use of Pen and Keyboard
Memory -- OK, 2MB would be better
Communication -- Unknown, have not explored this yet but assume will be OK with PC card
Overall -- VERY GOOD, needs better screen to be rated excellent but I will be very happy using it until the OG 200 is available.