Casio 4MB PDA $49 at Target BM no rebates Retail $79

[rondeemc]

I have been looking for a low cost basic PDA and I was just at Target (TX) and picked up a Cassiopeia PV-S400 Plus-L with 4 mb memory for $49 plus tax. This was not a closeout but a price cut so it should be available in other areas. Best price I could find searching was $75. Used on Amazon are $59. Comes with cradle for automatically sync with Outlook.

manufacturer's link

Technical data


Standard memory: 4 MB
Maximum memory: 4 MB
Expansion slot: No
Display type: Monochrome
Display colors: N/A
Display size: 2.4 by 2.56 inches
Resolution: 160 x 160
Display backlight: Yes
Processor: 20 Mhz NC3022 CPU
Operating system: Casio PV operating system
PC compatible: Yes
Mac compatible: No
PC system requirements: Windows 95, 98, Me, and 2000
Mac system requirements: N/A
Handwriting recognition: Information unavailable
Keyboard: Onscreen
User controls: Stylus, front cursor keys
Memo pad: Yes
Address book: Yes
Scheduler: Yes
E-mail: No
Web browser: No
Security: Information unavailable
Stereo: No
Built-in speaker: No
Headset jack: No
Voice recorder: No
MP3 playback: No
WMA playback: No
Audible content playback: No
AC adapter included: No
Battery type: Two AAA batteries
Batteries included: Yes
Average battery life: Up to 180 hours
Desktop import/export formats: Microsoft Excel and Outlook
Serial: Yes
USB: No
Infrared: Information unavailable
Wireless: No
Docking cradle: Yes, serial cradle
PC cable: No
Other hardware: Hard cover
Software: Pocket Sheet (for viewing and editing Microsoft Excel spreadsheets), calculator, expense manager, currency converter, world clock
Width: 3.2 inches
Height: 5.0 inches
Depth: 0.62 inches
Weight: 6.3 ounces
Parts warranty: 1 year
Labor warranty: 1 year

 

[k000]

I just wanted to add that Casio uses their own own OS on this one, so you can't use any of the Palm or PocketPC softwares..... It is basically an electronic organizer. Casio also calls it 'Pocket Viewer' and not a PDA.

If I wanted to buy I would also research about it's pen-touch technology - can it read running hand-writing/graffiti/or just characters !

 

[rondeemc]

From Casio's website:
The CASSIOPEIA Pocket Viewers are sleek, pen touch PDAs. The PV-S400Plus features 4MB of Safe Flash Memory (2MB user and 2MB add-in plus OS). The PV-S400Plus allows the user to copy, view and edit Microsoft® Excel 95/97/2000 documents as well as synchronize to Microsoft® Outlook 97/98/2000.

It does have handwriting recognition capabilities.

 

[olouie]

good and cheap, but i would skip this unless your kids wants a present

 

[Tominator]

My wife has used her's for a year without complaint. It does 99% of what the brand name PDAs will do...

 

[rondeemc]

Just an update on the Casio. It is more then I expected for the price. Sync works fine with Outlook (ver 2000 on an XP system). The manual is minimal and the web help is not much better. A bright note is the fact that they have toll free support. Transfer is somewhat slow with the serial connection/processor as expected. Haven't tried importing a spreadsheet yet. The quick memo works very well and the pen has three width settings that are valid.

Highly recommend if you want a basic PDA with some nice features at half the price of the base Palm. It uses 2 AAA's so recommend some high cap NiMH batteries to keep costs down.

 

[Mysterie]

Had the PV200 years ago. There is almost no need for rechargeables. I used it constantly and didn't go thru batteries like water (it was so long ago I barely remember how long between, that's also why I need an organizer ). Decent for beginners or people who just want a quick organizer for info. I was considering finding a deal on one of these for a Mother's day gift (can't imagine teaching my mom how to use a Pocket PC or a Palm when she barely knows how to turn on a PC, or even why she would need it) as an upgrade to a 10 year old electronic address/memo clam-like organizer that she uses. Thanks rondeemc!

BTW I forgot to mention, right when I upgraded from my PV200 was searching for Palm software I found there are sites with user created software for these PDAs. There is or was a development community for this PDA. Use yahoo or something and you may find the sites.

 

[rondeemc]

The manual says the backlight is the main factor with battery life. Casual use of the light gives you about 180 hours of battery life with standard alkalines. I am expecting more with the NiMH high capacity units.

 

[Mong]

A Walmart I stop at on my way home from work is dumping these also. 9 days ago they were $60 (from 79.96) then $40 now $20 so check around.

Crap !!! I forgot to post what else I found at WallyWorld. New post on the way.

 

[Flair]

But will the Casio allow you to download cool apps off the web for free???? I love DopeWars, Scrabble, and PalmaSutra for my Palm. You have to consider this when making a purchase decision.

 

[Boseaphus]

BTW...anyone know where I can find a 8mb palm os PDA for a really good price ($50ish). My local fry's has one for $89.00 (Visor) but wasn't sure if there were other deals out there.

Nate

 

[rondeemc]

Boseaphus
See Mong's lastest post in hot deals, someone found them at Walmart in the 30's