Product Requirements:
Desktop: Windows 98, NT 4.0, Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows XP

Judie's comments in BLACK        Julie's Comments in BLUE

There are a couple of features that we as the PDA buying community have learned to expect when we purchase a new device. Then there are those features that can differentiate between a good device and a "dream machine."

For the Palm sector, a good device would probably include: 8MB of RAM, a color screen and a memory expansion card slot of some kind. A dream machine might have: 16MB RAM, a 16K high resolution screen, a memory slot of some kind, a built-in camera, multi-media capability, and a soft graffiti area. (Hmmm, sounds like I am describing the new CLI� NR70V, doesn't it?)

Is that why we BOTH pre-ordered them? :o)

In the Pocket PC community, a good device would include: 32MB RAM, 16MB ROM, a 16K high resolution screen, multi-media capability, and a built-in Compact Flash (CF) or Secure Digital (SD) expansion slot. A dream machine might include: a minimum of 64MB RAM, 32MB ROM, a 16K high resolution screen, multi-media capability, two built-in expansion slots, and a small form factor - preferably with a built-in screen cover. Of course, adding "always on" CDMA wireless capability without compromising battery life would truly bring such a device to "dream machine" status - at least for me, but I digress...

My dream machine would be the Toshiba e570 with the battery life of my old Palm III, 128mb of RAM, 8mb of non-volatile RAM, built-in Blackberry / i705 wireless features and a flip lid. :o)

Okay, if we are going to go there: Right now my dream machine would be the new Clie NR70V...running Pocket PC 2002! But what are the chances of that happening?;0)

While the Hewlett Packard Jornada 560 series actually comes quite close to fulfilling many of the basic points on my "dream machine" list, there is one area in which it falls slightly short: a second built-in expansion slot. Similarly, there are many ways that the Compaq iPAQ 3800 series could have been a contender - but for the lack of a second built-in expansion slot and an integrated screen cover. Manufacturers of both of these devices have certainly come out with expansion solutions for their respective Pocket PC models, but the fact of the matter is that by adding their versions of expansion that utilize "sleds" or "sleeves," you will also add to the original device what can amount to substantial weight and bulk.

I agree... and that's the one reason why I've never been completely in love with the iPAQ. Besides increasing the size of the device, if you use a sleeve, you need a different case to carry the PDA in than when you just use it without a sleeve. 

Casio hit a home-run with me, as many of you will recall, when they released their latest Pocket PC, the E-200. Sporting all of the requirements on my list (except for the built in screen protection), the E-200 seemed like a true solution for those of us that can't leave home without two memory cards - or a memory card and some other after-market add-on that fits in either the SD or CF slot.

Julie and I were pleased when we were offered the choice by Microsoft of receiving either a Compaq iPAQ 3870 or a Toshiba e570 Pocket PC. As many of you know, we personally purchase the majority of the PDAs that we review here at The Gadgeteer. Since these purchases come out of our own pockets, we often have to make the tough decision of which PDAs we will be able to review or not, based on which ones we are willing to buy. Since we had both already purchased iPAQ 3835/3850s last year, and Bluetooth was the only difference between those models and the new 3870, we each decided to ask for the e570.

Right, I wanted the Toshiba because it was something new and different than what I had used before. That said, I pretty much hated the style when I first saw it at Mobius 2001.

Exactly! But then, you have to remember that we barely got to handle it - since every other person was crowded around trying to play with it, too! Plus it had the Japanese OS, so it wasn't like we could do that much with it. ;0)

For those of you that may or may not be aware of it, the Toshiba e570 is essentially the same exact PDA as the Audiovox Maestro. The main differences between the two devices are the obvious company branding and the additional 32MB RAM that the e570 has over the Maestro. The Maestro is marketed as a consumer device, and you can purchase one on the web or in various brick and mortar stores. For whatever reason, the e570 is aimed solely at the corporate enterprise market. In fact, the only way that I am aware of to purchase one is to call Toshiba directly.  Needless to say, the 64MB e570 is definitely the version I would have chosen were I making the purchase for myself... and why a Pocket PC manufacturer wouldn't think that everyone, consumer and corporate buyers alike, would like that choice is beyond me.

I don't understand the way Toshiba has chosen to do things either! The e570 could be a really popular PPC if it was available in retail outlets. As it is, people have to 'work' at buying one. <scratching my head on that one>

Before I received the Toshiba e570 earlier this month, I was very happy with the Casio E-200. I figured that it would continue to be my "Daily Driver" for some time...well, at least until the new X-Scale processor devices begin to appear later this year. However, within 15 minutes of opening the e570's box, I realized that I was becoming infatuated with the muted silver styling of the Toshiba, verses the flashier personality of the E-200. Since the temptation bug would have never bitten me if the E-200 and the e570 weren't so similar in their hardware features, this review will contain a lot of comparisons between the two PDAs.

Before I received mine, I was on a 'vacation' from my PPCs and using the Sony CLI� T615C as my main brain. I was all set to stay in the Palm OS camp too, but it didn't take long for me to feel a tug back into Pocket PC land when the Toshiba arrived. The dual memory slots and size did it for me. 

Because no PDA relationship should be based solely on the lure of good looks and a slightly smaller overall body size; I resolved to really get to know the e570 in an effort to determine if this might really be the right PDA for me, at least for right now.

Hardware Specifications
These are the e570's specifications, according to the Toshiba Website. Any differences I found are noted in red, as are my comments:

Processor: Intel StrongArm, 206MHz (1.75V)
Main Memory: 64MB on board SDRAM
Program Memory: 32MB CMOS Flash ROM
Display: 3.5" A-Si TFT Reflective Color, 240 x 320 (portrait) resolution (16bit), Fluorescent lamp front light, Internal display supports up to 64K colors
The display actually measures 2.9" (7.3cm) tall x 2.2" (5.7cm) wide.
Touch Panel: Analog resistance sensitive system touch panel
Buttons: 5-way navigation button, 4 (re-mappable) application buttons, and a voice record button (also re-mappable).
Expandability: 1 Type II CF card slot (3.3V), 1 SD card slot (3.3V)
Ports: Cradle connection port, stereo headphone jack, infrared port (115kbps)
Sound: Philips UDA 1341TS Sound Chip, 13 bit stereo, 44.1kHz sampling rate, Full Duplex support, adjustable sound volume (by software), built-in speaker and microphone, stereo headphone port
Dimensions: 3.0" wide x 4.9" tall x 0.07" thick
Weight: 6.3oz (My e570 weighs 6.5 oz (184g) with no expansion cards or stylus installed)
Battery Pack: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery, 3.7V x 1000mAh capacity
Operating System: Microsoft Pocket PC 2002
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor, 1 year battery
Included in the box: One (extremely flimsy) stylus, a USB cradle, an AC adapter (w/power cable) and a soft (supposedly) leather slipcover (but it feels and smells like cheesy plastic!), MS CD-ROM, and a Quick Start Guide.

My first impression of the e570 was how tiny and slightly "CLI�-like" it seemed to be. When I picked it up, I liked its weight, and the way it felt in my hand. The matte silver and grey body looked professional and slightly understated. I liked the blue rubberized side rails, in fact, I think they lent to the CLI� "feel" of the device. This is not a flashy Pocket PC like the E-200 or even the iPAQ 3800; although I do think it is just a little bit showier than the HP 560.

My first thoughts about the Toshiba were that it seemed more business like... more "matter of fact". It definitely looks more professional than the HP and the Casio and not as futuristic as the iPAQ. Although I didn't care for the style at all, when I first saw the unit months before; actually having one in my hand for a few minutes was all it took for me to fall for it.

I really like the physical size of this Pocket PC. I'm pretty sure that it the most compact PPC 2002 device so far that has both a CF and SD slot built-in. I have only played with Judie's Casio E200 briefly, but I think the Toshiba might even be a little smaller.

Actually, it is. And we will get into size comparisons in just a little bit...

I like the e570's weight, its size, and its shape. It feels good in my hand and is comfortable to hold and use.

Yes, next to the HP 565, the Toshiba is my pick for the Pocket PC that just feels good to hold. This unit is solid and when squeezed from any direction gives no disconcerting groans, so it easily passes Julie's creak test.

I should mention that since I am not usually one to actually read the instructions, much less the "Quick Start" guide that accompanies any new PDA, I was thrown for a loop when I first tried to turn my Toshiba on. It appeared as if my unit was dead, and just as I was about to refer to the guide in frustration (horrors!), I saw the little sliding Battery Switch on the bottom. Just as on the iPAQ 3600 series, this switch will also perform a hard-reset when pushed to the right. Unlike the iPAQ, there is also a Battery Switch lock that will keep you from accidentally doing this. I'll talk more about this feature later...

Heeheehee! Judie, I did the same thing! I thought mine was DOA and started getting really disappointed. But unlike you, I did open the Quick Start guide. Panic will do that to you, even if you are a Gadgeteer! <blush>

The e570 has a button layout that will seem slightly familiar to those that are used to the iPAQ's, in that there are two application buttons on either side of a somewhat centered directional pad. The Toshiba's joy-pad is listed as being 5-way (right, left, up, down, and hold/select), and as such it may hinder some serious gamers. The good news is that there are no multiple button press issues like the iPAQ 3100/3600/3700 series had. This button layout is also reminiscent of every Palm device's, and it is probably my most favorite. The joy-pad is the best one (in my opinion) of all the PPC 2002 devices so far. It is the easiest to press and has a comfortable soft touch to it. It is also curved slightly inward, like a bowl, so that your thumb or finger will rest inside - just enough so that you needn't be concerned with your digit slipping.

Because I have been happily using the E-200 for several months, and even chose to use the HP 565 over the iPAQ 3800 when my Casio's backlight failed, I think I can finally say that I have conquered my iPAQ bias. That stated, the e570 is the first Pocket PC that I have felt was as visually appealing as the iPAQ to my personal taste. One of the things that makes the Toshiba even more attractive is the fact that you can customize it with the addition of interchangeable side rails. Seriously. In an attempt to make the e570 more personalized, Toshiba has released a four-pack of colorized side rails, in black, teal, maroon, what can best be described as "puke yellow."

I also like the interchangeable side rails. Although the colors that are available aren't the most pleasing (who picked the mustard color?!), it's still a cool idea. What I'd like to see is brushed metal rails or even polished wood rails... I mean, why not?! ;o)   I think wood or metal rails would be an excellent touch, although I suppose it might defeat the "grip" idea. ;0) You could still have ridges cut into the rails... That is very true - and it would look cool, I bet. Since the Casio E-200 and the Toshiba e570 are the most similar of the current crop of Pocket PC 2002 devices, I will conduct most of my comparisons between these two devices.

As you can see, the Toshiba is slightly shorter than the Casio. It is also a bit narrower, but it is of the same thickness. This is a picture of the e570 lying on top of the E-200. As you can see, the Casio's body is clearly visible from behind the Toshiba. Measured at Widest Point Height Width Thickness Toshiba e570 4.9" (12.5cm) 3" (7.8cm) 0.7" (1.8cm) Casio Cassiopeia E-200 5.15" (13.1cm) 3.2" (8.2cm) 0.7" (1.8cm)	From top to bottom: the Toshiba e570 and the Casio E-200
From right to left: Toshiba e570 and Casio E-200	The Toshiba and the Casio have the exact same size screens, which while they are slightly smaller than the iPAQ's, are certainly easily viewable. The screen is small like the HP 565. I think Toshiba might use the same screen because like the HP, it has a slight warm up period when you turn it on. It takes about 5 seconds before the screen is at its full brightness level. I think I prefer the larger iPAQ sized screen because it doesn't have the warm up period and obviously because it's larger. If I understand correctly though, the smaller screens on the Toshiba and Casio Pocket PC 2002 devices might actually be sharper than the iPAQ's, because they are the same number of pixels in a tighter area. The main place that this might make a difference is in the area of e-books, viewing pictures, and when clear-type is enabled. I think you're right... but for me, I like the bigger and brighter iPAQ screen.   Viewable Screen Area Toshiba e570 2.9" (7.3cm) tall x 2.2" (5.7cm) wide Casio Cassiopeia E-200 2.9" (7.4cm) tall x 2.2" (5.7cm) wide
Here you can better see the two PDAs stacked on top of each other, and their similar thicknesses.	From top to bottom: Toshiba e570 and the Casio E-200
From left to right: Casio E-200 and the Toshiba e570	...and finally, a comparison between the Toshiba and Casio's weights shows that they weigh exactly the same emptied of all styli, CF and SD cards.     Weight Without Styli or Memory Cards Toshiba e570 6.5 oz (184g) Casio Cassiopeia E-200 6.5oz (184g) It is interesting that the Toshiba occupies slightly less space than the Casio, yet has the same mass. Since I actually have a preference for small items that have some heft to them, this really appeals to me.

Now that you have the comparisons of the two most similar Pocket PC 2002 devices, it is time to take a look at what makes the Toshiba unique in the Hardware department.

The Toshiba's power button is located on the upper right edge of the PDA. As a former Palm V user, I like this position as it is familiar to me - even after all this time. I've had a strange problem with the Power button. More often than not, pressing it to power off the Toshiba doesn't work the first time. I don't think it's me not pressing it hard enough, but it's some other problem. Maybe the contacts aren't the best with that button. All I know, is that it is annoying to have to press it more than once when I want to turn the PDA off. You know what, though? This isn't just a Toshiba issue. I have noticed this problem with my other Pocket PC 2002 PDAs, but none seem to be as bad as the iPAQ 3835, in my opinion. I would venture to say that this might actually be a weird PPC 2002 software issue, not so much a hardware issue. I never had that much trouble with my 3835, but I sure notice it with the e570! There is a charge indicator light on the upper left edge. While the e570 is charging it will glow amber, but upon completion will glow green. The LED will also blink amber when an alarm goes off. There are four programmable buttons arranged two-by-two around the joy-pad. In their factory default settings, these will activate the Calendar, Tasks, Home, and Contacts applications. The speaker sits directly to the right of the joy-pad, or "cursor/navigation button" as Toshiba calls it. MP3 playback through the e570's speaker is decent, although using a set of headphones is definitely my preferred method. On the Toshiba, voice recording playback is surprisingly crisp and clear, in stark contrast to the poor quality I experienced with the Casio. To determine which PPC out of the 3670 iPAQ, 3835 iPAQ, HP 565 and Toshiba has the loudest speaker, I did a test where I placed all 4 devices side by side on a wooden table and listened to them play the default alarm sound at their max volume levels. The result of the test was that the 3670, HP 565, Toshiba and 3835 stacked up in order of loudness. For MP3 listening, I listened to the same songs at the same volume level thru the same headphones (Sony MDR-G52's) on all 4 PPCs. I picked "Cowboy" by Kid Rock because it has some great separate channel action going on in each ear, Journey's "When the Lights Go Down in the City" because I like it when Steve Perry sings, "Woa Ooo Oh Woa Oh Oh," and "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" by The Soggy Bottom Boys because I like bluegrass. Out of the four PPCs, the Toshiba sounded just fine. I think it's probably second to the 3835 iPAQ. The 3670 iPAQ is just too loud and makes my ears bleed while the HP just doesn't seem quite loud enough. Actually, I think all the PPCs make great MP3 players.

I am not sure whether the button layout of the e570 will be a problem for gamers or not. Personally, it seemed fine to me for the logic-type games I like to play. I found it perfectly comfortable even for some fast paced action games. The layout isn't as gamer friendly as the Casio EM500, but it still works fine.

The back of the e570 is quite plain, as there are none of the removable batteries like you will find on the Casio. For some, this may be an issue, but I don't mind a single internal battery. My reasoning is that when the battery gets low, a warning will show and then the unit will power down, preserving enough juice until you have a chance to get it to the charger. My only concern with the Toshiba is that the battery is only 1000mAh capacity. While this is slightly better than the 950mAh of the Casio, it bites when compared to the iPAQ's 1400mAh. Hopefully someone will step up with a larger after-market battery...too bad Toshiba didn't. I for one, would certainly pay for that option. :0/ Ditto on that remark. I think Toshiba dropped the ball there. That's one of the biggest, or basically only complaint that I've been seeing regarding the e570. A really small battery size. Personally, I've not had a problem yet. But then I have an AC adapter at work which I plug in if I listen to MP3s, and I frequently place the PDA in the cradle when I'm at home. I think that while the Toshiba actually gets quite decent battery life, a larger battery would just be a really outstanding touch - especially when you consider the people that are supposed to be using this device. I would imagine that many mobile workers would want a longer lasting battery so that they would not be tied down to a car or desktop charger. The two little nubs that you see near the bottom of the e570's back are for locking the unit into its cradle.

From right to left: Casio E-200 and the Toshiba e570

The top of the e570 contains the headphone jack, SD/CF slots, and the stylus silo. The SD/CF slot cover located on the top of the Toshiba has been a source of consternation for some, and I am one of them. While I like the idea of an attached cover for the expansion slots, this one just seems ill-fitting and slightly cheesy. I will say that it is exceptionally strong though. One of the benefits of not having actually paid for a device, is that you are willing to be a little more daring with your handling of it... With that in mind, I conducted a highly unscientific stress test and while holding onto the opened SD/CF door, I gave the e570 several really vicious shakes. The door remained firmly attached and did not distort. I would guess that even though the door is not perfect, it at least shouldn't break off. I do not like the plastic CF/SD card cover at all. It's the cheapest part of the whole PDA. Mine doesn't even lay flush with the top of the device. I would much rather see the slot be more like the one on the HP 565 which is just an opening without a cover over it.

The left side of the e570 is where you will find the Microphone, Record button, the Infrared port, and the Reset button.

As I mentioned before, the Toshiba does a great job of recording voice notes, so the location of the microphone does not hinder that feature in any way. I was able to speak in a normal tone to the front of the e570, and the recording I made was completely usable.

The Record button is slightly recessed and unobtrusive. Unlike many of my other PDAs, I have not accidentally turned it on...not even once.

I hate the location of the Infrared port. The only good thing about it is that since I don't use this feature that often, it's not too big of a headache.

I don't care for the location of the IR port, either. I've never been a fan of having it located on the side of the device.

The reset button is next in line. While the stock stylus's tip will easily activate it, the hole it resides in is so narrow and deep that you almost have to use a paper-clip or the reset pin included on many after-market styli if you decide to use a different stylus.

I know! Every time I need to reset, I'll try to use the tip of a ballpoint pen, and every time, it doesn't reach. Hmmmm, you'd think I'd learn after the 5th try, huh? Well don't feel bad, I did the same thing. ;0)

I have found that the PDA Panache Palm III stylus (the classic nail shape) fits the e570's silo just fine, and therefore that is the one I am using. As an added bonus, it has a nice long reset pin hidden under the screw cap.

As with most PDAs, the right side of the Toshiba e570 is totally plain.

The bottom of the Toshiba has the Battery switch lock, the Battery switch, the Cradle connection port and the AC adapter jack. As I touched upon earlier, the e570's battery switch is very well thought out, because you can't accidentally perform a hard reset. You have to consciously move the battery switch lock, then slide the battery switch before a reset will occur - a nice safety feature! Since I already have many iPAQ accessories, I was happy to find that the 3600 chargers seem to work just fine on the e570. At least that's one less thing I need to buy! ;0) Exactly! I took my extra iPAQ charger to work as a backup. One thing that I noticed, when I went to buy a serial cradle for the Toshiba was how freaking expensive they are compared to other PPC accessories! I about fainted at the $59 price tag! I decided I didn't need it THAT bad.

Once again, I have been fortunate and have received a dust free PDA. It is sad that I should feel grateful for this, but I do.

When I compare the e570 with the E-200, with both PDAs on their maximum brightness settings, the e570's screen appeared "whiter," while the E-200 had a "grayer" cast to it. Comparing the 3670 iPAQ, 3835 iPAQ, HP 565 displays to the Toshiba, I found that the screen at full brightness had least vivid colors of the bunch. Some people have said that the Toshibas have a pink tinge to them. I don't see this with mine. I would say that mine has a slight greenish or bluish tinge... I do notice that my Toshiba isn't as evenly lit as my other Pocket PCs. It seems to have darker corners. But see, when I hold my Toshiba and look at it straight on (medium brightness), I don't see any dark areas. It is when I have the screen tilted that I notice "shadows." This may just be a matter of one needing to adjust the way they hold the PDA. If I compare the PPCs all displaying the same image at max brightness, I find that my eyes like the 3670 and Toshiba (after it warms up) the best. They both have the brightest screens although maybe not the best/brightest colors. For color depth / warmth, I think the 3835 iPAQ has an edge over the other PPCs.

From left to right: Compaq iPAQ 3670, Compaq iPAQ 3835/3850, Toshiba e570, HP 565 From left to right: Compaq iPAQ 3670, Compaq iPAQ 3835/3850, Toshiba e570, HP 565

The cradle that comes with the Toshiba has a nice heft to it, and like the Casio's it takes a little bit of practice to perfect the art of removing your PDA with one hand. Since I am right handed, I place the tip of my right ring finger on the cradle's base, and push down as I use my thumb and pointer to grasp the e570 and pull it up and out. The cradle has a great weight, but unfortunately it takes two hands for me to remove the Toshiba from its base.

As usual, the stock stylus included with the e570 is the typical light-weight tacky plastic toothpick that we are all accustomed to. You need to watch out for the tip on it, too... Yes, the stylus that comes with the Toshiba should be registered as a 'deadly weapon'! Why? Because it mutilated my display on the 2nd day after getting it. >:o[ I was NOT happy! This is the first PDA I've ever scratched... As a result, I actually put a screen protector on the screen! I never used protectors before, so it has been a slight adjustment getting used to them.

Just like you'll find with the Casio and the iPAQ 3600 series, Toshiba has included a cheesy slipcover. Although it is described as leather in the accompanying literature, I can tell you that it doesn't smell or feel like any leather I have ever purchased on purpose. My guess is that a lot of "naugas" were relived of their "hydes" to make these. ;0) I have to admit that I have done a 180� turn in my position on slipcovers. I used to absolutely hate them, and don't get me wrong, the stock ones generally deserve such loathing, but I am growing to like the idea of a simple slipcover. If I could have one that was elegantly done in say, a brown crocodile...or even better, a Louis Vuitton fabric, I would definitely be interested. I'm with you! The less bulk the better as far as I'm concerned. Most of the time, I'd end up taking my PDA out of the case to use it anyway... So a slip cover just seems more convenient.

So what's the verdict on the Toshiba e570 regarding hardware? I like it! I like the layout of the buttons, the clarity of the speaker, the size of the unit, and the fact that it packs two expansion slots in such an elegant manner. Did it replace my Casio? You bet it did. The styling of the Toshiba is more "me" and as a result the e570 is the device I will be packing.

I also like the Toshiba quite a bit. Right now, it's my main brain. The only thing I would want changed is a brighter screen. Other than that, I'm very happy with the e570.

Software Specifications

When you first get your Toshiba e570, there are two things you need to do before you load a single bit of software on the device. The first is to install Microsoft's DRIVER UPDATE, which is a Pocket PC 2002 patch that will noticeably improve speed and performance.

Next, you need to follow the instructions listed here to perform the SD AND CF FIX. "What in the world?" I can just see you shaking your head and wondering.

Here's the deal: Like Compaq, Toshiba released a Pocket PC that listed cards as "Storage Card" and "Storage Card2." YUCK! When I first realized this I was ready to riot! Remembering all the grief I went through with my iPAQ, I was almost tempted to blow the Toshiba off as my "Daily Driver" for this transgression (yes, I can be that petty). Fortunately, I didn't have to, as some forward thinking individual discovered this registry change that makes CF cards show up as CF cards, and SD cards as SD cards. YAY!

I applied this registry hack after Judie told me about it, and was very happy!

With those two fixes out of the way, it's time for a minor rant...Why do these Pocket PC manufacturers short the consumer when it comes to the software included on the CD? I mean, so what if it is for a corporate end user?! I mean, how much trouble would it be to get together a CD that contained some great business oriented freeware and shareware that was specifically directed to corporate users? It makes sense to me, but I guess it doesn't to the powers that be.

Tell me about it! I think the Toshiba has the worst bundle of any PPC so far! That's because it does!

With that said, let's jump right into the software portion of this review...

Pocket PC 2002 Software Included in ROM:
Pocket Outlook - This is your PIM (Personal Information Manager) Suite of applications. You get Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Notes, and Inbox. All of these applications will sync directly to Outlook 2002 on your desktop PC. Inbox can now sync multiple folders!

Pocket Internet Explorer - Web browser.

Pocket Word - View and edit Word documents.

Pocket Excel - View and edit Excel documents.

Microsoft Reader 2.0 for Pocket PC - Read electronic books.

Windows Media Player 8 for Pocket PC - Listen to digital music and watch movies.

MSN Messenger - Instant Messaging client just like the one on your desktop.

Microsoft Transcriber - Handwriting recognition input method. This is now part of the ROM instead of an optional installation.

Block Recognizer - Graffiti clone input method. If you have a Palm OS PDA and know Graffiti, then you'll be right at home with this input method.
This is my favorite input method. It helps keep me proficient in my graffiti for when I am using my Palms. :0)

Terminal Services Client - With the terminal services client a Pocket PC user can access Windows Terminal Servers and run Windows applications. It only works with Windows Terminal Servers, which run on NT 4 servers and Windows 2000. It does not work with 95, 98, or ME.

Spellchecker - A great new spellchecker available for use in Word, and Inbox. Unfortunately, it's not available in the Notes application.

Voice Recorder, Calculator, Solitaire - We can't forget your typical voice recorder interface, a simple calculator and the solitaire game!

e570 Specific ROM Software:

Built in Storage - If you were looking for space in the Flash ROM for extra storage, such as is available with the HP 560's Safe Store, the iPAQ's File Store, or the Casio's Built-in Storage, you will be sorely disappointed. Once again, I am left wondering Why?? Perhaps this is yet another penalty for being a corporate consumer. Not only do you not get any exciting software on your setup disk, you also don't get access to the extra 5-point-whatever-MB of RAM that the PPC 2002 OS didn't use...BIG CON in my book. Perhaps there is an explanation for this, but I don't see any special built-in Flash ROM  programs included with the e570 that would eat up this memory, so my guess is that Toshiba just decided not to share it. BLAH!

It makes me mad that there might be some extra memory available that's just sitting there being wasted! I wonder if someone can write an app to "unlock" it?

Oooooo - I hope so. Okay, I am issuing the challenge...unless someone knows of a reason why it wouldn't work?

Optional Software to Install:
The included setup CD the typical one that contains Outlook 2002, and Active Sync 3.5. It also contains the following:

Microsoft Money for Pocket PC -  Works with Microsoft Money 2002 on your desktop computer. Putting Money on your Pocket PC provides a convenient way to keep up with expenses  while you are out and about - then you can sync everything when you get back home. I've been using this updated version for a while now, and I am happy to report that it works way better than the 2000 version ever did - it also has a plug in for the today screen that simply rocks! :0)

Microsoft Reader - This is the version everyone was waiting for - solves the DRM problem, and allows you to download protected books from sites such as Barnes and Noble, eFollet (excellent selection) and Amazon (affiliate link). You can even listen to Audible books from within Reader! You will have to activate your Pocket PC to read the more current titles, but at least you can use up to four devices with the same activation passport. Once you have activated, there are several free titles you can download courtesy of Microsoft. Hey - you can even load Reader to your computer, and it will read un-encrypted books out loud to you!

Microsoft Pocket Streets - Portable maps for your Pocket PC.

AvantGo - Allows you to take personalized web content on the go, with you, on your Pocket PC.

MSN Mobile - Hotmail service for inbox.

Microsoft pocket PC Games - Includes Hearts, Reversi and Minesweeper. These games are actually already available (for free) from the Microsoft Pocket PC site.

Manuals - The entire Toshiba Hardware manual, in .pdf format, as well as the e570's Users Guide

Just as Casio did, Toshiba has completely under-whelmed me with their lame software selection. Once again, if you don't already own quite a bit of Pocket PC ARM software (as I already did), you might be compelled to look further into a different Pocket PC - such as the Compaq iPAQ or the HP 560. Yes, regarding software, Toshiba dropped the ball...

Oh well, unless the manufactures would include full versions of their software with the PPCs instead of just shareware versions, it's not that big of a deal. People can just go search for what the need. But I do agree that it is disappointing not to include anything but stock Microsoft apps.

Summary:

Poor CD software package and lack of "built in storage" file notwithstanding, I am very impressed with the Toshiba e570. The hardware is notable due to its small size and sturdiness. Since the Toshiba does have the benefit of at least running on an operating system with which I have been relatively pleased, I can make up for software deficiencies by adding my own. Some of the first programs I installed were Pocket Informant, Loan Analyzer, and Palm Reader.

During the e570's evaluation period, I have begun to read new meaning into the slightly crass one-liner that goes, "He may not be Mister Right, but he is Mister Right Now." I mean, just because the PDA looks a certain way and feels a certain way in hand, does that necessarily make it better? The reality is, that with the relative uniformity that the different Pocket PC devices feature - especially between the E-200 and the e570 - it really does just seem to come down to what style PDA you prefer.

That's right. Now that all the PPCs use the same processor and for the most part all have the same features, it's the one that looks and feels the best to you that you should buy.

Price: $569

Pros:
Dual expansion ports built into very little more space and weight than a single slot Pocket PC
Very solid and compact Pocket PC
65,000+ color screen is viewable outside

Cons:
No built-in file share as with other PPC 2002 devices
Anemic collection of software included on CD
Included slipcase is cheesy
SD/CF cover is poor fitting and cheesy