5. Changes Needed

But this PDA has its faults. Wireless connectivity proved problematic. Usually, whether with a Centrino-based PC, a Mac equipped with an AirPort card or a simple PDA with a Wi-Fi card, the device automatically detects the available networks. It doesn't always connect, but at least it tells you they're there, even if you do need an access code. But that's not the case here. If you don't know that wireless access is available, don't count on the PMA 400 to clue you in. It won't detect any wireless network for which it's not configured.

And then each time you use the PMA within range of the access point, you'll have to launch the connection manually. That's a little complicated for a device that's supposed to be mobile - especially since its reception range is limited. We tested it with a wireless network with a connectivity range of 275.6 sq. ft. (84 sq. m), and the PMA lost the connection beyond 23.0 ft. (seven meters) from the terminal.

Connection problems aren't the only ones we had with this device. Some problems are minor, and one is more serious. Among the former are the unit's two USB ports and the games function. Some of the titles installed on the PMA 400, like Asteroid, are a lot easier to play with a joystick. Not a problem, you say - just plug one into one of the USB ports. Yes, but both of them are in B (or mini-USB) format. And joysticks with that type of connector are rare.

The other problem is more serious. In player mode only, the PMA 400 had a battery life of 10 hours; in PDA mode, the battery life was only 3 ½ hours. And, by default, if there is no activity for one minute, it shuts down. However, you can set the device to never go into sleep mode or to do shut down if there is no activity for an hour.