12. TOSHIBA Pocket PC E570 - Reasonably Priced

Toshiba Pocket PC E570.

With its no-frills, classic design, the Pocket PC E-570 is the most compact of all of the devices tested (77.5 x 125.0 x 17.5 mm). The competitors of the E-570 are up to eight millimeters longer (Compaq Ipaq). Despite its miniscule proportions, this Pocket PC still offers both, SD and CompactFlash, slots. By now, there are all sorts of expansions available, particularly in the CF format. In addition to memory cards and modems, you can choose between wireless LAN modules, Bluetooth cards and many other possibilities. Even more appealing is the fact that the E-570 enables you to use two different expansion components simultaneously, without having to go to the trouble of switching modules. However, since Toshiba has positioned both of the expansion slots on the upper edge of the case, the infrared port had to be pushed over to the left side of the case. This is a real plus when accessing the Internet via a mobile phone, because you can place it right next to the handheld, making it possible to read both displays. The downside, though, is that it is more difficult for two Pocket PCs to communicate with one another. In fact, two-person infrared games are next to impossible.

Except for the inclusion of two expansion slots, Toshiba does not differ from the competition that much in terms of its hardware. The PDA comes with a USB docking cradle and a leather case. Just like all the other manufacturers, Toshiba has opted not to include headphones. For what it delivers, the asking price for the E570 is relatively low at $569.

The slots on the upper edge of the Pocket PC E570 accommodate both SD and CF cards.

The quality of the display is satisfactory. Scores for both maximum brightness (61.8 candelas per square meter) and the contrast ratio are smack dab in the middle of the test group. Also, there are only five different brightness levels from which you can choose.