Cassiopeia 2 Weeks Later
Michael Lynch
Well I finally gave up on the Cassiopeia. I returned it after 2 weeks of
*trying* to like it. I understand that for many this device is a good
choice. But to avoid flames, etc. I will briefly explain why this device
did not cut it:
* The pen is annoying. Imagine using a desktop machine and having to grab a
pen to physically *touch* the screen for every mouse input. Now imagine if
you have to do this while holding the keyboard. That is exactly what I had
to do when using my Cassiopeia on the fly. A pointing stick, track ball,
etc. would have been much easier (IMO). Please don't respond about keyboard
shortcuts--tried them all.
* The screen is annoying. The backlighting is not even close to what I've
used on the Zaurus or Newton (plus there is no way to choose how long it
stays on). The screen is hard on the eyes when used for any length of time.
I found myself avoiding the Cassiopeia because I didn't want to deal with
the screen (my eyes are fine).
* Built-in Apps are not what I expected. Microsoft has stated that most
people will use their Win CE machines with only the included apps. If that
is the case I would have expected a little more. Not even a spell checker?
That is a joke. I also was expecting some quick method of executing the
apps. If I want to enter a quick contact I don't want to have to go through
several pen clicks to bring up the app. Yes I know you could just leave the
app(s) open, but that is not the point.
* I personally could never get the IRDA to work. Maybe I had a bum unit
(this wasn't *the* deciding factor anyway). I couldn't even detect any
infra-red being emitted from my unit (don't ask how). I tried sending,
receiving, etc.--no luck.
* PC-Card Modems and batteries don't mix. For me the whole idea of a small
device that I could use for quick E-mail, web browsing, etc. was very
appealing. But unless you want to use batteries like water, this is not
possible. The device even admonishes you for thinking you can get away with
using a PC-Card on battery power--and suggests turning the power to the
PC-Card off (the Zaurus did the same thing, but had a side-car modem which
used very little power). I finally started using lithium batteries to get
decent duration--but at a higher cost.
I know there are many positive things about the Cassiopeia--but they did
not out weigh the negatives in my experience. Maybe future versions will.
Mike Lynch
mly...@ctaz.com
Michael A. Hammel
You have echo'd my sentiments precisely. Well worded.
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Specialists In Color and Appearance Issues
Michael Lynch
(Re-posted because my other news server apparently ate the first
post--probably to re-appear at a later date.)
Aly EL-Dars
fastest time to market Win CE may promise a lot but still there is a lot
more to be done to get these machines to a reasonably workable plateau.
John King
Michael Lynch (mly...@ctaz.com) wrote:
: Well I finally gave up on the Cassiopeia. I returned it after 2 weeks of
: *trying* to like it. I understand that for many this device is a good
: choice. But to avoid flames, etc. I will briefly explain why this device
: did not cut it:
: * The pen is annoying. Imagine using a desktop machine and having to grab a
: pen to physically *touch* the screen for every mouse input. Now imagine if
: you have to do this while holding the keyboard. That is exactly what I had
: to do when using my Cassiopeia on the fly. A pointing stick, track ball,
: etc. would have been much easier (IMO). Please don't respond about keyboard
: shortcuts--tried them all.
Keyboard shortcuts - you didn't *use* 'em. Almost all menu options,
selections, programs, etc. etc. can be chosen via the keyboard. It is not
any different than any other platform. *IF* you *must* point then simply
tap the screen with the back of your finger nail -- works great!
Why are you holding the keyboard anyway? If you must hold something (maybe
you have to stand up) then your Newton might be better.
: * The screen is annoying. The backlighting is not even close to what I've
: used on the Zaurus or Newton (plus there is no way to choose how long it
: stays on). The screen is hard on the eyes when used for any length of time.
: I found myself avoiding the Cassiopeia because I didn't want to deal with
: the screen (my eyes are fine).
The menu fonts are small but I usually know what I need and can quickly
breeze by them (if you used key stokes you would even need to look :-) ).
For Pword you simply up the font size to say 14 point and it is readable
on the dark side of the moon. Backlighting is plenty good enough for me
(I don't want a suntan) though I haven't seen the Z.
: is the case I would have expected a little more. Not even a spell checker?
: That is a joke. I also was expecting some quick method of executing the
I would expect a 3rd party spell checker. However since connectivity is so
well done, and included, it would almost be as easy to wait and check it
on the desktop.
: apps. If I want to enter a quick contact I don't want to have to go through
: several pen clicks to bring up the app. Yes I know you could just leave the
: app(s) open, but that is not the point.
Hmm. I found wading through menu options similar to other platforms. If
you really use an app or doc a lot you can stick it on the desktop via a
shortcut. But wait there's more ... because of the low memory usage per
app you can have many applications going at once and switch between them
on the task bar -- instant on and off, pick up right where you left it ---
THIS IS A BIG POINT to me.
: * PC-Card Modems and batteries don't mix. For me the whole idea of a small
Think there are AC adapters on the way. Guess you couldn't wait.
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Walter J. Petlevich
<< But wait there's more ... because of the low memory usage per
app you can have many applications going at once and switch between them
on the task bar -- instant on and off, pick up right where you left it
---
THIS IS A BIG POINT to me. >>
I agree but I just wish one could turn off that annoying Taskbar message
popup that wants to warn you about the buttons getting smaller. Sort of
reminds me of that Shortcut to syndrome 95 had until PowerToys were
released. Maybe the Wince PowerToys gurus will add the capability to
deactivate it in their next version :).
-Walt, ...writing on Fri, 13 Dec 1996 16:39 EST.
DOTT net
In <01bbe543$49073800$9f2641ce@ast>, "Michael Lynch" <mly...@ctaz.com> writes:
>* The pen is annoying. Imagine using a desktop machine and having to grab a
>pen to physically *touch* the screen for every mouse input. Now imagine if
>you have to do this while holding the keyboard.
Just how I found the OmniGo Geos machines from HP.
>Please don't respond about keyboard
>shortcuts--tried them all.
Yes, and it's odd. When you have a touch screen, you want to use it.
Fingers are no good, at least not if you have oily skin... minimally the
screen readability is diminished; at worst you can damage the unit.
>* Built-in Apps are not what I expected. Microsoft has stated that most
>people will use their Win CE machines with only the included apps. If that
>is the case I would have expected a little more. Not even a spell checker?
Use WordPerfect 5.1 on an HP ?00LX ;-)
Or, cheaper, use a DOS shareware tool like GDSPELL.
>* PC-Card Modems and batteries don't mix. For me the whole idea of a small
>device that I could use for quick E-mail, web browsing, etc. was very
>appealing.
There are still a few "pocket modems" available for $150-200 for a 14.4 kbps;
these are externals powered by 9v or AA cells so there's no drain on int batts.
Also note Compaq is developing a PC Card that holds a AA battery, hopefully
this will help (hopefully it will switch to internal power when its batt dies and
let you hot-swap!) Note that 14.4 modems draw much less current than 28.8's.
Hopefully the CE machines will convince modem makers that there's still a
market for 14.4 pockets, and supply will drop the price to a reasonable level.
Hopefully,
-Peter
----------------------------------------------------------------
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- Technology is only as good as the good it does. -
----------------------------------------------------------------
mly...@ctaz.com
In article <E27LH...@eskimo.com>,
jo...@eskimo.com (John King) wrote:
>
> Michael Lynch (mly...@ctaz.com) wrote:
> : Well I finally gave up on the Cassiopeia. I returned it after 2 weeks of
> : *trying* to like it. I understand that for many this device is a good
> : choice. But to avoid flames, etc. I will briefly explain why this device
> : did not cut it:
>
> : pen to physically *touch* the screen for every mouse input. Now imagine if
> : to do when using my Cassiopeia on the fly. A pointing stick, track ball,
> : shortcuts--tried them all.
>
> selections, programs, etc. etc. can be chosen via the keyboard. It is not
> any different than any other platform. *IF* you *must* point then simply
> tap the screen with the back of your finger nail -- works great!
>
> Why are you holding the keyboard anyway? If you must hold something (maybe
> you have to stand up) then your Newton might be better.
>
Are you kidding? I thought HPC stood for Handheld PC! I only use these things
for their portability (standing at a payphone, in auto, at airport, etc.).
> : * The screen is annoying. The backlighting is not even close to what I've
> : used on the Zaurus or Newton (plus there is no way to choose how long it
> : stays on). The screen is hard on the eyes when used for any length of time.
> : I found myself avoiding the Cassiopeia because I didn't want to deal with
> : the screen (my eyes are fine).
>
> The menu fonts are small but I usually know what I need and can quickly
> breeze by them (if you used key stokes you would even need to look :-) ).
> For Pword you simply up the font size to say 14 point and it is readable
> on the dark side of the moon. Backlighting is plenty good enough for me
> (I don't want a suntan) though I haven't seen the Z.
>
You are the first person I heard who claimed the backlighting was "good." Not
only is it dim, but it has an uneven cloud-like appearanceto it.
> : is the case I would have expected a little more. Not even a spell checker?
> : That is a joke. I also was expecting some quick method of executing the
>
> I would expect a 3rd party spell checker. However since connectivity is so
> well done, and included, it would almost be as easy to wait and check it
> on the desktop.
>
You have missed my point entirely. Microsoft has sstated they think that in
order for this market to succeed the built-in apps have got to be robust enough
that a *majority* of users will need nothing else. In my opinion the applets in
Win CE do not fit that description.
> : apps. If I want to enter a quick contact I don't want to have to go through
> : several pen clicks to bring up the app. Yes I know you could just leave the
> : app(s) open, but that is not the point.
>
> Hmm. I found wading through menu options similar to other platforms. If
> you really use an app or doc a lot you can stick it on the desktop via a
> shortcut. But wait there's more ... because of the low memory usage per
> app you can have many applications going at once and switch between them
> on the task bar -- instant on and off, pick up right where you left it ---
> THIS IS A BIG POINT to me.
>
What other device do you use where you wade through menu options to get to an
app? On the other devices that I have used you press/click one button to go to a
particular app. I don't mean that this is a make or break issue--it is just
something I've come to expect after using Newton, Zaurus, Pilot, etc.
> : * PC-Card Modems and batteries don't mix. For me the whole idea of a small
>
> Think there are AC adapters on the way. Guess you couldn't wait.
>
AC adapters are not going to solve the problem which I described. They aren't
even AC adapters in the traditional sense--they are docking stations. Do you
think I'm going to find an AC outlet at an airport telephone? I am happy enough
to find a phone with a phone jack.
I have tried (and kept) many new just-released devices through the years. I was
not *looking* to find fault with the Cassiopeia--exactly the opposite. I guess I
just am tired of being a guinea pig. It is only in the computer industry that
this type of phenomenon occurs. When VCR's, microwave's, CD player's, etc. came
out they were fully functional. They certainly have improved over the years, but
you can still go back to a first generation VCR and it will play any video you
have just fine. I appologize for the digression.
-Mike Lynch
mly...@ctaz.com
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Evelyn C. Leeper
In article <8505762...@dejanews.com>, <mly...@ctaz.com> wrote:
> When VCR's, microwave's, CD player's, etc. came
> out they were fully functional. They certainly have improved over the years,
> but you can still go back to a first generation VCR and it will play any
> video you have just fine. I appologize for the digression.
Actually, no. The first generation VCRs had only SP and LP.
(Actually, the really first may have had only SP.) I can't take an EP
(a.k.a. SLP) video and play it in a first generation VCR.
(Also, they changed how stereo works, so I suspect new stereo tapes
aren't stereo in the older machines and vice versa.)
--
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+1 908 957 2070 | http://www.geocities.com/Athens/4824
"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library."
--Jorge Luis Borges
mly...@ctaz.com
>> When VCR's, microwave's, CD player's, etc. came
>> out they were fully functional. They certainly have improved over the
>> years,
>> but you can still go back to a first generation VCR and it will play
>> any
>> video you have just fine. I appologize for the digression.
> Actually, no. The first generation VCRs had only SP and LP.
> (Actually, the really first may have had only SP.) I can't take an EP
> (a.k.a. SLP) video and play it in a first generation VCR.
Some second generation VCRs (bottom of the line) also didn't have
LP/EP. But I was referring to *commercial* videos anyway. Any video that I
own or rent can still be played in a first generation VCR.
> (Also, they changed how stereo works, so I suspect new stereo tapes
> aren't stereo in the older machines and vice versa.)
This point is meaningless. The first generation VCRs didn't even have
stereo (let alone Hi-Fi stereo). But the mono track is still recorded by
even the newest Hi-Fi VCRs (so can be played back on any VCR).
Sorry to get off topic--but my point still stands. The Cassiopeia IMO is
not on the same par as other first generation consumer electronic devices.
The Cassiopeia isn't alone here, most other PDAs had the same beginnings.
It is just that the Win CE machines are touted as "Consumer Electronic"
devices. That implies that they are ready for primetime--which I feel they
aren't.
Robert O'Hara
mly...@ctaz.com wrote in article <8517114...@dejanews.com>...
> Sorry to get off topic--but my point still stands. The Cassiopeia IMO is
> not on the same par as other first generation consumer electronic
devices.
> The Cassiopeia isn't alone here, most other PDAs had the same beginnings.
> It is just that the Win CE machines are touted as "Consumer Electronic"
> devices. That implies that they are ready for primetime--which I feel
they
> aren't.
Mike, you make a good point. I would like to clarify one thing about it --
the target audience for Windows CE is the person who uses Windows 95. I
don't think you'd find anyone here in Redmond claiming Windows CE is today
a general consumer device.
Bob O'Hara, Windows CE team
Mark Sumner
Robert O'Hara wrote:
>
> the target audience for Windows CE is the person who uses Windows 95.
I use Windows 95. I like Windows 95. I even develop for Win95.
But after using the Cassiopeia for a couple of weeks, it has gone
back to the store. The interface for Windows CE seems incredibly
frustrating. It's almost impossible to use the machine while
holding it in one hand, as I was constantly forced to switch
between pen and keyboard, and the Windows 95 inface features
which made sense on a 17" monitor were little more than space
wasters on a tiny screen.
I've owned both keyboard based and pen based PDAs. At the moment,
I'd take either over WinCE.
For now, the Pilot remains my PDA of choice -- small, fast,
inexpensive, and able to link as well as (if not better) then a
WinCE machine.
Mark
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Vareck Bostrom
In article <32C91A...@inlink.com>, ra...@inlink.com says...
the person who uses Windows 95.
> I use Windows 95. I like Windows 95. I even develop for Win95.
>
> But after using the Cassiopeia for a couple of weeks, it has gone
> back to the store. The interface for Windows CE seems incredibly
> frustrating. It's almost impossible to use the machine while
> holding it in one hand, as I was constantly forced to switch
> between pen and keyboard, and the Windows 95 inface features
> which made sense on a 17" monitor were little more than space
> wasters on a tiny screen.
>
> I've owned both keyboard based and pen based PDAs. At the moment,
> I'd take either over WinCE.
>
> For now, the Pilot remains my PDA of choice -- small, fast,
> inexpensive, and able to link as well as (if not better) then a
> WinCE machine.
I generally don't use a pen when using my Cassiopeia - the screen is good
enough (at least in my use) that my fingers work fine most of the time.
My only other PDA was a Newton (the original) and I think the WinCE
machines I've tried are drastically superior to that. It is difficult to
use the pen when you're walking around, but as I said, most of the time
just using your fingers or thumb works great.
I wish Microsoft, in their infinite wisdom, would have predicted this and
not placed the "OK" and "X" boxes so small and so close together - it
rarely happens, but it happens enough to be annoying - that I try and hit
ok with my finger or thumb and end up closing the dialog.
The other thing is I wish there were a little more general-interest
developer support available. I'd like to develop some small, personal-use
applications but the NDA is rather intimidating. Also, general
information on the driver model would be nice - is it something like a
WDM driver model, VXD, what?, etc. If I have a Win95 VXD for a given
PCMCIA device, how difficult would it be to port that to WinCE? Are there
any plans for WinCE devices to have CardBus?
--
===================================================
= Vareck Bostrom / Software Engineer, Intel Corp =
= bos...@teleport.com =
= Speaking only for myself =
===================================================