Casio EM500

The Casio EM500 uses stamp-sized MMC-format expansion cards instead of CompactFlash. Otherwise, it’s a standard Pocket PC unit. Controls are the usual buttons for contacts and calendar access, a menu button and a neat four-way toggle scroll controlled with a ‘go’ button in the centre.
The side of the case carries an IrDA window, another thumb wheel scroll/action button, a voice recorder button and the power switch. The top panel offers
a stereo-out jack, the MMC slot and a stylus holder. One problem with having so many buttons is that the voice recorder often cuts in as you pick up the unit; it’s too easy to accidentally press one of the buttons.
The EM500 connects to a PC through a sync port on the bottom. This is covered by a standard Casio rubber flap that is likely to be immediately misplaced. The syn chronisation process can run through either USB or serial ports, through cradle connections. Having both is smart for those with dual connectivity requirements.
Power is provided by a LlOOmAh lithium ion battery which lasts about six hours between charges. A MIPS VR4122 running at 180MHz and 16M of RAM provides the internal go.
The unit APC looked at was a first sample and we had some difficulty locating USB ports and drivers. Once this was sorted, ActiveSync 3.1 was fast and effective, with synchronisation and drag-and-drop translation provided.
The screen was the smoothest of all those reviewed, with a staggering 64,000 colour range, and it was easily the best for viewing photos. However, it lacked the bright and crisp look of the Compaq and Hewlett-Packard units. Overall speed of operation was good, but some slowing was noted when running applications concurrently, even though Casio supplies bTask app management to help reduce clogging.
The software bundle includes a video player, picture album, mobile email and a golf game. Supplied ROM applications are pocket Microsoft Word, Money and Excel. A problem with the MMC expansion slot is the current lack of modems, network cards and scanners in the format. fudging by the style (colours include yellow and red) and price, the EM500 seems aimed more at the youth market. If so, it can be seen as a clever digital photo and audio player, albeit an expensive one.