Casio got a lot right with its Cassiopeia E-200. This handheld comes with everything you'd want in a Pocket PC 2002 device: 64MB of built-in memory, a sharp 65,000-colour display, and expansion slots for adding both CompactFlash and Secure Digital (SD)/MultiMedia (MMC) cards. But with users expecting a lot from a PDA that costs this much, we wish Casio had come up with a slightly more inspired design.
On the outside
All the handhelds that run Pocket PC 2002 have very similar specs and prices, so we reviewers are taking a harder look at the design aspects. Sculpted details on the plastic case help make the E-200 more attractive than the previous Casio Pocket PCs, but we prefer the sleeker lines found on the competing products from Compaq and Toshiba. Measuring 12 by 7.8 x 1.8 centimetres, this is not the most compact Pocket PC around, and it looks heavier than it really is (147 grams). We were also disappointed that it took a bit of finesse to snap our review unit into its lightweight, plastic cradle. A handheld with a price tag this high (AU$1399 SRP) should mesh better with its docking station.
On the other hand, we do appreciate that Casio includes a scroll wheel on the left side of the device, which makes it easier to navigate applications and documents. Casio replaced the ultra-crisp, back-lit LCD found on its previous Pocket PCs with a reflective colour screen that is easy to read in any lighting condition, including bright sunlight. The reflective LCD compares favourably with other Pocket PC displays. Though slightly smaller than the iPaq H3835's screen, the E-200's was equally colourful and easy to read.
Like many other Pocket PC 2002 PDAs, this device runs on a 206MHz Intel StrongARM processor and has 32MB of ROM. Casio also includes 64MB of in-built RAM, and both Compact Flash and SD card slots additional memory and peripherals, on the top and left edges of the device. The cover on the SD card slot was a bit tricky to remove and replace, but you probably won't be swapping SD cards every day. Similar to that of the original iPaq, the device's built-in speaker is housed underneath the directional pad below the screen. A padded, faux-leather slipcover is included to protect your purchase.
Basic bundle
As far software goes, Casio doesn't deliver much in the way extras. You do get Casio's customised start menu, though, as well as applications that allow you to quickly back up your most critical files to a CompactFlash or SD card so that your data won't be lost if you hard reset the device or your batteries run down completely.
We installed and ran several types of applications and files, including games, video clips, and MP3s, and we found that the E-200 performed on a par with other Pocket PC 2002 devices, with no major hitches. Casio says you can get up to 10 hours of battery life (continuous usage) from the included lithium-ion battery--and you can, so long as you turn the rear-illumination down to a low setting. However, if you play games or view video files, expect the battery life to be drastically decreased to as little as less than 2 hours.
In the end, while the E-200 may not be quite as tiny and sleek as Toshiba's E570, it has the right specs and expansion slots to match competing Pocket PC 2002 products. Because of its dual slots, this Casio is arguably a more compelling choice than the iPaq H3835. However, you may still want to consider the iPaq line because of its growing list of add-on hardware. But for those deciding between this device and Toshiba's, which costs around AU$1,500, the edge probably goes to the Toshiba. However, the E-200 isn't far behind.
Casio E-200 Pocket PC
Company: Casio
Price: AU$1,399
Distributor: Shriro Australia
Phone: 02) 9415 5000
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