Sony Taking Pre-orders for CLIE NR Series

"Sony has officially launched their new CLIE NR series in the US, just a few weeks after the same devices launched in Japan. The new CLIE's series consists of two models, the PEG-NR70 and PEG-NR70V which are equipped with a 66MHz Dragonball VZ processor, 16MB RAM, 8MB FlashROM, 320x480 16-bit reflective TFT display, PalmOS 4.1, lithium polymer battery, integrated MP3 player, built-in QWERTY keyboard, a Sony JogDial and of course a Memory Stick slot. Both units measure in at 5.5" x 2.875" x 0.687" and weigh 7 ounces.

The NR series is a very unique device in a number of respects beyond it being the first Sony device to use a software based graffiti area. The NR is the first clamshell based PalmOS device to be launched to my knowledge and has the ability to "morph" into a number of different configurations to suit the needs of a user by way of Sony's Flip-and-Rotate design. The NR70V adds a built-in digital camera to the mix capable of snapping 320x240 photos. The CLIE PEG-NR70 retails for $499.99 while the NR70V will sell for $599.99, both units are expected to be available in early May....

We have posted hi-resolution photos of the new CLIE models in the discussion thread for this news item." [PDABuzz.com]

I'm glad we're starting to see some new designs for PDAs, and I'm glad to see Sony doing it. I hope this is as cool as it sounds. Sounds like I'll have to accidentally end up at Best Buy in the near future to get a gander at these.