[General Topics] pgamble:
I've just had an hour with Toshiba.

The display is as you mentioned reflective - not transflective. Inside the display is the best I've ever seen. Outside ... it is clearly not nearly as practical. This will only bother those that spend a lot of time using it for GPS. It is a surprise they've gone down this route but I don't think it will be enough of an issue to put many off given the other benefits.

I used a pre-release device (the batch before those that went to Expansys) and it apparently hasn't changed since.

It's a delight to handle. The springy slide is much more positive in most respects than the TyTN. It does have a tendancy to move in your hands more. I'm right handed, so it doesn't really affect me, but it may affect left handed people.

My main focus was apps. I took a card with installers for CoPilot6, Resco Explorer, Pie+, Cash Organiser 07, PI2007, FM2007, 1-Calc, Sprite 5.1. All installed without any issues. The only one I didn't actually run was Sprite (unfortunate ... but I was strapped for time). 1-Calc was ran in the VGA top 3/4 of the display. It operated perfectly - no compressed icons etc ... it just didn't fill the display. This is fine and will be fixed by patches.

All the other apps worked and filled the display. There were no odd stretched icons, no oddly placed text ... it worked flawlessly. This surprised me and was contrary to what most the developers aside from Softmaker said (who said all apps would run and take advantage of the screen estate).

Developers position

ALK said CoPilot 6 would definitely not work with WM6 ... and definitely not work with the large display. They told me to wait for CPL7. This is classic of them. The fact is, it worked and the moving maps filled the whole display. It was an awesome experience. The level of detail that is clearly readable ... is perhaps 5 times what you'd get on the TyTN (ok ... so the resolution is 5 times QVGA ... but you won't believe your eyes until you see it).

SBSH said they would ensure all their s/w would work, but they didn't foresee any real issues. Amit is very good in that respect.

Memory Map say they don't expect major issues and will fix if there are problems.

PDAMill are developing 800x480 specific version of their games. I didn't get the chance to try any of mine but it shouldn't be an issue .... they will provide free upgrades.

Absolutist ... very negative.

Astraware ... expect display issues ... not WM6 issues

Phatnotes ... upgrade to v5 if you have issues ... but this only addressed WM6 ... not the screen aspect ratio

Mobistation ... unsure

Namco .. no response

iPlay / 40thfloor ... Sadly seem to have disappeared ... gutted as this is one of the best examples of a labour of love I've ever seen.

Cash Organiser ... expect portrait will work, landscape may not.

Bottom line ... you shouldn't have any major app issues with this device.

This is such a relief and means that we can all by this excellent device without any fear that all your favourite apps will fail to work properly.

Toshiba are taking this really seriously so I wouldn't expect any issues with direct support if you are let down by carriers or vendors.

Stylus is much better than TyTN.

Keyboard ... there is actually more space on top of the top row than the TyTN so keys are more accessible. I quite liked the TyTN keyboard ... I had no issues with mine .... but this one is far better. The keys cover the whole of the area under the screen so they are bigger and easier to hit. THey are also much more tactile.

If you are thinking of getting a new high end PDA at the moment and what it to be fairly small (rules out the 7150 which may never make it to market), and your not really concerned about the outdoor performance of the display, this device is frankly on a short list of one ! Go buy :-)

Paul.