Included in the box with the XV6700 are a cradle and cables, and a software CD with Outlook 2002 and ActiveSync. You'll also find two, count 'em two, styli in case you lose one, stereo headphones with mic for hands-free use, a leather slipcase, and a printed manual. I love printed manuals.

The XV6700 utilizes a single mini-USB connection for both synchronizing and charging. You can charge the device from the AC adapter, the USB cable, or the cradle (whether it's connected to the USB, AC, or both). Synching can be done via USB cable, cradle (so long as the USB cable is connected), Wi-Fi, or even wireless connection if you set it up, which I didn't. Keep in mind though, you'll be charged for the airtime and data transfer.

I like that the XV6700 comes with a cradle, it's just easier to set it in the cradle than to plug in a cable. Too many PDAs, and even mobile phones to some extent, either no longer come with cradles, or don't have them available. The XV6700's cradle also has space to charge an extra battery.

On the topic of the battery, it claims to get between 2.5 and 5 hours of talk time, depending on signal strength and your personal settings. Standby time is estimated at 200 hours, but I can't say for sure because I couldn't leave it alone long enough to find out. My XV6700 gets quite a bit of PDA use, in the neighborhood of 3-4 hours daily, but I get around two days of use before I charge it. And I usually charge when the battery is around 40-50 percent.

I must confess, I think the XV6700's screen looks pretty good. In Figure B you see that the colors are vibrant and the display brilliant.

FIGURE B


The vibrant colors of the XV6700's Today screen. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Font size on WM5 (Windows Mobile 5) can be adjusted to your own particular comfort level, making it easier to read. The orientation can be set to Portrait, or either a left- or right-handed Landscape. In fact, when you slide out the keyboard the XV6700 will automatically rotate the screen to left-handed Landscape so it's in the correct orientation.

Windows Mobile
Microsoft has come a long way with the mobile version of their Windows operating system; it's now literally just like using the desktop version. My previous Pocket PC usage left me frustrated, and feeling as though the OS was trying to keep a secret from me. But that's all changed with Windows Mobile 5. It's now every bit as user-friendly as the Palm OS; more so actually, because utilities and applications that are only available as third-party add-ons with the Palm, are built directly into the OS.

One of the really great things about the XV6700, and Windows Mobile, is the file system. It's just like your Windows desktop. In most cases, your data files, worksheets, images, music, etc. can transfer directly to the unit and function with no conversion needed, unlike the Palm. Also unlike the Palm file system, programs and data can be installed to the external card and still function as though it were in main memory. My biggest complaint with the Palm LifeDrive is that the OS still sees the built-in hard drive as though it's an external memory card, crippling its usefulness.