Click to View

The Windows-based PDA market recently saw a number of innovations, including faster CPUs, larger screens, and higher amounts of memory finding their way in to high-end and, especially, mid-range Pocket PCs. Asus' new MyPAL A730 incorporates many of these new features; along with one other that it has to itself (at least for now)—a digital camera built right into the device.

Features
An Intel XScale PXA270 processor running at 520 MHz powers the A730. This isn't quite the fastest CPU to be had in a Windows Mobile-based handheld today, but its close. The Asus offers standard amounts of memory—64 MB each of RAM and ROM.

The A730 has a 3.7-inch display capable of 16-bit (65,536) color and a resolution of 480 x 640 pixels. However, as the highest resolution supported by Windows Mobile 2003 is still a mere 240 x 320 pixels, this doesn't translate into extra screen real estate.

It does, however, result in sharper fonts and an overall crisper display, which is immediately noticeable when compared side-by-side with a typical 3.5-inch display. The A730 lets you quickly switch between portrait and landscape mode via a tray icon, which is certainly more convenient then delving into the settings.

One increasingly common feature that's missing from the A730's innards is an integrated Wi-Fi adapter, though Bluetooth support is built-into the unit. You also get obligatory IrDA, though only at the slower 115.2 kbps rate rather than the much faster 4 Mbps rate supported by the company's A620bt Pocket PC. ((At press time, ASUS released a new version of the Pocket PC, the A730W, with Wi-Fi. This edition sells for about $570.)

Whereas most PDAs make you choose between CompactFlash (CF) or Secure Digital (SD) expansion slots, the A730 offers both, which means you can take full advantage of memory cards and card-based peripherals (making the addition of Wi-Fi more convenient).


Top View with Cards Sticking out of Slots

The most interesting feature of the A730, however, is probably the 1.3 megapixel digital camera with an integrated flash that's built into the underside of the unit. The camera lens and flash apparatus are recessed and flush (respectively) with the surface of the A730, and the unit also has a small protrusion to keep the camera bits from making contact (and being scratched) when placing the device on a desk.


Rear View with Camera Lens

The A730 packs its various features into an extremely small package. Measuring 4.63 x 2.87x .66 inches and tipping the scales at about 6 ounces, it's roughly the same dimensions and weight as the Dell Axim X50 (Review: Axim X50v: Dell Sets the Value Standard … Again), which is impressive considering the A730 offers the integrated camera and a larger display.

The overall look of the A730 takes some cues from the Dell Axim X50, with rounded bottom edges and a dark face surrounded by bright trim. Interestingly, however, the A730 places stylus storage in the bottom right of the unit rather than the more customary top right.


Bottom with Connector

(The location is most likely due to limited real estate caused by the headphone jack and dual expansion slots residing at the top of the unit.) It takes some getting used to, especially for longtime Pocket PC users accustomed to the conventional location.


Stylus Coming out Bottom of A730

The A730's included charging/synchronization dock accommodates the unit only, and Asus wisely addresses the inaccessibility of the A730's stylus while docked by including a second stylus with the unit and providing a place to store it on the dock itself.


Headphone Jack & Slots

Asus also includes a vinyl storage case with a strong magnetic latch for transporting the unit. But the case, unfortunately, has a belt loop rather than clip, so you can't put it on or take it off without first removing your belt.