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What happens when you mix a hand held gaming machine with a fully functional PDA? The answer that Tapwave is hoping for is the Zodiac 2. They are also hoping that you may buy into the concept that they have created. Just from the look of the device, they could be on to something good here. In terms of use, practicality and sheer "head turning" quotient, the Zodiac 2 makes for compelling computing on a portable scale.
Having limited experience with PDAs in the past, and not being particularly fond of them — for me they just seemed like impractical toys — I must admit coming to the table with a preconceived negative impression of small hand held devices. Being essentially open to most new ideas, I put the past negative experiences I had behind me. I opted to start with a fresh view with the Zodiac 2. Certainly things have progressed since the last time I used one. Fortunately, that has been for the better.
What the Zodiac 2 brings to the proverbial table are the tools and controls one would expect from a gaming system. What rests not too far beneath the surface is a powerful PDA. If you can get past the look and feel of the device, there is more to it than just a glorified toy, or a gaming device that can do part time duty as a PDA.
Equipped with a Motorola i.MX1 ARM9 Processor, and an ATI Imageon graphics accelerator along with stereo speakers built into it, the Zodiac can do convincing double duty as an MP3 player, video player and all around portable image viewing device, in addition to its enhancements as a solid gaming machine.
Utilizing a specially designed version of the Palm OS, in this case the Palm OS 5, the unit can handle the titles associated with that particular system. I had no difficulty at all with synchronizing it with Maximizer 8 and with Outlook. The Zodiac ships with software that allows for this, synching with Outlook, and I believe Word. In the case of my particular system, it was set up to run, but the software set that end users will have was not incorporated with the test unit I had. This was hardly an issue since it is relatively easy to find software that allows you to easily download programs that allow you to synchronize an assortment of files on your hard drive with your Palm OS. Zodiac also has links on their Web site that make finding information, support and downloads a simple process.
One program in particular that surprised me was Adobe Acrobat having a Palm version that works exceedingly well with the new Acrobat Professional.
Being that this is a Palm System, there are no issues with compatibility. What is surprising is that it is an all metal device, and that the picture quality is solid.
With regards to use, ease of function, there is little here to get in the way or slow you down. Using the device is pretty addictive, so do be ready.
Big advantages of the Zodiac 2 are the lithium rechargeable batteries that last longer than most, 128 MB of memory and two expansion slots to add more games and more memory, and the ability to switch orientation from portrait to landscape.
For a unit that has a strong eye appeal, and is sturdy, the only flaw with the device is the somewhat temperamental connections used to send information via your USB port. For some reason it easily comes undone and is a bit of a headache keeping in tack. The power chord, which is part of the USB chord, can come undone without too much of a problem. So do be aware that things can physically disconnect fast. For a device that is so well organized, this amounts to the only real problem you may encounter.
Unlike so many devices in this class, the Zodiac actually includes two decent speakers built into the unit. Ear buds plug into the side and are easily accessible.
Naturally, the Zodiac 2 ships with a respectable set of earphones, a comfortable stylus that sits on the back of the unit and Bluetooth capability. The unit can also handle a reasonable set of peripherals for Internet access and the like.
Taken as a digital assistant, the Zodiac 2 can handle the functions of a PDA. On the level of small multi media device with substantial gaming abilities, it is a real winner. The real problem a program like this will have is being able to convince potential buyers that it can be more than just a fun gaming device.
While I admit a real fondness for the device, marketing it could be an issue. Other than that, serious PDA users should consider this potent unit as a power tool with some truly great features within its sturdy case. All in all one great little device that could do double duty as time passer and serious business tool as well.
Zodiac 1 (32 MB) List price: $269 Zodiac 2 (128 MB) List price: $349
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