Sony Taking Pre-Orders for NX80V and NX73V

Sony's official webstore, SonyStyle, is now accepting pre-orders for the two newest members of the NX series, the NX80V and NX73V.

PEG-NX80V

The new high-end NX model, the PEG-NX80V, runs Palm OS 5.0 on a 200MHz Intel XScale processor. It has 32 megabytes of RAM. However, only 16 MB of this will be available to the user. Still, this is an improvement over Sony's other OS 5 units, all of which have about 11 MB of usable RAM.

Like the current NX series models, the NX80V has slots for both Memory Stick and Compact Flash cards. A significant improvement in this model is the CompactFlash slot. It can be retracted into the body of the handheld when a card is not inserted and, even better, can now be used for CF memory cards in addition to Sony's Wi-Fi wireless networking card. However, not all the built-in applications can access a CF memory card. For example, MP3s still must be played from a Memory Stick. The Memory Stick slot is compatible with the newer Memory Stick Pro cards.

This new model includes a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera capable of capturing images up to 1280x960 pixels. It also has what Sony calls a "capture light", not a flash, allowing pictures to be taken in low light.

In addition, it offers a 3.8" high-resolution color display, built-in keyboard, a voice recorder, an MP3 player, and improved battery life (40% better than the NX70V, according to Sony).

Disappointingly, this model doesn't offer Bluetooth short-range wireless networking. Sony's last two high-end models, the TG50 and NZ90, both had integrated Bluetooth.

The NX80V costs $600. SonyStyle does not yet list an estimated release date. However, according to information accidentally leaked last week by Amazon, this handheld should be available on July 11.

PEG-NX73V

The PEG-NX73V is in many ways identical to the NX80V, but comes with only 16 megabytes of RAM (of which only 11 MB is accessible to the user) and a less advanced digital camera -- only 0.3 megapixel and lacking the capture light.

Both models are roughly the same size: 2.8 inches wide, 5.2 inches tall, .86 inches thick, and approximately 8.1 ounces.

The NX73V sells for $500. Again SonyStyle doesn't list an availablity date but Amazon said this device will be out in the U.S. on July 27.

Related Links

• New Sony NX Series Models Coming Soon to the U.S.