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JULY 2004

PRODUCT REVIEW:
The PDA Multipivot
By Mitchell Levine

Like most PDA users, I love the technology, but can’t stand the inconvenience of manipulating and transporting a device the size of the average Palm or PocketPC. True, it’s much more practicable than carrying a Rolodex, laptop, portable library, scientific calculator, and, if you’re like me, a Game Boy. On the other hand, they’re irregularly shaped, more capacious than your average pants pocket, and highly delicate; I’ve ruined three just by either dropping them a couple feet, or simply sitting down. Styli are easily lost, and, for most, the Graffiti system of hashmarks for data entry is counter-intuitive. Using one while you’re driving, for those that take advantage of the GPS functionality of several recent entries in the handheld marketplace, is less than ideal.

For schools following the model of Smithtown, New York, and equipping all of their students with Palms (rarely do they choose PocketPCs), these minor irritations become formidable obstacles in IT deployment. Children use them in several environments, each of which makes different demands. Using them at their desk requires a different viewing angle than sitting in a chair or using them in a group circle or science lab. Also, as I’ve said before, the most ruggedized environment known to science is kids: no product ever takes a beating like anything distributed to teenagers. Given the inherent delicacy of your average handheld computer, and the limited budget of your average school, some kind of protective measures must be implemented.

Although we’ve seen a few different PDA cases in our technology reviews here, in my opinion, none of them really compare to the PDA Multipivot in terms of multifunctionality. Forged from tough aluminum alloy, the Multipivot boasts of more than 15 uses, including a Landscape View mode, Belt Carry, and Car Mount. Once unfolded, the case acts like a stand with an adjustable angle of inclination, and a “third hand” that allows you to clip and suspend documents, so you can read them while using the device. For those concerned with the ergonomics of repetitive handheld use, the Multipivot offers a “Secure Grip” feature that allows the user to make fine rotational adjustments to ensure the most comfortable grasp possible. However, although the manufacturer claims the feature is so effective that the average user can work with both hands while still holding their Palm, after using the product, I would not suggest this as being an appropriate method for education use.

Best of all, the Multipivot, at $24.95 (before any applicable education discounts), is priced very comparably to many more purely cosmetic case accessories, although not only can it be used with a hard or soft-shell case, it can actually accommodate CD players, GPS navigators, and other similar devices as well.#

For more information, visit the manufacturer online at www.multipivot.com.

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