The TriPad is ready to go as soon as it comes out of the box. All we had to do was charge the battery pack (already installed) and install the software on our desktop PC. When testing the TriPad, we found the keyboard so comfortable and the display so large and bright that we easily forgot that the TriPad is a Windows CE-based handheld, not a true notebook.

We set up the TriPad to connect to an ISP through its internal data/fax modem and to send and receive e-mail through the ISP. This process was easy and intuitive--we just ran the Make New Connection wizard and answered its questions. (Make sure that you have your ISP's mail-protocol information handy.)

We also installed and tested the Jot 2.0 handwriting-recognition software (15-day trial version). The software takes a little getting used to, but it is flexible and trainable, and you can actually write quickly using the stylus on the TriPad's wide touch screen.

After an initial battery charge, we did all of our tests without the AC adapter and with the Tripad set to the brightest screen setting over a period of about seven hours. At the end of our testing, the battery level indicated about 25% power remaining and the TriPad was still fast and responsive.

With its VGA touch screen and stylus (which makes a great pointing device for activating links on Web pages), comfortable keyboard, sturdy and attractive design, and long battery life, the TriPad makes a great low-cost alternative to notebook computing. --Mike Brown

Pros:

• Comfortable keyboard
• Large, bright display
• Sturdy, attractive construction
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Large and heavy for a handheld unit

What's in the box

• Mobilon PV-6000
• Serial cable (null modem cable)
• Modular phone cable (with internal modem model only)
• CD-ROM from Microsoft
• CD-ROM from Sharp
• AC adapter (EA-62)
• Main battery pack
• Travel Dock
• Operation manual

This is probably the best purchase I have ever made. This thing is everything I ever expected and more!! It's easy to use as well - even my wife can operate it!

I have to say, everyone out there who is thinking of buying this, stop thinking. I bought it and I am extremely happy with it the moment I powered this thing on. YOU ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS PURCHASE! I GUARANTEE IT!!!


Fun but limiting   November 5, 2003
Erik Johnson (California)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The best thing about this is the design, but the arms connecting the screen and keyboard look odd when the unit is closed. The screen is fairly dim, and must be used in a dark/moderately lit room. The viewing angle of the screen is horrible; the only position you can see the whole screen without an inversion/blackout effect is at an angle where any overhead lighting glares all over the place. The CPU speed isn't particularly slow, but the graphics ([re]drawing the screen) goes on at an awful crawl - i.e. it's no good for graphical things. Now I must sound entirely bitter and biased against this machine, but I'm not, I carry it in my bag all the time and use it when I can. I even use it as an electronic book, its best use so far.


It's a true love/hate relationship   March 20, 2002
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Let me state first off that I love(d) this machine! It is light-weight, easy to use and interfaces superbly with your desktop or notebook.
That said, I feel that I need to warn you that in 1 year, I have had to return my machine 4 times for the same repair. It freezes, won't shut off, then after a hard reset, won't turn back on. Sharp has replaced the battery, the main chip and the inverter, now is going to charge me [alot] to fix the machine! I was considering buying a new one, until I talked to my Dad who also bought one at my recomendation and found out that his is doing the same thing. Obviously, I didn't get a rare lemon.
Take a chance if you must, but I am steering clear of this wonderful little computer until they fix some major problems!


Convenient, compatible and cool!   October 14, 2001
Leigh G. Kirtley (Clifton Park, NY United States)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I have had my Mobilon for a year now and I still love it. As a professional journalist and technical writer, this little PC has made me more productive and efficient. Rather than using a notepad and pen, I bring along my Mobilon and essentially take dictation from interviewees. With applications like Pocket Word, Excel and PowerPoint, it snycs beautifully and easily with my desktop for more technical applications and the 12 hour battery life is fabulous! It also syncs with Outlook so I have all my contacts and my schedule with me. The touch screen technology and built-in handwriting recognition software mean I don't have to find a surface for a mouse and I can take notes or draw figures with the stylus. The monitor resolution is very clear, though hard to read in bright sunshine, so don't take it poolside. Color and grahics are very good, though you are limited when it comes to your choice of fonts--not a critical item for me.

I have small hands, so I think the keyboard is big enough for me, though some people have commented that typing on it is awkward. I disagree.

Of course, you can download or buy lots of great software from Bubblet (TM) to finance and utilites, so the sky's the limit for how you decide to use this impressive little machine.

If you are looking for a laptop that doesn't weigh seven pounds but is powerful enough for Word documents, spreadsheets and more, the Sharp Mobilon is for you.


Do I love it or hate it ?   January 1, 2001
kartik mani (New York,NY)
8 out of 13 found this review helpful

I bought my Tripad last year and at the time it was my sole computer for PIM, Internet word processing. Unfortunately a good concept in design is let down by so-so software and slow proceesing. 70Mhz was slow even for its time what with the Jornada 820 at 190Mhz. Most applications tend to hang if too many are opened simultaneously and Sharp's machine does not contain most of the goodies that are standard with the vadem clio. Lastly the machine weighs a ton and the only person who could use this machine on the fly would be jesse ventura or hulk hogan. On the other hand it has a tremendous wow factor, ipaq notwithstanding. both a pcmcia and a cf slot and although you cannot install the microdrive it has enough room for memory expansion. a StrongARM processor with 206 Mhz, 64 MB RAM, Windows CE 3.0 and lose a pound of weight and you can be the king of the world. as is it is only a mediocre performer.