VTech Helio Handheld PDA (Pearlized Pink)

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Summary: Best Bang for the Buck
Review: After extensive research in the PDA market, I purchased the Helio 3 months ago and I can't be any happier. It comes with a huge 8mb of memory which is hard to find in other PDA's at this price level. Also another big plus is the voice recorder which comes with an amazing avg of 50 mins fo recording time. You can leave voice messages for yourself or even record entire meetings! The screen is also backlit which makes for easy operation in the dark. You can also choose from different colors which sets the helio apart from the boring PDA's out there. Don't let the lack of thrid party software scare you off because first Vtech seems to be working hard to create new software on its site (new progams have been popping up lately such as a program that lets you download websites to the helio). Second, ask yourself if you will realistically be using half of the excessive features found in PDA's twice as expensive? The Helio won't walk your dog for you but this is a great value with exeptional features for anyone who is looking for a basic scheduling, emailing, and organizational features.

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Summary: Great buy...nice PDA
Review: Although mine was stolen, I loved my Helio. I added games to mine and it was very useful for boring days and such. It's a good PDA, but I did have to reset it a few times because of errors.

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Summary: Jessica's Helio Review
Review: At first, I just bought it to be more organized but did I get much much more? Of course. Vtech never fails. A great all around palm pilot for both adults and teens!

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Summary: Super value in a PDA
Review: Been using the Helio for nearly a month and have been extremly pleased. The sync software works superbly. Literally took it out of the box loaded the software, plugged in the cradle, then the PDA and a push of a botton later I was in there. I back up AT LEAST daily so I've synced it probably 40-50 times and it has locked up on me twice but even that was uneventful. I simply exited out using Norton 2000 crashguard, reset the helio in the cradle and synced it again both times without further problems. I run windows 98 and use Outlook 2000 calendar, email and tasker EXTENSIVELY. Voice recorder is very useful to me as is the expense tracker. I'm not a game guy nor do I use the email draft or read feature but all other features I do use and they work great. It's on 1-2 hours a day and I'm still running with the batteries that came with it. Affordable, functional and more memory than I'll ever use. Best value out there hands down!

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Summary: Not Too Shabby
Review: Being new to the PDA ballgame, I can only speak from a Helio User's perspective, but thus far (1 week) I really dig my Helio. I do lots of driving in my job, and the voice recorder has been extremely valuable to me for taking notes in my car. And so far the Helio has 95% of the fetures I need. The grafitti is good, and I have had few problems with the O/S. I hope this platform catches on as an attractive alternative to the Palm world, and applications keep on coming. The Helio doesn't feel as tough as the Palm counterparts, but the test of durability will come with time. If you don't feel like spending $...+ for a PDA, but you need a PDA, I whole-heartidly endorse the Vtech Helio, as one of the better PDA's on the market at any price. p.s. I bought the clear Helio, as it's $... cheaper, go figure?

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Summary: A frustrating disappointment
Review: DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. In fact, I advise against buying ANY Helio or VTech product. On top of selling a product that has yet to run properly in the two months that I've owned it, Helio's customer service and technical support is a travesty. They simply do not care if you are unhappy with their product and are not focused on improving your situation or making their customers happy. I am in the midst of sending scathing letters to the President, head of customer service and head of technical support demanding a full refund. Amazon.com should no longer carry these products.

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Summary: Helio REPRESENT!!
Review: First off, I'd like to tell everyone to ignore all of the other complaints- they're harsh. I've had a Helio for over a year now, close to when it first came out. I've recently been checking out other PDAs, & realized that my Helio is just fine for now. I initially had trouble running the Desktop Software, but once I re-installed it, it was fine. Also, I had absolutely no problems downloading the OS Software updates from the web & updating my Helio. Second, in all of the paperwork with your Helio, they STRONGLY RECOMMEND "Duracell Ultra" batteries. Why? Because they're specially made for such electronic devices!! Spend the extra ... on them, & they will last you for weeks, possibly months depending on how often you use it!! Normal batteries do indeed run out in days... so don't buy them!!! The most important thing you need to understand about the Helio is that it is currently only a glorified organizer. It does NOT support Palm OS, which is what ALL software is made for. It does NOT connect to the internet other than to download your e-mail. (which I never figured out) There are little to no accessories (other than carrying cases- which there are suprisingly many!)& no flash card support. The software available is only through the internet, & VERY limited. I never lost my data, but I back up in case I ever do. I can't speak for VTech's customer service, but I've never needed 2 contact them as of yet. I received QuickStart as well as a full manual for my Helio.... I dunno why others didn't get one...? They can also be downloaded from the internet. The only thing that really annoys me is the QuickSync Cradle- it falls over a lot. Basically, you need to decide why you want to buy a PDA in the first place. Do you just want a nice grayscale organizer for your phone book, to-do list, Expenses, Sketch pad, Voice & written Memos, & a few basic games? If so, seriously consider the Helio with its much larger display, pleasing design & eye-catching colours. Compared to the Palm & Handspring, it's WAY more attractive. If you're buying a PDA for internet, more games & software, with the intention of keeping up with technology, DON'T buy a Helio. Buy a Handspring or Palm. Or while you're at it, one of those crazy pocket PCs.

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Summary: Great for BUSY high school and college students!
Review: I am person who hates to confrom and in todays world, everyone does. It seems like everyone who owns a cell phone owns a Nokia, and everyone who owns a pda owns a handspring or palm. That is why I own a Ericsson and a VTECH HELIO!. The V-tech stands out compared to other PDA's. It has a built in voice recorder and everything else you need to keep organized. It is very stable, and does not have a cheap feeling like some other PDA's. For the price I bought it for (50 dollars), it was a steal. I know they discontinued making helios, and that is why stores in Europe and America are clearing them out by selling it for 50 dollars. But, the helio was originally 199 dollars (upper quality device),and now its for 50 dollars..it is a great deal. I use my Helio for everything, and it has never failed on me. Yes, their are a limited number of programs, but with all I see, many third party people are still producing new programs for the helio. There is this new program out for Helio's called Grey Scale, and its a must have. Because Helio has a 16 color grey screen (palm has a 4 color grey screen), you can download any picture online and view them on your Helio! For 50 bucks, it is the best deal for a PDA out thier. You won't be disapointed!

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Summary: The "Steak Not The Sizzle"
Review: I bought the Helio as an earily X-mas gift to myself.I spent several weeks doing reserch on PDA's, mostly "Visor" and "Palm".My brother's owne "Visor" and my friends owne "Palm's". All this to say, that I think my research was well rounded. This Heilo is an Amazng Bargen with all the same features(and more).It also looks BETTER than the others(if that's important to you).Sure there aren't many Apps. at this time but since VTech has shown 2 new models at a recient show,(to be out by apr.2001) let's me know thay are in the PDA game for a while.How does the phrase go,"Do You Want To Be The Sizzle Or The Steak" ? The Palm's and Visor's with there thousands of apps. are the SIZZLE. The Helio is the STEAK.

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Summary: While initially thrilled, I quickly changed my mind
Review: I bought the Helio for myself and was extremely excited to receive it. The first one I got did not synch so I had a new one sent to me. The next one synched great and I was so pleased the many things I could do with it. I soon realized that the battery life is about 36 hours (while not even using it!) Imagine if I had it turned on all the time. It's a good thing that it synchs so easily so if any info was lost I could quickly retreive it. It is ridiculous that you should change the battery virtually each day. I will be returning this product as soon as I'm done writing this. If it weren't for the battery issue I think this is a great deal and a good product. PS--I wrote to VTech customer support and have not received an answer for 8 days now. One time I called them and they spoke to me immediately and were terrific! The next time I called I had to leave a voice mail and they called back 2 days later. I am currently waiting for another call back (2 days ago).