It includes all the basic functions... multiple contact lists (personal, business, etc.), great calendar functions (one time events up through yearly birthdays - all with optional alarm functions, which activate even when PDA is off!), memo areas (one where I keep passwords, medical info, emergency info and the other which is free-hand to take down quick notes, phone numbers, etc.) expense area (not used - can't comment), games (2), calculators, and a super large screen which avoids need to "wrap around" and scroll down to read... all of which can be password protected!

I purchased mine for $50, including cradle and set-up disc. For those who have Outlook Express (OE) which you can't sync with, (unlike the real "upgraded" Outlook), it's great that Casio has it's own operating system (OS). I couldn't tell you how many PDA's (4 at last count!) I purchased, and returned, because I couldn't sync w/OE and/or OS's weren't included.

This is a great gift... update family info on PC program and download into various PDA's and voila! Great for students of any age, kids finally moving out... they'll all have current contact info, birthdays, medical info, etc. at their fingertips, and with individual docking cradles, they can update as needed.

I could go on and on... I even talked my Dad into buying one and he loves it!

If you're not looking for email, camera functions, etc., this is the PDA for you! For $50 you can't go wrong... trust me!


Simplicity, Reliability, and Great Battery Life   August 6, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I have used the PV-S250 for over two years and recently just got the PV-S400Plus for even less because the PV-S250 has been rather well used and I didn't want one of these overcomplicated power hungry expensive units. The software is virutally identical, so I was interested in extending the life of my PV-S250 and the PV-S400Plus was just the item.

I use the unit for two things: I make notes of system network ID's, device names, logons, common command syntax, support phone numbers, etc. and I synchronize with outlook all the time. I carry it around in my pocket and check my scedule liberally. The system can carry about 100 alarms, so I usually get a beep at my default reminder time in my outlook (15 minutes before a meeting). I also have access to all my Tasks and my Contacts.

The really useful aspect for me is the ability to modify my contacts, add phone numbers, email addresses, personal information, etc. to my Casio and then synch it back with Outlook. I can also take everything in my Outlook Contacts and Schedule with me whereever I go and never have to worry about remembering to put something into my Outlook if I have my PDA available. On the systems which I support that I don't touch very often, you can't imagine how useful it is to have the system ID number, network address or device name available because I saved it in my handheld. Plus, if you need to, you can password protect those items.

I am not interested in email on my PDA or anything really complex. I don't need an MP3 player or wireless web access. The spreadsheet capability is great if you really want to invest the time to synchronize with the Excel tool, but the screen is so small, that I find it not very worthwhile and I don't use it.

The simple expense tracking system is very useful and simple. I use it to track expenses on business trips and it does a great job.

I have not, as of yet, had any problem synchronizing with my PV-S400Plus, but I did occassionally with the PV-S250 and it was a royal pain to have to then do a full-synch since it ran about 9600 baud the whole time.

If you have a modem, you may wish to make sure you don't have interrupt conflicts, because my past experience with the PV-S250 was that it didn't like my fax modem being on at the same time.

One other drawback is that if you want to sychronize any of the other information like your notes, you do have to make a separate transfer from PCSynch. I don't like this aspect and I rarely use it. To date, I have never lost anything from memory in two years. I wish it had the ability to synch with the notes folder in Outlook instead. Also, while the Excel compatibility gives the unit a bit a power for calculations, I personally would rather have a it be able to read WORD files instead. But that is getting into bigger color units that are expensive.

My PV-S250 is still performing flawlessly even though it is showing some serious wear on the plastic exterior. Nevertheless, the unit has never failed me and the batteries last for over a month with regular use...try that with a color handheld PC!!


take your desktop with you   May 24, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Three months ago, I went out and bought an expensive PDA. I returned it after one week because I did not find it to be a very good value. I found the PV-S400Plus on sale for peanuts just recently. It is a VERY good value and I have only had it for less than 48 hours. I'm considering getting a few more as a gift for my family. Here is what I like about it:

1)Syncs very well with Outlook (contacts, calendar, to-do)
2)Nice text sync program
3)The finance program looks simple and efficient (although I don't use it)
4)Pocket sheet is supposed to sync with excel although I still have not gotten that to work.
5)Cool Chess program and other games!

For what you are paying, and the value this delivers, you should have no complaints. You could pay 20 times more for something with better connectivity, storage capacity, and features, but that's what desktops are for. This device is small and synchronizes well with Outlook and Act! Buy one of these and take your desktop with you.