Casio Cassiopeia E-125 Pocket PC

 

 






Expandability

Although the Casio E-125 comes with 32MB of RAM, you will most likely need more storage in order to make full use of its capabilities. For that purpose, the Casio E-125 offers excellent expansion opportunities.

Located right at the top is a CompactFlash Type II slot. It supports both Type I and Type II CompactFlash cards so you have access to a whole range of upgrade options - from memory cards to modems.
   


Empty slot
   

CompactFlash memory cards are always a popular choice. I bought the 64MB ACE CompactFlash card and it worked great with the E-125. Currently, the maximum size of CompactFlash memory cards is 256MB although 512MB and 1GB memory cards are coming out soon. If you need even more storage, you can always settle for an IBM MicroDrive.

Next to the slot cover, there's a simple lock for the CompactFlash slot which locks the CompactFlash card inside and prevents it from dropping out. However, it will only work with certain CompactFlash cards that have a special notch at one corner. No need to worry though as most CompactFlash cards will fit snugly into the slot and there's no risk of any card dropping out of the slot.
   

As such, there's little need for the slot lock. A card ejection mechanism would have been a lot more useful. As it is, you have to use stick-on tabs with certain CompactFlash cards that don't come with an extraction groove. Otherwise, you will never be able to remove your CompactFlash card after it is inserted!

Most cards will come with the extraction groove so you will be able to remove them using a fingernail. Still, an ejection mechanism would have removed the danger of a stuck card as well as making it a lot easier to remove CompactFlash cards. Casio should think about adding such a mechanism in its future Pocket PCs.
    


Card lock switch   
   

Casio should also rethink its cover design. It's flimsy and troublesome to use. As you can see above, you open up the slot by pulling out the cover. It's quite alright when you insert a card but due to its awkward design, you will actually need to detach the cover to remove a card from the slot. And because the cover is attached to the Pocket PC by two flimsy hinges, there's always the possibility of breaking the hinges or even losing the cover itself!

HP's method of protecting the CompactFlash slot in the Jornada Pocket PCs is definitely a much better way. Not only does it allow for a slimmer design, it also allows for easier insertion and extraction of the CompactFlash card.


With a CompactFlash memory card inserted

 

 
 

 

 
     
   

 

 
   

 
     
 

                   

 
   

 

 
 
Last Updated 09-05-2001

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Copyright © 1998-2000 Adrian Wong. All rights reserved.