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Asus a730 Review by Matt Keys - Page 2

Case

I don’t always talk about the cases manufactures ship with their PocketPC’s. So when I do, it is either really nice, or really bad. Thankfully this a730 case is really nice. The exterior of the case is composed of both nylon and leather. The backside of the case is all nylon, except for a leather belt loop to holster the device to your hip. The front "flap" of the case has an all leather outside. But it is the inside of this case that really impresses me. Asus lined the interior of this case with a very soft felt like material. No worries about scratching up your PocketPC while using this case (Unlike a certain HP 2215 case I know...). The flap is shut securely by two strong magnets. You will also find a wrist strap attached to one end for those of you with butterfingers.

Unfortunately Asus did not leave a hole or flap in either end of the case so that you may sync it or charge it while inside. Thankfully anyone with a razor blade and a steady hand can add this feature quite easily. And those of you who use your PocketPC as an MP3 player will be happy to know that the headphone jack is accessible with the case on.

Screen

I have been very impressed by this screen from the first day I looked at it. This is my first VGA device, and frankly, I am not sure I will ever go back to a 320x240 PocketPC. Previously the Asus a620’s screen was my favorite, but in comparison with this a730, the a620 screen makes me feel like I am looking at an old Palm Pilot. I have been amazed at the difference VGA can make to a PocketPC screen.

Asus a620	Asus a730

The a730’s screen is 3.7 inches, while most PocketPC’s have a 3.5 inch screen. It is not a huge difference, but it is noticeable. There is no yellow tinting like with some of the older ipaq’s. The color and contrast seems to be correct, although it can sometimes looks a little bit pale next to the Asus a620, but that screen has always been a little oversaturated.

I would say that the a730 easily takes the spot of my new favorite display on any PocketPC. If I had to find a single fault, it would be that it can have a glare when you are looking at a dark screen, like while watching a dark movie. Of course that all depends on lighting and the angle you are looking at it.

Below you can see an image of the a620 screen vs. the a730 screen while looking at an excel file at 50% zoom. I strongly encourage you to click the image to see the larger version, where the advantages from a VGA screen can be seen more clearly. The screen of the a730 really shines here and it is quite amazing to see excel looking so nice and useable on a PocketPC screen. I have questioned the use or need of VGA resolution on PocketPC's in the past, but after using this PocketPC, I am sure the thought will not cross my mind again.

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