Sharp YO-520P Memo Master

The YO-520 has 1 MB of system memory, which is low for a handheld PDA but on the upper end for a $50 organizer. It also synchronizes data with your desktop PC, albeit through a slower serial port connection (though most of the data transfers you'll be doing won't be large enough to warrant a faster connection).

Close to the size of a PDA, this foldout organizer features only a 20-column-by-5-line screen, but does offer a bright backlight behind the display. Most of the space of the organizer is taken up by its myriad Chiclet-size keys--an entire keyboard and calculator are replicated on the unit. Additional buttons take you to the different applications built into the YO-520, including a calendar, scheduler, to-do list, expense calculator, and date reminder.

Programming the YO-520 isn't as easy as with your average PDA, where you click with the stylus until you find the settings. We found it was necessary to keep the manual handy, as we were constantly using secondary key functions to change the preferences.

In addition to synchronizing with data on your PC through the simple but thorough PIM (personal information management) software, the PC connection lets you download files from MyWizard.com and transfer them to your YO-520. These programs include sports schedules, college class notes, literature, and more. There is also a handy Info to Go feature at the MyWizard site to convert text from any Web site into a format readable on your YO-520.

While it won't be kicking the Palms out of dedicated PDA users' hands, Sharp's YO-520 provides more power and connectivity than your average organizer, and it would work well for users who need an inexpensive and portable PIM. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Full keyboard
• Synchronizes with a desktop PC

• Tiny display
• Serial connection

With the YO-520P's PC cable, you can back up your data and synchronize with your PC. Browser software allows you to download data like sports schedules, holidays, city guides, and more from MyWizard.com. Software is included for Windows 95 and 98 connectivity and Microsoft Outlook synchronization.

The Sharp YO-520P operates on two AAA batteries for up to three months, based on one hour of use per day. It comes with a one-year warranty.

1. Memos (great to type long essays on (1995 characters) )
2. calendar (plan ahead with Calendar)
3. expense (keeps track of... well, your expense.)
4. clock (keeps track of time. Has built-in world clock.)
5. calculator (with conversions)(12-digit)
6. to do (What you need to do.)
7. anniversary (Keep track of your holidays, anniversaries, ect.)
8. telephone (list important telephone numers here.)
9. schedule (Keep track of your appointments with schedule.)
10. 1 MB storage! (user data approx: 896 KB)
11. Download data through mywizard.com
12. Syncronize with your PC
13. AND MORE!

CONCLUSION: GET IT! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!


Interesting but...   September 10, 2003
A. Krofta (Milwaukee, WI United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I have another Sharp organizer and it is the EL-6990. That one is a little more easier to use. This one has no games on it but I like the fact that maybe I might be able to do with it. The other one I have was cheaper. But this one is worth your while but keep the manual on hand like I do because I just got this one. I am still having some trouble shooting but I am getting used to it. Does this one also sychonize with your pc and have it's own organizer software for it? My EL 6990 has the software and can be backed on the computer?


KISS for replacing your address book   May 30, 2003
K. Krause (Bay area)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I have been using the Sharp series for over 10 years now. The great thing is at this price I can have 2 backup devices for travelling and keep one at work-so I am never w/o my info! I back it all up on my PC and sychronize it as needed. I use the Palm Pilot for some work,but it cannot beat the simplicity of this device for storing hundreds of names,#s,emails and addresses!


YO 520 Review   May 20, 2003
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is a response to EGray10 (and others):

To run your YO 520 using windows XP, go to the Compatibility Wizard within XP, and specify that the YO-520 software should be run using the Windows 2000 drivers. After doing that, it should work (it did for me).

Good luck!