This really is an extremely nifty machine. The MagicLink PIC-1000 feels faster (even with
its earlier, MagicCap 1.0 OS) than the Motorola Envoy, even though they are basically the same machine
on the inside (notable differences lie along the lines of communications hardware). It is quite a
sleek unit with a nice, rubbery finish and a nice snap-on wrap-case. The screen sensitivity is
excellent, as is the overall "feel" of the unit and its OS. I got this unit "new"--never used, for
$70. Not bad. As it takes an awkward 6 AAA batteries, I added a Sony rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
which gives ~15 hours of life/charge. MagicCap 1.0 lacks HWR of any sort (relying on an on-screen
keyboard), so I am on the search for Graffiti to add to the unit. In the same bundle as the device, I
purchased the Berlitz Speaking Translator, a MagicCap app on a PCMCIA card that audiably converts a
good number of key phrases between English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Japanese (pretty
slick).
I consider this to be bested only by the MessagePad 2100 in my collection. If this unit had a
backlight, it would be a close one. I may have to search for a PIC-2000 (with MagicCap 1.5 and a
backlight) to keep moving with MagicCap. (Oki makes a new MagicCap based device at ~$1000, the specs
I am not too sure of, but that would be quite a machine to take a look at.)
