Once an SSID appears in the list of available networks, you can edit the settings to enable ad hoc mode, which allows you to connect directly to other Wi-Fi devices without an AP, and Power Save, which helps cut down battery drain when you're using the wireless connection (and battery drain is definitely an issue; more on that later). You can also disable DHCP and manually enter settings for the IP Address, Netmask, Router, Primary DNS and Secondary DNS.

A green light to the right of the screen lets you know that you've successfully connected to a WLAN. Signal strength is indicated by three bars on the display itself; you can also find a more exact measurement in the WLAN Setup area. The Clié's range was a little disappointing, but not bad considering there's no external antenna. My signal strength dropped to around 50 percent just 15 feet from the AP in my home office, and cut out altogether at around 40 feet. It did perform better in the more open hotspot environments I tried it in, however. For example, I was able to maintain a connection to the public WLAN in an Apple store in a shopping mall from several stores away.

The UX50 is the first Clié to feature Sony's Handheld Engine processor, which features its proprietary Dynamic Voltage Frequency Management (DVFM) technology for maximizing battery life. I found the battery power to be adequate, but not stellar. Naturally, the more you use the WLAN connection, the shorter the battery life. With regular Wi-Fi use, the battery lasted around five hours. With constant use, that dropped to about 2.5 hours. Both the WLAN and Bluetooth functions are disabled when the remaining battery power falls under 10 percent. If you really need more juice, Sony offers an add-on battery that it says extends the life of the device up to three times. Of course, you'll have to plunk down an additional $119.99 for it.

As for software, the UX50 includes the standard Palm organizer applications, as well as Sony's e-mail client, Clié Mail, and Web browser, NetFront. Applications for viewing and editing images are also pre-loaded on the device.

Overall, the UX50 is pretty close to PDA perfection. It's well-designed and a joy to use. Its primary drawback, of course, is its hefty pricetag. Still, if you're looking for a handheld computer with built-in wireless connectivity and you've got deep pockets, you won't go wrong with the UX50.

Model: PEG-UX50
Price: $599.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate)
Pros: built-in Wi-Fi; nice keyboard, feature-packed
Cons: can't switch to portrait mode; battery dies quickly with heavy Wi-Fi use; expensive

This review originally apeared on Wi-Fi Planet.