Palm Zire -
Small, light, and compact, the Palm Zire handheld is a great PDA for anyone looking for a basic electronic personal information manager to help organize their tasks, meetings, and contacts.
Getting started with the Zire is simple, making it ideal for people who are new to the world of handheld devices. We were up and running within 20 minutes of opening the package. As part of our setup, we synced the Zire with Microsoft Outlook.
Initially, we had to try twice before we could successfully sync our data, but have been able to sync data flawlessly ever since. All of our contacts and scheduled meetings transferred effortlessly, and we quickly came to depend on the Zire to tell us where and when we had to be at a given time. However, with only a 2 MB storage capability, this handheld won't hold a huge about of data.
The Zire is attractively colored with a white front and a silvery gray back, but Palm really cut corners with the screen cover. The cover is made of a flexible plastic that flaps around when it is supposed to be centered on the screen, and is awkward to keep out of the way when you want to access the screen. It's so annoying we recommend not using it at all. Fortunately, the screen cover comes separate from the Zire itself so this is easy to do.
While not a powerful handheld, the Zire is worth considering if you're looking for a way to keep your tasks, contacts, and meetings organized. It performs those tasks wonderfully, and is priced affordably. --Patricia Atherly
Pros:
-Mac and PC compatible
-Inexpensive and attractive
-Easy to set up and use
-Comes with a rechargeable battery
Cons:
-Only a 2 MB memory
-No expansion slots
-Palm OS 4.1 instead of the new Palm OS 5
-No backlight
-Flimsy screen cover
Description:
Easy to learn and use, the Palm Zire handheld offers you great value at an affordable price. It's compact enough to slip into a pocket and keeps all of your important information--addresses, appointments, notes, and more--at your fingertips, whether you're at work, at school, or at home.
Enter information right on its screen with Graffiti software, Palm's alphabet, or easily transfer information from your PC or Mac. With a rechargeable battery for hassle-free operation and a handy flip-cover to protect the screen while you're on the go, the Zire handheld is a practical and reliable way to keep your busy life in balance.
Features:
-Palm organization and style at an affordable price
-Easy to learn and use--even if you've never used a handheld before
-Mini-USB connector allows easy transfer and backup to computer
-Keeps addresses, appointments, and important information safe and secure
-Rechargeable battery allows hassle-free operation
Technical data:
-Memory (standard): 2 MB
-Memory (maximum): 2 MB
-CompactFlash: No
-Other expansion: No
-Display type: Monochrome
-Display size: 160 x 160 pixels
-Backlight: No
-Processor: 16 MHz Motorola Dragonball EZ Processor
-Operating system: Palm OS v 4.1
-PC compatible: Yes
-Mac compatible: Yes
-PC system requirements: Windows 98, 2000, ME, and XP; one available USB port; 30 MB free hard disk space; CD-ROM drive
-Mac system requirements: Mac OS 9.x and Mac OSX v 10.1.2 or higher; one available USB port; 30 MB free hard disk space; CD-ROM drive; 5 MB free RAM
-Handwriting recognition: Yes
-Keyboard: Onscreen
-User controls: Stylus
-Memo pad: Yes
-Address book: Yes
-Scheduler: Yes
-Email: No
-Web browser: No
-Security: No
-Stereo: No
-Built-in speaker: No
-Headset jack: No
-Voice recorder: No
-MP3 playback: No
-WMA playback: No
-Audible content playback: No
-AC adapter included: Yes
-Battery type: Rechargeable lithium-ion
-Batteries included: Yes
-Average battery life: Up to 3 weeks
-Desktop import/export formats: Information not available
-Serial: No
-USB: Yes
-Infrared: Yes
-Wireless: No
-Docking cradle: No
-PC cable: Yes
-Other hardware: Charging cable, USB HotSync cable, protective flip cover
-Software: Address Book, Date Book, Clock, To Do List, Memo Pad, Expense, Note Pad and Calculator. Bonus game software included; Mine Hunt, Puzzle, Giraffe, and Hardball
-Width: 2.9 inches
-Height: 4.4 inches
-Depth: 0.6 inches
-Weight: 3.8 ounces
-Warranty, parts: 90 days
-Warranty, labor: 90 days
Released: October 2002
