Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Best entry level handheld available.
If you need a handheld for basic PIM tasks such as phone numbers adresses and e-mail this is the one for you, read on. If on the other hand you need a powerful handheld computer able to do multimedia I recommend you look at the Sony Clie line of Palm OS handhelds.The Zire provides all you need to substitute your paper based agenda out of the box. About the OS: Palm OS is actually the standard OS on handhelds (most like Windows on the desktop). This handheld includes a desktop PIM(personal information managers) as well as software to sync with Microsoft Outlook. There are thousand of programs available for the palm OS add such as enhanced PIM , Personal finance program to syncronize with MS Money and Quicken as well as office suites and games. Hardware: Zire has a very stilish design it is almost as small as a Palm M515 or clie T 665. Also this handheld as all Palm branded handhelds is build to last with a tought elegant casing. It is compatible with Windows and Machintos desktops. The only limitations I find in this computer are that it only has 2 MB of memory (but I am a power user), for most peple 2 MB is plenty to store thousand of addresses as well as and office suite and other programs. Another minor limitation for gammers it that there are only four buttons. Sumarry: The zire is arguably the best possible solution for someone just entering the world of handhelds. This is the best entry level handheld computer for the money
Rating:  - There's a better handheld out there for the same price!
The palm Zire is overall an "okay" handheld, but if you shop around, I know you'll get more bang for your buck. The Zire has some good points to it, like packing a newer OS verison 4.1, new design as opposed to other Palm Handhelds, and a rechargable battery. But it lacks many basic features that everyone needs! For example, there is no backlight on the Zire, so forget about using the handheld in dim or dark light. It also had a 16MHz processor, so if you plan editing a spreadsheet or playing a game, your performance will be a slower than with other higher priced handhelds. Also, the Zire has only 2MB of RAM, so plan on keeping only contacts and To Do lists. I prefer keeping a E-Book on my handheld with takes up 2-3MB of data. Overall, the zire is an okay handheld I'm sure once the price comes down, the Zire will be the ultimate handheld for the first time user.
Rating:  - Nice little Handheld
I am seeing a lot of negative reviews for this item. I have to say that I do not agree. This is an extremely easy to use, stylish, and SMALL handheld. Those who want the bells and whistles of a $200-$300 handheld need to buck up, pay for one and stop complaining about this extremely useful little device. The Zire is a back to basics handheld and as such, needs to be viewed in that light. What it does, it does well. The palm date book , expense list, to do list, address list, and memo functions are all extremely useful and the unit has enough ram for a few 3rd party applications. I loaded mine with pocket Quicken, and a wonderful little application for more serious chess players called Chess Tiger. I have my schedule, address-phone books, To do listings, shopping lists, and complete financial info in a small package that fits discreetly in my front shirt pocket. (BTW - Nice to have one of these things that doesn?t look too geeky.) One push of a button and everything is synchronized in Quicken and my Calendar. As a self employed professional & busy freelance musician, I need to check my date book often and add things on the fly quite frequently. This Zire has made it all very easy for me and I have a great little handheld chess unit when I get a spare minute. The rechargeable battery is a great feature as is the IR beaming function. I would liked to have seen a bit more ram. The lack of a back light doesn't bother me at all. In short, this little handheld will fill the bill for someone who wants a good basic unit. If you want internet connectivity, zillions of games, E books, & the like, then pay more and get a fancier model. If you need a neat little Organizer that's easy to use, I'd recommend the Zire. I like mine. P.S. The cases do indeed have a peculiar odor to them as several reviewers mentioned. I think this fades in time. The glue or the plastic must be responsible. The case is attractive and protects the unit well however.
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