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More…If you want a basic Palm-based PDA, but you don't need a gadget worthy of James Bond, the Zire 21 will serve your needs for a palatable $99. This no-frills monochrome PDA lets you use Palm's 5.1 OS with its handy built-in applications. You can also install bonus programs from the bundled Software Essentials CD, including apps for keeping track of passwords and reading electronic books. Look elsewhere for wireless capability, phone functions, and a pretty color screen, however.
Palm Zire 21
PalmOne Zire 21
Zire 21 Review, by Laura Blackwell December 24, 2003
The Zire 21's 8MB of memory (7.2MB actual storage capacity) can file away several years' worth of calendar entries and thousands of contacts. There is no expansion slot, though, so that 7.2MB of memory is all you get. Measuring 4.4 by 2.9 by 0.6 inches and weighing a scant 3.8 ounces, the Zire 21 slips easily into a pocket or purse.
PalmOne claims that 3 hours of charging will power this PDA for weeks; this statement seems consistent with our findings on earlier monochrome models under light use. The monochrome screen and lack of a backlight mean little power drain, but they also present a problem. This PDA can be a little hard on the eyes, even in bright light, and it's difficult to read in dim conditions. Some other drawbacks: Warranty coverage is limited to 90 days, and the old "universal" Palm connector doesn't work with the Zire.
Upshot: If you're contemplating the move from a paper organizer to a PDA, the economical Zire 21 lets you go digital without going broke.
PalmOne Zire 21
Palm OS 5.2.1, 8MB RAM, 160-by-160-resolution monochrome screen, stylus input, fixed lithium ion battery, 126-MHz OMAP 311 processor, built-in speaker, 3.8 ounces, 4.4 by 2.9 by 0.6 inches. Kit includes charger, USB syncing cable, and flip cover. 90-day warranty, 14-hour weekday and 9-hour weekend toll-call support.
$99
800/881-7256
www.palmone.com
Laura Blackwell
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User Reviews
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User Reviews From Around the Web
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Reviewed by: DataTamer
Strengths: Enough memory and speed to manage over 800 Act! contacts efficiently. Great handwriting recognition.
Weaknesses: No backlight, contrast doesn't adjust for poor lighting.
Overall: Synchronizing via the USB port is fast and the system is very responsive. A backlight would be a major improvement, as would a larger screen. I personally will be purchasing a more feature-loaded device in the future, but am happy with this product for the price, it's definately a "lightweight" among PDAs.
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Reviewed by: Krym
Strengths: Value priced, good organizer, lots of third party software
Weaknesses: Faint alarm sound, no backlight
Overall: I've owned the Zire 21 for 2 days now, so far it's working well and syncs up properly to Outlook on my PC. The price was great, as I bought it with a bundle package. It has all the basic applications, and Palm's official website has many more you can download and put on your Zire (albeit at a cost). Like others, my main complaint is the Zire's alarm sound. It's very faint, even at the high setting. It's also impossible to see in dim/no light (obviously, since it doesn't have a backlight). There are lighted stylus pens you can buy, however. Overall, good bang for the buck.
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Reviewed by: motorhomejunky
Strengths: easy to learn
Weaknesses: if you plan to use in any dim lighting forget it, impossible to see. packaging never says no backlight. touch an item on screen and it brings up the wrong item. english is the only language recognised
Overall: if you need something to keep phone numbers in your better off with a peice of paper, at least you have a chance of reading or writing it in the dark. I have not found a way to write in spanish yet on the zire, I don't think it is possible. My old cell phone at least has language preferences. The alarm on it is terrible it has to be smashed inside your ear in order to hear it, or maybe your just not supposed to keep them in your pocket. I've set my alarm for everthing, and never once heard it. this product is worth $5.00 max not a penny more!
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Reviewed by: nikhil2104
Strengths: fast, reliable and cheap
Weaknesses: no color screen, no backlight
Overall: its a nice product for students who want to be a little bit more organized! It has every basic options which you can expect from a PDA. It is easy to use and very cheap as compared to other products in the market!
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Reviewed by: shiny_man
Strengths: A great product for its price,has plenty of memory,is easy to learn and use
Weaknesses: no backlight or color
Overall: This is my first palm, and within a few minutes of turning it on, I was able to use it. Palm software is also very good. For the regular guy (who does not need a super hi-tech organizer) this one meets the need, allows me the necessary backup, and didn't break my wallet!
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