all handhelds and pdas

Comparing the specifications of this model PDA and, say, the Sony Clié, one might assume that this is only a PDA for beginners to Palm devices.

And, you'd actually be right. This inexpensive Palm device is the perfect purchase for a newbie to PDAs. But it's even good for power users who don't need all of the fancy features of expensive PDAs. 8 megabytes is plenty of space for a device that doesn't store photos or MP3s, so you can easily fit your contacts, address book, some games and software, and a ton of eBooks and memos.

The main advantages of this device are:
1. The extremely low price.
2. Has the new Palm OS 5.
3. ARM processor.
4. Infrared port, stylus, USB cable, charging plug, software, and everything you'll need to use this comfortably... besides a case.

Cons:
1. No backlight. I haven't found this to be much of a problem except for in the dark. Even in medium-lit areas I can read fairly easy.
2. Black and white screen.
3. Not an ideal gaming machine because of the lack of additional buttons.
4. No multimedia support (color photos, fast games, MP3s.)

I'd recommend this Palm device to anyone who's just getting started with PDAs or anyone who doesn't need the fancy features and wants to save some money.

Original Zire was a ground breaking product because of its low price. But a year later Palm is still trying to sell the same small screen with no backlight for same price?

Pro's,
1. Its price.
2. Has latest stable Palm OS version 5.
3. Looks very good, doesn't feel cheap (so you can gift it).
4. Comes with rechargeable battery and standard USB cable.
5. Fast ARM processor, good stylus and infrared port.

Con's,
1. Still no backlight on screen (uesless in dark or medium light).
2. Screen is B&W and only 160x160 pixels, again the worst you will find on a 2003 handheld.
3. No mp3, mpeg, jpeg support. Without the multimedia features the gift receiver doesn't get much excited.
4. No expansion slot and only 8MB memory.
5. 90 day warranty.
6. Processor & OS are new but rest of hardware is pathetic, new OS is not put to any use.

With Tungsten E selling for well below 199 mark, I would strongly recommend getting T|E instead of Zire 21. You will get so much for a few more $$. Or you might as well get original Zire for half the cost. Zire 21 is good only as a gift to your mother-in-law, not recommended for personal use.

Don't buy this product. I kept my cell phone right on top of it on my desk at work before I found out that this was why it reset itself. Also - after three months of keeping them that close, I can no longer press the bottom half of the screen because it doesn't register.<br /> <br /> I owned this unit 4 months and it never happened until I bought a new cell phone. It's not coincidence - it's a flaw, and I wouldn't pay money for chance.<br /> <br /> You could get a new phone - and bing, happen to you. Analyze your cell phone habits before you stick this one close to your phone in your purse. It's crappy - and Palm does nothing to make it right.