- Standard mini-USB connector
- Comes with Palm Desktop Software for Windows and Mac and Software Essencials CD
- 160x160 color display with contrast and brightness controls supports thousands of colors
- 200 MHz Intel ARM-based processor, Palm OS v5.2.8, 16 MB RAM (14 MB actual storage)
- Expansion slot supports MMC, SD, and SDIO memory cards
I purchased the Palm Zire 31 a couple of weeks ago and so far I love it. I installed the software and had my palm up and running in less then 30 minutes. The CD that is included with the palm allows you to install optional software. When my old Palm M130 died a few months ago I started looking at all of the different handhelds that are on the Market. I ended up purchasing an expensive HP IPAQ due to the fact that it came with a Windows based operating system. I had nothing but problems. I finally decided to go back to Palm. After using the IPAQ for several months I realized that I did not need all of the fancy features that came with it (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc). I need a basic handheld that would allow me to calendar important dates and store information such as addresses, phone numbers, etc. I also wanted one that could store pictures and games and other miscellaneous programs. I originally wanted the Palm Tungsten E but after reading tons of negative reviews on several different websites I quickly changed my mind. So far my palm is working like a charm. I have installed tons of games and programs and I have not had any problems. One thing that I would highly recommend is purchasing a back up program online (I like www.palmgear.com). My palm automatically backs up all of the info on my palm to my SD card every time I sync it. To eliminate the stress of having a faulty palm I would also recommend purchasing the extended 2 year warranty if it is available. I purchased it for an extra $19 and if anything goes wrong with my palm they will replace it with a new one.
The screen is only 160x160 but I am not going to be watching movies or playing high resolution games on my palm. The pictures look descent but I only attach pictures to the phone numbers in my address book. I only play basic games like card games and board games and as far as I can tell, they look fine. The only thing that I don't like about this palm (and the reason I gave it 4 stars) is that the plugs for the sync cable and charging cable are on the side of the palm and not the bottom like on all other palms. Also, the flap that they give you to protect the screen is very flimsy. I use it to protect the screen while it is in my purse but I plan on buying a protective case. Other then that, the Palm Zire 31 definitely suites it purpose.
If you are looking for a basic handheld that is inexpensive and will help you stay organized, the Zire 31 is perfect. On the other hand if you are looking for a handheld with Wi-Fi capability or Blue tooth or if you plan to play high resolution games or watch movies then you might want to look at the higher models (or maybe even consider a high end Dell or IPAQ).
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I just picked up a Zire 31 yesterday, and already I'm finding that it's is a pretty nifty piece of equipment. Granted, I did very little comparison shopping before I bought this PDA, but for something that costs half as much as the next comparable model, I couldn't be happier. The user interface is great. The color is great. The sound is great. I guess that the hardcore of the PDA world will complain about the reduced number of buttons, or the 160 x 160 resolution, but I'm a guy who just needs to keep track of appointments and phone numbers, not run my own personal video arcade. A very versatile tool, and unlike 90% of the PDAs out there, something that I can reccomend to my cheapskate friends. Go for it!!
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Ok, this is my first PDA...so i dont know very much about it. But if youre in the same boat, then read on.
I searched and searched...looked at the Zire 21, Sony Clie TJ-27, and every other PDA in this price range.
And then i came across an amazing deal: a Zire 31 for $142...
wow, what a bargain. This PDA does everything i want, and MORE. Not only can i keep track of all my contacts, etc etc...i can view photos (and put them in the background)...
it comes with two e-books...Last of the Mohicans and The Wizard of Oz...
it comes with a really cool Database system that has area codes all over the U.S., airline phone #s, Hotels, dietary info for a whole bunch of foods and drinks...
it comes with solitaire...and an Expenses program to keep track of credit card and bank account balances...
there's an MP3 player included, which i havent used (because you need to purchase an SD memory card separately...and because i just dont want to drain the batteries for that...i mean, for the same price as an SD card, i can just buy a Sony Minidisc player that runs on one AA battery, and save my PDA battery -which isnt user replaceable, so only has a certain life-span).
Hot syncing...where you transfer info from your computer to the PDA and vice versa is incredibly easy. Just touch the button on the screen, and tada! magic. Done.
This PDA gets a 4 out of 5 for one reason and one reason only: the screen. 160x160 isnt bad resolution...but it isnt good either. I mean, it's just fine for me, because im not using it too much, and im not serious about viewing pictures and stuff like that. However, i often find myself playing around with the brightness, contrast, backgrounds, and color to find something that's easy and beautiful on the eyes. It takes a while, but youll find a setting that makes you happy.
If youre a beginner, get the Zire 31. A big step up from the Zire 21...and better than the Sony Clie TJ-27 in terms of price and practicality...i mean -who wants a real crappy digital camera anyways? Dont bother with it...if you want digital pictures, get yourself a real digital camera (i.e. Canon Powershot A75).
One last thing -i almost forgot --... dont listen to people babbling on about the 90 day warranty. As long as you get this PDA from a self-respecting retail store, youll automatically get a one-year warranty from them. And you can purchase an extended warranty for about $20 or so. For something this cheap, they'll most likely replace your PDA right away if there's a serious problem. Check with them first.
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If you're looking to replace your bulky Day Planner with a pocket sized handheld, the Zire 31 is definately the way to go. Spend the extra $50 to get the 31 rather than the Black and White 21. The only real difference is color, but on a small screen, you need it.
Palm handhelds are all extremely user friendly. Turn it on and you'll find the layout very intuitive and easy to use. There is no learning curve on a Palm (unlike a Pocket PC). This is a good gift for anyone who says, "computers are too hard" but needs help getting organized.
If this is your first handheld, the screen size and resolution aren't an issue. If you've never used a better screen, you don't know what you're missing. Don't go looking for something to make you feel bad. Also, if this is your first handheld, why spend extra money on a more expensive model before you know if you'll ever use it or not? If you get it and hate it, you're not out much money. If you get it and love it, Palm has a trade-in program which will get you a discount off your next purchase.
That said, if you have fantasies about gaming on your Palm, this is not the one to buy. Try the Tungsten E (currently running around $200.) If you want to replace a dayplanner, this is a perfect choice.
The Zire 31 itself is a very basic device. You have an (outlook compatible) calander, an (outlook compatible) address book, and an (outlook compatible) task list as the core features. These are a great help in getting you organized. The programs are a breeze to use again, no learning curve. People who are terrified of computers should find this very learnable. Those used to computers will wonder why everything isn't this user friendly.
If you want to do more than organize your life, you can get a ton of additional Zire compatible software through PalmOne.com or a variety of third party sources. These run the gamut, including old school game classics like Ultima I and II, Fittness and Diet tracking programs with diagrams of muscle groups, and checkbook balancing programs, plus tons more. I highly recommend the fun and addictive "Bubblet."
I never bothered with the graffiti pad, instead using the optional onscreen keyboard. You can peck words out with your stylus without having to relearn handwriting.
Once you get used to using a handheld, you won't want to lose your data. BUY A HARD CASE. I can not emphasize this enough.
My Zire died in the first 2 months due to a swift impact on the touch screen. This is a problem with ALL handhelds, whether Palm or PPC based. Get a metal hard case (no leather, it's not strong enough) and rest easy if it gets dropped. Some people are very careful, but then there's the rest of us. Look through the case reviews and you'll find plenty of people bemoaning losing thier 5th handheld in 3 years. Save yourself the misery at the beginning, by buying a hard case with your Zire.
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Purchasing a PDA/Smartphone/Camera/etc. can be a daunting task. There are too many choices on the market, and too many confusing reviews. I am thrilled with my Zire 31, because it does everthing I need, and not too much more. If you are considering this PDA, don't be put off by the many reviews that claim it is right for novices or technophobes. In fact, I believe it is perfect for the serious business user, because it does what most professionals need.
Firstly, it is light and compact. So no problems to take it with you to each and every meeting (my former iPaq always seemed bulky). Secondly, it syncs perfectly with Outlook (and with OS X, too, which means I can finally sync my work PC with my home Macs). The color quality is good enough for showing a few pictures of the kids. It is the perfect tool for managing a busy work and home schedule. My only complaint is the MP3 player. I wish they wouldn't have included one. Who needs it? The unit could have been even smaller without, no doubt!
More positives include the lack of a camera. Why would someone especially a busy profesional want to take pictures with a PDA? I already have a digital camera, and I take it with me on trips if I want to capture a few moments. And the quality is excellent.
Fortunately, the Zire 31 also lacks bluetooth and wi-fi capability. I carry my laptop with me everywhere. Who wants to surf the web on a handheld, other than a masochist? Crazy. This might sound like a must for a busy executive, but from my experience, your laptop is the way to go mobile over the internet. I never travel without my laptop, which has both wifi and bluetooth. So problem solved.
Another advantage is lack of phone functionality. My advice: buy a proper mobile phone. Most combination PDA/phones look terrible. The Treo is a good example: it's too bulky (although sleeker than most), and in the end you get an expensive PDA with too many features and a so-so phone. And you can never leave the "phone" or the "PDA" at home. You are stuck with both of them. It's not a feature, it's an inconvenience.
Some people have discussed the poor video quality when playing games and watching videos. Hello? You are a busy executive and you want to play Doom on your PDA? Give me a break. And don't get me started about people who try to watch videos on their handhelds. Crazy.
If you are looking for something to help organize your life, the Zire 31 is what you are looking for. Use your laptop for emails and surfing the web on the run. Use your mobile phone to call someone. Use a proper digital camera to take pictures. And get an iPod if you want to listen to music. You won't be carrying all of these devices around all the time, believe me. But you'll have quality devices that do what they should, and not much more. The Zire 31 is part of this strategy. Very good at what it does, and thankfully it doesn't do too much more.
You can't go wrong with this handheld, and don't believe anyone that says it isn't a serious business tool because it lacks wi-fi or the ability to take poor quality pictures or watch dvd's on a 2x2 inch screen.
