Best Bargain of All PDA's
Written: May 19 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Versatile, inexpensive, ease of use
Cons: Only 2 MB of memory. Doesn't sync with the entire MS Outlook package.
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| RichBoston's Full Review: Palm IIIe Personal Organizer |
I initially purchased a Palm IIIe but realized it only synched with the mail feature of Outlook and I needed to synch with the whole MS Outlook package. Rather than upgrade the software I returned the IIIe and got the IIIxe for $250 ($100 more than the IIIe)
While the extra $100 was well worth it for my needs (there is 4x the memory at 8 MB, it upgrades the Palm OS with some nice features, 2 MB of flash ROM, the IR beaming feature to communicate with other Palms, full MS Outlook synching Email, Calendar, Address Book, Memo Pad etc.)the IIIe at only about $150 is a great bargain if you don't need the added memory or need to sync with the entire Outlook package.
The thing that uses most of my IIIxe memory is AvantGo and if you don't wish to use that you should have plenty of memory at 2 MB in the IIIe. I assume this is why the AvantGo software isn't included with the IIIe. You can still download it free from the AvantGo website and be able to use it selectively. AvantGo allows you to sync with various web sites and download them at synching for offline viewing.
My Palm has quickly become a part of my life and I'm continually amazed at the thoughtful touches created by the design team. The Palm website can tell you all the features better than I can. I'm just here to tell you that they work, work well and are easy to use and learn.
I've added additional software since my purchase and the choices are endless. I work with many foreign countries and added a French, Spanish and Italian word and phrase translator. If you really want the freedom to not worry about memory, again, think of the IIIxe with 8 MB or you might find yourself constantly deleting applications to free up memory.
There are many web sites where you can download free and other Palm OS compatable software. Some other programs I've added are enhancements to the existing Palm installed software that makes it more flexible, a function which allows screen writing with the ability to save messages in your own handwriting, measurement converter, stop watch, image viewer, two readers to download books and magazines, an advanced scientific calculator, a world time clock, and lots of fun stuff including...of course...games. It's applications like these which you might not even know about now that should lead you to consider the IIIxe but they all work equally well on the IIIe.
The Palm OS makes amazing use of memory, and the amount of stuff you can load on is mind boggling even at 2 MB.
Batteries on the IIIe last 2 to 4 weeks. I've found that frequent synching taxes the processor. Once a day will save battery life. The backlight is the biggest drain on the batteries.
If you have no need of the extra features or memory and want to save $100, get the Palm IIIe but I strongly suggest going with the IIIxe to meet future needs. You may find yourself using some features later that you're not interested in now.
If this is your first PDA purchase stick to the Palm OS over the MS Pocket PC. The Palm is much more user friendly.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
RichBoston
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Member: Rich
Location: Boston, MA
Reviews written: 92
Trusted by: 134 members
About Me:
I live for the latest gizmos and doo-dads!
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