There was a time when the Palm IIIx was among the best PDAs out there. In the PDA world of smaller, faster, more memory, there are many better alternatives, unless cost for you is the key factor. Don't get me wrong, the IIIx is great. However, the IIIxe should be your choice, if you don't want to spend the money for the Vx. In this review, I'll walk you through the IIIx and compare it to two others I am familiar with, the Vx and the Visor Deluxe.

INTRO
The IIIx is a PDA that is 2 years old. It comes with 4 MB of memory, which used to be the most until the recent surge of 8 MB devices. It has internal flash memory, which means the OS can be updated whenever Palm issues upgrades. (OS 3.5 should be available in the near future) It is the standard size for a PDA, meaning it is as big as a III, Visor, or TRG Pro. The Palm VII is larger, and the V and Vx are noticeably smaller.

PROS
1. Construction- The IIIx is made of a very sturdy plastic material. Being a former Visor Deluxe owner (who sold it to get a Vx), let me tell you that the IIIx is infinitely better then the Visor. The Visor is made of a very cheap plastic that cracks if you drop it. Having used my friend's IIIx extensively, I can say that you won't have this problem at all with the Palm IIIx
2. Upgradbility- I think the Palm IIIx is ideal for people new to the PDA world who plan to use it as a datebook/address book. If you get the IIIx and find that memory is not enough, you can ship it off to TRG to boost your memory up to 8 MB! My friend actually did this and has no problems with his now 8 MB device.
3. Palm Brand- Having owned the Visor, I can say their customer service is horrible. My unit was beaten up after just 2 months and needed repair and Visor wanted to charge me $75. I know if you have a problem with a Palm, they give you a refurbished model without any hassle.
4. Screen- The screen on the IIIx is average. However, it is a strength when compared to Visor. The IIIx's screen does not scratch like the Visor's but does not have the crystal clear look of the Vx.
5. OS upgradability- The IIIx comes with OS 3.3. However, you can easily upgrade to 3.5 when it is released en masse to the public. The Visor does not allow memory upgrades, as it does not have internal flash memory.
6. Flip Cover/Stylus- The flip cover is great. The stylus for the IIIx is well made and slides easily out of the slot (my Vx stylus is a lot harder to remove)
7. Price- The IIIx currently cost $208. Not bad if you can't afford extra money for the IIIxe.

CONS
1. 4 MB memory- For power users (people in medicine, business, etc) who get a lot of mileage out of their PDA, get an 8 MB device such as the IIIxe, IIIc, Visor Deluxe, or my recommendation the Palm Vx. There are simply too many programs out there that eat up a lot of memory. Your 4 MB will be filled in no time if you use the Palm a lot and will have to shell out the money for a OS upgrade. With programs such as Avantgo, Vindigo, Datebook4, and Action Names, it is easy to fill up your memory without even realizing it...
2. Batteries- I love the Vx partly because it has internal rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries. I never have to shell out the money for batteries and leave home every day with a fully charged unit. IIIx takes AAA batteries which are fine, but limited in lifespan.
3. Size- I like the Vx because it is a lean machine. The IIIx is noticeably bigger, about the same size as the Visor. If you want the smallest get the IIIx.

NOTE ON HANDSRING's SPRINGBOARDS
Visor owners will say that the beauty of the Visor is that it has a springboard port that you can use to turn the Visor into a MP3 player, wireless PDA, etc. Let me say that springboards add a lot of weight to the PDA, are expensive, and tax the batteries heavily. I predict that the springboard port will not become the hit it was supposed it because it isn't very practical. If you get a IIIx and don't have the springboard slot, don't worry you are not missing anything at all. In fact, you can still get a keyboard for the IIIx, and that I feel is the best and most usable springboard out there.

WHO IS THIS FOR?
The IIIX I would recommend to:
1)People on a very limited budget
2)People on their first PDA

WHO ISN't IT FOR
1)People who are power users, or who have the potential to become one (if you are in business, medicine..get an 8 MB device!
2)People who like to play around with a lot of programs. For those who aren't familiar with Palms, there are a ton of programs out there and it is easy to fill up the memory.

VERDICT
Overall, I will recommend the IIIx. It is nicely made and a quality PDA. However, If I were buying today, the Vx would be my 1st choice If your are looking to spend under $250, buy the IIIxe, which has 8 MB of memory and the new OS. However, if you are on a budget and do get the IIIx, believe me, you will have bought a well made trusty device that you can always upgrade if you need to...




Recommended: Yes