Now that Palm is offering a $50 rebate through selected retailers, the Palm IIIxe is even more of a bargain. This offer takes the Palm IIIxe down to the $200 price range. The Palm IIIxe offers almost all the functionality of the Palm Vx for $200 less. In my opinion, the extra $200 for the Vx could be better spent elsewhere because the Palm Vx is only 2 ounces lighter than the IIIxe and its rechargeable batteries are not removable.
In either case, the Palm does more than just act as a calendar and address book. You can think of it more as a small computer with numerous programs that can be downloaded from the internet. Most of these programs are free. The AvantGo application allows one to take some of their favorite web pages with them to view on the Palm. I use the AvantGo mainly to read the Wall Street Journal articles and Yahoo! News, both of which are updated every time I synchronize the Palm to my desktop computer. Vindigo is another free application from the web which is useful for finding movie/show times and local theaters. It is more like a yellow pages for finding local restaurants, shops, and such; but I rarely use it for that purpose. You can also use it to download and respond to your email, but it is best suited for individuals who write short responses to their email.
Being a New Yorker, the freely downloadable Metro application helps me find the fastest subway routes from where I am to my destination, and I also have a subway map image stored too. The original calculator function is very basic, but the free upgrade calculator application has the typical functions of a scientific calculator. Another free program allows you to use the Palm's infrared beam as a TV/VCR remote control. This feature was entertaining at first, but now I only use it on other people's TVs.
Entering information into the Palm is fairly easy after a few minutes of practice. If you don't like the handwriting recognition feature, they sell little keyboards that you could use instead.
The Palm IIIxe comes in a very complete package with a serial cradle, software, manual, and even AAA batteries. It is compact enough to fit easily in my palm, but it does not comfortably fit in a shirt pocket. At first glance, it looks just like the original Palm III, but the case is molded in black instead of gray.
The case is pretty durable, but don't count on the lid to protect the screen from damage or to cover the power button. I would strongly suggest getting a small case for it, perhaps one of those leather ones with a clasp or zipper. The original lid that came with the IIIxe does not lock shut, and loose items in your bag or pocket could inadvertently turn the Palm on and drain the battery, or slip under the cover and scratch the screen. Online, you can find some leather PDA cases that are attractive and durable for much less than the Palm brand leather cases. I think my Palm IIIxe looks alot better in a leather organizer case than by itself.
The IIIxe uses batteries at a rate of 1-2 months per set. I've found that rechargeable alkaline AAA batteries last almost as long, and they save a lot of money. The nightlight feature also quickly drains the battery. The nightlight feature allows you to read the screen in the dark, but it is not comfortable reading for a long time.
Overall, I strongly recommend the Palm IIIxe because it offers the functionality of the Palm Vx for $200 less. Although, the Palm Vx looks more attractive, you could use the savings to buy yourself an attractive watch instead.
Same size and weight as earlier Palm III models 8 MB RAM (4 times that of the popular Palm IIIe connected organizer) Upgradable features and operating...More at Amazon Marketplace
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