Palm Zire 72

PROS - good looks, easy to use, faster processor, decent memory, expansion slot, camera, sortware, case, MP3 player, loads of 3rd party software, easy to hotsync (I use bluetooth), compact.

CONS - Poor customer support from PALM. 1st PDA broke. Can't seem to browse www via bluetooth PC.

What a difference. First of all the clarity of the screen. Using black and white had never bothered me, but now I don't know how I managed without colour. I use agendus software for diary and address book applications - and now my appointments and events are colour coded!!

There were no problems with the transfer of all my old data, documents to go is now much more functional, and I love the fact that you can now add a photo to your contact screen - silly, but fun. Also writing on the note pad is much easier. The new graffiti2 is pretty easy too - if you're used to the old one - this is a doddle to adapt to.

In fact that is the main thing for me, as well as being extremely functional, it's fun to use and offers great value for money. I still don't use it to its full potential, haven't even explored MP3 or Bluetooth as I haven't got all the gizmos yet. The camera was a nice to have, but it gets used much more than I expected.

If you don't want to spend too much on your handheld but want lots of bells and whistles, then this is the one to get. In my mind the only advantage the T3 has is the expandable screen - not worth the extra expense in my mind.

Can't believe it cost the same as my M500 either... just shows how far they've come in such a short space of time.

So far the major disappointments are:
1) You can't use the messaging tools (SMS etc) with a Motorola V500. There is in fact a very short list of phones with which this tool will work; if this is something you'd be likely to use, then I'd recommend that you check your phone compatibility with the PalmOne support website first. The dialer can be persuaded to work OK, and the quick connect tool in the address book, but this is still a major disappointment.
2) The MP3 player has an intolerable background hiss. I've tried downloading and installing several other players in addition to the installed RealOne player software, and they all have the same hiss - so I guess it must be a hardware issue. This problem goes way beyond something that would only irritate a rabid Hi-Fi aficionado - it basically renders the audio function unusable. If you want to listen to music or audio books on your PDA - look elsewhere.

Otherwise, the Zire 72 is a super little machine. The Documents To Go software is excellent, the basic PIM functions of calendar and contacts are equally good and it is also acting a great portable photo album (great for reminding of what my loved ones look like when my employer dispatches me to foreign parts). Don't kid yourself about the camera - it might be 1.2 mega pixels but that means nothing without a proper lens and the image quality is only marginally better than any camera phone.

I think my cash would have been better spent on a cheaper PDA (maybe a Tungsten E) and a dedicated MP3 player.