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Palm Zire 71
Price: £80

Features
Performance
Ease of use
Value for money
Overall

Reviewed By: Andy Shaw

This review updated: 02/07/2003
Featured in magazine:
Issue 57, page 37
Manufacturer Contacts:
Supplier: Palm
Web Address: www.palm.com/uk


Palm's PDAs have had colour screens and lots of memory for a while now, but they have lacked the functionality to serve as true pocket-sized multimedia marvels. The designers have really gone for it with the Zire 71 though, building in a digital camera, razor-sharp colour screen, headphone socket and all the multimedia software you could desire on the move.

The star of this device is its camera. Taking pictures at resolutions of 640 x 480 pixels, this is a great way of having a fun camera at your fingertips, ready for any occasion. There's also a headphone socket and MultiMedia/SD memory card slot so you can use it as an MP3 player. Email software is included so you can hook it up to a mobile phone via the infrared port or just synchronise with the email on your computer to work on while you're out and about. There's no web browser as standard though, so if you want to surf on the device you'll have to get the software from elsewhere.

The pictures are of good quality, though there's a slight delay between pressing the button and the photo being taken, which takes a little getting used to. The camera even copes well with dark conditions despite its lack of flash. The other applications on the device are also fast and effective.

The Zire 71 features a handy joystick, which also acts as a function button. This is great for performing simple tasks like checking your schedule or browsing through your contacts, as there's no need to get the stylus out. Palm has upgraded its Graffiti handwriting recognition software but some of the symbols have changed, so experienced users will find themselves in the same boat as beginners when it comes to learning the new system.

For the money, this device offers more than you could get if you spent the same money on an individual digital camera, MP3 player and PDA. The fact that all these devices are rolled into one is an extra bonus, as is its stylish, comfortable casing.

More PDAs reviews:

• Palm Treo Pro
• Gigabyte GSmart MS800
• Palm Centro
• BlackBerry Pearl 8120
• Apple iPhone