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Product: PDA Handheld

Developer: palmOne, Inc.

Minimum Requirements: Mac OS 9.2.2 or Mac OS X v10.2, 25MB free hard disc space, CD-ROM drive, USB port or Bluetooth for Syncing

Retail Price: $299.00

Availability: Out now

In terms of power, functionality and expandability, the Zire 72 from Palm should be able to meet and exceed the needs of just about any user looking for a high-end PDA. The device's core operating system and built-in abilities should meet the needs of most power users, and its expansion slot will give anyone else the add-ons they'll want. But will they need those options? We shall see.

Overview:

A multifaceted machine: the Zire 72 features a crystal-clear screen (capable of thousands of colors), a 312 MHz Intel processor, 32MB of memory, built-in Bluetooth and IR beaming technology, a 1.2 Megapixel camera, and software to help you synch with your Macintosh and import the documents with which you need to work. The Zire 72 is also expandable with video playback and RealOne music
software, as options.

Use:

For me, the main use of a PDA is keeping track of contacts and appointments, and entering data in the field. It should come as no surprise that, in this area, the Zire 72 excels; it has a faster processor backing up the solid Palm OS software. It burned through these simple tasks, and had no problem with my extensive contacts list. The datebook software has been updated to include a list of your upcoming tasks and appointments.

Indeed, the only problem I faced with using the most basic functions of the Zire 72 was that it uses the new Graffiti 2 handwriting system, which is more natural than the Graffiti system that I learned.

Palms don't learn the way you write, you see, you learn to write the way they read. And having to unlearn the original system took some work. For those who don't have this experience, however, Graffiti 2 should be easy, as—I must admit—it is more like natural handwriting.

The Zire also includes an integrated 1.2 megapixel camera, which is the part of the device that impressed me the least. First, it's completely impractical for anything other than impulse photography. It features a 2x digital zoom (which works by artificially enlarging the photograph, at the expense of clarity), and the ability to photograph in "low light" (which I found to be anything other than direct sunlight). The device has no flash. Finally, the device commits the cardinal sin of photography: there is a long delay between pressing the "button," and the actual taking of the photo. Your subjects must remain completely still, or the photograph will be blurred. This, of course, makes photos of anything other than posed shots virtually impossible. And for the people who need a high-end PDA, is this a greatly needed or desired feature?

One thing that has been greatly improved from previous versions of Palm devices is the tactile response of the stylus on the screen. I'm not sure what has been changed, but the screen and stylus no longer have a "slick" feeling between them, hampering the input process. The stylus has a slight but definite grab to it now, which means that what you write on the screen accurately reflects what the computer "sees."

As for the software that comes with the Zire, it's a snap to use. The calendar and datebooks are well-integrated and intuitive in their interface. The notepad allows you to scribble quickly and draw on the screen without regard for the Graffiti system. In short, it does what it needs to do, and stays out of your way: the mark of good software.

Mac integration:

Syncing with OS X is relatively painless. Relatively. To begin, whether you use Apple's built-in apps (iCal, Address Book) or not, you'll have to install Palm Desktop in order to use the HotSync software. Then you'll need to install the iSync Palm Conduit if you want to use, well, iSync. I had to spend a few minutes fiddling with settings and making sure that all the bits of software were talking to each other, but once it was working, it performed flawlessly every time after that. The Zire syncs over a mini USB cable (included), which is s-l-o-w when transferring large amounts of data (such as photos or big PDFs), or you can use Bluetooth (built-in to the Zire) to HotSync wirelessly.

To be honest, using Bluetooth gave me problems. While my computer and the Zire could see each other and establish secure connections easily enough, getting the devices to Sync was a bit of a problem, with several timed-out connections, until finally, it just worked. I should point out that this may likely be more symptomatic of my unfamiliarity with Bluetooth; as I say, the devices saw each other just fine, I just had difficulty getting the HotSync to occur.

The Zire 72 also features a rechargeable battery. This is good, as one of the most frustrating things about my old PDA was watching the battery die while I ran about, trying to find a replacement. The infuriating thing, though, is that if the rechargeable battery does die, the Zire will still lose everything that was stored on it. Sure, a recent HotSync will restore that—provided you have a recent HotSync—but it's mind boggling to me that Palm hasn't found a way (or a need) to overcome this flaw. Back up often.

As a personal digital assistant, however, the Zire 72 is at the top of the game for sheer power, memory, and expandability; adding memory cards can give you all the storage you'll need for a PDA. In addition to its contact management and backup software, the Zire 72 also includes a PDF reader, so you can take your documents with you, and even read e-books...though, if I'm stuck in Spokane waiting for a connecting flight, I'm more likely to play a game than try to read The Last of the Mohicans on a handheld screen.

Which brings me to another digression: the Zire 72 has what has to be the hardest game of Solitaire I've ever seen. Out of thirty to forty games, I think I won once.

For actual work, however, the Zire 72 was just the thing, keeping my schedule organized and also allowing me to quickly take in new information. The new Graffiti 2 system required some learning, but it was also incredibly accurate: misinterpreting practically none of my writing. The system was also stable enough that I was able to "write" while taking the bus to work along bumpy city streets with lots of starts and stops.

How much power do you need in a PDA? If you're only going to use it for storing contacts and calendars, the 72 may have more than you need (and need to pay for). But with integrated Bluetooth, a built-in camera, and endless expandability, the Zire 72 is just what the PDA power user will be looking for.

Bill's been using Macs since the late 80s. When he's not making smartass remarks to amuse Kirk Hiner, he enjoys fighting for the user.

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