Zire 21

The $99 Zire 21 is the natural replacement for the wildly popular original. Palm Boosted a number of features on the device, including RAM, going from 2MB in the original Zire to 8MB in the Zire 21, and processor, jumping up to a 126MHz CPU from a mere 16MHz processor. The operating system is Palm OS version 5.2 , the most recent edition, instead of Palm OS 4.1.

Size wise, the handsome white and grey PDA measures a small 4.4 x 2.9 x 0.6 inches and weighs only 3.8 ounces. The display is a good 4-bit grayscale screen that has a 160x160 pixel resolution, and the handheld includes a rechargeable lithium ion polymer battery. The display isn't backlit, so you'll have a hard time viewing it in dim light, let alone when it is dark.

The Zire 21, like the original, isn't compatible with Palm's Universal Connector for peripheral expansion. Like with the Tungsten E, it doesn't come with a cradle but with separate power and USB sync cords. There is no SD slot for memory and peripheral expansion either.

Of course the lack of peripheral and memory expansion is besides the point for Palm's intended entry level user. The Zire 21 is powerful enough and has enough features to be an excellent electronic day planner that you can sync with your PC. Palm’s standard suite of personal information applications takes care of that. It has enough memory for additional applications, so the user can take advantage of the huge world of Palm OS software. Not only that, you can play games on it to boot.