Is this a good bargain?

[DJ Zaki]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?sku=P175-1034

Palm IIIc Color Handheld Organizer Kit $180

- Palm IIIc handheld

- Palm Portable Keyboard for M100, III & VII

- Palm Deluxe Leather Case For Portable Keyboard

- Synchronizing Serial HotSync cradle and battery recharger (120 VAC, 60 Hz)

- Metal stylus

- Palm Desktop organizer software

- Handbook

- Getting Started Guide

- Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (internal)

- DB-25 adapter

- Protective flip lid

- Palm™ III Series Accessory Catalog

Is it worth buying a Palm IIIc nowadays? If I were to get this, I'd still have to buy the Palm OS 4.1 upgrade, that's $30. Also I want to buy the Franklin Covey Student Suite...which is $40...

[gonnabe]

It's not bad, but you might find a better deal on ebay. I picked mine up with the Palm keyboard, PalmPix camera, Palm Modem Connectivity Kit, extra cradles, Targus leather case, Tinysheet, extra software, etc. for $200. I was REALLY pleased.

If it's a new unit and carries a full year warranty, then $180 ain't bad. All the "extras" you list other than the leather case and keyboard come standard with the IIIc.

[gonnabe]

Forgot to ask: why do you feel you need the 4.1 upgrade? I run 3.5.3 and it runs like a breeze, and have only heard lukewarm stories at best about the 4.1 upgrade. At worst, folks have had issues with crashes, resets, etc.

The IIIc is one of the best 160x160 color Palms ever made, so if you don't need the latest and greatest hi-res unit, I'd give it serious consideration. If you're unsure, you can wait until the OS5 models come out and spend a few hundred more on a hi-res OS5 color model from Palm or Sony, or get an even better deal on an older (as in few months old) OS 4.1 Sony.

[reggie]

I have OS 4.1 on a Palm III, IIIxe, and IIIc and it's rock solid. No problems.

Personally I always feel the need to have the latest OS that way I know for sure I can run the latest software. That's just my personal preference...

[bechcorp]

It's really a good deal when you think about what your getting.

You get:
one of the greatest color palms ever!
a keyboard.
a warranty.

You could get a better deal on ebay, I've seen many of them there. Just remember, you get what you pay for, and just hope it works when you get it.

-bech

p.s. you don't need os 4.1. 3.5.3 works just fine.