Any reason not to?

[Stardust]

I'm moving up very soom from Visor Prism to Zire 71. All the online reviews I've read are all praises for Z71, and I am especially attracted by the color display (said to be superior to TT and Clie) and the built-in camera.

But is there any serious problem with Z71 I should be aware of? I've heard of the silver slider losing its tightness. Any other shortcomings related to hardware or the OS?

[Ipastor]

I can only answer from my experience. I bought a Z71 and kept it for a week and returned it. My reasons:
SUDS (sudden unit death syndrome) drives me crazy and this unit had it bad!
POP! no matter what I did the thing popped. Even if I turned the sound completely off it would pop.
While the camera seemed to work pretty well it takes too long to stabilize. If you don't wait, the picture is blurry or dark.
The slider issue.
Graffitti 2.

So, I went back to a Clie.

I bought my Z71 at CircuitCity. They have a 14 day return policy with no question asked (except they really do ask but they don't hassle you). That gave me a chance to see if I liked it.

[Stardust]

Thanks very much, ipastor.

Any other disgruntled Z71 buyers? Tell me quick, before I part with my hard-earned US$344!

[PalmZire71]

read this thread, those are my experience on zire 71. hope it helps :D

[palmos67]

I have been very satisfied with the Zire 71. It has been the only pda i've decided on keeping. Went through many pdas before deciding Zire 71 is the newest handheld that has a great screen, digital camera, decent memory for 299 or less.

[PalmZire71]

sorry, didnt really post the thread....... this is it

http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17992

[cadbot]

After going through all of USB hotsync issues with my m505 I think I have died and gone to heaven after purchasing the Z71. Even without the 505 experience I think every red cent I paid for it was money well spent. I did have a couple of instances where the unit "POPPED" as an earlier post termed it. The reason for this was some of my software was in dire need of upgrading and when that was done it has been clear sailing. There may be the odd lemon out there, but I seem to have gotten a good apple.

[salmas]

I run a PalmOS User Group in Albany NY. I've owned just about every PalmOS PDA out there. Honestly, I have (I don't think I don't catch heat from my wife because of it). I've gotta say that the Zire71 ranks up there with my most favorite PDAs ever. Factoring in the price, it rises to the very top of the favorite list.

My only peaves are (i) the pop - which should soon be fixed with software and (ii) the color of the outside - nice blue, but not very professional looking. Both are minor and do not detract from my overall love for it.

[Scarhart]

I've been satisfied with the Zire71 in the two+ weeks I've had it. It does all the normal PDA things quite well and the screen rocks.

Of the extra features, here's my take.

The camera takes relatively crappy pictures (or I can't stand still long enough to focus), but it's *there* when you need it. I've already found it wildly convenient on three occasions in less than three weeks.

The MP3 player is good, although low volume. (I don't have any other MP3 player to compare it too, however, so take that statement as offered.) It's loud enough in the office, but you can't crank it to 11.

I don't like Graffiti 2. I dislike it almost enough to take the Zire71 back, but I'll wait for someone to hack it and let me make an "i" with a single stroke.

It needs a proper case so it doesn't turn on in my pocket, but new cases will come in the next few weeks.

Bottom line? Price+Performance+Features= Best PDA on the market, in my opinion. Quirks and kinks will be worked out in the near future and I envision many moons of happy PDAing with my Zire71.

Cheers,

Scott

[cadbot]

Ditto on the Graffiti 2. I also am waiting on the new cases to come. There needs to be one with more than 2 storage slots for expansion cards as some of the supplied software requires. I have a backup card and a Rand McNally card and these two alone will take up a 2 slot case

[Stardust]

Thanks for all your comments. Notwithstanding Ipastor's blast, I'm still inclined to get a Z71.

To cadbot - I came across a Brando leather case for the Z71, which has two slots for expansion cards. I forgot the URL but I trust you can easily find it via Google.

[Stardust]

Those looking for a decent case for the Z71 can check this out:

http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwpalmzire71case.php (http://)

Just looking at the photos of this leather case tempts me to rush out and buy the Zire 71.

[eagle2k1]

If you are looking for a hard case with places for four expansion cards check out http://www.smartercase.com/.

[Ruby Vee]

I recently upgraded from a Prism to a Zire 71, and I absolutely LOVE my Zire! The screen is fantastic, and it's so FAST! I cannot believe how
fast it is! I gave my husband the Prism, and whenever I have to help him out with something, I'm frustrated by how slow it seems now.

I made sure I had the latest version of EVERY bit of third party software I'm using before even considering loading it on the Zire, and I've had no problems. I've had to give up a couple of games, but Acid Solitaire, Acid Freecell and Bejeweled are SO much nicer on the Zire that I don't even miss them. The keyboard driver (for the Palm folding keyboard) needs a little tweaking, but I can make it work so I'm very happy overall.

Do not hesitate to buy the Zire 71 -- it's a really nice device!

Ruby Vee

[Stardust]

Thanks for weighing in, Ruby. I've made up my mind to get a Z71, although it costs the equivalent of US$344 in Manila compared with Palm's list price of US$299. Time to move on from the Prism!

[lauren_glenn]

Originally posted by Scarhart

The camera takes relatively crappy pictures (or I can't stand still long enough to focus), but it's *there* when you need it. I've already found it wildly convenient on three occasions in less than three weeks.

The MP3 player is good, although low volume. (I don't have any other MP3 player to compare it too, however, so take that statement as offered.) It's loud enough in the office, but you can't crank it to 11.

Cheers,

Scott [/B]
I agree with the camera aspect, but if you're in a store looking at furniture like I was and want to get a 2nd opinion of someone who didn't go with you, it's great to take a quick snap shot and show them when you get home. Not to mention that the one time someone gets in an accident and needs a quick photo....

I was going to go to Radio Shack and get something they have to amplify the sound from headphone jacks. It's an external amplifier which I've seen behind the counter and the unit is fairly small. It seems like something that would be good if you're planning on using it as an MP3 player.

On another note, the help file for RealOne says that you can use RM files. Since, RealAudio uses ATRAC3 (Sony's MiniDisc format), it would be great to play that on the Zire. Has anyone gotten this to work? RealPlayer won't let me send the RealAudio files to the Zire....


Lauren

[Stardust]

I trust that the Zire 71 camera will come in handy not just for furniture!

[jvp]

I just returned a Z71 because the Kingston SD card I inserted would not come back out. Purchased both at CDW and they sent me new ones. I have not yet tried to put the new card in the new PDA. I was wondering if anyone else has had this happen to them.

Thanks,
Jim

[jvp]

I have discovered that the label on the back of the Kingston card was peeling off on the edge of the SD slot when trying to pull the card. The more pull the more it would peel and hence the more it would be stuck. I took the label off of the new card and now it works perfectly.