Palm 72 Special Edition

If you already own a lower end PDA and know the potential of these little buggers,the Zire 72S it is well worth the step up. Unfortunately PDA's without phones are a fading breed so grabbing a 72S will require a little research and accessories are dwindling fast as well. eBay has turned out to be the best resource.
If you've never owned a PDA, the 72 or 72S is a good way to go first time without skimping on features or performance. And without spending the $300 they were originally.

The Zire has a 300mhz processor and 32megs of memory(24 after installed apps).
So it's kinda like having a 1998 P2 in your pocket with the exception that the Palm OS 5 is way more forgiving than Windows. (at least IMHO)And if you didn't know, you can develop your own apps with the right software.
It has a voice recorder, MP3 player, midi type sound, uses SD cards and has a 1.5MP camera which the phones & even some camcorders are now finally catching up to. The quality is "picture" and not really photograph...but you could call it art.

The 72 and 72S are similar and I don't think the software bundle was different.
The biggest difference between the two is that the blue paint on the 72 is the first thing to go.
To be clear, I love my Sony PEG22 and it's still working fine after almost 4 years and was a fine intro to the Palm OS, but as always with Sony, it it quite proprietary and they dropped support for it in a heartbeat...

Support for ANY device these days seems to be a nightmare and there are also no shortage of stories from Palm too. So consider your purchase a one way ticket to the landfill and everything else is gravy.
One minus is that the consumer "supposedly" can not change the battery on the Zire 72 Yet, there are those who claim to be selling batteries for it. Hmmmm
This is why I rated it "good" and not excellent.

My biggest complaint (like it's gonna get fixed) is that the Zire needs a good case because it's thinner and the slick finish on the 72S does not inspire confidence while holding it. Here again, eBay is a fine source.

I love my Zire and I only hope it lasts as long as the Sony has. Both have been worth the investment.

- Overall great performace.
- many applications available fir Zire 72s.
- RealPlayer's mp3 player is great.
- Suggest buying a FM transmitter, work great for transmitting your Mp3' to your cars stereo.
- I purchased the Zire 72s with GPS Navigation.
- GPS software made by TOM TOM leading GPS software available.
- Although not mentioned anywhere on Palm's website, this handheld plays movies (you'll need a larger memory card)
- Camera takes beautiful photos, but not good in Low light enviroments.
- Reccomend downloading Zlaunch, desktop software for you Palm. Makes the desktop more enjoyable, not that the Palm O/S is bad, just that Palm kept the look simple.
- Infared is not just for communicating with your computer, but you can download Remote for Palm, and use your Palm to operate your T.V, or any other infared device.
- Palm's desktop software uses HotSync, easy to set-up, and very user friendly.

******* "I think this was my best Purchase, and I am glad that I can share this information with you!" ************

Your Friend,
Daedalas1981.

I already have one of these. This was to replace my wife's much older model which had expired. This is an excellent PDA, and it's a pity that Palm didn't have the foresight to use their technology, from earlier this decade, to introduce tablet models.
If you don't want phone connectivity, this device will do everything else that a smartphone can do, without the high cost of contracts. With the addition of a wireless card, if they are still available, it can even surf the 'net.
Highly recommended.

I like the features - camera - wi-fi - bluetooth ect. i needed it because my old palm died i would recomend the zire 72 for anyone who needs a pda for appointments , to keep track of personal or business contact information the only down side is that it is not compatible with windows 7

I like the total package that you get with the Palm 72, great calendar and to-do listing, good sync with the software on the computer. This unit also has a great feature of a note pad, you can write a note with the stylus right on the screen and it will load up to the computer, in your handwriting. quite handy for grocery lists, etc. Too bad they don't make these any more!!!