PalmOne Zire 72 Handheld
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Manufacturer: PalmOne
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Used & new from $217.49
- Bright, 320x320 transflective TFT color display supports more than 65,000 colors
- 312 MHz Intel PXA270 processor, Palm OS v5.2.8, 32 MB RAM (24 MB actual storage)
- Integrated 1.2 MP digital camera that also shoots video
- Expansion slot that supports MMC, SD, and SDIO memory cards
- Palm Desktop Software for Windows and Mac and Software Essentials CD included
Product Description:
Building on the success of PalmOne's Zire 71, the Zire 72 is the first Palm-based handheld that can capture digital video with sound and shoot digital still photos. This multimedia PDA also features bright 320 x 320-pixel color screen for optimal playback of video and photos as well as voice recording capability and an MP3 player for listening to your own soundtrack. Other features include Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a 32 MB memory, Secure Digital card expansion, and a fast 312 Mhz Intel PXA270 processor. And, of course, the Zire 72 features Palm's suite of information management applications and the ability to edit Word- and Excel-compatible files and synchronize with Microsoft Outlook (Windows only). Upgrade Features The Zire 72 offers the following improvements to the Zire 71: 1-megapixel image resolution (1280 x 960 pixels); the Zire 71 had a maximum 640 x 480 resolution. 32 MB of memory (24.7 MB user available); the Zire 71 had only a 16 MB memory Video capture with sound; the Zire 71 only shot still images. Digital zoom for closer image capture and in-handheld editing. Voice recording capability. Wireless Bluetooth connectivity (the Zire 71 connected to your PC only via the HotSync cable) At 4.8 ounces, it's 10-percent less weighty than the 5.3-ounce Zire 71. Palm OS 5.2.8 (versus 5.2.1 for the Zire 71). The Zire 72 features easy management of digital files captured with your handheld. Built-in Camera The back of the Zire 72 holds the built-in still and video camera, which does not require you to slide the back of the PDA to activate it (like the Zire 71 did). You can shoot video with sound turned on or off at 320 x 240 pixel resolution and 15 frames per second. Just use the handheld screen to frame the video, tap the "record" button on the display, then save your video to an optional expansion card after tapping the "stop" button. For still photography, it features a 1.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with a fixed focus range of about five feet and a 2x digital zoom. It captures up to 1280 x 960 pixel images, as well as 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120 resolution modes. The camera also offers such customized image setting controls as white balance, brightness, saturation, contrast, and sharpness. You can also add date stamp or effects like sepia, black and white, and blue. Audio The included RealPlayer for Palm OS enables you to listen to MP3 music files stored on optional expansion cards via the built-in speaker on the Zire 72 or, for stereo sound, using optional stereo headphones or ear buds. With the built-in digital voice recorder, you can create voice memos, then synchronize them to your desktop PC and email them to friends and colleagues. Display The Palm Zire 72 features a 16-bit, 320 x 320 bright transflective TFT color display, which supports more than 65,000 colors. Listen to MP3 music files stored on expansion cards via the built-in speaker on the Zire 72 Connectivity and Expansion With the built-in wireless Bluetooth connectivity, you can synchronize the Zire 72 with Bluetooth-enabled computer from across the room (within a range of 10 meters, or approximately 30 feet). But that's just the start. Using a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone, you can send and receive email and connect to the web, send multimedia (MMS) or text (SMS) messages, and even automatically dial any number in your handheld's Contact's application. You can also synchronize data the "old-fashioned" way via the mini-USB connection at the base of the handheld. The Zire 72 uses Multimedia Card and Secure Digital expansion cards, which instantly add software applications, additional memory, large databases, and more without taking up built-in memory space. VersaMail software enables you to access and manage your personal and corporate emai1 while on the go. Operating System and Software The Zire 72 is powered by Palm OS 5.2.8, which provides higher performance, enhanced multimedia features, support for Bluetooth connectivity and networking, and enterprise-class security. It useses the intuitive and easy-to-learn Graffiti 2 writing software to input data into the handheld (as well as an on-screen keyboard). Windows users can synchronize calendar, contacts, tasks and notes with Microsoft Outlook. The Palm OS features the following organizer applications: Contacts: Lets you store several addresses for each contact, and it adds new contact fields for more phone numbers, multiple email addresses, instant messenger IDs, and a website for your contacts. Calendar: Use the new Agenda view to see upcoming calendar events, tasks due and important email, and color-code your events to provide an easy way to reference your Calendar in the Agenda, Day, Week, and Month views. Take more notes, or synchronize more details from your desktop, into the larger Memos and Notes fields on the handheld. Tasks: Use tasks with alarms and repeating tasks to set reminders for important commients. Graffiti 2 allows you to enter data quickly into your Palm handheld but it's even more intuitive and easier to learn Along with the standard Palm software, you'll receive a Software Essentials CD-ROM containing PalmOne's VersaMail, Web Pro, Messages (SMS/MMS), Palm Reader, Documents To Go Standard Edition, Acrobat Reader, Solitaire, powerOne Personal Calculator, and Audible Player for palmOne handhelds (Windows only). Compatibility The Palm Zire 72 is compatible with PCs running Windows 98, NT 4.0, 2000, Me, and XP, and with Macs running Mac OS 9, version 9.1 or higher, or Mac OS X, version 10.2 or 10.3. Messages software allows you to send and receive text and multimedia messages and include photos taken with the built-in camera. What's in the Box This package contains the Zire 72 handheld, built-in rechargeable battery, carrying case, mini-USB HotSync cable, power cable, stylus, CD-ROM with Palm Desktop 4.1 software for Windows and Macs (as well as bonus software), and printed Getting Started guide. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery that has a battery life of between 3 and 4.5 hours depending on screen brightness settings and usage.
From the Manufacturer Now you can shoot photos and capture and watch video clips1 anywhere you go. Or listen to MP3s as you take your tunes wherever life takes you. When it comes to productivity, the Zire 72 handheld means business. Create and edit Word- and Excel-compatible files. Or get wireless e-mail and Internet access with its built-in Bluetooth technology (requires a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone and an ISP, both sold separately). All on a brilliant color display that keeps your whole life looking... read more
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Upgrade Features
The Zire 72 offers the following improvements to the Zire 71:
- 1-megapixel image resolution (1280 x 960 pixels); the Zire 71 had a maximum 640 x 480 resolution.
- 32 MB of memory (24.7 MB user available); the Zire 71 had only a 16 MB memory
- Video capture with sound; the Zire 71 only shot still images.
- Digital zoom for closer image capture and in-handheld editing.
- Voice recording capability.
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity (the Zire 71 connected to your PC only via the HotSync cable)
- At 4.8 ounces, it's 10-percent less weighty than the 5.3-ounce Zire 71.
- Palm OS 5.2.8 (versus 5.2.1 for the Zire 71).
 The Zire 72 features easy management of digital files captured with your handheld. | Built-in Camera For still photography, it features a 1.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with a fixed focus range of about five feet and a 2x digital zoom. It captures up to 1280 x 960 pixel images, as well as 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120 resolution modes. The camera also offers such customized image setting controls as white balance, brightness, saturation, contrast, and sharpness. You can also add date stamp or effects like sepia, black and white, and blue. |
| Audio With the built-in digital voice recorder, you can create voice memos, then synchronize them to your desktop PC and email them to friends and colleagues. Display |  Listen to MP3 music files stored on expansion cards via the built-in speaker on the Zire 72 |
Connectivity and Expansion
With the built-in wireless Bluetooth connectivity, you can synchronize the Zire 72 with Bluetooth-enabled computer from across the room (within a range of 10 meters, or approximately 30 feet). But that's just the start. Using a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone, you can send and receive email and connect to the web, send multimedia (MMS) or text (SMS) messages, and even automatically dial any number in your handheld's Contact's application. You can also synchronize data the "old-fashioned" way via the mini-USB connection at the base of the handheld.
The Zire 72 uses Multimedia Card and Secure Digital expansion cards, which instantly add software applications, additional memory, large databases, and more without taking up built-in memory space.
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| Operating System and Software
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Graffiti 2 allows you to enter data quickly into your Palm handheld but it's even more intuitive and easier to learn
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| Messages software allows you to send and receive text and multimedia messages and include photos taken with the built-in camera. |
This package contains the Zire 72 handheld, built-in rechargeable battery, carrying case, mini-USB HotSync cable, power cable, stylus, CD-ROM with Palm Desktop 4.1 software for Windows and Macs (as well as bonus software), and printed Getting Started guide. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery that has a battery life of between 3 and 4.5 hours depending on screen brightness settings and usage.Average Customer Rating:
Comment: Great Buy and Great function PDA Rating:
I am a civil building engineer; PDA for me is a very important tool for me to record all the construction material. Thousand of the data I have to enter each day and fulfill my need particular during meeting. For small, easy to use, fast processor and lightweight is a major issue for me.
Sony Th55 is a really good choice for me, come with 480*320 and large screen. However, the major weakness is without director key (navigator button), this will bring me a great problem for searching and highlight the data I need as I always tab the wrong information in front of my client. Second, when proceed mora than 1mb excel file it take among two to three mins, third, the turn off power button is small and hard to figure out.
And i return it back to the computer shop and try T3, TH37 and z72, eventually i pick z72.
1) Th37 is good PDA but processor is very slow and lack of multimedia package
2) T3, very powerful processor, but the slide flip for the screen is terrible and no reliable (i have no time for doing this during meeting). Size is big and bulk.
Well,,,i am finaly go to z72, this is a good pda for me light weight, powerful processor and addition bonus for multimedia include video capture. For my standard test, playing mp3 and loading 1,2mb excel file run together, it take 1mins 30 second, satisfy for my need.
Come with a lot of reviews claim that poor camera results, for me camara for PDA is an addition function. The main function PDA for me is business and organize my daily work. For my test, out door photo produce excellent quality compare to TH55 and TJ37. In door will be less particular close range, it getting vague particular still from article.
MP3, voice memo and video sound is great and wide use.
For expand memory, personal advise 256 mb would be very sweet.
Comment: Good device, good value... but Rating:
I am a LONG time PDA user and have owned several models- spent WAY too much money in this area, but that is a different story!
The Zire 72 is a decent device for the average user. 'Power users' or business users may want the increased memory and slightly more stable operating system of the PalmOne Tungsten T3, and WiFi users may want to consider the Sony TH55 or something, but the average user will love the Z72.
Still camera, movie camera, MP3 player, voice memos, AND the entire suite of Palm OS features in one package for under $300? Wow! Bonus- GREAT controls! Much better than the Zire 71 joystick!
OK, the thing is a little buggy. SOME programs (both new and old) don't run well on it. There is a bug or glitch if you use the 'quick unlock' AND 'lock at a pre-set time' features together. There are not a lot of accessories out yet (and with the proliferation of new devices, this is becoming a real problem for manufacturers!), and the non-standard connectors mean all of your old Palm Universal Connector stuff will not work (but this is only a problem if you have any of it!)
I would rate this a 5 IF it was more stable/less bugs, had a better battery life, and was not quite so... 'toylike' in the color and design. A perfect 5 would also have included a larger software package and a better case (the nylon/Velcro pouch is nice and well made, but to dig a PDA out of a pocket or bag, then dig it out of a pouch is a violation of the 'Zen' of Palms!)
Comment: palm makes defective products Rating:
I have been a Palm OS user since the original Palm Pilot back in 1997. However, palmone's quality seems to be going downhill along with their marketshare. My last pda was the palm zire 71 which stopped working after 6 months (my palm III lasted 3 years). After reading the reviews on Amazon for Palmone pdas, it seems that Palmone really has a design or quality control problem - too many peole report their pda not working less than 1 year from purchase. It makes you wonder why Palmone only offers a 90 day warranty on their products.
The Palm 72 seems to have a good feature set, but what good are all of these features if it breaks down just after the warranty expires? Personally, I don't want to take a chance. Instead I went with the dell axim x30 (it just came out). Although I was hesitant to switch to PPC OS, the features match or exceed the ones on the latest palm devices, including a 1 year replacement warranty, bluetooth, and wireless 802.11b. Plus the price was cheaper than the palm 72. I admit that it doesn't have a camera, but I never used the camera on the palm 71 before it broke.
Posted at November 11, 2003 07:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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