PalmZ22 Handheld

I recently purchased my Palm after reading about the benefits of such a device in a parenting book. I thought for the price, and after reading all of the reviews online, it was worth trying. I am so glad I did.Transitioning from paper was much easier than I had expected, especially with the Z22. Perhaps it is because of the limitations (memory capacity, no internet/email) that I found it to make my life easier, not add work to my day. Often times in an effort to get the most value for my dollar, I purchase items with features I think I might use. This ends up creating more work, or creating the sense that I spent too much for something that I didn't need. Not the case with the Z22. A wonderful intro to the PDA world!The setup could not have been easier. After charging for three hours (per the directions), I found that the programming of the Z22 was far simpler than anticipated. No problems with installing software or Hotsyncing (Dell E510, Windows XP). I had entered in Excel contact information in anticipation of the purchase and found while the Z22 instructions did not spell out specifically how to import, the Desktop software and online support forums had plenty of direction. Importing into the calendar was a bit trickier, but with Mobile DB (included software on my Z22), I found a way, which proved helpful when I wanted to input holidays I had entered into an Excel spreadsheet. *Note: Holidays are not included on the calendar & will need to be entered, via manually or freeware/shareware online.The included software has proved to be a great balance of tools to streamline life's details in a compact, aesthetic, user friendly package. There's the Calendar, Contact/Address Book, Task List, Memo, Notepad, Expense tracker, and Calculator which seem to be standard Palm OS programs. Additionally, my Amazon purchased Z22 came with Splash Photo, Splashshopper, and eReader (there are others, but I have not tried them). There are also many resources to find Palm OS programs and books to fit many needs. I found more than enough capability to customize programs where needed.Before the Z22 purchase, I never considered how traumatic it would be to lose any one item, like the day planner, the address book, or my To Do list. How wonderful to have inherent in the product a backup. Also, security features are a bonus I hadn't considered. The last thing one would want to do is to recall the names and contact info of people in your address book to mention that their details (potentially unlisted & private) are in the hands of someone who may have lifted your purse/briefcase. As a novice, I am reluctant to keep too much in the way private info, such as passwords, ss#, or credit card numbers, but there are many programs out there for this purpose, if one is so inclined. Photo view is fine. Graffiti 2 was simple to learn, but would probably have been more of a challenge if I had to relearn a program from a previous version or device. I'm also using an Air Case and screen protectors and am please with both, though the screen protectors took a while to figure how to apply without bubbles. I am using the Palm OS Calendar, but from what I have read, the Palm OS works seamlessly with minimal setup adjustments to interface with Outlook.Clearly, I'm glad I made the jump to the Palm world with the Z22 and would recommend this model to those considering the change to a PDA as well.

Aug 13, 06: Used only when I traveled, with Beyond Contacts software. I synched it before and after travel with my office-in-my-home computer to bring my Outlook contacts, tasks, and inbox with me. Two trips of one week each and it died completely on the second one. No rough usage.The Z22 cannot be used as a reminder as the alarm cannot be heard or felt - it needs an alarm like a cellphone. There is a screen keyboard, so Graffiti is NOT needed. The synch learning curve with the above software I found steep and painful. Note the 90 day warranty, which tells you something, and note the poor support/replacement documented in the other reviews.Probably foolish, but I am going to give it a second try. If this one fails also, I will wait for a Z22B with a useful alarm and proven reliability.10 Feb 07: The new Palm Z22 quit also. Carried it with me daily. It got TLC. Three months after starting its use, it quit, dead as a doornail, just like the first. For similar cases, enter "Quit" in the Search Customer Reviews for the Palm Z22. Save your money and time.

This is my first PDA and now I wonder how I lived my life without one. I'm a stay at home mom with plenty of responsibilities to take care of. I never realized how helpful (and how enjoyable) this tiny device could be even for my home life.I understand that this is a basic featured (but still fabulous) PDA without all the fancy bells and whistles - that is absolutely fine for me. All the bells and whistles just add up to distraction for me. This properly featured yet powerful Z22 helps keep me focused on the tasks on hand.I love that it's attractive and diminuitive. It easily goes everywhere with me. I just wish I could attach a wrist strap. I do keep mine in a protective Flexicase, which has worked out great for my needs.I LOVE that the Palm Z22 can be used as a e-book reader. The Palm Software CD comes with the E-reader software you can load onto your PDA if you want it. By far, it is my most favorite program on my PDA. Now wherever I go, whether I'm across the house or outside my home, I keep a library of books with for me to read.I love how I can write down my thoughts at anytime. The Graffiti 2 handwriting recognition program is quite easy to learn and, when in a pinch, I can alway easily use the onscreen keyboard. Overall, very easy to use. The amazingly easy-to-use touchscreen technology makes these PDAs a gem.The internal battery in the Z22 lasts a long time and quickly recharges either by using a wall plug or when synching with the PC. Palm includes a power-off feature which will shut off the Z22 automatically unless you purposely deactivate it when you turn it on. It also shuts off after so many minutes of inactivity. No worries about it accidently turning on or forgetting to shut it off draining precious battery power. So when I'm taken away from my task because of my toddler or other family necessity, I don't worry about the power draining.The included Palm desktop program also makes it easy to keep my Z22 updated. No grievance there. The hotsync feature sometimes doesn't always connect the first time, but it's not a consistent problem. The desktop program also is programmable for different users of different palm products. So while I can use it for my Palm Z22, I can also use it to program my young son's M100 PDA without our files getting crossed. (I'm getting him started early - laf! Plus they're cheap and work great. I keep kid-friendly programs on his.)The internal 32K (?) memory is sufficient for Z22. It's plenty enough to add several extra programs (my favorites: e-reader, handyshopper, listpro), keep lots of data, and store several e-books. I still have plenty of room left to work with.The size of the screen is also not a problem for me. I'm not always crazy about the resolution, but again, I got my Z22 to be my PDA workhorse, not a movie theatre.I have absolutely no regrets getting my Palm Z22. It frees me from being tied to my computer. It frees me from cluttered thinking. Not a day has gone by since I've gotten the Palm Z22 that I haven't used it. I've been very grateful to have it. Thank you, Palm, for making such a great device that is powerful yet affordable.I love my Palm Z22! It's helping me change my life. :)