Palm releases the newest de-Zire in handheld technology
By Christopher DaCosta
Now that the transition to an almost entirely digital world is well under way, the tech-savvy are chiefly concerned with one thing: a streamlined, all-in-one super-computer. While technology-makers diligently work to fashion the ultimate, most state-of-the-art, all-encompassing device, Palm has ushered in its own in-your-pocket, on-the-go gadget.
The inception of the Palm Zire 71 handheld hopes to make waves in the personal digital assistant (PDA) market with a unique amalgamation of three products.
The Zire is a technological fusion of an MP3 player and a fully integrated digital camera; the system also retains the traditional features of a PDA. Yet the Zire, targeted for the ìyouthful professional,î according to a Palm news release, is surprisingly simple to operate and control.
Don't like the clumsy maneuvering of a stylus? The Graffiti 2 feature allows you to learn quick, easy stylus-strokes to master the alphabet quicker than ever before. Unfortunately, using your finger to steer through the operating system is not usually recommended, the stylus is the preferred method of navigation.
Another feature which increases the ease of handheld navigation is the ì5-way navigatorî ñ a button which controls the scroll, highlight, and viewing functions in a joystick-like manner. This provides easy access to programs and files, as well as a better handle on gaming controls.
However, this feature is sometimes inconsistent and sensitive. At times it navigates almost too fast.
A handy feature included is the Palm Reader, an eBook program which allows the user to read a variety of popular books. With a five-hour battery life, the Zire proves itself to be an integral part of daily student life as well as a definite must for that long flight home for summer vacation. The Audible Player gives voices to interviews, novels, and newspapers.
While the MP3 player showcases incredible sound for a handheld system, music can only be played through an expansion card, which means limited music play time and also additional costs. Expansion cards vary in size and are not included with the Zire.
Other entertainment options include the Kinoma Video function, a program designed to playback and store videos, slide shows, and animation. This will most likely be a favorite among movie buffs, who will be able to download movie trailers and use another program to locate the latest screenings of new blockbusters. On a color screen, the videos yield a mostly clear and crisp picture with a high-resolution and 16-bit color display; the Zire is overall superior in its display capabilities. As expected, there are some pixilated moments, but there is very little lag in movie action.
Palm proudly showcases its innovative camera design as its primary feature. With an ìintegratedî camera, the handheld device conveniently acts as a case for the lens ñ keeping it protected, concealed and out of the way. Operating the camera gives a whole new meaning to ìpoint and clickî by completing the task in a no fuss fashion. To take a picture, one must simply slide down the cover, literally point and click, and then proceed to share images.
One downside of the camera is that the photographer must remain completely still while shooting a picture, otherwise the potential photographic masterpiece might only result in a blur of colors.
The Mac and PC compatible Zire is compact ñ at 5.3 ounces ñ and one of the first instruments of its kind.
The tech-hybrid offers a barrel of gadgetry that works well within the confines of a handheld unit and with graduation in-sight; the Zire might just be the perfect do-it-all gift for that grad on the go.