Help me select my first PDA!

[vaindioux]

Hi

I have a low budget, the less I spend the better. Around $80 would be great, refurbished ok. Budget $40-$120 if worth it for my needs.
I need a PDA to enter names of DVD's I purchase for my collection. I have started buying the same twice, I need something alphabetised when i am in stores. I want to update when i purchase new ones.
I want to play too, keep phone numbers, alarms silent or not, reminders, have access to large freeware/shareware library online.

Some features i need:

-At least 4 MB
-XP pro compatible
-Large online library (games, utilities....)
-Be able to back up my data on PC.

Some features I would like but not required really:

-Email/web browsing or web downloads for offline viewing.
-USB connection (Would like to avoid adapter purchase.)
-Backlight
-Upgradable
-Expansion slots
-Not too big/tough unit for heavy on road use.
-Rechargable.(Want to avoid constant AAA purchase).

Some features not required

-Color display
-MP3 player
-Ebook reading

I have the following selected so far, please feel free to add more. I need to narrow the list to 3 to make my final decision.

-Palm Zire 21 (Middle of budget)
-palmOne Zire 31 (High end of budget)
-palmOne Zire (Low end of budget)
-Palm IIIxe (Middle of budget)
-palmOne m105 (High end of budget)
-palmOne IIIc (High end of budget)
-palmOne Vx (Middle of budget)
-Sony Clie PEG-SJ20 (real High end of budget)
-Clie PEG-TJ25 (High end of budget)
-Handspring Visor Deluxe (Low end of budget)
-Palm VIIx Wireless (Low end of budget)
-Handspring Visor Edge (Middle of budget)
-palmOne m500 (High end of budget)

I have ruled out the following for various reasons:

-Handspring Visor Neo
-Sharp Wizard OZ-590
-palmOne m100
-palmOne m125
-palmOne IIIe

Thanks for helping a newbie!

Patrick

[hiddi]

taken from slickdeals.net

from staples on black friday
these have to be purchased together to get rebate off on kbyte mp3 player


*plam zire 31 148.99-50.00 instant = 98.94 569022
*k byte 128mb mp3 player 49.99-10.00 instant = 39.94 582334
* -39.94 combo rebate = 98.94

they also will have the zire 21 for $69

Staples ALWAYS has coupons somewhere. You might be able to buy one off ebay for a couple bucks if you can't find one. I have a $20 off $100 I plan on using black friday

hope this helps some with your budget


edit: try your luck on this auction?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31411&item=5535510569&rd=1

[Adama D. Brown]

I would advise you to go with the Zire 31. It's got all of what you're looking for, and it's a lot newer than most of the others that you listed.

[vaindioux]

Hi

Thanks a lot to the two of you for your kind help. I just read 3 detailed reviews of the Zire 31 and am almost sold. I went at office depot to get a feel of it but it wasn't powered, the sales guy told me the rack had collapsed with the PDA's and power would be restored on Wednesday. I will go back to try it out.
If anyone can add something please do.
The BF rebate is great, thank-you.

Patrick

[Brian]

No, I think the Z31 is the clear choice.

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www.bargainPDA.com
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