Find tech advice for business herePalm Zire 31 Handheld
Manufacturer: Palm Part number: P80708US
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The entry-level Palm Zire 31 should have users singing a happy tune with an affordable price tag, added memory, a fast processor, and MP3 playback.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 02/08/2010 |
CNET editors' review
Palm Zire 31 Handheld price range: $240.00
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 04/27/2004
- Released on: 04/28/2004
The good: Fast processor; 16MB of memory; color display; MP3 and RealAudio playback; expansion slot.
The bad: Battery not user-replaceable; no camera; no protective case.
The bottom line: The entry-level Palm Zire 31 should have users singing a happy tune with an affordable price tag, added memory, a fast processor, and MP3 playback.
The stylish, blue PalmOne Zire 31 is slightly bigger (4.4 by 2.9 by 0.6 inches; 4.1 ounces) than the Zire 21. Still, this incredibly compact and light PDA feels comfortable in the hand and will have no problem riding shotgun, whether tucked into your pocket or stowed away in your bag. A five-way navigation keypad and two shortcut buttons sit below the screen, and they were both easy to use one-handed.
The 160x160-pixel color display sits front and center. The screen is bright, but with its low resolution, images weren't always clearly defined, and eyestrain set in after extended use. By comparison, the TJ27 sports a 320x320-pixel, 65,536-color display that produced sharp images. PalmOne includes a flexible screen cover, but if you want a sturdier structure, you'll need to spend $15 on a carrying case.
As noted, the Zire 31 supports audio playback via RealOne Mobile Player (MP3s and RealOne audio, no video playback), and we're glad to see that PalmOne integrated an SDIO/MMC expansion slot and a 3.5mm stereo jack that accepts Walkman-style headphones. Both are located on the top of the device. The slot is deeply recessed into the case, making it difficult to insert and remove the card--a minor but noticeable inconvenience.
The Zire runs the most current Palm OS 5.2.8 and the latest Contacts and Calendar apps, which sync better with Microsoft Outlook than their predecessors do and have enhanced features, too. Also onboard are Tasks, Memos, and Note Pad, along with extras such as Handmark Splash Money to track expenses, PalmOne Photos to view and share pics, Palm Reader for eBooks, and Solitaire.
Thanks to the Zire 31's robust Intel Cotulla 200MHz processor, we had no problem operating these programs and suffered no delays when switching between apps. The 16MB of memory (14MB of which are user accessible) provide plenty of space to store contacts and to add apps. Audio quality was also impressive, as MP3s played clearly and loudly through the device's speakers.
For CNET Labs' tests, we installed Kinoma Video Player and looped a video clip, with screen brightness set at 50 percent. The battery called it quits after 2 hours, 50 minutes, which isn't great, but the Zire 31 isn't meant to be a full multimedia device. When playing MP3s, the unit's performance improved, clocking in at 3 hours, 20 minutes. The company says the rechargeable (non-user-replaceable) battery should last up to one week with normal use.
The Zire 31 is a good fit for anyone on a budget looking to organize his or her life without all the frills of a full-featured PDA. But if you're looking for a better buy, the TJ27 holds an edge over the 31 with the added camera and enhanced features at just $50 more.
User reviews
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Junk and a Bad Warranty
by ogman on June 23, 2005
Pros: It worked for a month
Cons: Bad battery, bad battery connection, bad warranty
Summary: Be warned: this Palm device has a bad battery connection that prevents many units from accepting and maintaining a charge. It takes a while for this defect to show up, ...
Summary: Be warned: this Palm device has a bad battery connection that prevents many units from accepting and maintaining a charge. It takes a while for this defect to show up, and with only a 90-day warranty (yes, 90 days) it will probably be too late when the problem occurs. Palm WILL NOT help you if the item is over 90-days from purchase.
9 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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My first PDA, and I love it
by OnTheWrongPlanet on July 13, 2005
Pros: Easy to use, Color, Plays MP3, A great organizer.
Cons: Flimsy screen cover, crashes, lo-res screen.
Summary: For my first PDA, I love it! It is small, easy to use and Powerful.
Smoothly interfaces with Outlook 2003. Bright color screen. With a sd memory card it can ...Summary: For my first PDA, I love it! It is small, easy to use and Powerful.
Smoothly interfaces with Outlook 2003. Bright color screen. With a sd memory card it can play MP3s and store a few ebooks.
I feel it should have came with a case and a screen protector, rather than the poor cover, also a reset tool.
My Zire 31 has crashed several times. It does not come with a tool to press the reset switch.
I added documents-to-go and a dictionary, it does more than I thought a PDA could do.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Product is ok when it works
Pros: nice display. no problems with the battery life
Cons: if the product doesn't work, don't try going to palm to get the problem fixed. i sne tin my handheld and it was returned to me with the same problem. when i called back, the "customer service" rep (if you can call it that) told me that i would have to p
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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LOVE IT!!!
by iloveteach on June 28, 2007
Pros: Lighted display
Cons: MP3 cabability & sd card
Summary: I started with the Zire 22 - it was a good beginning, but not much depth. I was ready to graduate to the next level. The lighted display and the ...
Summary: I started with the Zire 22 - it was a good beginning, but not much depth. I was ready to graduate to the next level. The lighted display and the chance to add books to the palm makes this a worthy companion. I charge it every night and it has never let me down. There have been times when I've had to soft reset it, but I have not lost anything.
Make sure that you sync this at least a couple of times a week.Updated
This is the perfect PDA. It isn't a camera and it isn't a phone, but it certainly does what I need a pda to do. Music, contacts, calendar, downloaded books; it does it all. I'm sad to be passing it on to my daughter, but she's very excited!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great product, lousy support
by edsoliz on October 13, 2005
Pros: Color screen, loud MP3 player, uses inexpensive SD cards
Cons: Hard to see screen in daylight, built-in speaker is hard to hear, hard to access reset button
Summary: I purchased my Zire 31 directly from Palm, and was dissapointed to find scuff marks on the unit fresh out of the box.
Once I started using the unit, I ...Summary: I purchased my Zire 31 directly from Palm, and was dissapointed to find scuff marks on the unit fresh out of the box.
Once I started using the unit, I was very impressed with the device, in addition to the Palm OS software, a photo viewer, e-book reader, and RealOne audio player come included. It makes a pretty good MP3 player, sound is almost too loud over headphones and it uses SD cards which can be had on the cheap.
I have had a few crashes and lockups, which was expected since I was using some 3rd party software. This isn't a big deal, but in order to reset the unit, you need a paperclip or something similar, which can be inconvienent. When the unit locks up it will not respond and will sit until the battery dies.
That aside, this is a great first PIM, especially for those who want a little bit extra with their device, like a color screen and MP3 player.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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My second Palm product and my favorite!
by macromill2002.1 on August 22, 2005
Pros: Good color screen, MP3 Playback, SDIO, Lithium Ion Battery, Recent Version of PalmOS, Lightweight, Great Battery Life
Cons: Screen could be bigger, nothing else
Summary: The PalmOne Zire 31 is my second Palm handheld after having a Palm II (aincent). This PDA has endured drops, scratches, snow, water, sun. My Zire even has a scratch ...
Summary: The PalmOne Zire 31 is my second Palm handheld after having a Palm II (aincent). This PDA has endured drops, scratches, snow, water, sun. My Zire even has a scratch in the screen and you can hardly notice it. Overall I wish this PDA had a bigger screen 320x320 like its big brother the Zire 72. Though for 149, it was an excellant buy.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good For A First Palm
by yesac519 on May 26, 2005
Pros: MP3 Player, Photo Viewr
Cons: No Cases, Small Display, Low Lite Screen, freezes a lot!
Summary: I got this palm as a gift from my parents and it was good. It feature RealPlayer, and you can download games and other things. Its only untill I saw ...
Summary: I got this palm as a gift from my parents and it was good. It feature RealPlayer, and you can download games and other things. Its only untill I saw the Zire 72 I knew my dad made a big mistake. The reason I wanted one was for the multimedia features, and the 31 is not recommened by me as a multimedia palm. But it a great if you've never had a palm.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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One of the Best Budget Color PDAs Avaliable in the Market
by davidng150 on March 1, 2005
Pros: Color,SD Card Slot, MP3 Player, Many Apps Included
Cons: Not too Good Color Screen, Hard to See Pictures, Needs a Bigger Speaker
Summary: This Palm Zire 31 is good for those who needs more than what the Zire 21 offers (black + white screen, little memory), and cannot afford the Zire 72 w/ a ...
Summary: This Palm Zire 31 is good for those who needs more than what the Zire 21 offers (black + white screen, little memory), and cannot afford the Zire 72 w/ a camera.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I couldn't live with out it
Pros: I use this little blue guy for everything! Taking class notes, playing games, listening to mp3's, shopping lists, calendar, address book, record keeper, account book, e-mail reader on the go, to-do list, and the list just goes on and on! I bought mine
Cons: This little guy doesn't have the fancy features of its older siblings, such as a camera and voice recorder (but then again, you know that before you buy it). Gotta watch what games you get for this model, some require additional front buttons which this
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent PDA for Beginners
Pros: Entry level model but it has everything you need and expect on PDA's. Good softwares, RealOne as MP3, SD card - to organize my daily busy life, I don't think I need anything else on this. If I want to work on go, I use a lap top. Wanting to take photos, I
Cons: 1. the location to store a stylus - it is in the back almost. It is hard to take it out when Zire 31 is placed in the hard case. 2. Manual - to understand all programs and how to use them, the hard copy manual would be nice. You can download the basic gui
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Palm
- Part number: P80708US
- Description: The Zire 31 handheld from palmOne gives you outstanding organization at an affordable price. Take, for example, its bright, easy-to-read color screen. Or the wide range of organizational features - from contacts and calendar to memos and a note pad. Not to mention the MP31 player that lets you carry your tunes wherever you go. An Agenda view lets you stay ahead of your day, and the ability to attach a photo to a contact means you can always put a name with a face. Synchronization with Outlook and color-coded categories make it easy to track your schedule - and everyone else's, too. Manage your money, track car maintenance, view photos - then play a game, read a book, even listen to audio books2. It all comes right in the box. Listen to your tunes on the go using the speaker, or add stereo headphones1. Play MP3s while you're scheduling appointments, adding contacts, or just enjoying a spare moment. With software included in the box, you can use your desktop keyboard to enter information to your Windows or Mac computer, then transfer it to your Zire 31 handheld. That way your information is always safe and secure.
General
- Product Type Handheld
- Width 2.9 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Built-in devices Display
- Height 4.4 in
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.9 in x 0.6 in x 4.4 in
- Localization United States
- Weight 4.1 oz
- Included Accessories Protective cover
- Localization United States
Processor
- Processor Intel ARM 200 MHz
- Processor Intel 200 MHzARM
Memory
- RAM 16 MB - SDRAM
- Installed RAM 16 MB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card
- Max supported RAM 16 MB
- RAM technology SDRAM
Display
- Display Type STN passive matrix
- Display type STN passive matrix
- Image 16-bit (64K colors)
- Display Resolution 160 x 160
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Palm OS 5.2.8
- Software Memos, Prefs, Tasks, Expense, Calendar, Contacts, Note Pad, Security, Card Info, Solitaire, Calculator, Quick Tour, Palm Reader, SplashMoney, World clock, AudiblePlayer 2.0, Handmark MobileDB, powerOne Calculator, RealOne Mobile Player, Palm Desktop Software 4.1
- OS Required Apple MacOS 9.2.2, Apple MacOS X 10.2, Apple MacOS X 10.3, Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
Input Device
- Input device type Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button
- Type Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button
Audio
- Supported Digital Audio Formats MP3
- Audio Input None
- Audio Output Headset
Telecom
- Modem None
- 56k technology N/A
Communications
- Modem None
- Band None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Wireless Connectivity IrDA
- Connectivity device(s) included Docking cradle
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
- Port / Connector Type:Interface 1HeadphonesOutput, 1USB
- Interfaces 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
- Port(s) Total (Free) / Connector Type:Free Qty 1
- Connector Provided Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 4 pin USB Type A
- Expansion slot(s) total (free) 1 SD Memory Card
- Total free slots 1
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable
Power
- Battery installed (max) 1 Lithium polymer
- Power Device Power adapter
- Voltage Required ( 50/60 Hz )
- Power supply device Power adapter - External
- Voltage required AC 100/220 V
- Power device frequency required 50/60 Hz
System Requirements for PC connection
- Min Hard Drive Space 60 MB, 25 MB
- Min processor type Intel Pentium
- Peripheral / Interface devices USB port
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
Battery
- Installed Qty (Max Supported) 1
- Battery Lithium polymer
GPS
- GPS Navigation None
Warranty
- Service & Support 90 days warranty
- Service / Support Details 90 days Limited warranty Parts and labor, 90 days Technical support Phone consulting
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Min Processor Type Intel Pentium
- System Requirements Details Windows 98/2000/ME/XP - HDD 60 MB, MacOS X 10.2 - HDD 25 MB, MacOS X 10.3 - HDD 25 MB
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 90 days, Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days
Manufacturer info
- Palm
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Palm products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.palm.com/
- Address:
950 W. Maude Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085 - Phone: 1-800-881-7256
- Fax: 1-408-617-0100
