PALMONE ZIRE 72

IN BRIEF: The Zire 72 improves on its predecessor in all areas, but still manages to stamp its own identity on the PDA market

PalmOne has launched its new flagship consumer model, the Zire 72 (£200 inc. VAT). It offers everything a good PDA should have, but with the added bonus of a built-in digital camera. The Zire 72 is the first PDA to support Intel’s latest handheld processor, the PXA270 XScale. This has a speed of 312MHz and is more than powerful enough to handle the current generation of Palm applications. It offers improved performance and even allows for video playback with a satisfactory frame rate of up to 25fps.

What really impressed us about the chip, though, was its improved battery management, with the Zire 72 lasting for up to six hours on continuous MP3 playback. Elsewhere, the processor comes into its own with its built-in interface for digital cameras, allowing for a faster connection from the CCD to the chip and the quicker processing of images. The built-in 1.2-megapixel camera is also an improvement, not only in specification but also in terms of use, over that found in the Zire 71. Gone is the sliding hatch which, though aesthetically pleasing, over time proved to be the camera’s downfall, as it often failed to activate. Instead, the Zire 72 has a static camera, which is located close to the top of the case. This part of the device is slightly larger, giving a humped impression, but not one that impedes its overall look.

The camera supports a maximum resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels, but as with all cameras, it can be downscaled to take images in 640 x 480 pixels or even 320 x 240 pixels. The addition of video capture at 15fps in 320 x 240-pixel mode is also available. With built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, users will be able to send images to their laptop or as an attachment over their mobile phone.

When it comes to appearance, PalmOne has opted for a simple look for the Zire 72. The power button and standard 3.5mm headphone socket are located on top of the unit, along with an SD(IO) slot for expansion. Gone is the use of a mini-joystick in favour of a large five-way button surrounded by the familiar four quickset application buttons, which are pre-set to Calendar, Contacts, Camera and MP3. It can, however, be user configured to start any application. A voice recorder button is located on the left side, but unlike most units, this does not start recording. It merely activates the application. The power connector and a mini-USB port for synchronising the device to a laptop are located on the bottom of the device.

The Zire 72 is fitted with 32MB of memory, 24MB of which is available for use. Running Palm OS 5.2.8, users will find that it runs the latest array of applications including Calculator, Palm Reader, VersaMail 2.7, PalmOne Messages for SMS and MMS, Media for viewing photos and videos, Expense and the Web Pro web browser. Third-party applications include Documents To Go Standard Edition version 6. Sadly, the ROM is non-upgradeable so you won’t be able to upgrade to later versions of the OS, but this is Palm’s way of gently pointing out that this is a consumer device and such things are only offered on business devices.

The PalmOne Zire 72 manages to build on the strong introduction of the Zire 71 multimedia handheld and improve it with some panache. Not only does the device itself feel sturdier, but the usability flaws of the first version seem to have been ironed out, leaving a far greater user experience.

RATING: 8

PRICE: £170/£200 (EX/INC. VAT)

PROCESSOR: INTEL PXA270 - 312MHZ
OPERATING SYSTEM: PALM OS 5.2.8
MEMORY: 32MB
EXPANSION: SECURE DIGITAL
SCREEN: 16-BIT COLOUR
BATTERY: LITHIUM POLYMER
LINK: USB
SIZE: 116 X 75 X 17MM
WEIGHT: 136G
CONTACT: 020 7365 9820 WWW.PALMONE.COM/UK