Buy a Zire71 now???

[hulbdo]

Just wondering if anyone had any opinions, as I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy a Zire71 now or wait until the new Palmone models come out (anytime soon). I'll be using for medical software, but the lure of a camera on it has me interested in the Zire71. I can currently get one at Staples for $231 after tax. Should I get that or just wait out some more?

[Galley]

The only reason that I would not buy a Zire 71 now is that is does not have a flashable ROM, so you could not upgrade to PalmOS 6.

[ichabod2006]

However, not everyone has to have tomorrows model, today, and by the time OS 6 gets the bugs worked out, it will be a decent time to upgrade. I went from a T615 to a Zire 71 (got it for $199, no tax, a week before christmas), and it's great for me. OS5 will still be great for the next year or two, atleast. Heck, I know people still using Palm IIIs and Handsprings.

[Omnitron]

If you can wait a couple months, you'll have your choice from OS5 units on heavy discount, or the first OS6 units. I just would wonder HOW many units are going to come out and how fast.

[rrickee]

Palm has them for $199.00 after rebate and a free 128MB SD card after rebate.

I'm seriously considering getting one. I had wanted to wait for the new models but I don't think you can beat the price.

Richard

[clicclic]

Check out Ebay for deep discounts. Focus on the Ebay Stores, which only want to get rid of inventory. The average price is around $180-$185.

Do your own search on completed items to see what you should be paying. One of the best Ebay stores is bargaindepot04. Search for it and check out their stuff. Only bid in the last 10 seconds (sniping) to get the best price. Don't bid on a 56k dial-up; use DSL or Cable broadband. Good luck

[zire71man]

Hey,

Print out the rebate form at http://www.palmone.com/us/promotions/zire71rebate/claimform_us.pdf and then find the best price before June 1 2004. I did the same thing when they were offering the free mp3 player kit before January 5, 2004. I bought my zire71 from www.buydig.com for $214 including shipping and submitted my mp3 player form. Recived the mp3 player kit 2 weeks later and love it. I highly recommend the zire71 the only thing is you need a card for mp3 playback. I would go to www.pricegrabber.com and find the best price for both the zire71 and the card and then purchase it. You have time to make up your mind.

[toymaker]

I would wait to at least see what palmone has up it's sleeve with the new models coming in april. The Tungsten E-2 could be a better fit for you, especially if you plan on installing medical software you will need a bit more memory than the 71 and I think the E-2 has a voice recorder for quick memos. Besides, if you haven't noticed a lot of places are banning camera devices, hospitals included.

[ackmondual]

whereever u buy, taek note that Z71 has a $50 mail in rebate offer offered by most vendors (dis for US).

If u need someth now, buy it now. Else, wait the 2-3 weeks to see what else brews up. The thing w/PalmOne technology is if u keep waiting, u may never settle down.

digicam can be a powerful tool for some ppl, but yeah, make sure it ain't banned at where u'll be working.
Last i bought 2 weeks ago, a 512MB SD card costed $144. That's more than enough for apps, but take note that some apps may be cumbersome to use if it's not all on internal mem.


Try to get an ext. warranty of you're new to PDAs. PalmOne only covers it for a yr, but still charges for shipping charges even for in warranty repairs. Also, TS isn't toll free, and will cost ya $30 per call after 90 days. If u buy an ext. warr from a store, u get the tradeoff of less knowledgeable ppl (about palm in general and the software), but can at least talk to a human in person about hardware prob.

[sdjay]

Here's a great deal [$169.99 + free shipping]:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008WFVI/qid=1081985588/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/103-7807503-5885431?v=glance&s=electronics