You’ve decided to take the plunge. You’re going to buy your first handheld. Congratulations. You’ve already decided what features you need and what features you can do without. You’ve even gone so far as to budget how much handheld you can afford almost to the penny. It’s safe to say you’re ready to shop for your handheld.
If your budget is in the range of $100 to $300, that’s okay, just realize that the price range you have in mind starts with the cheaper models of handhelds at around $100 and moves up to a moderate price of about $300 for the next level of quality handhelds.
Let’s examine what the least costly handheld provides. In doing so, also consider the old phrase, if you’ve ever hear it, which is that you get what you pay for. This is just as true as ever when it comes to purchasing a handheld. It is possible that you can get even more bang for your buck by purchasing a used handheld. Some people like to have the latest gadgets when they come out, no matter what. Often, to offset the cost of their new ‘toy’, they will sell their older model on eBay or in a trading magazine. If you decide this is an option you want to explore, be cautious of unknown sellers and sellers who do not provide pictures of their selling item or any type of delivery insurance to ensure that you get your product intact.
Otherwise, models like the Palm Zire 21 start at around $99 and are you basic types that come equipped with a task manager, note pad and address book with connectivity for synchronization through your computer only.
For around $30 more, handhelds like the Palm Zire 31 are your best bets. Like their less expensive associates, models like the Zire 31 come with a task manager, note pad and address book. Although the Palm Zire 31 and similar models may only come with 14MB of storage, it is expandable via a secured digital card slot.
As with the Palm Zire 21, if you don’t have to have a brand new handheld, you may want to consider shopping around to find a used one. With a little research and expertise under your belt, you may find that the buying power of your dollar on e-Bay can get you quite a lot more in a handheld that’s been used. Obviously the risk inherited with purchasing a used handheld is that there is no warranty or service protection for parts that may break down from wear and tear as soon as you get them. Further, if you purchase a model that is out of circulation, you may run into a mountain of trouble trying to find parts or to even get it serviced if it breaks.
Selecting an inexpensive or moderately price handheld is a great place to start for the beginner who has never purchased or owned a handheld, especially a young person heading to college.
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