Could the vapor-ware Z23
Could a handheld device that is quick as a fox, nimble as a deer, simple to use as a calculator, fits in your back pocket, runs thousands of applications and costs under a $100 sway first-time PDA buyers away from high-cost, yet hardware and technology attractive Windows Mobile devices?
First I need to say upfront that there is no leg-to-stand-on whatsoever for the words I write here and the device I am about to describe. It exists only in theory and as vapor-ware: the Palm Z23, an introductory PDA with a powerful punch of hardware and software features and price point for everyone. It's simple, elegant and fast - just how Palm likes to do things - and would be the perfect PDA for "me".
For the most part, Palm's Z22 (URL) is a great intro-level PIM PDA. At just $99 (retail) it's priced right. It has a very small form factor and the two-button with D-Pad configuration leaves zero error for accessing the Calendar or Address Book and makes it easy to navigate programs which support the D-Pad. The downside to this device is the 160 x 160 color LCD. The old grayscale screens with indiglo backlighting are better than the Z22's current LCD. It's difficult, if not impossible, to read outside in direct sunlight and has one of the worst resolutions for a PDA. In fact, Palm's first color device, the Palm IIIc, had a nicer appearing screen.
For my "prefect Palm device" the screen needs to be replaced with a 320x320 square LCD similar to Palm's Zire 72 or Tungsten T3. High-resolution is just a requirement for color, otherwise moving back to grayscale would be more practical because readability is much easier and will provide a better overall user experience. For the extra $25 an improved screen will increase retail cost but will be worth the extra money in the long run. Base price for the vapor-ware Z23 might be around $129 now but still in the range for people see-sawing with the idea of burning their old paper organizer for something more 21st century.