Product Requirements:
Device:
Palm Zire or Zire 71 PDA
The new
Palm Zire 71 ships with what some consider the
best Palm-bundled case provided to-date.
It’s a simple slipper-style affair; made of plastic with open elastic sides and
a Velcro closure.
The bundled case suffers from
a number of deficiencies that may drive new Zire 71 owners in search of
something better, however. It’s made from cheap plastic material, it’s not
fully enclosed, the Palm cannot be used while in the slip case, and the pressure
from the front and elastic sides nudges the joystick and turns the unit on each
time it’s inserted into the slip case.
Since the Zire 71 is quite
new, there are very few custom cases available at this time. The Palm Zire Slim
Leather Case is one of the first I could find on the market. It fits both the
original Zire and the new Zire 71 model. I have only tested it with the Zire
71, but it should fit and function similarly with both models since they have
similar form-factors.
If you have used any of the
previous Palm Slim Leather cases you will find the Zire Slim Leather Case
instantly familiar. It’s a wallet or book style case made of medium-quality
leather with light padding. It’s available in any color you like so long as
it’s black.
Features include three
business card holders on the left side, a pouch-style stylus holder in the
center, a Velcro attachment point on the right side, and a
leather-tab-through-loop closure mechanism on the right and front of the case.
The case does not block access
to the power button, SD expansion slot, or headphone jack. It is also not
likely to turn the unit on when closed, though this is still possible if you
press the buttons or joystick through the case. The arrangement of the case
makes it easiest to use if you are right-handed.
As with other book / wallet
cases, the Palm Zire Slim Leather Case does not provide much protection in case
of falls. While the front and back have some padding, three sides are open to
the environment. Padding and protection are about average for this style of
case. If you need heavy-duty protection you will want to invest in a hard case
once those are released for the Zire / Zire 71.
Construction and features of
the case are average or slightly better than average. You will not mistake the
leather and build-quality for a Vaja or
other premium case however.
The attachment mechanism that
secures the Palm to the case is a significant step backwards for Palm. Recent
Palm-designed cases, such as those for the m5x5 series, attached to the Palm via
rails or similar positive locking, easy-to-use, and reversible mechanism. The
Zire Slim Leather Case connects to the Palm via a Velcro strip that is stuck to
the back of the unit and adheres to the Velcro fastener on the right (back) side
of the case. The Velcro is essentially permanent, as removing it from the Palm
would likely mar the finish and paint on the Zire. This is the same mechanism
as was used in Palm Pro, Palm III and other early Palm slim leather cases.
The Velcro slightly increases
the bulk of the unit in the case, cannot be easily removed, and can be difficult
to fit if you don’t carefully line up the Velcro strips on your initial
installation. The Velcro could also make it difficult to use the Zire with
future expansions. It adds bulk between the Palm and an expansion sled, which
may preclude a tight connection between the two.
Cradle synchronization of the
Palm is not possible while in this case.
The Palm Zire Slim Leather
Case is a good value. The workmanship and included features are reasonable for
the relatively modest $25 (US) price. Those looking for additional features
such as in-case synchronization, additional protection, or higher-quality
leather in a book style case are advised to wait for additional vendors to
produce Zire 71 cases.
The Palm Zire Slim Case is
available from
Palm and other vendors.
Price: $24.95
Pros:
Good construction & quality compared to bundled or available cases
Good value
Cons:
Velcro attachment mechanism
Modest protection
Product Information
| Price: | 24.95 |
| Manufacturer: | Palm |
| Pros: |
|
| Cons: |
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Press Release
HOLD FOR RELEASE DATE
For more information, please contact:
Shana Starr / Jason Kirshner
RMS Public Relations – http://www.rms-biz.com (for GoldenRAM)
Tel: 949.481.3984 / 949.429.1172
Sh******@RM*****.com / Ja******@RM*****.com
GoldenRAM Revolutionizes Computer Industry
with Launch of UpgradeDetect
Dirty secret of the industry: your computer isn’t outdated –
just out-configured; save thousands for pennies on the dollar
IRVINE, Calif. (June 13, 2006) – GoldenRAM Inc. (http://www.goldenRAM.com), a global leader in computer upgrades, accessories and services, today announced the launch of its patent-pending software technology that provides both consumers and corporate users with a clear (and guaranteed compatible) path to computer and peripheral upgrades. Called UpgradeDetect, this one-click tool will perform a detailed inspection of a computer system , analyzing over 3000 pieces of data down to the chip level, and will finish with a complete report listing suggested upgrades, including exact part numbers from which to choose. By so doing, users are freed from compatibility issues and concerns over available memory slots, upgrade configurations or any of the other model-specific problems that commonly arise when trying to upgrade. In addition, users can purchase online at prices that average thirty to forty-percent less than retail and can chose to have a certified technician perform the upgrade on-site, for an upfront, fixed price – in as fast as one hour from time of request. The UpgradeDetect software is free to consumers and corporate users and can be found on the company’s Web site or by going to http://www.upgradedetect.com.
The Need
The dirty secret of the computer industry is that corporate profits are based on users believing that the “state-of-the-art” computer sold to them a few years ago is now outdated and worthless. It is a selling cycle called “planned obsolescence” and, while it is keeping computer manufacturers happy, it sends mixed and often erroneous signals to consumers. For most PC users, their current system is more than adequate when properly configured. Furthermore, the cost difference between upgrading an existing system and buying a new one is substantial.
UpgradeDetect not only offers users a comprehensive list of suggested computer upgrades, it also alerts users if their system’s oft-unprotected Serial Presence Detect (SPD) chip is at risk for virus. Most RAM memory modules have an SPD chip that allows the computer to determine how much and what type of memory is onboard the RAM module. The problem is that, in the vast majority of systems, the SPD chip is not write-protected – meaning a virus could potentially make the computer unusable by over-writing information contained in the SPD chip. UpgradeDetect will scan down to the chip level to determine if the user has write-protected virus-free RAM.
The Opportunity
With Windows Vista on the horizon, GoldenRAM is gearing up for rapid expansion as computer upgrades in preparation for Vista represent a sizeable market opportunity. GoldenRAM will train a network of Technology Advisors to actively promote UpgradeDetect as part of a unique and lucrative commission-based program. Technology Advisor trainings will be offered initially in Irvine, California, and will be expanding nationwide throughout the year.
Those interested in this financially-rewarding home-based business opportunity can contact GoldenRAM directly at in**@go*******.com or call 800-222-8861. In addition, certified computer technicians interested in joining the team of over 977,000 nationwide experts can contact in**@go*******.com.
About GoldenRAM Computer Products Inc.
GoldenRAM opened for business in April 1988 and has been in business for over 17-years. Since inception, they have sold over $984-million in computer upgrades, including RAM, hard drives, DVDs, CPUs and flash storage solutions. With dramatic growth through 1995, GoldenRAM achieved cumulative revenues of $179 million memory and drive upgrades.
Since then, the company has been developing and perfecting their revolutionary software, UpgradeDetect®. Developed entirely in the US and using only US citizens to build the company’s systems and tools, GoldenRAM is one of the few remaining computer peripheral companies that only manufactures its products in the USA. GoldenRAM operates no overseas manufacturing facilities.
Founded by Christ (Chris) Zomaya, the corporate team is staffed by senior executives, many of whom have been with the company throughout its 15 year rise.
Current sales are comprised of memory modules (60-percent) and drive kits (40-percent) and are sold through resellers both local and nationwide.
Significant corporate timeline events include:
– 1988 – Founded, selling RAM and computer drive upgrades
– 1993 – Became a manufacturer of RAM and drive upgrades
– 1996 – Moved into current facilities (42,000 sq. ft.)
– 1996 – Achieved ISO 9000 certification
– 1996 – Chris Zomaya named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year
– 1997 – Began development of UpgradeDetect® and the automation of key business processes
– 1998 – Achieved QS 9000 and AS 9000 certification
– 1999 – Achieved GSA certification
– 2000 – Implemented JD Edwards ERP system to integrate all departments
– 2001 – Filed for UpgradeDetect® patent
– 2003 – Received UpgradeDetect® patent
– 2004 – Developed Technology Advisor program
– 2005 – Acquired http://www.techies.com, a network of 950,000 service technicians
– 2006 – UpgradeDetect® launched
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