My old Z22 would no longer sync with my desktop computer and addresses were dropping out of the database on my desktop. I decided I needed a new Palm Z22 and ordered it. When it arrived, it would not sync with my desktop either. I contacted Palm Tech Support via email and received an immediate response. The tech support person was wonderfully patient and skilled as she worked remotely on my computer, while we also maintained phone contact. It took two sessions, each over an hour, to solve the problem. As a bonus, she installed the Palm on my laptop as well. The main problem seems to be that my desktop monitor was failing - and between sessions 1 and 2 it died. I replaced it with a new monitor, and everything went smoothly after that. I wish everything had worked perfectly from the beginning, but I'm still giving 5 stars because of excellent tech support.

When I was working, all my business was conducted in front of a computer -desktop at work or home office, or at a VPN-connected laptop. I had no real use for a PDA.

Now I'm retired, very active in volunteer work, and often in circumstances where I have no laptop or desktop, and so am without my calendar. My wife said now that I'm mobile, I need a mobile calendar.

So I went shopping for a calendar that could fit my shirt pocket, sync with my Outlook calendar, and replace the 3x5 cards it would be displacing in my pocket. I ended up buying the Palm Z22, and am perfectly satisfied so far.

I received it the day before a 4-day "business" trip. The little thing is easy enough to learn that I was able to load the Z22 calendar from my desktop Outlook, make new appointments on the road, write memos and notes, and then resync with the desktop when I got back, without doing any heavy-duty training or manual reading. The included onboard "Quick Tour" showed me everything I needed to know to make the Z22 useful.

I bought the 3235WW Air Case for the Z22. Unlike many, I have no problem opening it. I don't know whether the mold changed, QA inmproved, or I'm just lucky. There also seems to be no problem with stylus registration or wavering. Also, no problem with Vista: having been alerted by previous reviewers, I downloaded the current version of the Palm Desktop, installed it, and everything is fine.

I bought 2 sets of extra styluses (styli?) just because. Eventually I'll train myself so the Z22 can read my writing unerringly, but so far it does a better job of that than I do. I will also probably by an extra set of screen protectors.

I make appointments on the run without having to say "let me call you when I can check my calendar." I did away with my pocket full of notecards and now take notes I can transfer directly to my computer without transcribing. As a bonus, I have a contact list and task list that are synced to my desktop / laptop, a syncable expense record (for tax-deductible in-kind contributions), and a calculator that takes no extra pocket space.

Someday I may want a PDA that is an internet capable SmartPhone with USB infrared blue teeth, WiFi, GPS, foldout or virtual keyboard, remote TV controls, video camera, virtual display screen, heart rate monitor and calorie burn rate counter, Dance Revolution, home entertainment center and blender and espresso maker.

OTOH, I might end up with a pocket of 3x5 cards again.

But for now, the Z22 does what I got it for, a little bit more, and is not loaded with stuff I don't need and is easy to learn. Perfect for my first PDA. Tag me well pleased.

If you want a PDA that's really just a PDA, this is it.

I'm a stay at home mom to two kids with special medical needs. I'm always making appointments on the run, running late leaving playgroups, or trying desperately to remember my errands or shopping list.

This PDA has helped me to be on time more often. Even more importantly, I have to make fewer rescheduling calls because I double scheduled us...again. The Z22 keeps track of our recurring appointments too. The only complaint I might have is that it isn't super easy to change when you get reminded about something after a reminder has popped up. I like a remainder a few days ahead, then one day, then a few hours before, then 15 mins, then when it's time to go. This isn't easy to manage on this device without changing it each and every time. I have the same complaint about Outlook, so the Z22 is in good company.

The Z22 also has a great grocery list program (from the CD). I love the grocery list feature because it keeps track of prices too. I know before I get to the store how close to my budget I am going to be!

I can also keep a few photos. This is great for those few times I manage a few minutes away from the kids, since I always want to show off a few pictures of them! Only complaint on that is that I'd love a better resolution, but for the price, the picture feature works well enough.

The notepad has been great. I can keep track of directions to where I'm going, or even a take out order. My husband has discovered it's a great way to leave me a love note, and even better for requesting movies that aren't chick flicks. He gets to avoid the sighing and rolling of my eyes, and I get to avoid the "I'm a man and I like man movies" speech.

I haven't used any of the other items this PDA offers, but those I use, I use regularly.

The Palm z22 is my very first PDA, I'm a full time college student AND I work full time, so my schedule is pretty crazy as you might imagine. I was contemplating weather to get this PDA or not, but after reading the reviews and having a friend show me her's I was sold.

Its small, and very light, I recommend you get some kind of case for it, for both protection and to carry it without worrying you might break it.

The reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 is this:
The instructional book isn't 'that' helpful, when I was reading through one of the booklets that came with it, it kept saying "refer to the start up guide", but I couldn't find the start up guide. There are no "how to" sections in the booklet to help you learn it faster.
True its not that difficult, if you have a few minutes, you should just start pushing buttons and with in a few minutes you'll get the hang of it.
Also the booklet said to charge it for 3 hours before use, but the truth is it need EIGHT (8) hours. After the 3 hours were done, I took it with me to the coffee shop and needed to check something but it wouldn't turn on. So I was PDA-less until I got home and charged it for the rest of the night.

But other than that, its very handy, I wish more of the cool software came included such as the "Shopping" application, which you can "Try".

I hope that helps.
-Ash

The Palm Z22 replaced an old IBM Palm based PDA I had used for about 5 years. I use the Z22 to schedule events, keep phone numbers, and list tasks I need to do - I'm not a power user. The Z22 HotSynched to my computer right away. Yea! I can back it up. My old PDA never would Hot Synch. The screen of the Z22 is much easier to read than the old one. The characters are much clearer and the contrast is better. Great for my old eyes. The Graffiti2 stylus writing system is superior to the old Graffiti. The battery in the Z22 lasts several times longer than the old one did. Plus the Z22 is about 1/2 the size of the old one. It's a superior product in just about every way. There are a couple of "I wish it did's". I wish the "to do" function was more flexible. I would like to be able to file "to do" tasks in more categories than just date and priority. I wish more of the buttons were user programmable. Otherwise I'm very happy and satisfied with the Z22's capabilities.