Palm VIIx Review
This is an "amateur user's viewpoint" review,
and comparison to the Wizard OZ-770
of the Palm VIIx by Marshall St. John
Updated September 3, 2003

I've been using a Wizard OZ-770 for over a year, and like it very much.
However, the OZ-770 has only 3MB of memory, which is not much these
days in the world of PDA's, though adequate for a simple organizer.

One thing I have always like about the Wizard 770 was the keyboard.
Of all the miniature keyboards around, it is clearly the best and most
useable. You can't really touch-type, but you can hold it in one hand,
and type pretty quickly with the other. Or you can set it down on a table,
and type pretty well with two fingers.

But I'm always on the lookout for something better. I want a PDA
with a keyboard, and at least 8 megabytes of memory. Also, I
definitely wanted to find a unit for less than $100 USA money.
When I first ran across a description of the Osaris, I thought that
would be great. But it turned out to be not-so-hot!

A few weeks ago, I discovered that it was possible to buy a Palm VIIx, with 8MB of memory, and a full-size collapsible keyboard, for not very much money. (I've got a GoType keyboard, too.) I used the "buy it now" feature on EBay, and got the Palm VIIx for $60, and the Palm keyboard for $14.95. So, for a total of only $75, I have a PDA with 8 MB of memory, and a full-size keyboard. The VIIx operates for a very long time on two AAA batteries, and has a grey-scale monotone screen. The screen fonts are clear and bright.

The VIIx came with a leather sleeve/case, however the fit is too tight. It is hard to get the VIIx in and out of the case, and I believe I made a small scratch on the screen once while forcing it in and out. I have put the sleeve case away, and purchased a universal "Body Glove Data Suit" at Staples office supply store for $14.95. It is made of ballistic nylon, has a zipper all around it, and I like it a lot. It is a perfect fit for the Palm VIIx. See the scan below:

I also recently picked up a nice zippered leather case with a built-in metal plate to protect the screen, and a few holders inside for credit cards.

Click here for page two of the Palm VIIx review.

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