Company URL: palmOne

Reader URL: palm digital media (free)

Buy at: palmOne

• palm should be considered the first really functional pda (personal data device). Now there is always someone else that was really first but palm made the market and is still a power in this device space.

• But palm is not made specifically for ebooks. palm was birthed as part of the multi-function handheld market. The trade off is that the palm can do lots of stuff but it is not purposefully designed to be an ebook reader.

• Even so, palm includes ebook reader functionality along with the many other things palm devices can do. And their price point rocks! So should you consider a palm? Well, if price and functionality tickle your fancy then by all means GO FER IT.

• For those seeking basic functionality and great value the palmOne Zire TOTALLY ROCKS.

• Let's hand it to the boys. I'm the first in line to rag on manufacturers when they try to overcharge me for "functions" I don't want. Not palm - at least not the Zire.
• This product is a solid performer at a price point that leaves the competitors weeping in the dust. From a price/functionality/value perspective this rates a 10.
• And this is the few options to join the mobile ebook herd available (that I know of) for under $100.

• Now if you are the kind of person that wants a powerhouse handheld - well, palm can serve you there as well.

• Of course, all of the palm units support ebooks but if that is not enough and you insist on things like wireless connectivity and advanced mobile computing well you're a Tungsten candidate.

• Of course the price sticker in this neck of the woods is a lot different than with the entry level Zire product but that comes with the turf. Before you leap, if you're in this market take the time to compare some of the PocketPCs out there. palm products are very good in this higher-end space but so are the PocketPCs.