As I said, we also had some minor complaints. Ever since the Zire came out, we were annoyed that Palm went with two application buttons instead of four. While Palm claims that it's easier for users, it's very confusing when we're trying to tell a user to press the Memo Pad button and there isn't one. This lack of consistency mars an otherwise consistent product.

We're also quite disappointed with the included software on the Zire. While we want to encourage Palm to continue to bundle add-on software with their devices, the products included, mostly from Handmark, are far from the best-in-breed. There is so much far, far better software available in each category included, that it's clear this stuff got bundled because Palm got a good deal, not because it's best for the consumer.

We found it tough to pick an official rating for the device and honestly vacillated between giving it a two or a three out of five. We finally decided to rate it as a three because the price point is good, the quality of manufacturing is good, and while we don't agree with some of the design and cost-reduction decisions, the product is still quite functional and offers good value for its low price.

OUR RATING: 3 of 5

FIGURE C

This picture doesn't do the Tungsten E's screen justice. It's spectacular, especially for the price. Click picture for a larger image.

It's got a goosed-up PIM (personal information manager), includes Documents To Go so you can edit your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents right on your device, and also will let you synchronize with Outlook right out of the box.

Have we mentioned this thing is only $199?

Basically, unless there's no way you can beg, borrow, steal or otherwise hock your little brother, we very strongly recommend getting this device over the Zire 21. In fact, other than the Dell Axim (which, for a Pocket PC, is also an amazing value), we have to say that the Tungsten E is the best handheld PDA value we've seen in a very, very long time. It's also the ideal upgrade PDA if you've got an old Visor Prism, a Palm V, or even one of the Palm m500-series devices you've outgrown.

Oh, and did we tell you that it's only $199?

I honestly have to say we're amazed at the overall utility and price point for this particular package. It doesn't come with a cradle (just a USB HotSync cable), presumably to save a few bucks. But other than that, this model is the no-compromises, high-value device we can feel comfortable recommending to anyone.

We had no problem giving the Tungsten E a four out of five star rating. As you know, we save the five star rating for devices and products that walk on water. Because the Tunsgsten E doesn't come with a cradle, doesn't support the so-called universal HotSync connector, and doesn't have a camera or a wireless connection, we can't award it the last star.

But, without a doubt, at this price point, and with the incredible screen, nice memory loadout, and included software, this is unquestionably our new standard recommendation if anyone asks us which handheld to buy. It's that nice.

OUR RATING: 4 of 5