PlecoDict 1.0 Hardware Guide

PlecoDict 1.0 is now only available on Palm OS - here are some recommended Palm OS handheld models to look at for running it. See Pleco 2.0 for a Winodws-Mobile-compatible version of our software.

New Models

Low End: Palm Z22

This can generally be found for around US $100. Please note, however, that this model is only able to run the Basic bundle of PlecoDict; it doesn't have enough built-in memory for the Professional / Complete bundles, and there's no way to add a memory expansion card.

Midrange: Palm Tungsten E2

This can generally be found for around US $200. It can run any version of PlecoDict 1.0 just fine with the addition of an inexpensive flash memory expansion card; it can also run the newer Pleco 2.0, but doesn't run that very well due to its lack of cache memory, so we wouldn't recommend buying one of these if you plan to upgrade to 2.0 later on.

High End: Palm TX, Centro, or Treo 680/755p

The TX costs around US$ 300; the Treos range from US$ 200-600 depending on whether or not you buy them with a cellular service contract, the Centro only costs US $100 with a contract. All of these models should also be fine for running Pleco 2.0 later on, and all can run any version of PlecoDict 1.0 even without a memory expansion card.

Used Models

There are dozens of different used Palm models available, most of them made by Palm and Sony. The three main features to look for are Palm OS version 4.0 or later, a 320x320 or 320x480 high-resolution screen (not required, but it makes Chinese characters a lot easier to read), and an SD or Memory Stick expansion card slot (needed in order to accommodate PlecoDict's massive data files). Note that any Palm with an OS version earlier than Palm OS 5.2 will not be able to run Pleco 2.0, though it should be adequate for running 1.0.

Probably the cheapest widely-available used Palm that can run PlecoDict 1.0 is the Palm m500 series (m500, m505, m515) - they just barely meet PlecoDict 1.0's minimum system requirements (display is low-resolution, and you'd definitely need a memory expansion card) but they can usually be found for under US $40 if you shop around.

Note that most used handhelds come with little or no warranty support, so try to purchase one from a seller with a generous return policy and be prepared for the possibility that they could stop working after a while. If the cost of a handheld represents a serious investment for you, it would probably be best to purchase a new model so that you'll be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Memory Card

Along with your new phone/handheld, you'll likely also need to purchase a memory expansion card in order to have enough storage space for all of Pleco's data files. A 1 GB card generally won't cost more than US$10 or so, and should be more than adequate for PlecoDict 1.0 and even for Pleco 2.0 if you upgrade later on.

Which type of card you need depends on which model of phone/handheld you buy - all of the new models above except for the Centro and Treo 755p take SD cards, as do the m500 series, while the 755p takes miniSD cards and the Centro uses microSD cards.

Unless you're buying one of the "High End" models above we'd recommend that you purchase a card that's 1 GB or smaller - larger cards may not work correctly with older / cheaper handhelds.