PalmOne m105 Handheld

Like other Palm devices, the m105 includes an infrared port for beaming data to other handhelds, and it features a high-contrast screen with optional backlighting for low-light situations. At 2 inches square, the screen is slightly smaller than those on most Palm organizers. We noticed the difference since we've been using Palm handhelds for some time, but the m105 retains the same 160-by-160-pixel resolution, so this probably won't be a distraction for most users.

However, unlike other Palm handhelds, the m100 series includes two special applications. The Clock displays the date and time if you simply push the top scroll button on the front, even when the device is off. (It can also be viewed through a window in the cover.) And with the Note Pad, we could write notes or draw pictures directly on the screen without having to write in Graffiti, Palm's character-recognition language.

With more memory, the m105 can now hold more software--and Palm has provided a range of possibilities on the accompanying CD-ROM. Palm's Mobile Internet Kit, normally sold separately, is a software collection that allows the m105 to communicate via infrared link with a GSM cellular phone (such as the Nokia 8290). The kit includes MultiMail Pro software for managing e-mail, programs for SMS text messaging and WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) browsing, and software for accessing Web Clipping data over the Palm.net network (the same service used for the wireless Palm VIIx). Also included on the CD-ROM is the AvantGo Web browser and a client for connecting to AOL.

The Palm m105 includes a HotSync cradle (the m100 handheld shipped with just a cable) for synchronizing data between the handheld and a desktop or laptop computer. Macintosh owners (like ourselves) or anyone wishing to use a USB port on a Windows system will need to purchase the USB serial adapter, though the Mac version of the Palm Desktop software is included in the box.

We were disappointed to find that the Windows version of Palm Desktop included on the CD-ROM is one generation behind the latest release. However, you can download Palm Desktop 4.0 for free from Palm's Web site, making this only a one-time nuisance. Additionally, the m105 is not flash upgradable, so you won't be able to update to a newer version of the operating system later on (the m105 comes with Palm OS 3.5).

With the addition of more memory and Internet access software, plus its comfortable, lightweight design, the Palm m105 is an entry-level handheld that doesn't feel like the new kid on the block. --Jeff Carlson

Pros:

• Smaller and lighter than most handhelds, fitting comfortably in hand
• 8 MB memory stores more data
• Includes Palm Mobile Internet Kit and other software for online access

Cons:

• Slightly smaller screen
• Operating system not upgradable
• Doesn't ship with latest Palm Desktop software for Windows

The Palm m105 handheld comes with Palm's classic information management applications, including Date Book, Address Book, To Do List, and Memo Pad. You can also jot down notes quickly using the Notepad feature, which works like an electronic sticky note. It is equipped with an infrared beam to instantly exchange and store information--such as business card data--at the touch of a button. It has a backlit display for easy readability.

The Mobile Internet Kit is also included, allowing you to use your Palm handheld in combination with a mobile phone or modem to wirelessly access the Internet and check e-mail. You can also access AOL Mail and Messenger accounts. To connect, you must have a data-enabled mobile phone or modem using a cable or infrared. To see a list of compatible phones, see www.palm.com/software/mik/phone.html.

The Palm m105 handheld ships with desktop and HotSync software for both PC and Macintosh systems. The HotSync cradle connects to your PC's serial port. To connect to a PC or Mac using USB, you will need to order the optional Palm PalmConnect USB Kit. Additionally, if you have an older Mac with a modem or printer port connection, you will need to order the optional PalmConnect Serial Kit.

The Palm m105 comes with a serial HotSync cradle, a stylus, a protective flip-cover, two AAA alkaline batteries, and a CD-ROM with Palm Desktop and AvantGo software and a link to Microsoft Outlook.

What's in the box

• Palm m105
• Stylus
• 2 AAA batteries
• HotSync serial cradle
• Protective flip cover
• Palm Desktop Software (Windows and Mac), Mobile Internet Kit, link to Microsoft Outlook, TCP/IP software
• Getting Started guide
• Handbook

Display: Advanced LCD with backlight...

Expandability: Serial connector...

Software Applications: Date Book, Address Boook, Mail, To Do List, Memo Pad, Expense, Calculator, Notepad, Security, Games, HotSync® technology for local and remote synchronization with your PC...

Desktop Import/Export: Import CSV, Tab delimited, TXT. Drag and drop links to Microsoft Excel and Word...

Infrared Port: Yes, for data/software sharing...

Operating System: Palm OS Software v3.5...

Flexible Storage Capacity: Highly efficient operating system w/ 8MB of memory stores thousands of addresses, years of appointments, hundreds of to-do items, notes, memos, and more than 50 add-on applications (based on an average size of 50k, size of applications may vary)...

Requirements: * IBM-compatible 486 PC or higher running Windows 95/98/2000/NT or Macintosh Power PC running OS 7.5.3 or later * Macintosh Power PC running OS 7.5.3 or later * 16MB recommended for Windows 2000 * 30MB free hard disk space * Mouse * CD Rom Drive * 6MB free RAM for Macintosh * One available serial port (USB and Macintosh serial adapters sold seperately)

Included in the box: * Palm m105 handheld * HotSync Cradle * Two AAA alkaline batteries * CD-ROM (Palm™ Desktop software, Link to Microsoft Outlook, AvantGo software) * Mobile Internet Kit * Black faceplate and protective flip cover

Cool Piece...IIIxe Is Now Discontinued...Great New Piece, But The Screen Is Smaller Than The IIIxe...


Excellent value for the money!!!   June 21, 2001
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

The Palm m105 is a great pieace of hardware, no matter how you live your life and want it for. The plastic is a little lighter grade, but if its your first dive into the world of Palms, you'll have nothing to compare this grade of plastic to anyway.

Palm gives you everything to get you started. You get the full Palm OS with the date book and phone book and the to do list, 8mb of memory, the new stylish, curved look, the cover plate with the clock feature, the syncing cradle and the multimail, AvantGo software and the Outlook Sync program too.

Plus, that wireless internet kit they throw in too. It works with lot's of Nokia cell phones and Motorola cell phones that have infrared, or you can buy a little cable to connect the two if you have a phone without infrared. ... you know you have a Palm that can do anything with, just by downloading and installing the right program. I do real-estate on the side, and I have mine do lease calculations for me, mortgage amortization charts, a dataadse to keep clients names and numbers, and also a database of places available to show. And the Date Book schedules who's seeing what and at what time and what day. For me personally, it keeps track of my bills with Pocket Quicken, holds all my friends numbers and addresses for me, and co-ordinates my social schedule as well. And for my company where I work, I am an accountant, and I have a program that can calculate gross profit, an entire business calculator I downloaded from somewhere and can work on spreadsheets or word processing documents whenever I get a chance (used to have to carry a laptop for that)! There is even a program to calculate the tip and divide the bill by how many people ate for a group at a restaraunt! Not Kidding! Anything and eveything, you can add it because you have 8mb.

Use it whenever you are stuck somewhere, like a train station, an airport, a cab ride, or just waiting in line at the supermarket. With the wireless internet connection, you can email people from anywhere..,your boat, the beach, the mall. The possibilities are endless, it can save you so much time. Not to mention having all the info you need to run your career right in your hand. Or should I say in the Palm of your hand? :)

-JoeD


Best Mono-Chrome pda   November 8, 2003
William Hardin (Fort Pierce, Florida)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

First off, Id like to say that Ive had this pda for over three years. Ive continuosly used it since I had gotten mine,(i won mine)and Ive never had a problem with it. Ive dropped it, kicked it, I have even stepped on it!(None of these on purpose) It doesnt have a scracth. And it seems like theres unlimited memory. Ive never had to delete any thing for extra memory, and 8mb may not sound like much, but it is! And there are superior graphics on this handheld. Even though it isnt color. Such a bargain too! The only problem is that if your batterys die or fall out, your memory is reset, deleting all files!!!
I rate this great for anyone with a cash limit- otherwise go for the Palm m130!!!

Pros: Lots o' Memory, Great graphics, very durable

Cons: If batterys fall out, all files are lost =(


Excellent value for a great product.   April 11, 2001
Jin W. Yu (Glendale, CA USA)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I just don't see a need to spend up to $500 to enjoy the fruits of mobile computing. However, with the $200 price tag and the upgrade to 8mb of memory (m100 has 2mb) My curiosity got the better of me. The drawbacks are the slightly smaller screen and thats it. It's slightly thicker than the Vx but that doesn't matter. It's a perfect starter organizer for anyone. The hotsync feature is awesome, it totally syncs up to Outlook and updates your address book and notes even. The Avantgo webclippings are great. You pick your favorite websites and it updates all the info from them when you hotsync. The graffiti is ultra easy to use. I also surf the net via Motorola Timport perfect for emails, instant messaging and even surfing! (Timeport comes with a wireless net connection kit for PDA's and Laptops) I don't know how I lived without this little guy now and I don't have to carry my laptop everywhere just for some contact info or somthing. I've also become a freak for downloading new apps for it as well. It's very easy to do. One last thing, all the available faceplates make this a really cool looking gadget too. I've got a metallic gun metal blue. It's beautiful and the leather case Palm makes for this is totally contoured and stylish.


Husband wants to trade his IIIxe with me for my m105!   December 1, 2001
SilverWind (WV USA)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

My husband has a Palm IIIxe that he received from his office. It was required, and he and I have never seen a PDA before. After we played around with it, and learned all about it, we really loved it! I saw the m105 and wanted to get an entry level PDA for myself. The price was right, and very competitive with other companies (less expensive in some cases)! I have grown to love my m105. It has all the space/memory I need (8MB), plus the palm body glove I bought is wonderful. My husband's IIIxe is also 8MB, but he likes the clock feature on my palm, and is impressed with its capabilities as well. I highly recommend this PDA especially for those who have never had a PDA. It is a great little tool, and has organized my appointments and my son's sports activities, dentist appointments, etc. I am looking for a program to add for bank account organization and other extras. If you are shopping around like I was, I think this item is more than worth the price for the benefits you receive! The tech support is great too (90 days free support).