PalmOne m515 Color Handheld

We were among the many who voiced disappointment with the Palm m505, and while the m515's color screen still isn't at the top of the class, it's an obvious and welcome improvement. With display support for over 65,000 colors, icons and images (viewed in the included PhotoSuite application) have a nice richness and depth of color. However, as the screen resolution is only 160 by 160 pixels, the m515 doesn't achieve the crispness found in the Sony T615 (which has a 320 by 320 pixel resolution). But ultimately, unless you need a high-end multimedia viewer integrated into your handheld, you should be suitably happy with the m515's display.

There are only three levels of brightness contrast control--high, low, and off. At first we were taken aback by the "off" setting, as it rendered the screen almost invisible in our office, but it's fine for outdoor usage and will help conserve battery power.

With its curved angles, thin design, and light weight, the Palm m515 feels very comfortable, both in the palm of your hand and resting in your pocket. Also, with the m515's 33 MHz DragonBall VZ processor, we found switching applications to be very fast.

The applications and desktop software (version 4.01 for Windows and version 2.6.3 for Mac) haven't changed, and that's just fine with us. (Note that a beta version of Palm Desktop 4 for Mac OS X is available for download.) The Palm interface is one of the most elegant and simple to understand--yet powerful--operating systems around.

But Palm adds more power with a variety of add-on applications that you can choose to install, ranging from Documents To Go for viewing and editing Word and Excel documents, to Palm's collection of mobile connectivity apps, to the aforementioned PhotoSuite for viewing images and short movies. Our favorite is AvantGo, an app that downloads Web content to the m515 whenever you synchronize, which enables us to keep up with the latest world news as well as Aussie Rules Football scores. You can add even more content and applications via the expansion slot, using optional Secure Digital or MultiMediaCard memory cards.

You can choose to synchronize the Palm m515 with the Palm Desktop application or link to Microsoft Outlook (Windows only). Palm Desktop is more than adequate, but if you are in a corporate environment and Outlook is your scheduling/e-mailing/tasking brain center (which it is for us), the synchronization is seamless.

Overall, we're very happy with the Palm m515--it's quick on its feet, has a nice color display, and is loaded with great software additions that can enhance both your productivity and your fun. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

• Improved color screen--brighter, with contrast controls
• Good range of additional software, from Internet connectivity to e-book reader
• Expansion slot enables you to add even more content and applications to customize the m515 to your needs
• Easy synchronization with Palm Desktop or Microsoft Outlook

• Continued use of high brightness level can wear on batteries
• Palm Desktop for Mac still behind the times, but new software on the way

The expansion card slot is a dual-purpose slot that can hold Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. Both types of cards are small, inexpensive, and easy to plug in. Much like computer diskettes, they hold information for upload or download onto a handheld. With them, you can instantly add software programs, e-books, large databases, graphics, or even video files to your handheld without sacrificing memory space. The Palm Universal Connector (at the base of the m515) enables you to add peripherals such as a keyboard, GPS receiver, and more.

In addition to Palm's built-in organization applications in Palm OS 4.1--including Address Book, Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, and Note Pad--the Palm m515 also features the following bonus software: Documents To Go by DataViz (for synchronizing Microsoft Word and Excel documents), Pocket Mirror (for linking to Microsoft Outlook), MultiMail SE, MGI PhotoSuite, AvantGo, Palm Reader, and Palm Mobile Connectivity software.

The native USB HotSync cradle allows you to quickly back up and exchange information between your handheld and your PC or Mac. The Palm m515 handheld comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery, which is charged using the HotSync cradle. Palm Desktop software is compatible with Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0, 2000, Me, and XP, and Mac OS 8.6 through 9.x. Note that for connecting to Windows 95 and NT you will need an optional serial cradle or cable.

The Palm m515 comes with a stylus, USB HotSync cradle with 120 VAC/60 Hz charger, internal rechargeable battery, Palm OS 4.1, and an infrared port. It is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the box

Palm m515 handheld with bonus software
• USB HotSync cradle with built-in battery charger
• Getting started manual
• CD-ROM with: Palm Desktop software and bonus software
• Complete documentation
• Protective flip cover

The only real reason why anyone would pick the m505 over the m515 is the price. The M515 has a better, brighter screen, and twice as much memory. If you were particular about bundled software the m515 naturally has a better selection.

...

With all things considered the real rival of the m515 is the CLIE T615C. Many real fans of PDA's will tell you that there is no clear winner when comparing the m515 and the T615C. It's a virtual deadlock. To the untrained eye the T615 may be the winner with its dazzling screen but one really has to consider many things, not just the screen when it comes to PDA's. Other then the screen when you consider price, battery life, form factor, and even accessories it's really a VIRTUALLY deadlock. It really comes down to preference. Many times reviews are written with preferences in mind not an objective overview. Generalizations like, "The m515 is the BEST, or the T615 is BEST!" is simply not true. It really comes down to personal preference. Although I value battery life tremendously, I still prefer a better screen and at the end of the day at the very last possible second of the last hour, I would pick the T615 over the m515. I still think the m515 is a great product and would highly recommend it.

I guess the best way to determine what is best for you is really to read a lot of reviews. Read reviews of many different units to get a general overview of what is available. Amazon has a great selection of PALM OS units, read about all of them!! Also go to down to your electronics store and compare the units side by side to get a first hand look.

Bottom line is, there is a GREAT selection of PDA's which appeal to practically everyone. Gone are the days when PDA's were merely toys for computer super geeks (like myself). Everyone gets a PDA and that's the best part of it all.


Nice Color Unit-But not only way to go   March 28, 2002
Sean Slovik LMT (Satellite Beach, FL)
35 out of 36 found this review helpful

The m515 is the first Palm I've owned and it's a nice unit. But it's not the only way to go. After I purchased the m515, I purchased the Palm m130 (also a color unit) for my wife. Though the m515 is the supeior unit, it's not worth the...price difference. Yes, the screen is slightly larger but really not that much a consideration. The casing of the m515 is much stronger and it's much thinner than the m130, but other than that, not a whole lot of difference though. Yes, the 8 megs of extra RAM is nice, but I ended up buying SD Mem cards for both units anyway. To summarize: If you are the techno dude who needs the best Palm has to offer-go with the m515. But if you need to save the money-go with the m130. Use the money you save to buy all those other Palm goodies you'll need and want. I like my m515, but looking back, I wish that's the way I'd gone...


Perfect upgrade for those with Palm V   December 14, 2002
47 out of 50 found this review helpful

Just like all of my other reviews, I am as honest as possible. I owned a Palm V (the 2 meg version, not Vx) for almost 4 years now, and decided it was about time to upgrade. I had originally purchased the palm V for its ruggedness and small size. I, like many of you need a small PDA else it will not be used. The Palm V is still in perfect condition, but I've always wanted a color PDA since I first saw the Palm IIIc (which was big and bulky and had an awkward looking screen).

After much research, I spent the extra bucks on an m515 because of the horrid reviews of the m505. This palm is truly amazing. It has three levels of brightness, off, low and high. To start, I'm a college student and have found that no backlighting (the off setting) due to the reflective screen that palm used works rather well under the flourescent lighting. Incandescent lights? -- backlighting on low works best. High is too bright, although works great as a flashlight.

Like the Palm V, the m515 is rugged, sleek and perhaps even better built. It comes with PalmOS 4.1 including notepad and memopad - so now you can scribble quick notes on the screen for "translation" later ;-). Some large perks were the vibration alerts and blinking light alert for reminders HOWEVER the vibration is dull at best. Granted, I can feel it in my pocket, but it doesn't compare to some cell phone vibrators out there.

I instantly outfitted my m515 with a hardcase from iconcepts (because it was smaller/sleeker than the palm brand case -- and VERY sturdy, and WriteRights. Get those two items, and your palm will last years like my old V did :-).

The screen is gorgeous, and I don't care about hires 320x320 vs 160x160 (which this palm has) because all I wanted was a splash of color in my life, and here it is! Silverscreen (a launcher) works/looks great, and I have no complaints whatsoever. Anyone thinking of upgrading from a V, its truly worth it. Finally, as a side note, it is a tiny bit heavier than the V, but within the first week I have become acustomed to it. Hopefully this review will help your decision, happy Palming!


Just An Outstanding Palm   March 27, 2002
Gordon Olivant (Harrison, NY USA)
24 out of 24 found this review helpful

I have had my new Palm m515 for just over a week now and it is truly outstanding and a significant improvement over my old Palm Vx (this is my third palm). It handles the basics with the classic Palm efficiency and as a business professional, my ability to access a 3000 plus contact list as well as schedule is my top priority. I was concerned about the screen visibility based upon reviews I read but these proved baseless in my opinion. In all lighting conditions (office, car, outdoors...) the screen is clearly legible, although I do set mine to high brightness. Noticeable is the considerably increased speed over the Vx. I am also using the Dictionary-Thesaurus Expansion Card that is a welcome addition and is already getting significant use. The only draw back is with the color display, battery time has decreased substantially and it needs to spend more time in the cradle, a hassle when traveling. Note to Palm: increase the battery capacity!

All in all the m515 maintains Palms position as near and dear to my heart as the best PDA out there.


I Can't Live With Out It!   November 30, 2002
JMB (Saint Louis, MO United States)
34 out of 36 found this review helpful

I previously owned a palm Vx, which I ruined by dropping in water. I replaced it with the 515 and am very pleased. I use my palm constantly in my real estate business and can't live with out it!

I love the color screen. It is much easier to read than the black and white screen on my old palm. I also like the expansion card capability. The eBook reader is a HUGE plus. I have downloaded quite a few best selling books...and love having a book to read on my palm. I can catch up on reading anywhere and can even read the lighted screen in the middle of the night with the lights off so as not to disturb my husband.

I have not had any of the hot sync issues that other reviewers have mentioned. I sync almost every single day and have not had one problem. My main criticism of the 515 is the battery life. With my old Vx I could use it every day for almost a week before I would have to recharge it. With the 515, I need to recharge it almost every day. I think it is the lighted color screen that is eating up all of the power. You can switch off the "light", but then it is nearly impossible to view. Turning off the beaming function will save additional battery power.

I recommend purchasing a car charger so you can power the palm on the go. I also am pleased with the hard case that I bought which keeps it from turning on and getting scratched up in my purse. Lastly you MUST buy the plastic screen protector sheets made by WrightRight. I scratched the heck out of my screen on my last palm and the protector sheets are worth every penny!