Cheap and cheerful... (Palm M100)

Member Name: Ed220574

Product:	Palm M100
Date:	21/06/01 (225 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Price, Included HotSync ability, Range of software available

Disadvantages: Cheap looking

...but thats not meaning that this handheld is not good.

I invested in a Palm M100 after I lost my Psion 3mx and decided to check out Palm OS as an alernative.

There are many offerings on the PDA market with some very different prices. I stopped to think what I wanted out of a PDA. A calender to keep my appointments in, a database to record my contact details in, a to do list...

I soon realised that the expensive top end PDA's had many features I would not need or use so after talking to a friend (who owned an M100) I plumped for the M100.

First thing that strikes you when you get it out of the box is it does look a bit cheap, but then again this model is available for just over £100 so its not entirely a mis-directed observation.

The second thing is and you would know this before buying it, is the lack of a keyboard. Yes, as with all Palm products data is entered via writing recognition on a panel at the bottom of the screen. Likewise applications are accessed using the stylus (a plastic pen that is used on the touch sensitive screen).

On first using it, you are taken through a tutorial on how to write effectively so the system can recognise your scrawl and it does take a little bit of getting used to. Once you do, however, it is surprising how quickly it becomes second nature.

A quicker way to enter the data is via your PC. The software and hardware that is so often missing is included in this package. Your M100 can be "Hot Sync'd" with either Outlook or the supplied Palm Desktop using the cable supplied (USB connection). This also acts as a backup if your batteries should run out and inadvertantly wipe the data from your Palm.

As mentioned earlier, the contacts database, appointments and to-do list are as you would expect but there is also a Notepad that allows you to write traight onto the screen. This allows quick jotted notes to be taken and alarms can be assigne
d to them. Rather handy when you are out and about.

One of the best features availble is the absolute trolley load of freeware and shareware software available to download from the net. Games, utilities and upgrades are all readily available and only stands to increase the usefulness of this little beauty. These applications once downloaded and unzipped are installed on the palm via the Hoy Sync operation.

Battery life (2xAAA required and supplied) is very good. Average use should see a set last between 6-8 weeks.

Add to this a backlit screen, a calculator, the ability to beam data to and from other Palm handhelds and convenient size and its a very good PDA.

Downer is the front cover that is supplied. It does have a tendency to pop-off and while it doesn't clip shut up is not entirely secure.

It comes down to what you want at the end of the day. The M100 is a very decently packaged and priced PDA (I bought mine new for £90 but average RRP is near the £110 mark) that can help organise your life.

If you want colour screens and Microsoft Office application then look elsewhere...

Summary: