Palm is targeting the consumer market a second time with the release of the Palm m105 Handheld (AU$449 street). The m105, which is AU$100 more than its predecessor, the Palm m100 Handheld, is a good bargain, considering that it offers more memory and a faster processor, among other things.
As with its predecessor, the m105 fits neatly in your hand with its curved shape and round edges, and it measures 12.45 by 7.87 by 2.03 cm (HWD). For a PDA, it's light at just 136 grams and includes two triple-A batteries. Unlike the m100, though, the m105 has four times the memory (8MB versus 2MB), a faster processor (20-MHz versus 16-MHz), and 2MB flash ROM (versus nonflash). It also includes a HotSync Cradle (US$74 street for the m100) and the Palm Mobile Internet Kit (AU$59.95 street for other Palm models). The kit supports Internet access, email, and short message service (via a compatible modem or mobile phone).
The m100 and m105 look identical in their black cases. But Palm has recently expanded its faceplate selection from 5 to 14 colours (AU$44.95 street, each) to give your PDA a wild, hip, classy, or dramatic look.
The m105's protective flip cover has a clear window, so you can see the time with a tap of the exposed scroll button, a signature feature of the m100 series. You can also set an alarm by tapping the clock icon in the input screen. The PDA's monochrome, backlit display has a contrast adjustment that is also accessible from the input area. The 1.9-inch-square display is significantly smaller than the Palm III's, and it's quite apparent if you align the two devices and compare icons and font size. We didn't notice any degradation in legibility, but if you deal with a lot of data, even with a portable keyboard, you should select a PDA with a larger screen than those of the m100 or the m105.
The m105 ships with Palm OS 3.5 and the standard Palm applications. New bundled software includes a synchronisation conduit to Microsoft Outlook, AvantGo's browser, and AOL for Palm OS handhelds to access AOL Mail and AOL Instant Messenger with Internet access. Palm hits the mark with the m105 with such buzzwords as simple, functional, and fun. For AU$449, you can get organised and make a personal style statement.
Palm m105
Company:Palm Australia
Ph:1300 360 558
Price: AU$449 (not available until mid March)
Requires: 486-MHz or higher processor; 16MB RAM (64MB recommended for Windows 2000); 30MB hard drive space; CD-ROM drive; Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, NT 4.0 or higher
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