I was really excited to hear that Palm was about to release their latest and greatest addition to the Palm PDA product line. When I caught the first glimpse, I was happy to see that they have heard the response from consumers: that the Palm V had the best "look and feel" of any of the Palm handhelds, and to stick with this type of style. The functionality, memory, expandability, and battery life (so far) have been up to par. The screen is not the greatest, and the wireless functionality leaves something to be desired.
First Impressions
Like I mentioned, they have incorporated the sleek design of the Palm V, which is a huge plus in my book. Slide a hard cover and you really have a gem. The color is good, not great, and I can see how some would be irritated by the brightness, or lack of brightness, afforded by the screed. USB is a great upgrade, but therefore not compatible with earlier equipment. Overall, much like the Palm V in design and entering text.
Color!
Color is just better, and is the natural evolution of the PDA screen. Palm's screens just don't measure up to the iPaq, which is only 1-2 price points away from becoming the PDA of choice (although it is a little bulky). Maybe in a later release the screen will improve, but I just don't understand it: the technology is there for a good screed today!
Wireless- the Palm Way
This is clearly my biggest gripe with this handheld. I wish, I wish, I wish... that Palm would make their handheld wireless like the RIM Blackberry. Nope, more like the Kyocera Smartphone (which runs on a Palm OS). If you have experienced Blackberry, you know what I'm talking about. If you have not, don't do it unless you can commit to it, because you will never be able to go back. I'm not going to give a review of the Blackberry e-mail here (I've already done that, see my reviews) but Palm should aspire to create an e-mail system that is as seamless as the Blackberry, and should build a modem into their handhelds. This is really an issue for me.
Software
I was happy to see how much software from other vendors is pre-installed on the Palm m505. Dataviz makes a great document reader that sells for about $50 that they have included (Documents to Go) as well as AvantGO and others. Tons of software is available, as it is for other Palms, but there are wireless apps from FedEx and others for the business user to be aware of. MyCheckbook is a 'must-have' and would not be surprised to see Palm include this on later versions.
Connectivity, a.k.a. "The HotSync"
It's USB, it's all about USB. HotSyncs that take seconds instead of minutes is what I'm talkin' 'bout. It's a great upgrade, but leaves all past equipment obsolete.
Memory & Expandability
With 8mb, I can't see how anyone will ever need more, but I'm sure some people may. The expansion cards are a good addition to increase functionality to multimedia apps, which developers should have a field day with. Photos, short clips, etc. are all possible.
Where to Buy?
There are already some discounters selling the m505 for under $400- check Dealtime.com for the latest prices. Keep in mind, though, that I do not recommend this if you are looking for the best e-mail app.
Built-in 8 MB memory stores thousands of contacts, appointments, to-do items, and notes Displays over 65,000 colors--view photos, video clips, and mor...More at Amazon Marketplace
The new Palm m505 handheld opens a world of possibilities. It has rich, 65,000 color support and is completely customizable, thanks to two expansion f...More at eBay
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