PalmOne m105 Handheld

[Archived in Handheld PCs und PDAs, PalmOne, Products]

Manufacturer: PalmOne
Price at amazon.com: $69.88
This item is not stocked or has been discontinued.

Product Features:

• 8 MB memory--stores thousands of addresses, phone numbers, appointments, and to-do items
• Includes HotSync serial cradle to back up data to your PC or Macintosh
• Comes with e-mail and Mobile Internet Kit software and desktop software for both PC and Mac
• Link to Microsoft Outlook (Windows only)
• Customizable with optional snap-on faceplates

Product Description:

With 8 MB of memory, a HotSync cradle, and the bundled Mobile Internet Kit software, the sleek, rounded Palm m105 handheld offers lots of computing power and versatility. The m105 handheld allows you to use powerful applications and store hundreds of memos, appointments, addresses, and to-do items. You can back up data with your PC or Macintosh in seconds with the included HotSync cradle. And it works with all the same accessories as the Palm m100 handheld--including keyboard, digital... read more


See all product description...

Description from Manufacturer:Palm handhelds have succeeded because they're small and lightweight but hold a surprisingly large amount of personal data. The Palm m105 handheld expands on those essential features by offering an organizer that's smaller and lighter (4.4 ounces) than most others while remaining packed with 8 MB of memory, so it can do much more than just store your calendar or addresses. The m105 is also one of the most comfortable Palm devices we've held--its distinctive curved bottom rests comfortably in the palm.

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

Average Customer Rating:

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Comment: Palm Pilot m105... Rating:
Lots of storage capacity... All the cool features of the Palm™ m100 handheld, plus 8MB of memory, the Mobile Internet Kit, and a HotSync® cradle for fast and easy backup... Web and email friendly... The included Mobile Internet Kit makes it easy to stay in touch...Send and receive email wirelessly or tap into your favorite websites using your compatible modem or cell phone from practically anywhere... Totally customizable... Change the color of your handheld with an assortment of snap-on faceplates...Plus, add on any of the thousands of software applications available, from business productivity tools to games...Many are free... Keeps your data safe. Backup all your important data onto your desktop with the touch of a button using the included HotSync® cradle... At-a-glance timekeeping... Conveniently-positioned clock doubles as a travel alarm to get you up on time... Size/Weight: 4.66" x 3.12" x .72" / 4.4 oz...

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...

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Comment: Don't waste your money Rating:
I bought a m105 in June 2003. It worked fine for a few months, then I started to lose all my data during battery replacement. Now, it takes me 30 minutes and half my battery power to hotsync after battery changes. There should be a recall from Palm but they are not "man" enough to deal with this problem. If you call them they will charge you $75 to fix this problem.

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Comment: I wore it out after 4 months of use. Rating:
Plus side: if you want something simple this is the PDA for you.

Minus side: if you use PDAs as a lifeline as I did, find another model. This model wore out after a few months where I changed the batteries and all I kept getting was the "touch center of target screen" After I called tech support, they wanted me to pay $75 to fix it. I might as well get a new Palm pilot (I got this one as a gift), so I'm shopping for a new one. The only lifesaver was that I saved my files before it went bad!

Posted at November 11, 2003 07:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)