PalmOne m100 Handheld

• 2 MB memory stores hundreds of addresses, phone numbers, appointments, and to-do items
• Exchange and back up data with your PC or Macintosh using 1-touch synchronization
• Synchronize with Palm Desktop software; also includes link to Microsoft Outlook
• Includes one-touch clock and Note Pad application for writing "sticky notes" on screen
• Add optional keyboard, backup module, or Kodak PalmPix digital camera; customizable with optional snap-on faceplates

I Recently bought the M100 after comparing the IIIE, IIIXE and Handspring Visor Models. What made me buy the Palm M100. Three reasons. 1. Palm's reputation of quality, and the look. I'm sorry but it's cool. Sure the screen is a bit smaller, but I'm not writing War and Peace on this thing! 2. The fact that I only wanted to replace my organizer and have room for a couple of games. Actually I have over 15 games on this along with a good chunk of info and still have over 75% of memory. Sure 8 mb is nice to have, but it's also another $100 bucks. I can't see myself spending more money on additional game-boy like cartridges. Sure for developers and heavy power users the visor is probably the way to go, but I didn't like the fact I had to pay $179 for a visor and another 30 bucks to serial link it with my older computer. That's $209 plus tax to start versus $149 for the Palm. Moreover, the Visor 8mb would have been over $279 dollars vs. $149 just to start out. FORGET IT. Like I said remeber what you are buying it for.!! 3. The way the standards are evolving and the way new devices are coming out, the next best thing is always around the corner, so again remind yourself what you are buying this for. The way I figure if something too cool comes out, (say after 6 months or so,when the flash module palms, new visors or the next best pocket pc version comes out, I'll just give the m100 to my daughter.

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All things considered, the M100 is remarkably similar to the Palm IIIe and also to the Handspring Visor. They all run the Palm OS, have 2MB of RAM, and are powered by AAA batteries. They also all sell for $149. But the monochrome screen on the M100 is just 2 inches square--almost a half inch smaller than the Palm IIIe's screen. It's still large enough to be useful, but it feels cramped.

The M100 does have two handy additions to the Palm formula: the first is an integrated clock, and the other is a piece of software designed to replace Memo Pad. This feature, called Note Pad, allows you to draw and take notes directly on the screen rather than using Graffiti to enter text. I found it very handy for jotting down a phone number, which you can later transcribe with Graffiti. Don't think you must get an M100 to do this, though; third-party software, such as BugMe can do essentially the same thing on any Palm OS device.

By far the most appealing change is the small, light, new body. Although at 4.4 ounces it weighs little more than the Palm V, the M100 is much thicker than that model. When you tire of basic black, just snap off the faceplate and replace it with another color.

A new, double-hinged screen cover has a little window through which you can see a portion of the screen and a hole that allows you to access the scroll button. If you press this button when the M100 is turned off, the clock will be displayed through the window of the cover. When an appointment alarm sounds, you can read it right through the window as well. The cover can be folded behind the device, an improvement over the III series, but it tends to flap around a bit.

I like the price since, for $150, a Palm OS device with 2MB of RAM is plenty of computer. However, I recommend a Palm IIIe or, if you're fond of colors, the Handspring Visor because they offer slightly larger screens for the same price. The M100 is cute and the software tweaks are nice but its not really all that great compared to the IIIe.

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I have just converted fron a Psion to the palm about two months ago, and I love it! The main complaint of most people (build quality) is right: Palm could have easily done better. Other than that, here are my pros & cons.

(+) it's compact & inexpensive, so you do not have to think twice before slipping it into your pants or shirt pocket. I previously owned a palm pilot personal and the difference in size and weight is noticable carrying the personl (or the Revo) was annoying after an hour or two, I now carry the m100 all day and hardly notice it.

(+) hotsync: if you use outlook caledar, do not even consider a psion. Their synchronization software is stone age compared to hotsync & pocketMirror (all included in the box).

(+) batteries: a matter of personal taste I guess, but I like using a couple of AAA's for a month and than just buy new ones which can be found everywhere better than worrying about taking a charger with me when I travel.

(+) 360 degrees hinge flip cover the most functional cover I have seen so far: it's thin, sturdy, and can flip open using one hand.

(*) my favorite add ons: 1) minicalc a commercial spredsheet app. that syncs nicely with exell. 2) thinkDB a commercial 'database' app with customizable forms & filtering.

(-) MIA's: e-mail sync., spelling checker, display pixel count. voice recording.

(-) RAM Size: 2MB becomes marginal with the add on apps mentioned above. Had to remove AvantGo :(

I'll take a star for memory size and build quality but I never regret buying it!

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In other reviews, I have slammed this product, the m105 and the m125 for what I consider to be their fatal flaw -a SMALL SCREEN. I returned my m105 (a gift) after a week of squinting.

The dropping prices suggest that the marketplace has spoken loud and clear, and I hope that PALM soon remedies its problems at the low-end of the market with a full-sized screen in a basic unit for under two hundred smackers.

I can't emphasize that enough. With a monochrome screen to begin with, and the built-in difficulty of pointing and clicking on a Palm device, size matters.

However, I have to admit that at these fire-sale prices, the m100 is becoming a steal for folks who have missed out on the PDA revolution because of the cost.

Make no mistake, with a little patience, this is a device that will change your life. After a transition period, you will be able to toss away your Rolodexes (I used to have three) and your paper calendars.

I'd recommend buying a Handspring Visor Deluxe or the new Visor Neo for folks who want a full-sized screen, although they now cost a bit more. They also have an expansion slot for adding everything from memory to a cell phone to GPS. You will also need 8MB (the m100 model only comes with 2MB) if you want to run some of the cooler downloadable programs for your Palm. Three free programs that I use all the time include Mapopolis (free maps from mapopolis.com, streets are searchable), Vindigo (a restaurant and city guide with movie reviews and showtimes at vindigo.com), and Avantgo (a news service where you can get the likes of The New York Times, the Weather Channel and CNN on your Palm).

If you want to stay with Palm, but can spend a bit more, consider the Palm V. Although lacking in expansion slots, it comes in a

super-slim package with a rechargeable lithium battery and a full-size screen. I also have a friend who is very happy with his snazzy, expandable new m505, but in that price range I think a PocketPC might make more sense. Here's a basic product guide:

Palm m100/Handspring Visor -Bargain basement models with 2 MB of Ram. Good starter models for the price.

Distinguishing characteristics: Visor has significantly larger screen/expansion slot and fast USB cradle. Palm has slower serial.

Palm m105/Visor Deluxe -Workhorse models with 8 MB of Ram (plenty for monochrome models). Visor has bigger screen/USB/expansion slot.

Palm m125/Visor Platinum -Upper middle class models. Visor Platinum has larger screen. Both have USB/expansion slot.

Palm V -Classic, not significantly expandable. Smallest full-function PDA with lithium rechargeable battery.

Visor Prism -Cheapest and brightest Palm-branded OS, but bulky for its pricetag.

Visor Edge/Palm 500/505/Visor Pro...

Good luck!

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For many people who are currently jumping on to the PDA bandwagon, you really cant go wrong with this little device. Depending on how you look at it, when it comes to PDA's generally what you pay for is what you get. This holds true for the m100. It will do pretty much everything every other palm will do. The only difference is that you have only about 2mb of storage space compared to the 8mb most Palm units will have now. Also the other main difference is that instead of a cradle, this unit has a plug in type of sync.

Its a great gift to give someone considering how much you can get them these days. Its a great entry level PDA.

As a last piece of advice i highly recommend that you do your research before you go and by any PDA. Dont believe the PocketPC ads or even the Palm ads. Talk to a lot of people and read a lot of reviews, particularly reviews that are made my people like you or me who aren't on Palm's or Microsoft's payroll.(Unfortunately) They will really tell you a lot of things that you will really want to know.

Good Luck! Overall again this is a good introductory palm for those who dont have any type of PDA. Again it really depend on your needs in a PDA. If all you need is a place to write telephone numbers, keep a calendar, a to do list and maybe a few games, this would be adequate. However if you need to view documents, e-books, web clippings, spreadsheets, and even listen to music, you might want to go another direction. Also be prepared to part with a few more dollars.