PalmOne m100 Handheld

The first thing you notice is the new sleek, curvy design, which helps make it fit more snugly and comfortably in your hand. At just 4.4 ounces, the m100 is far lighter than the Palm III series but features essentially the same dimensions (4.66 by 3.12 by 0.72 inches). You can personalize your m100 by snapping off the faceplate and replacing it with different-colored accessory faceplates. The Palm m100 also includes a removable, double-hinged flip cover, which, with the flick of the wrist, opens like an original Star Trek communicator (though an over-exuberant flick will send it flying off its hinges). You can also display the date and time through a little window when the cover is closed, by pressing the scroll button.

The screen is sharp and has contrast-variable backlighting, though at 2 by 2 inches, it's slightly smaller than other Palm devices. Pressing the buttons at the bottom of the m100 automatically open the Calendar, Address Book, and To Do List applications. The fourth button maps to the new Note Pad application, which allows you to write notes directly on the screen in your own handwriting (though the original Memo Pad application remains on the system).

The 2 MB of RAM may seem puny in comparison to other Palm models (such as the 8 MB Palm IIIxe), and it is not expandable. However, you can still store an amount of data that would normally clog a paper organizer (up to 6,000 addresses and 1,500 to-dos and memos, according to Palm).

A great plus for users on the go is the new HotSync serial cable (instead of a bulky cradle), which is used to communicate with your PC and synchronize your Palm m100 data with data stored in the included Palm Desktop software application. Note that while the Palm m100 ships with software for both PC and Macintosh systems, Mac users will have to order a free serial adapter from Palm (shipping charges are not included).

While the Palm m100 isn't for everyone, it is a fun and functional replacement for your paper-based organizer and a great introduction to the Palm family. --Agen Schmitz

Pros:

• Fits comfortably in hand
• 1-touch access to time and date
• New Note Pad application
• Synchronization using serial HotSync cable rather than cradle

Cons:

• Smaller screen
• Memory not upgradable

What's in the box

• Palm m100
• Stylus
• 2 AAA batteries
• HotSync serial cable
• Protective flip cover
• Palm Desktop Software (Windows and Mac), link to Microsoft Outlook, and TCP/IP software to enable Internet-based applications and e-mail
• Getting Started guide
• Handbook