WHAT'S HOT: Following the launch of the M515, the M505 is now available for under $300. The classy M505 has a color screen and a distinctively executive look. The unit is thin and light at only 4.9 ounces, yet it includes a Secure Digital slot, has a solid feel, and is available in three colors. You get all the usual Palm applications, plus a vibrating alarm option. Unfortunately, the screen is somewhat dim, and its colors looked washed out compared with those on other color PDAs. Also, the M505's backlight is much fainter than other PDAs', although this does reduce power drain and boosts how long the built-in rechargeable battery lasts: Our review model ran for several days of moderate use without needing a recharge.

WHAT'S NOT: The M505's screen is dimmer than average. We found it barely bright enough to read in ordinary office light. You get a rechargeable battery, but it's not user-accessible, which prevents swapping in an emergency backup. The M505's AC adapter plugs only into the end of the syncing cradle's USB cable, so you'll have to take the cradle wherever you might need a recharge.

WHAT ELSE: In addition to formal silver, the M505 is available in cranberry or blue. A black leather flip-over cover protects the screen without unduly getting in the way. (You can detach it by sliding its stylus-like pin out of its holster on the left side of the device.) The M505 is moderately expandable; Palm sells several types of SD cards, including memory, city guides, a dictionary/thesaurus, and a backup card. For communication, the M505 works with Palm's 56-kbps PalmModem and wirelessly with certain cell phones. You get a scattering of extra software, including AOL for Palm, an e-book reader, and DataViz's helpful Documents to Go 3.0 for Word and Excel. The gray-scale M505 is not for multimedia enthusiasts; despite its bundled MGI PhotoSuite for photos and video clips, it has no sound capabilities at all.

UPSHOT: The screen is too dim even with backlighting turned on, and most users will be better off spending the extra $41 for the M515.

SUMMARY

Palm M505 Palm OS 4.1 OS, 8MB internal memory, 2.2-by-2.2-inch active screen area, 160 by 160 resolution, Secure Digital Card expansion slot, lithium ion battery; 4.9 ounces; one-year parts and labor warranty, daily toll-free support for 16 hours. Free tech support for 90 days, fee per call thereafter. $299 800/618-6719 www.palm.com