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Palm m515 Color 16MB PDA (Palm Computing-P80805US)

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Palm M515

m515 Color 16MB PDA (Palm Computing-P80805US) Review, by Michael S. Lasky April 29, 2002

WHAT'S HOT: Palm gets it right with its new top-of-the-line, sleekly designed, 5-ounce M515. The sharp, 65,000-color TFT screen uses a reflective technology that exploits sunlight and bright indoor lighting to make the screen easier to read without resorting to its remarkably bright backlighting. While obviously more of a battery drain, the robust backlight makes this Palm usable in even the darkest room. And because the M515 relies on a rechargeable battery, power ultimately isn't an issue: The battery is topped off anytime it is in its synching cradle.

Palm has packed a generous 16MB of RAM (most other Palms come with 8MB or less) and a 33-MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ processor into the M515. The extra memory should be particularly helpful for working in the bundled Dataviz Documents to Go, a mobile office suite with Microsoft Word and Excel compatibility, and for using Palm Reader, an e-book app that lets you read books and articles. For even more expansion, the integrated Secure Digital/Multimedia Card slot can handle widely available memory cards with capacities up to 128MB, as well as dedicated software and hardware peripheral cards.

WHAT'S NOT: It takes some effort to correctly insert the M515 into its included cradle: If you don't put it in at the right angle, it won't clip in properly. Although the sharp color screen and extra memory are great perks, the M515 is at the expensive end of the range for Palm OS-based PDAs at $340. At $370, Sony's Clie T615C would seem to be a better deal: For only a few dollars more, the 5-ounce Clie T615C has a higher-resolution screen, a Memory Stick slot, and a built-in speaker. (However, relatively few Memory Stick devices are available, so Secure Digital may be a better bet for adding devices such as wireless modems or network cards.)

WHAT ELSE: The M515's four dedicated function buttons are easy to push, yet are also designed not to inadvertently power on when you are carrying the unit in a pocket or bag. The unit comes with the Palm 4.1 OS and can be flash-upgraded when a new version is released.

UPSHOT: The Palm M515 offers a bright color screen that is usable in any lighting situation, making it ideal for those who want a color screen in a small, convenient package.

SUMMARY

Palm M515

Palm OS 4.1, 16MB internal memory, 2.3-by-2.3-inch active screen area, 160-by-160 resolution, SD Card expansion slots, lithium ion battery; 4.9 ounces; one-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 16 hours daily; free tech support for 90 days, fee per call thereafter.

$340
800/618-6719
www.palm.com

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User Reviews From Around the Web

Reviewed by: lorus

Strengths: versatile, many options, a lot of software, even serial GPS can be hooked up to it.

Weaknesses: Very weak internals. Can be killed by a static discharge.

Overall: Mine was an open box product that was suppose to go through a complete check. Guess what. It did not work at all. Would not sync. Memory did not work correctly. Customer care was confusing and without the second call I would not know that I was lied to the first time I called. I was assured that I would get a replacement together with a return address label. Turns out I was just going to be issued a refund, and then had to place a new order for a palm. Stay away from Palm Store.
Reviewed by: johnhesselbrock

Strengths: Bright color screen, much better than my old palm 505, or handspring products that I have previously owned.

Weaknesses: Battery runs down faster, and therefore requires more time on the charger

Overall: MP Superstore got the new Palm to me on time and was the best price at the time I could find. I would purchase from their Website again.
Reviewed by: smgumbycat

Strengths: Palm OS, Simple physical design, reliability.

Weaknesses: Needs better manuals to describe all of the features.

Overall: I bought the Palm m515 for 349 (plus the $50 rebate) and I think it is FANTASTIC. I had the Palm IIIe and the Palm m105 and enjoyed both units. But the color of the Palm m515 BLEW BOTH UNITS OUT OF THE WATER. I never lost any data with my Palms and I look to continue this record with the Palm m515. The expansion cards open up another world to the Palm PDA. I can add what I want and not bother with things that I don't want. For the long time Palm III, m100 series owners, upgrade to the Palm m515 because you will love it!
Reviewed by: sacker

Strengths: Display is excellent. Very easy to use. The built in battery that charges while in sync cradle is great.

Weaknesses: short battery life when in use

Overall: Have owned several PDA's prior, but none come close to this. Congat's to Palm on this one. The color display is second to none. Anyone who see's it cannot believe how great the screen look's and can not wait to get their hands on it.
Reviewed by: gbrk

Strengths: Palm Operating System, availability of Software, Speed of operation.

Weaknesses: Slightly slow when displaying the contents of the SD Memory card I have attached but still much better than most PC products.

Overall: As a prior Palm owner of a IIIxe and IIIc I can say this is by far the best Palm yet. I have tried the PC 2002 and even though it comes with 64 Mb and has a 200 + processor compared to the Palm 33 Mhz the Palm is way faster due to the Palm OS. The code is writen so that it runs faster, at least in my view. Size, Speed, Price, Memory module types and upgradability all make this, in this persons opinion the best PDA on the market bar none.

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