Techtite Hardware Reviews ---

When Apple Computers first introduced the palm-held "Newton" in the 90's --which, with all due honesty, received only minor acclaim at first-- few could have foreseen the barrage of similar "PDA's" that would be released in later years. There are ones with color, ones with touch-sensitive screens, and even ones with sound for downloadable MP3 music. Which should you choose? That's up to any one person to decide, though Techtite.com recently tested two nice, affordable models: the Palm m100, and the Palm IIIc. The following review is for the m100; what to some would be considered "the more affordable, black-and-white option." In other words, at a current (06/20/01) price of $129, the Palm m100 is the affordable yet still powerful unit, for those who don't mind sacrificing color.

First, it's important to explain the basics of a Palm PDA, for those readers still stumbling through a paper appointment book overflowing with memos. These small, palm-sized units include an address book, appointment calendar, and note pad all in one. A touch-sensitive screen means you have the option to use "Graffiti" (sort of a cybernetic "shorthand") to write your data, or use the on-screen keyboard. People who'd rather type in information the old fashioned way, can easily call up an on screen keyboard (You also have the option to get a small, portable keyboard accessory; more on that in Techtite's overview of Palm accessories). Pinpoint-accuracy can be made on the touch screen thanks to a small stylus that stores neatly into its own holder in the back of the unit. "Hot sync" software means you can update data on your desktop or laptop PC, and download it to your m100 (and vice-versa). To make the kids playing with their Game Boy Advance truly envious; A backlit screen option is easily activated, for darker environments.

The ease of PC connectivity is where the Palm series shines. Both Windows-users, as well as Mac owners, can easily connect the m100 to their computers via the included serial "hot sync" cable (Mac owners will need something like the Belkin USB PDA Adaptor Cable for their USB port.). With the included software, this allows your computer to synchronize all data changed on either the PC or the m100, at the mere push of a button. In addition, an infra-red port means that the m100 can easily transfer data to and from other m100's, as well as other compatible infra-red data transfer devices.

True, compared to units like the IIIc, this one has a few limitations. Affordability means no rechargeable internal battery; the m100 runs on two AAA batteries, which as a rule need to be replaced every 3 months (or thereabouts, depending on usage). Its stylus is a piece of black plastic, and far less snazzy-looking than the included black-and-silver stylus for the IIIc (it is also quite flimsy, though replacement kits for the stylus are available very easily).

People who just upgraded their computers to 128+ Megabytes, may also be concerned with the m100's mere TWO megabytes of memory, which is unfortunately not upgradeable (most units have either a minimum 8 Mb, or include a small expansion port for digital memory cards). However, the main programs in the device are apparently stored in ROM, as they are not included in this memory block, so this means you have 2 Meg to do with as you please. The only space used is for the Graffiti software, which takes a paltry 15k. You'd be surprised how much you can store in the remainder.

The Palm does have its unique perks, however. One of them is how users can personalize their Palm m100, with any number of alternate faceplates (see CLOSE UP below). Oddly, this is the only current Palm unit offered with this feature. It's also a pretty snazzy idea, among all of the blasé-colored PDA's out there:

CLOSE UP : The m100 color faceplates!

Above: Five of 19 possible color choices; click pictures to order one.

While personal colors for a computer product sounds similar to Apple Computer's iMac series, Palm m100 faceplates are replaceable, affordable, and extremely easy to install. Above are five of the most intriguing colors offered, including (from left to right): Burl Wood, Silver Mist, Leopard, Arctic White, and Green Mist. Other colors include Turbo Black, Blue Mist, Purple, Citrus Yellow, Bubble Gum (Pink), Pacific Blue, Ruby Red, Blue Boa, Azure, Carbon Tek, Tangerine Twist, Turbo Red, Silver Snake, and Glitz. Click on any color of your choice to see a sample picture, with the option to order.

This is already a lot of potential for such a small device, yet Palm's Official Web Site is determined to add even more. There, you can download additional programs; both freeware and shareware. Admittedly, there are more programs, for color PDA's with 4 times the memory, like the IIIc that I reviewed elsewhere (while not reviewed here, you can also click the following link to order the Palm m505, with its 8 Meg, color, and expansion pack option). However, the m100 programs are still plentiful: e-books, Business, and utilities. Of course, game fans will like the RPGs, arcade "clones" like Frogger, and even text-only-screen classics like Zork and "Daleks". Quite a list of program options for such a little piece of hardware.

The bad news is that progress in the palm-held world is enormous, and has exceeded m100 technology in many ways. Newer units are in color, while others have larger memory. However, in terms of affordability, nothing is quite like the m100. At the extreme least, it is a major upgrade to whatever archaic paper-and-pen appointment system you may still be using. Anyone who's sick of shuffling through such a notebook, and wishes for a nice, affordable, entry-level palm held unit, should definitely give the m100 a look.

Palm m100

This product is also Mac-friendly!!!