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The entry-level M100 (code-named "Calvin") is rumoured to be priced around the $150 mark, and will replace the popular Palm III range. Dramatically re-designed with a curvaceous profile, it will feature interchangeable snap-on colour fascias and a flip-up cover. The unit will be smaller than previous models, making the PDA more portable than ever - although inevitably screen size has suffered in the design process. Despite rumours that the M100 was to ship with 4Mb RAM, it will now come with 2Mb as standard. Palm has also swapped the hot-sync cradle for a cable, similar to that used by Psion on its

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own models.

The company has also been busy updating its wireless VII PDA. The VIIx will be equipped with 8Mb (a substantial upgrade to the VII's 2Mb), but the design of the new model is rather more subtle than its junior sibling, with Palm adopting a dark grey finish. More importantly, the VIIx will include applications from various online content providers, making it a potential competitor for WAP services such as AOL's mViva portal.

The new PDAs will face stiff competition in the marketplace. The M100 will find itself up against Handspring's Visor, which incorporates Springboard technology that allows users to add a host of functions to the device. Meanwhile, Sony is not far from releasing its own PalmOS-based PDA, which will feature an expansion slot for the company's own Memory Stick products. Existing Palm users looking to upgrade will be spoilt for choice, but neither of the new models features a colour screen - not entirely surprising, as response to the IIIc has been less than overwhelming.

UK availability and pricing for the M100 are not yet available, and it is not clear whether the VIIx will be released over here at all.

Joel Harrison