Palm m100

Despite its lack of keyboard and direct compatibility with Microsoft applications, the Palm platform has been incredibly successful in the handheld arena. Clever synchronisation with its own Desktop application as well as Microsoft Outlook among others, and the ability to work with Macintosh as well as Windows computers has enabled thousands to carry their data with them. Beyond this, Palms allow users to beam items to each other and, on those units linked to a mobile phone or modem, browse the Web and read email. The m100 is aimed at those who wish to tap into all this functionality, but for whom the price has been a barrier.

At the core of the m100 are the same address book, diary, memo manager and to-do list apps as the rest of the range. Data input by the Graffiti gesture recognition system remains, as does the optional on-screen keyboard. But for those who just want to scribble a few notes or draw a map, for example, the m100 adds Notepad - a free-form scribble space where multiple documents can be named and stored. Lacking on the m100 are the expenses manager or an email client. The latter omission is strange given Palm's current emphasis on mobile connectivity as evidenced by the 'm'.

Physically, the m100 looks like a cross between a Palm and a large Tamagochi. The display is smaller than those of the other monochrome Palms, but offers the same 160 x 160 pixel resolution. The background is dark bronze rather than dark grey, which gives better contrast in good lighting but poorer clarity in dim light. The green backlight is the same system as found on the IIIe/IIIx and Palm Vx models: it illuminates the characters rather than the background and you'll either love it or hate it. The screen is plastic rather than the glass found on the V and Vx. While the flip-over cover will protect it, only extended use will show whether the Graffiti area becomes quickly scratched and therefore unreliable, as was common on the original Palm Pilots. The cover itself is an improvement over that used on the IIIe and IIIx as it folds right back and doesn't prevent the user removing the stylus.

The black fascia of the unit snaps off and replacements are available in five extra colours for matching to a phone or evening outfit, although these cost a hefty £19 each.

Palm's proprietary OS is now at version 3.51 and adds two new applications as well as an extended Basic Skills tutorial. In addition to Notepad, there's a clock which can be activated and viewed through the cover. To aid its European penetration, the ROM supports a number of European languages as standard. Most importantly, the m100 is compatible with the thousands of third-party commercial and shareware Palm applications so adding generic or specialist applications is easy. This should please IT managers who can now roll out Palms to staff for about half the previous price.

It's difficult to fault the m100. It acts and feels like a traditional Palm, and Palm's emphasis on the m100 being 'fun' may pull in a new raft of users. The only question is whether the plastic casing and screen will be durable enough.

Author: Derek Cohen