Palm m500

If you've got a large database of contacts and a hectic diary, you'll appreciate the faster processor (not to mention the USB docking cradle). While 33MHz may not sound much these days, it's a significant speed boost over the 20MHz of the Vx.

Most of the time, though, you won't need the faster processor thanks to the inherent simplicity of PalmOS and the apps. Take AvantGo, for example. With a Pocket PC, anything less than the Cassiopeia EM500 with its 150MHz chip will seem slow, because Microsoft squeezed a pocket version of Internet Explorer into the OS. With a Palm, even a 16MHz chip displays pages with little or no delay.

The drawback of Palm's simplistic approach is a lack of features. Despite costing over £200, the m500 and m505 are really just PIMs. They can't play MP3s, only play back video without sound, and lack screen area: 160 x 160 pixels compared to the Pocket PC's 240 x 320 pixels.

The even bigger problem for Palm is that Casio's Cassiopeia EM500 keeps on dropping in price. At £289, it's appealing to the same buyers but offers more multimedia features; what you sacrifice is sleek design and simplicity. If these last two features are what's most important to you, buy the m505; we can't recommend the m500 at its current price. Otherwise, opt for the iPAQ H3630 or EM500.

Author: Tim Danton