The Palm m105 is a successor to Palm's m100, the first model in a new-entry level series from the market leader. Let's take a closer look at what it has to offer.
They say sequels are never any good, but that's in the movie business and doesn't really count for PDAs. Palm's m105 is the successor to Palm's first entry-level series model with the same name as the series, the m100, and offers improvements such as a RAM boost, mobile Internet connectivity with e-mail support and a synchronization cradle. The question is: Has Palm made a device that falls between two chairs by trying to make an entry-level device that boasts some major league features? Let's take a closer look.
The hardware
When I opened the stylish, new package from Palm I was surprised by the low number of items inside the box. All that was included was the device itself, the synchronization cradle and some plastic-wrapped manuals. Very tidy and also very unusual for a PDA, considering most PDA packages contain a generous amount of stray items. What is somewhat remarkable is that the synchronization cradle has a serial connection and not a USB connection, and even though it's possible to buy a PalmConnect USB Kit that provides USB connectivity for all Palm's handhelds, such connectivity should really be included by now. Shame on Palm for that.
The Palm m105 itself is an exact replica of the Palm m100 series, and the only "difference" in its looks lies in that there's a whole new range of colorful snap-on faceplates available for you to personalize your device with, in addition to the ones that already were available for the m100. Should I say something about the esthetical impression of the device, I'd have to say that it was conservative, contemporary and discrete - and as you can clearly see from the pictures it doesn't stand out from a crowd.
In itself, the device feels very robust, except for the flip-lid cover that is supposed to protect the display - but instead ends up giving you the feeling that it's the cover that needs to be protected.
 | | The m105 is a very conservative and discrete device, and strangely enough comes without a USB connection |
As with the m100, the display is very small but still readable. When compared with previous Palm models you'll notice that the difference isn't too big, but when compared with a PocketPC... oh my, it looks dwarf-like. Still, it's bright, clear and readable and that's what counts.
Also, you'll find the normal four external application shortcut keys placed where they are placed on previous Palm handhelds, providing access to the Date Book, Address Book, To Do List and the Note Pad application which will be standard on all m100 series models according to Palm. The up and down buttons are placed along with the other shortcut keys on the lower front part of the device, and pressing the up button while the m105 is turned off will as with the Palm m100 show the time on the display for a brief moment.
The last external shortcut key is placed on top of the device; namely the Power On/Off button. There's nothing wrong with the placement, but in my experience it responded extremely poorly, often forcing me to press the button several times before I was able to actually turn the device on. Hopefully, this is an hardware error only found on the device I have tested, but if it's not, Palm better hurry up and get it fixed as it only can be described as extremely anonying.
Oh and I almost forgot: The stylus slot is conveniently placed on the back of the device. I would have preferred a stylus with more weight such as the ones found in Handspring's Visor models, but this one does the job even though its surface isn't as rugged as I would like. This is however a personal preference, and for the true PDA afficionado there's always the option of buying a professional stylus from a 3rd party vendor.
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