Palm m515
The release of the Palm m515 handheld proves that Palm listens to customers and is willing to make changes. Thanks to the indifferent customer response to the lackluster color screen of the Palm m505 (released in 2001), the Palm m515 boasts a much brighter display and contrast controls that were missing in its predecessor.
We were among the many who voiced disappointment with the Palm m505, and while the m515's color screen still isn't at the top of the class, it's an obvious and welcome improvement. With display support for over 65,000 colors, icons and images (viewed in the included PhotoSuite application) have a nice richness and depth of color.
However, as the screen resolution is only 160 by 160 pixels, the m515 doesn't achieve the crispness found in the Sony T615 (which has a 320 by 320 pixel resolution). But ultimately, unless you need a high-end multimedia viewer integrated into your handheld, you should be suitably happy with the m515's display.
There are only three levels of brightness contrast control--high, low, and off. At first we were taken aback by the "off" setting, as it rendered the screen almost invisible in our office, but it's fine for outdoor usage and will help conserve battery power.
With its curved angles, thin design, and light weight, the Palm m515 feels very comfortable, both in the palm of your hand and resting in your pocket. Also, with the m515's 33 MHz DragonBall VZ processor, we found switching applications to be very fast.
The applications and desktop software (version 4.01 for Windows and version 2.6.3 for Mac) haven't changed, and that's just fine with us. (Note that a beta version of Palm Desktop 4 for Mac OS X is available for download.) The Palm interface is one of the most elegant and simple to understand--yet powerful--operating systems around.
But Palm adds more power with a variety of add-on applications that you can choose to install, ranging from Documents To Go for viewing and editing Word and Excel documents, to Palm's collection of mobile connectivity apps, to the aforementioned PhotoSuite for viewing images and short movies. Our favorite is AvantGo, an app that downloads Web content to the m515 whenever you synchronize, which enables us to keep up with the latest world news as well as Aussie Rules Football scores. You can add even more content and applications via the expansion slot, using optional Secure Digital or MultiMediaCard memory cards.
You can choose to synchronize the Palm m515 with the Palm Desktop application or link to Microsoft Outlook (Windows only). Palm Desktop is more than adequate, but if you are in a corporate environment and Outlook is your scheduling/e-mailing/tasking brain center (which it is for us), the synchronization is seamless.
Overall, we're very happy with the Palm m515--it's quick on its feet, has a nice color display, and is loaded with great software additions that can enhance both your productivity and your fun. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
Pros:
Improved color screen--brighter, with contrast controls
Good range of additional software, from Internet connectivity to e-book reader
Expansion slot enables you to add even more content and applications to customize the m515 to your needs
Easy synchronization with Palm Desktop or Microsoft Outlook
Cons:
Continued use of high brightness level can wear on batteries
Palm Desktop for Mac still behind the times, but new software on the way
Description:
The ultra slim, lightweight Palm m515 handheld has all the classic information management features you expect from Palm, as well as a bright color display with support for over 65,000 colors. It's also loaded with valuable productivity and connectivity software and has a built-in expansion card slot for additional memory storage, applications, and content. It comes with 16 MB built-in memory, enough to store thousands of addresses, years of appointments, hundreds of to-do items, and more than 50 software applications.
The expansion card slot is a dual-purpose slot that can hold Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. Both types of cards are small, inexpensive, and easy to plug in. Much like computer diskettes, they hold information for upload or download onto a handheld. With them, you can instantly add software programs, e-books, large databases, graphics, or even video files to your handheld without sacrificing memory space. The Palm Universal Connector (at the base of the m515) enables you to add peripherals such as a keyboard, GPS receiver, and more.
In addition to Palm's built-in organization applications in Palm OS 4.1--including Address Book, Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, and Note Pad--the Palm m515 also features the following bonus software: Documents To Go by DataViz (for synchronizing Microsoft Word and Excel documents), Pocket Mirror (for linking to Microsoft Outlook), MultiMail SE, MGI PhotoSuite, AvantGo, Palm Reader, and Palm Mobile Connectivity software.
The native USB HotSync cradle allows you to quickly back up and exchange information between your handheld and your PC or Mac. The Palm m515 handheld comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery, which is charged using the HotSync cradle. Palm Desktop software is compatible with Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0, 2000, Me, and XP, and Mac OS 8.6 through 9.x. Note that for connecting to Windows 95 and NT you will need an optional serial cradle or cable.
The Palm m515 comes with a stylus, USB HotSync cradle with 120 VAC/60 Hz charger, internal rechargeable battery, Palm OS 4.1, and an infrared port. It is backed by a one-year warranty.
Features:
-Bright and easy-to-read TFT color screen with support for over 65,000 colors
-Built-in 16 MB memory stores thousands of contacts, appointments, to-do items, and notes
-Expandable via Secure Digital and MultiMedia cards--add memory, applications, and content
-Features Palm OS 4.1, USB cradle, rechargeable battery, and add-on applications including Documents to Go, MultiMail, and Palm Reader
-Windows and Macintosh compatible--includes desktop software for both platforms
Technical data:
-Standard memory: 16 MB with flash upgrade ability
-Maximum memory: 80 MB (with optional 64 MB expansion memory card)
-Expansion slot: Compatible with Secure Digital and MultiMedia (MMC) cards
-Display type: TFT color screen technology with brightness controls
-Display colors: Over 65,000
-Display size: 160 x 160 pixels
-Display backlight: Yes
-Processor: 33 MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ processor
-Operating system: Palm OS 4.1
-PC compatible: Yes
-Mac compatible: Yes
-PC system requirements: Windows 98, 2000, Me, or XP; available USB port; Windows 95 or NT require optional serial cradle
-Mac system requirements: Apple Macintosh OS 8.6 to 9.x; available USB port
-Handwriting recognition: Yes
-Keyboard: Onscreen
-User controls: Stylus
-Memo pad: Yes
-Address book: Yes
-Scheduler: Yes
-E-mail: Yes
-Web browser: No
-Security: Yes
-Stereo: No
-Built-in speaker: No
-Headset jack: No
-Voice recorder: No
-MP3 playback: No
-Audible content playback: No
-AC adapter included: Yes, via HotSync cradle
-Battery type: Rechargeable lithium-ion
-Batteries included: Yes
-Average battery life: Up to 3 weeks
-Desktop import/export formats: CSV, tab delimited, TXT, vCard, and vCal; direct export to Microsoft Word and Excel
-Serial port: Yes; optional serial cradle sold separately
-USB: Yes
-Infrared: Yes
-Wireless: Yes, via compatible cellular phones using Palm Mobile Connectivity software
-Docking cradle: Native USB cradle with battery charger (120 volts AC, 60 Hz)
-PC cable: No
-Software: CD-ROM with Palm Desktop software for Windows and Macintosh plus Documents To Go by DataViz, MultiMail SE, MGI PhotoSuite, AvantGo, Pocket Mirror (link to Microsoft Outlook), Palm Reader, and Palm Modem Connectivity software
-Width: 3.1 inches
-Height: 4.5 inches
-Depth: 0.5 inches
-Weight: 4.9 ounces
-Warranty, parts: 1 year
-Warranty, labor: 1 year
Released: March 2002
