Palm m515 Color Handheld

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Title : Palm m515 Color Handheld
Author : PALM
Release Date : 20020304
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $
Amazon.com Price : $ ( %)
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Editorial Reviews :
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.

Buyer Reviews :
My doubts proofed right. No major improvements compared to the 505 device. It's easy so become familiar with this handheld, but you won't be satisfied with the rather small range of applications and the poor software lineup. Don't know, why Palm is always boasting about their products. They are no match for an up-to-date pocket PC. You could expect more value for your money. The CPU is definately outdated and the display's iow resolution makes serious applications still unavaillable for Palm users. Though I own a 515 now, but I don't think I'll use it very often. Rather stick to my Compaq 3870 - it's heavy and too big but it gets done all thinkable tasks.
The Palm 515 is not really bad, but it makes you feel naked when confronted with complex tasks that require professional software solutions. It's just an organizer - a very flash one of course.

(by Tilmann Freienstein)

Features/Technical Specs :
* 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

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