After many months of lobbying Palm for a test device I finally gave in and purchased an m505 from Palm. What follows is a review of the device and its sibling the monochrome m500.

All below refers to m500/m505 except where noted.

Specs :

Both units have

• 8mb RAM
• Expandable with secure digital (SD) expansion slot
• Dragon Ball EZ 32 MHz processor
• Color Screen 16,000+ colors (m505 only)
• Size: 4.5"x 3.1"x 0.5" and only 4.9oz
• Palm OS 4.0 and new software changes
• New Alarm Functions
• Rechargeable batteries
• USB Cradle

I have to say that Palm has finally figured it out as far as size, speed, expandability. The form factor of this device is far superior to anything palm has provided yet. This is not a just a face-lift of the Vx. This is major change for the Palm line of devices.

To start

RAM: 8MB base memory. Expandable via SD slot. (My device for review has a combined 40MB between the card and device's base 8MB). This is becoming a minimum requirement for Palm devices especially in medicine. As databases get more sophisticated they require more and more space. 8MB is really a minimum these days. Being able to easily expand that with the simple addition of a secure digital is a huge asset.

Processor: This device is significantly faster with the 32 MHz processor. In comparison to the m505s biggest competition, the iPAQ, I have seen little or no difference in load times of programs or execution of files. This may be in part to the fact that WinCE, like all windows platforms, tends to be a memory and processor hog. It tends to utilize as much as it can get free from other programs. So, in side-by-side comparisons we were unable to see a significant difference between the devices. Much to my iPAQ-using colleagues dismay.

Improved Screen Resolution: Both the m500/m505 have a much nicer screen than any device before. In fact, several of the third-party launch manager programs have released updated versions that allow for the better resolution and increased pixel count. The display is much more crisp and lines are clear even from obtuse angles, (looking over someone's shoulder at their device etc.)

Color Screen(m505 only): Vastly improved over the IIIc. Resolution is much greater and photos are clear and crisp. And unlike previous models, the backlit display works well in dim conditions without changing the contrast of the photos adversely.

Expandable SD Slot: Finally, an expansion slot that works. Well, with some tweaking it finally works. This slot uses the very small secure digital card that is becoming more common. The advantage here is that, at least in theory, you can use the SD slot as a seamless extension of the RAM. This works well for those programs that are written to recognize the SD slot. For those programs that are older or have not yet been updated for the card, once moved to the card they are invisible to the launcher.

In a rather poor effort, Palm did try and remedy this problem by making programs visible/accessible by having the user change categories on the main screen from all, main, system etc to "card." Most programs however, do not function well unless they are written to be "card aware." This is also a hassle since even while viewing the category "All" which should show all programs on the device, the card items are not displayed. Maybe this was just an oversight but it initially was a big disappointment for me with this device.

However, most third-party launchers, are now written to at least recognize programs placed on the card. How well they run tends to be less reliable and not easily explainable. One easy way around this is a free add-on program called MSMount, This program works similar to TRG's AutoCF. It makes the SD card function as a direct extension of RAM with seamless access to programs placed in specific directories on the card. There is a small lag time I notice in accessing a directory of programs (going back to the HOME screen after leaving a program). This is a function of MSMount, and not of the card access times. I am told the new version will address this small lag. For those programs that are "card aware" they run without any delay.

MSMount effectively solves the issue with using the SD card as a true extension of RAM, as you can place any program (card aware or not) onto the card and any read-only DB and utilize them just as if they are on the device itself.

Size: Very nice slim size. Yet, Palm did not go so far that the device feels flimsy or awkward to use. It feels very sturdy in your hand. The form factor is perfect for shirt pockets, back pockets etc. It's sturdy enough to hold up to daily wear and tear in those places too. Very nice brushed aluminum case that is very sturdy and the m505 comes in two new colors, as limited editions, for the holidays.

Software:

1. Palm OS 4.0: Standard with most new devices no real difference here between competitors. The device is upgradeable if a newer OS emerges. (Not all Palm devices and not all competitors' devices are upgradeable).
2. Includes mobile connectivity software that allows connection to a mobile phone and web clipping/surfing with optional wireless modem attachment.
3. Notepad. A new addition that mimics BugMe!. This allows sticky-note functionality for handwritten notes that let you set alarm reminders.
4. Direct export to Word/Excel.
5. Documents to Go included.

New Alarm Functions: Added vibrate function and flashing LED.

Rechargeable Batteries: Initially, a negative for me. In fact, I wrote a negative review about rechargeables in the past (Handspring Prism). Palm has done it right this time. The batteries in the m505 last about 2 weeks with regular use and no charging. Also the device charges VERY quickly. A full charge from empty on a new device is two hours and subsequent recharges can take 10-20 minutes. As for the m500, add about 1 week of regular use for the lack of color. I am impressed with the battery life and their ability not to form a memory with recharges at various levels. (This has been a big problem with past palm rechargeable devices like Vx and all HandSpring devices prior to their latest offering.)

USB Cradle: Touted as faster to hotsync, I think it makes a huge difference with large downloads like ePocrates and AvantGo. But for normal everyday hotsyncs, I am not sure it makes a big difference over the serial cradle. The USB was a nice plus for me since my wife kept my old TRG-Pro, so we kept both serial and USB cradles attached and the software works very nicely. This helps solve the issue of different cradles with multiple users on the same system that others have suffered in the past. Also, if you are running Win NT, plan on buying the serial cradle because USB is not compatible.

Negatives: There are some negatives to the m50x series.

• Extended Memory access: This is a continuing gripe of mine with all devices with expandable memory since the TRG-Pro (Handera) did it correctly years ago. Since that time no one has put out another device that seamlessly accesses the expansion card as if it were RAM. This model is no different. Palm promotes this as true expandable memory that can run programs from the card out of the box. This is only true for those programs written to recognize the card. You must use a third-party extension manager like MSMount to make it work correctly. Once you have this, it works beautifully, but why couldn't Palm incorporate something like this originally?
• Card Management issues: Again, WHY? Palm provides a program called "card info" in both the m500/m505 devices. This utility simply tells you how much free space you have and the unique ID of the card. It does not allow you to move files onto or off the card or even view what files are on the card. This seems like a huge oversight. As usual, easily remedied with a free third-party app (my favorite is McFile). With these programs you get a familiar folder tree directory that is very easy to maneuver files from the card to the palm and back. Why would Palm not provide you some way to access the card that they are so proud of? Not to beat a dead horse but when TRG released the Pro they included CFPRO to access and manage files on the CF card. Palm followed that lead why not follow it through completely?
• Screen Resolution: (double-negatives)
• Point #1 First, not a negative for me, but it is the biggest issue that I hear the iPAQ users screaming about. The resolution on the m500/m505 is much better than any Palm device before now. The backlighting is very nice but much less bright than even the Palm IIIc. I do not feel that it is a hindrance but it is slightly dimmer than the flashlight brightness of the IIIc. I don't normally use mine to navigate my way through dark corridors so I have no issues with the backlighting.
• Point #2, the resolution for images is adequate. It is slightly less crisp than the iPAQ or the Clié, but I am not buying an image viewer. I have a personal organizer that will hold some color pics on the Palm/SD card. If I really feel the urge, I can manage my MS Office documents and run a few short video clips but, this is not a pocket PC, nor is it meant to be. So for all those that put down the m50x series for the poor resolution in images, buy a laptop or the WinCE devices if you feel you need an overpriced image viewer.

Changing cradle AGAIN: Why? Again, they changed the cradle, creating yet another incompatible cradle from the previous versions. The only plus is that the USB option makes it at least possible to use more than one cradle on the same computer w/o much trouble. But why can they not make the cradles at least compatible for the hotsync. I understand the chargers may be different but for people that want to use a single cradle for all devices, it is a real inconvenience.

USB CRADLE ISSUE:

This is potentially a very big negative that Palm has now addressed. In summary, there is a known error with early versions of the m50x series. The problem appears to affect the USB recognition chip on the Palm and the cradle that tells the device whether it is using a USB or serial cradle. Palm is very tight-lipped about the problem and initially denied that there was a problem, but they do admit they are not sure if the devices are bad or if the cradle chip is bad that then causes a short in the Palm itself. Palm has released an "enhanced" version and new cradle that they claim will not suffer from this problem. I had one of these older devices and they only begrudgingly agreed to exchange the device after I hounded them for almost a month and CNET.com did a story about the bug on their website. So, if you do purchase an m50x series, ensure that it is an "enhanced" device. The new device has had no problems thus far and appears to be functioning quite well. Palm assures me they have fixed the issue but they also admit they are not sure whether it was the cradle or the Palm.

As for support, I have to say this was a huge negative. It took me one month of time and money (long distance phone calls) to get my unit exchanged. Palm has previously been very good about their support but their new exchange policy (enacted this spring) is abhorrent.

Overall: 4.5 stars

I think this is a great device. I feel that the form factor and addition of an expansion card that can be utilized as a true extension of RAM is key. This also adds a significant boost over Handspring devices that still have not seemed to implement this idea effectively. Next, it is faster and has the expandability to accommodate most any user's needs. The rechargeable batteries are sturdy and powerful. The color screen is nice although mainly a luxury. In both devices the resolution is more than adequate and is not limiting in any way. I feel the critics of the display are comparing it to devices at are physically almost three times the m50x size (iPAQ), that have sacrificed form for an only slightly nicer screen and no real perceptible increase in speed or performance. I am not sure that I need that in an organizer. Maybe in a portable image viewer/editor or a laptop but that is not and has never been the purpose of the Palm.

I feel that Palm could have made a better effort to support the SD slot with better management tools and functionality. I feel that there is no need for third-party applications here. Palm should have included this in their product. Also, changing the cradle again is really poor form. Why do we need yet another cradle interface? Fine, change the charger but make the interface the same so that multiple users can use the same cradle.

I still feel this is the best Palm offering yet. I fall short of giving it the highest rating for the device simply because of the need to employ third-party software to fulfill all of its claims. I wish they would have addressed these issues themselves rather than leaving it to the independent programmers to fix their shortcomings. Still, with the small additions I mentioned above, MSMount, and McFile, the m50x series meets/exceeds all my expectations for a Palm device.

Finally, one star for the pitiful support. I did get my new device but only after a lot of research and leg work on my part and a true confrontation about the existence of the bug. Palm has still yet to publicly acknowledge that the problem exists they are waiting for users to call in complain first.

Join a discussion about this article

If you would like to join others in chatting about this article or sharing a similar experience, join our discussion board at this thread:

Shawn A Thomas MD

Dept of Anesthesiology

Wake Forest University School of Medicine