PalmOne m105 Handheld
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Palm m105
  • Good BASIC Handheld
  • It's Okay
  • Works great as long as you don't have to change the batteries
  • Quailty
PalmOne m105 Handheld

Manufacturer: PalmOne
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:
  1. Targus PA870U Universal Wireless Keyboard Targus PA870U Universal Wireless Keyboard
  2. Targus CH071 Tri-Fold Universal PDA Case - Nylon Targus CH071 Tri-Fold Universal PDA Case - Nylon
  3. PalmOne PalmConnect USB Kit PalmOne PalmConnect USB Kit
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  5. PalmOne m100 HotSync Cradle PalmOne m100 HotSync Cradle

Product Features:
  • 8 MB memory--stores thousands of addresses, phone numbers, appointments, and to-do items
  • Includes HotSync serial cradle to back up data to your PC or Macintosh
  • Comes with e-mail and Mobile Internet Kit software and desktop software for both PC and Mac
  • Link to Microsoft Outlook (Windows only)
  • Customizable with optional snap-on faceplates

ASIN: B000059MSI

Product Description

Designed to help you meet the demands of life, the affordable Palm m105 handheld allows you to replace your paper-based organizer and stay connected. Keep track of all your appointments, addresses; express your personality with colorful snap-on faceplates, even synchronize and download content from the Internet for offline viewing. All you need is a modem or compatible, data-enabled mobile phone, connectivity software and ISP account. The included HotSync cradle helps safeguard your data with one-touch data exchange and backup between your handheld and PC or Macintosh. Manage your professional and personal life with the Palm m105 handheld.

Amazon.com Review

Palm handhelds have succeeded because they're small and lightweight but hold a surprisingly large amount of personal data. The Palm m105 handheld expands on those essential features by offering an organizer that's smaller and lighter (4.4 ounces) than most others while remaining packed with 8 MB of memory, so it can do much more than just store your calendar or addresses. The m105 is also one of the most comfortable Palm devices we've held--its distinctive curved bottom rests comfortably in the palm.

Like other Palm devices, the m105 includes an infrared port for beaming data to other handhelds, and it features a high-contrast screen with optional backlighting for low-light situations. At 2 inches square, the screen is slightly smaller than those on most Palm organizers. We noticed the difference since we've been using Palm handhelds for some time, but the m105 retains the same 160-by-160-pixel resolution, so this probably won't be a distraction for most users.

However, unlike other Palm handhelds, the m100 series includes two special applications. The Clock displays the date and time if you simply push the top scroll button on the front, even when the device is off. (It can also be viewed through a window in the cover.) And with the Note Pad, we could write notes or draw pictures directly on the screen without having to write in Graffiti, Palm's character-recognition language.

With more memory, the m105 can now hold more software--and Palm has provided a range of possibilities on the accompanying CD-ROM. Palm's Mobile Internet Kit, normally sold separately, is a software collection that allows the m105 to communicate via infrared link with a GSM cellular phone (such as the Nokia 8290). The kit includes MultiMail Pro software for managing e-mail, programs for SMS text messaging and WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) browsing, and software for accessing Web Clipping data over the Palm.net network (the same service used for the wireless Palm VIIx). Also included on the CD-ROM is the AvantGo Web browser and a client for connecting to AOL.

The Palm m105 includes a HotSync cradle (the m100 handheld shipped with just a cable) for synchronizing data between the handheld and a desktop or laptop computer. Macintosh owners (like ourselves) or anyone wishing to use a USB port on a Windows system will need to purchase the USB serial adapter, though the Mac version of the Palm Desktop software is included in the box.

We were disappointed to find that the Windows version of Palm Desktop included on the CD-ROM is one generation behind the latest release. However, you can download Palm Desktop 4.0 for free from Palm's Web site, making this only a one-time nuisance. Additionally, the m105 is not flash upgradable, so you won't be able to update to a newer version of the operating system later on (the m105 comes with Palm OS 3.5).

With the addition of more memory and Internet access software, plus its comfortable, lightweight design, the Palm m105 is an entry-level handheld that doesn't feel like the new kid on the block. --Jeff Carlson

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon.com Product Description

With 8 MB of memory, a HotSync cradle, and the bundled Mobile Internet Kit software, the sleek, rounded Palm m105 handheld offers lots of computing power and versatility. The m105 handheld allows you to use powerful applications and store hundreds of memos, appointments, addresses, and to-do items. You can back up data with your PC or Macintosh in seconds with the included HotSync cradle. And it works with all the same accessories as the Palm m100 handheld--including keyboard, digital camera, and an array of color faceplates.

The Palm m105 handheld comes with Palm's classic information management applications, including Date Book, Address Book, To Do List, and Memo Pad. You can also jot down notes quickly using the Notepad feature, which works like an electronic sticky note. It is equipped with an infrared beam to instantly exchange and store information--such as business card data--at the touch of a button. It has a backlit display for easy readability.

The Mobile Internet Kit is also included, allowing you to use your Palm handheld in combination with a mobile phone or modem to wirelessly access the Internet and check e-mail. You can also access AOL Mail and Messenger accounts. To connect, you must have a data-enabled mobile phone or modem using a cable or infrared. To see a list of compatible phones, see www.palm.com/software/mik/phone.html.

The Palm m105 handheld ships with desktop and HotSync software for both PC and Macintosh systems. The HotSync cradle connects to your PC's serial port. To connect to a PC or Mac using USB, you will need to order the optional Palm PalmConnect USB Kit. Additionally, if you have an older Mac with a modem or printer port connection, you will need to order the optional PalmConnect Serial Kit.

The Palm m105 comes with a serial HotSync cradle, a stylus, a protective flip-cover, two AAA alkaline batteries, and a CD-ROM with Palm Desktop and AvantGo software and a link to Microsoft Outlook.

What's in the box

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Palm m105.......2006-11-06

I'm a grad student and I bought a "like-new" Palm m105 for its basic organizing functions, such as a "to do" list, memo pad, and calender. I'm also using it for a backup phone/address list in case my cell batteries die at an inopportune time (I'm unfortunately a slave to my cell remembering all numbers instead of me). I'll probably put some games on it too, for those boring days in class.

I've had it for about a week and it seems to work well for the purpose I bought it for. So far my main gripe is that it doesn't have a backlite screen, so you have to hold it at a good angle where there's low light. A backlite screen (especially one that you could turn on and off as needed to save battery power) would have been really nice. It was also frustrating that the HotSync cable was a 9-pin serial, which I don't have a spot for on my lappy, so I have to buy a converter cable. This is easily fixable though, so I can't complain too much. I haven't used the batteries up, so I can't comment on other people's complaints about losing data when the batteries die.

Despite these gripes, I'd say that overall it's a good entry-level pda if you don't care about a colored screen or other bells and whistles (or if you can't afford a newer-series model, like me). It suits my lifestyle just fine, and for $30 for a "like-new, used once" Palm, it's a great bargain.

3 out of 5 stars Good BASIC Handheld.......2006-10-24

If you need a very basic handheld, the Palm M105 is as basic as it gets, it does what a basic handheld is suppose to do. I like having the flexibility to enter data using the desktop software and just hotsync to have everything uploaded to the PDA.

One disadvantage though, once you change the batteries, you lose everything, even if you change one battery at a time, so it suits you to hotsync often before your batteries go.

3 out of 5 stars It's Okay.......2006-10-19

This was my first experience with a PDA. It was really cool at first because I just started college and I didn't have to deal with the messy paper organizers. I grew to dislike it because I had to change the batteries left and right. I didn't much care for that. The thing kept crashing on me, I grew tired of having to plug everything back in. It's okay for the price you get. I would recomend this if you haven't had one before. It can get the job done if you fon't want bells and whistles.

2 out of 5 stars Works great as long as you don't have to change the batteries.......2006-07-20

I received my Palm m105 as a christmas gift a few years ago. It worked well for my needs at the time. In recent months I have been using it alot more which therefore resulted in more changes of the batteries. Every time I change the batteries I have to sync up again. All of the additional programs I have loaded on have to be reloaded again after every battery change. I also lose some programs and have to completely reload them.... For that reason I am buying a new PDA, one with a rechargeable battery!

3 out of 5 stars Quailty.......2006-06-25

It's cool... Expect it only has 8 mb, no card slot B /w screen non-rechargable batteries but that's convient Because no charging required. Just install and go. Trick: install 1 battery to avoid data eraseure. Most of the specs reek pretty much.

Nicholas
PalmOne m125 Handheld
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Palm m125 user and advice
  • PERFECT!
  • A Great Palm Pilot
  • Palm, a Disappointment
  • Must be like the old Volvos
PalmOne m125 Handheld

Manufacturer: PalmOne
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Product Features:
  • 8 MB memory--stores thousands of addresses, phone numbers, appointments, and to-do items
  • New Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard expansion slot for additional memory and functionality such as a dictionary/thesaurus, games, and more
  • Link to Microsoft Outlook for synchronizing data and downloading e-mail (Windows only); compatible with Windows and Mac
  • Comes with add-on software, including MultiMail SE (for e-mail), AOL for Palm, DataViz Documents to Go, Palm Reader (for e-books), AvantGo (for Web content after synchronization or with Internet connection)
  • What's in the box: m125, USB HotSync cradle, a stylus, a protective flip-cover, and two AAA alkaline batteries

ASIN: B00005O70S

Amazon.com Review

The Palm m125 is similar to the Palm m100 and m105 in its shape and classic, powerful Palm organizer functions. But it also offers several features that elevate it above the other two models--a memory card expansion slot, bonus software, and compatibility with peripherals for i705 and m500 series models.

The curved base of the Palm m125 fits snugly and comfortably in the palm of your hand. It features a protective cover that flips up and is flexible at the end--a nice touch to prevent damage if you scrape it against anything while opening. It also has a window on the cover that lets you check the time by pressing the button that pokes through.

Like other Palm handhelds the Palm m125 doesn't have a keyboard. Instead, you write shorthand-like strokes on the special writing area at the bottom of the backlit grayscale screen, which the m125 recognizes as letters. You can also tap with the stylus to type letters using an onscreen keyboard, as well as open menus and select icons. (For more keying power, you might consider the optional Palm portable keyboard.)

The Palm operating system (OS) is very efficient, so the 8 MB memory is enough to store a lot of data and quite a few applications, too. If you want to add more applications or content, you have two choices. First, you can find applications and e-books on the Web, download them to your desktop or laptop hard drive, and synchronize the data using the USB HotSync cradle, which attaches to the Palm universal connector at the base of the handheld. It's the same connector as on the m500 and m505 and Palm has promised to support it for three years, so there should be plenty of peripherals available.

Your other option is to use the expansion slot on the side of the handheld, which accepts Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. Palm offers a number of expansion cards with content (such as e-books and Lonely Planet travel guides), applications (the PalmPak language translator, for example), and games. You can also store applications and content on memory cards (such as those from Viking or SanDisk) without sacrificing any of the Palm m125's 8 MB memory.

The Palm m125 comes with Palm OS 4.0, which has new e-mail and Web browsing software, and enables you to send SMS (Short Message Service). You can use infrared to connect to your cell phone for a wireless connection, or add an optional modem to connect to a standard phone line.

In addition to the standard built-in utilities and the Palm Desktop application (for both Windows and Mac), you get extra software including an e-book reader, Documents To Go (for viewing and editing Word and Excel documents), and AvantGo (which downloads Web content, such as news from BBC or the latest soccer scores).

For a budget PDA, the small, light Palm m125 has some nice design touches, is loaded with software extras, and can be customized with thousands of available Palm OS applications. It may not be the most powerful PDA on the market, but its expansion capabilities certainly kick it up a notch. --Mary Branscombe and Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon.com Product Description

Expand your horizons and organize your busy schedule with the Palm m125 handheld. With 8 MB of memory, a USB HotSync cradle, and a new expansion card slot, the curvy, sleek Palm m125 offers lots of computing power and versatility. You'll be able to add more powerful applications and store thousands of memos, appointments, addresses, and to-do items.

The Palm m125 handheld comes with Palm's classic information management applications, including Date Book, Address Book, To-Do List, and Memo Pad. You can also jot down notes quickly using the Notepad feature, which works like an electronic sticky note.

Additionally, the Palm m125 comes with a CD-ROM packed with bonus productivity, communication, and entertainment software--including AOL for Palm, MultiMail SE (for e-mail), DataViz Documents to Go (for viewing Word and Excel documents), Palm Reader (for e-books), AvantGo (for Web content after synchronization or with Internet connection), and Vindigo (for finding places to eat and shop).

You can back up data with your PC or Macintosh in seconds with the included USB HotSync cradle. And it works with all the same accessories as the Palm m100 handheld--including keyboard, digital camera, and an array of color faceplates.

A rubberized flip cover protects your handheld screen when it's not in use. It features a window so you can quickly view the time and alarm reminder messages when your handheld cover is closed. And, as with other Palm handhelds, you can use the infrared port to instantly exchange and store information--such as business card data--at the touch of a button.

With the expansion card slot, you can back up your data without synchronizing with your PC, expand the memory capacity to hold e-books and other applications, and add modules such as a dictionary-thesaurus and Lonely Planet CitySync guides. It is compatible with both MultiMediaCards (MMCs) and Secure Digital (SD) cards.

The Palm m125 handheld ships with desktop and HotSync software for both PC and Macintosh systems. The HotSync cradle connects to your computer's USB port. To connect to a PC or Mac serial port, you will need to order the optional serial cradle.

The m125 comes with a USB HotSync cradle, a stylus, a protective flip-cover, and two AAA alkaline batteries. It is backed by a one-year warranty.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Palm m125 user and advice.......2007-03-25

I am satisfied with this product except for the battery usage. Turns out that in some of these units the 'ultracapacitors' were leaking and eventually were shorting out. Ultracapacitors maintain the device memory during battery changes. This leaking/shorting caused the following:
- immediate loss of data memory when batteries removed
- high drain of new batteries - sometimes only lasting 1 day in my case

If you are technically handy with a soldering iron, you can order 2 new ultracapacitor parts from Digikey ( <$10) and solder them in yourself. I did this 3 years ago and have had great results - no loss of memory when changing batteries and new batteries last over 3-4 weeks with moderate use.

5 out of 5 stars PERFECT!.......2006-03-28

The m125 is deffientally worth it's wieght in gold. At my middle school, there has been a Palm Pilot craze, and at the same time, I found myself wishing for something to help me keep organized. I tried a paper panner, but it was too bulky and heavy to carry around all day. I was just looking for a simple Palm Pilot and found the m125. It was PERFECT!

I love the m125! It is perfect for 13- year olds like me who just need something simple and nothing too fancy. The m125 is what I found to be a wonderful Palm Pilot. It has lots of expansion cards and I bought a games one, an eBooks card, and the E-mail expansion.

I also like the m125 because of it's size and price. I can tuck my m125 in my binder and carry it around with me. And I found it to be one of the cheepest, best working Palm Pilots i've ever seen.

But one thing, the batteries run out really quickly(like anywhere from 4 days to one week), and my family is getting tired of our battery "bill".

But overall, if you need a small, compact Palm Pilot, then this is you "Ticket". I highly reccmond getting a m125!

5 out of 5 stars A Great Palm Pilot.......2005-08-26

I was given an m125 as a gift to help me keep track of my appointments. I found it to be very useful, and the one I had worked optimally. It takes notes, has a calendar, lets me make lists, draw little pictures, play some simple games... it's great. And if I use it normally without playing games much (just to save info, which is the main use for it after all) the batteries last a few weeks, and it's no big deal to back up the data at the end of every day, just like I would charge my cell phone at the end of a long day. (Make sure you always back up your data! It won't save it when you remove the batteries, but it's very easy to restore it at synch time once you put new batteries in.)

It's a great PDA... Palm is pretty awesome. Sure, there's always something to be desired - we always want more than what we have, but for the basic things, this is a great machine.

I really don't think it is fair for a few people to write reviews based on a units that are basically malfunctioning. I strongly suggest people ignore reviews like that. Before you pay for a unit, see that you have some kind of protection ahead of time, if you are really worried, check with your bank or credit card company first.

3 out of 5 stars Palm, a Disappointment.......2005-05-29

I have been a user of PDA's for quite awhile. I have only owned Palm Pilots. The first one I owned worked fantastic, it was my life. I used it for appointments, directions, and a rolodex. It was my life blood. Somewhere, someplace, I lost that Palm Pilot. I figured I would upgrade and I purchased the new version M series. I got the M125. After awhile I could not set my time or date, I just could not press the lower left hand done button. I ran out of battery power and by the time I got back to my computer, or a drug store, for new batteries, the memory was wiped out. No problem if only I could set the date to coordinate my calendar with the true date. I looked on the web and found that it was a prevalent problem with the M Series. To replace the touch screen would have been $40.00. I purchased a fairly new M125 on eBay and sure enough, it had some issues. But I was able to set the date. I guess when I have the money to invest in a color screen like the Compaq unit, which I see is a flawless product, I will purchase it.

I don't think I would ever purchase a Palm product again.

1 out of 5 stars Must be like the old Volvos.......2005-04-02

Remember when you were a kid and automobiles were less "consistent" than they are now? I can recall friends of my parents who had Volvos and either loved theirs or hated it. You either got one that worked well, or you got a lemon. My m125 is a lemon. My wife bought it for my birthday a while back and I made the mistake of putting off using it. By the time I tried to get it to speak to my computer (Outlook never happened), stop freezing up, move from one function to another, and just BEHAVE, there was no warranty left. It is a dog, with fleas. Customer Service sent a lengthy form tutorial via e-mail, that basically told me to "reboot". Fool that I am, I tried that a few times. My wife gets to stare at the world's cutest white elephant every time she sits down at her CPU. Her disappointment is palpable. The lesson, then, was two-fold. Take it out for a spin during the warranty period, or don't buy it at all. My own lesson will be to get a Dell.
PalmOne Portable Keyboard for Palm m100/m105, III Series, and VII Series Handhelds
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Truly Portable Word Processing!
  • Palm Key board
  • Love it!!
  • I love this!
  • good for typing papers
PalmOne Portable Keyboard for Palm m100/m105, III Series, and VII Series Handhelds

Manufacturer: PalmOne
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

PDA & Electronic Organizer AccessoriesPDA & Electronic Organizer Accessories | PDAs & Organizers | Technology | Categories | Office Depot
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m100 & m105 Seriesm100 & m105 Series | Palm | Keyboards & Styluses | Handheld & PDA Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
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VII & VIIx SeriesVII & VIIx Series | Palm | Keyboards & Styluses | Handheld & PDA Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
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Accessories:
  1. Targus CH071 Tri-Fold Universal PDA Case - Nylon Targus CH071 Tri-Fold Universal PDA Case - Nylon
  2. Targus CHCL01 Universal Pda/stowaway Combo Targus CHCL01 Universal Pda/stowaway Combo

Product Features:
  • Collapsible keyboard for typing on the go
  • Folds down small enough to fit into a pocket or purse
  • 9 programmable quick keys
  • No battery required
  • Compatible with Palm m100/m105, Palm III series, and Palm VII series handhelds

ASIN: B00004WHF9

Product Description

Get a full-size keyboard in a pocket-size package. Carry the Palm Portable Keyboard to take notes at your next meeting or write reports on an airplane. Leave your laptop behind. This small, lightweight, portable keyboard is perfect for sending and responding to e-mail, composing memos or taking notes when you're away from your desk. Travel light. Weighing in at just 8 ounces, this compact keyboard folds into its own case that's just slightly bigger than your handheld. Take a shortcut. Up to nine user-programmable keys let you instantly access the applications and programs you use most. Start right away. Just install the Palm Portable Keyboard software, set your Palm handheld in the custom docking cradle, and start typing. Forget about batteries. The keyboard uses minimal power from your Palm handheld - no additional batteries required.

Amazon.com Review

It's always a wonderful feeling when gadgets work seamlessly and live up to their plug-and-play promise. The Palm portable keyboard is such a gadget. It's possibly the best hardware add-on for Palm devices currently on the market--it installs easily and helps you increase your Palm productivity.

Installation of the Keyboard application onto the Palm handheld is easily accomplished during a typical HotSync. (To prepare the app for HotSync, simply add it to the Install Tool on Windows, or the Install Handheld Files in the Mac HotSync Manager.)

Once the app was installed, we were ready for testing at a meeting. We sauntered in and unfolded the keyboard in a flourish--clicking it open from its folded position, laying it flat, sliding the keyboard parts together (it's broken into thirds for folding), and attaching our m100 in a matter of seconds. The attendees at the meeting were suitably wide eyed and impressed with our James Bondian device. (This model of the Palm Portable Keyboard also accommodates Palm VII and Palm III series handhelds--even the Palm IIIc. A separate model is available for the Palm V.)

But the Palm portable keyboard is more than a flashy toy--it's a productivity juggernaut that has some of the best keyboard action we've ever experienced. The keys are not soft and mushy like other keyboards we've tested for handhelds. Instead, they're a bit on the tight side but with a lot of give. Also, the more we used the keyboard, the more we found ourselves shying away from tapping the screen to navigate through a screen or perform actions such as switching applications or opening up the Details section of a Memo or Address Book contact. With the Palm keyboard, you can do virtually all your work without taking your fingers off the keyboard.

The keyboard includes custom buttons for the built-in Palm applications (Date Book, Address, To Do List, and Memo Pad). Several keys have added functions, such as the ability to open up the Apps screen, scroll through a screen, or turn on the backlight. You can also customize your own shortcuts list of applications loaded onto your Palm handheld. This is done using the Keyboard app, and you can assign the number keys 1 through 9 (but not 0). After making our designations, pressing Cmd-1 immediately took us to our favorite diversion--YahtC--during a lull in our meeting.

All told, we have nothing but praise for the Palm portable keyboard, not just for the ease of inputting text but also for changing the way we use our Palm handheld. Since we started using the keyboard, we now often travel without any laptop, confident that any degree of writing or note taking during meetings can be handled by our Palm alone. (It should also be noted that we typed this review on our m100 while sitting comfortably at our local coffee shop.) If you are a heavy Palm user, the Palm portable keyboard is an essential and very cool tool. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros: