The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet
On the software side, the m500 is the first Palm device to run OS 4. USB HotSync support is now built into the OS. Mac users will rejoice at the fact that the m500 comes with a USB cradle. Other changes include the ability to call up the onscreen keyboard and use both keyboard taps and Graffiti strokes simultaneously to enter text. This is very handy if you're fast at writing Graffiti letters but have trouble remembering odd characters, carriage returns, and the like. There's also a new screen that lets you clear all your alarms with a single tap of the stylus as you can with the Pocket PC. Previously, you needed to clear each alarm screen individually. Palm also claims that OS 4 will encrypt your personal data for better security.
In addition to the signature applications, such as Address Book, Calendar, and Expense, which are already installed on the device, the m500 also comes with two CDs with extra software. The CDs include the Palm Mobile Connectivity Software for connecting your Palm to your cell phone to access the Internet, Palm Desktop 4.0.1, and the conduit software to sync with Microsoft Outlook.
The m500 is elegant, and it works like a dream except for the incompatible software. (Publishers have been pretty quick to update popular applications for new versions of the OS in the past, but you might want to wait a few months before buying.) The nearly identical Palm Vx is now available for $299, $100 less than the m500. If you're content with a monochrome PDA and don't need the expansion card slot, the earlier item is a better deal. And if you're not that concerned about the cost but would prefer more features, then consider either Palm's color m505 ($449) or Sony's new CLIE PEG-N710C ($499).
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