PalmOne m515 Color Handheld

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

• Continued use of high brightness level can wear on batteries
• Palm Desktop for Mac still behind the times, but new software on the way

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.

What's in the box

Palm m515 handheld with bonus software
• USB HotSync cradle with built-in battery charger
• Getting started manual
• CD-ROM with: Palm Desktop software and bonus software
• Complete documentation
• Protective flip cover

This is functionally identical to the m130, which is cheaper, but you get what you pay for. The m515 has a significantly larger screen and far less bulk than the m130, easily justifying the higher price. With the built-in difficulty of pointing and clicking on a Palm device, size matters.
The life of the lithium-polymer rechargeable battery takes a hit with the new vibrant color screen, but you can still use your m515 fairly heavily for days before you need a recharge.
The only other compromise is the screen is low-res at 160 x 160 pixels. If you want photo-realism, you can buy a Sony Clie with 320 x 320, but those models have worse battery life and cost much more, so it's your choice.
The 515, quite simply, is the slimmest and lightest full-featured color PDA.

Here's a basic product guide:
Palm m100/Handspring Visor -- Bargain basement models with 2 MB of Ram. Good
starter models for the price. Distinguishing characteristics: Visor has significantly larger
screen/expansion slot and fast USB cradle. Palm has slower serial.
Palm m105/Visor Deluxe/Visor Neo -- Workhorse models with 8 MB of Ram (plenty for
monochrome models). Visor has bigger screen/USB/expansion slot. Neo has faster
processor.
Palm m125/Visor Platinum/Visor Pro -- Upper middle class models. Visor has larger
screen. Both have USB/expansion slot.
Palm Vx -- A discontinued classic, not significantly expandable. Smallest full-function PDA with lithium
rechargeable battery. Sharp, full-size mono screen. Slow serial port.
Visor Edge/Clie slimline -- ultraslim mono models sell at a premium, but have durability questions.
Palm m130 -- Fills consumer color niche. Compare to color Clie models, Visor Prism.
Small, bright screen, rechargeable battery, expandable.
Palm m515 -- top of the line. Screen is now brighter, 16 mb included, now we want
higher resolution. Still, a great improvement over the horrible washed-out color on the
Palm m505. Compare with top Sony models/iPaq.
Enjoy!


Great Product   March 29, 2002
J. Lara (Pasig City Philippines)
110 out of 120 found this review helpful

I'm a huge fan of the m500 series. Despite the reprehensible screen of the m505 after a few weeks of use, it really isn't that bad. Many people don't realize that the m505 stayed true to the PALM philosophy of mobility and battery life. Being a former Vx user I was spoiled with low battery consumption. Crossing over to color with the Clie N760 the first thing I noticed (after the absolutely amazing screen) was that I had to re-charge a little more often then I was use to. Although it wasn't a daily activity, recharging happened more frequently then before. Similarly that was also the case for the Clie T615. It's really no big deal for me, and to many people but I can see how it can be disconcerting. Expectedly the m515 inherits the long battery life of the m505. Fortunately for PALM they finally found a winner in the m515, unfortunately, the m515 was what the m505 should have been.

The only real reason why anyone would pick the m505 over the m515 is the price. The M515 has a better, brighter screen, and twice as much memory. If you were particular about bundled software the m515 naturally has a better selection.

...

With all things considered the real rival of the m515 is the CLIE T615C. Many real fans of PDA's will tell you that there is no clear winner when comparing the m515 and the T615C. It's a virtual deadlock. To the untrained eye the T615 may be the winner with its dazzling screen but one really has to consider many things, not just the screen when it comes to PDA's. Other then the screen when you consider price, battery life, form factor, and even accessories it's really a VIRTUALLY deadlock. It really comes down to preference. Many times reviews are written with preferences in mind not an objective overview. Generalizations like, "The m515 is the BEST, or the T615 is BEST!" is simply not true. It really comes down to personal preference. Although I value battery life tremendously, I still prefer a better screen and at the end of the day at the very last possible second of the last hour, I would pick the T615 over the m515. I still think the m515 is a great product and would highly recommend it.

I guess the best way to determine what is best for you is really to read a lot of reviews. Read reviews of many different units to get a general overview of what is available. Amazon has a great selection of PALM OS units, read about all of them!! Also go to down to your electronics store and compare the units side by side to get a first hand look.

Bottom line is, there is a GREAT selection of PDA's which appeal to practically everyone. Gone are the days when PDA's were merely toys for computer super geeks (like myself). Everyone gets a PDA and that's the best part of it all.


Old Palm users - Worth waiting   April 20, 2002
56 out of 59 found this review helpful

I started using Pilots when they were called Pilots. I've
upgraded from them to Palm IIIxe and now to the m515. I'm a
a real reviewer, not some marketting suit.

I have to say I was tempted to get the first color Palm, but
I'm glad I waited.

The m515 is a good product. It has nice color, the display
is suitable for different environments. It may not be the
best for all people, but for normal office/home/road use,
the display, and usability is great.

I was relieved that the same style of applications came with
the hand-held. I was relieved that the PC applications look
like they've been nicely upgraded, except that they need
to be more refined, and MS-office-like in terms of function
to help get useful data from the PC world into the Palm.

So, if you were looking for a vastly new PC software suite with
the m515, it's basically the same as it was. It just looks
better.

The physical properties of the m515 are nice. It's light, thin,
looks cool. I really like the rechargable battery feature
that's been in the line for some time, but having gone from
AAA batteries to this, I'm happier.

I still think that the accessories market is lacking really good
quality cases. They all look and work cheaply. What
I really want is a nice cordura case that can expand if I
want it to. Essentially, I see the m515 as a executive level
product-- for the price and function you'd expect a higher
level of accessories. I didnt' find that apparent.

But the core of the unit is really beautiful. I love the color,
I bought a game-pack to go with it just for that reason. Now
I'm hooked on Sim-City. The m515 is really worth the wait.
I probably won't ever have to upgrade for quite some time
because I can always add more memory and the applications
that need the most help are the PC aids, not the palm applications.

Other nits:

Order it with extra styli, not just one.
Order it with a cover that covers it completely-
don't depend on the basic flap.
Dust and dirt will eventually get on the screen with the
standard flap cover.

Recommended packages:

* Get the game pack, it's fun.
* Zipper case is more secure and protective.
* Get more memory now, while you're online ordering it.
* Get the extra cradle NOW while you're ordering it. Remember
that NT/95 users need a serial kit, the USB won't work for those
older versions of Windows.
* Order your serial kit while you're there, the extra 4 days
wait is eternity.

I gave this review 4 stars to leave room for some improvement
in the PC applications and quality of accessories to protect
and utlize the product. I'm really happy with the m515.


Hot Product, Lousy Batteries   April 3, 2002
Ruth Edlund (King County, Washington:)
48 out of 53 found this review helpful

I bought an m515 as an upgrade for my worn-out IIIxe. This is not a logical upgrade path. It makes more sense to upgrade to an m515 if you are ditching a Palm V, because essential peripherals like your keyboard could be reused.

Because of the 16MB of RAM, compared to the elderly IIIxe, the unit is very fast. This is noticable in operation as well as synching. The color display is very sharp and attractive, though a little hard to see in direct sunlight.

The appearance of the unit is trim and elegant, though it feels heavier than earlier models.. It is hard to believe that it packs the computing power that it actually does.

The biggest drawback that I have found so far is that the rechargeable battery does not last as long as AAA batteries, particularly if the screen contrast is set to "high", which makes it look really pretty. Fortunately, it takes a charge quickly as well. I am going to have to get the car recharger in order to be sure I don't run out of juice at a critical moment.


Not a bad PDA, but for the price it should be much more   June 14, 2002
TG (Muncie, IN, USA)
47 out of 54 found this review helpful

The Palm m515 is everything the m505 should have been... And should have been a year ago. Now, however, in light of other, more advanced PDA's by competing companies (I think you can name at least two), the m515 just seems outdated and too little, too late.

Let's start with the screen. It certainly is not high res and certainly holds nothing on Sony's models. The vertical black grids are very annoying after continuous usage, something that you wouldnt have on a Sony 615 or NR70, or even Palm's lower end color model, the m130. The screen isnt bad at displaying colors, in fact, it has very good color definition. But that is cancelled out by the blocky pixels and gridlines that you should not have on an [expensive]PDA. Im still wondering why Palm chose only three viewing abilities for it's backlight (none, low, and high) versus a regular bar that lets you control viewability. Low seems a little too low, and high, although its very bright, wears down the batteries fast. The 'none' setting is all but worthless unless you are outside using it, which I never am.

Also, another question mark is the lack of a simple jog dial. I have a low-end Sony S320 (since discontinued) that has a jog dial and it is wonderful. All Sony's have this but for some reason, the top of the line Palm does not. It is simply a mystery, especially when other companies such as Handspring include jog dials on some of their new models.

On the plus side, this PDA looks real nice and professional. If it only had a jog dial the form would be the best. Its not a very good PDA, especially for the price, and it should have been what the m505 wasnt. But since its Palm, it will sell, even though it is inferior compared with all Sony models and a couple Handspring (Treo series).

Not bad, but save your money until the fall when OS5 handhelds are out, or get a Clie now because it has most of the features OS5 will have only without the ARM processor.