Palm M130 Handheld Organiser

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Palm's m130 enters the handheld market as one of the least expensive color units available. Basically a colorized version of the earlier m125, the m130's bright backlit screen displays 58,621 colors on its 160 x 160 pixel screen.

It also boasts an 8 MB memory with an expansion slot that accepts both MultiMediaCard (MMC) and Secure Digital (SD) cards for adding both memory and special applications. The SD card slot will also connect to SDIO (Secure Digital Input/Output) devices, including Bluetooth cards for wireless connectivity, and upcoming peripherals like digital cameras and bar code scanners.

You can also attach peripherals to the base of the unit via the Palm Universal Connector, which enables you to use the m130 with keyboards, modems, and GPS receivers that are also compatible with the i700 and m500 series handhelds.

The universal connector is where the handheld meets up with its USB cradle, which not only serves to sync up the m130, but to recharge its lithium-ion battery as well. On the highest setting (you can drop it down a notch in well-lit environments), the display backlight sucks juice at a moderate rate. But since the battery recharges at each sync-up, it's not much of an issue. Even if you run out of battery life and your m130 shuts down, you have about a week to recharge it before you lose the data on your Palm.

Nicely contoured, with an attachable faceplate that flips up (letting you play Captain Kirk and Dr. Spock, if you're so inclined), the 5.4-ounce m130 rests solidly in your left hand with the right manipulating its standard buttons and screen with the stylus. One complaint we did have with the m130: at the edges, the screen doesn't appear to be as sensitive as in the middle and it can sometimes require a repeat tap with the stylus before it registers.

In addition to the standard Palm Desktop software, the m130's impressive handheld software bundle includes Palm Reader (for taking e-books along with your Palm), DataViz's Documents To Go (for viewing and editing Word and Excel files; Windows users can also view and edit PowerPoint documents), and MGI PhotoSuite Mobile Edition (for viewing images and videos on the full-color screen).

An IR port on the top of the m130 lets you beam contact information, such as your business card, or even an application, to another similarly equipped handheld.

An inexpensive color handheld with a decent amount of memory and lots of room for growth, the m130 makes a great PDA for users looking to add color to their portable world.

Pros:

* Inexpensive, full-featured color PDA
* 58,621-color display looks great
* Loaded with software extras
* Rechargeable battery

Cons:

* Stylus doesn't register, at times, around the edges

Download Palm M100 Series Manual

Palm M130 Product Features

* Bright and easy-to-read color screen with support for 58,621 colors
* Built-in 8 MB memory stores thousands of contacts, appointments, to-do items, and notes
* Expandable via Secure Digital and MultiMedia cards--add memory, applications, and content
* Windows and Macintosh compatible--includes desktop software for both platforms
* What's in the box: Palm OS 4.1, USB cradle, rechargeable battery, and add-on applications including Documents to Go, powerone Personal Calculator, MultiMail, and Palm Reader
 

M100 | M125 | M130 | M500 | M505 | M515

Download Palm M100 Series Manual

Palm M130 Technical Details

# Standard memory: 8 MB
# Maximum memory: 72 MB (with optional 64 MB expansion memory card)
# Expansion slot: Compatible with Secure Digital and MultiMedia (MMC) cards
# Display type: STN color screen technology with brightness controls
# Display colors: 58,621
# Display size: 160 x 160 pixels
# Display backlight: Yes
# Processor: 33 MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ processor
# Operating system: Palm OS 4.1
# PC compatible: Yes
# Mac compatible: Yes
# PC system requirements: Windows 98, 2000, Me, or XP; available USB port; Windows 95 or NT require optional serial cradle
# Mac system requirements: Apple Macintosh OS 8.6 to 9.x; available USB port
# Handwriting recognition: Yes
# Keyboard: Onscreen
# User controls: Stylus
# Memo pad: Yes
# Address book: Yes
# Scheduler: Yes
# E-mail: Yes
# Web browser: No
# Security: Yes
# Stereo: No
# Built-in speaker: No
# Headset jack: No
# Voice recorder: No
# MP3 playback: No
# Audible content playback: No
# AC adapter included: Yes, via HotSync cradle
# Battery type: Rechargeable lithium-ion
# Batteries included: Yes
# Average battery life: Up to 3 weeks
# Desktop import/export formats: CSV, tab delimited, TXT, vCard, and vCal; direct export to Microsoft Word and Excel
# Serial port: Yes; optional serial cradle sold separately
# USB: Yes
# Infrared: Yes
# Wireless: Yes, via compatible cellular phones using Palm Mobile Connectivity software
# Docking cradle: Native USB cradle with battery charger (120 volts AC, 60 Hz)
# PC cable: No
# Software: CD-ROM with Palm Desktop software for Windows and Macintosh plus Documents To Go by DataViz, MultiMail SE, MGI PhotoSuite, AvantGo, Pocket Mirror (link to Microsoft Outlook), powerone Personal Calculator, Palm Reader, and Palm Modem Connectivity software
# What's in the box: Palm m130 handheld, USB HotSync cradle, Getting Started manual, CD-ROM with Palm, Desktop software, bonus software, and complete documentation
# Width: 3.1 inches
# Height: 4.8 inches
# Depth: 0.9 inches
# Weight: 5.4 ounces