Palm m125 Review

Overall Rating

Easy to use, flexible customisation options, easy and powerful Internet features available.

Can't universally change text size. Included software in wierd compression format.

I was so happy with my m105 that I was compelled to upgrade to a Palm m125 PDA. New features include memory expansion slot, USB hotsync cradle, universal connector (which allows the addition of such peripherals as a GPS receiver or music player) and a faster processor. It's unfortunate that Secure Digital flash memory cards are so expensive, but given that I have only used half of the inbuilt 8Mb so far, I doubt that I'll need to spend a lot of money on expansion cards.

I was keen to get the thing working with my GPRS and infrared enabled phone and I am pleased to report that once the appropriate settings had been entered, it was dead easy. I thought that the USB cradle might be a bit more tricky to get working than the serial cradle, but upgrading my kernel and reading a bit of documentation was all that was required.

The software included with the m125 is much more diverse than that included with the m105, but it is a pity that some of this software was compressed in a strange format. Fortunately, the WAP browser and Documents to Go programs were stored on the source CD in standard .prc format, and I was able to do without the rest of the bundled software (I needed an email client, but managed to find an excellent free alternative).

Existing PalmOS users will be well aware that whilst the majority of PalmOS software is priced higher than most people are willing to pay, there is still heaps of great software available for free. In my view, the only major drawback with the PalmOS is that people with less than perfect vision may be frustrated by the fact that whilst certain applications allow you to adjust the text size, it cannot be adjusted universally.

Like the m105, the m125 seems well constructed, is easy to use and features interchangeable faceplates. The m125 is definately a well-refined and cost effective option for busy people, though those who crave a colour screen will want to spend a bit more to move up to the m130.