Palm m105 Announced and Shipping

The m105 is very similar to the m100. It has the same curvy shape, supports the same interchangeable face plates, and is made from the same plastics. It is the same size and weight, including the smaller screen of the m100. The two units also share the same hotsync port, so they use the same cradle and any accessories made for the m100 will fit the m105.

Both devices ship with OS 3.5 and have the standard built-in applications plus an enhanced notepad and a special clock application that you can see through a window in the case. The clock can be activated by pressing the up button while the device is off (available through a small hole in the cover).

The main difference is in the memory. The m100 only has 2MB of RAM and the m105 has 8MB. Neither device has any Flash ROM, meaning that OS upgrades cannot be flashed onto the device and you cannot store extra data or applications in non-volatile memory. Your whole device will get whiped when you hard reset. The m105 also comes with the Mobile Internet Kit (MIK) which provides the files needed to use the Palm to connect via a cell phone or external modem.

The most interesting choice was the continued absence of Flash ROM. Rumor has it that this device was meant to replace the IIIxe which does have Flash. Users who rely on the ability to retain certain key applications at all times will no longer have the assurance that even should they have to hard reset, they will have access to their data immediately. Sure, there are solutions like the MemorySafe that will provide a one step backup/restore, but if you don't have the drivers on your Palm, you can't restore from the MemorySafe. So unless you have the drivers in Flash you can't automatically restore from a MemorySafe. Back to square one.

The other problem I see is the smaller screen. Sure, it's a sharp, clear screen. But it is noticeably smaller, to the point where that could detract many people, especially older folks who may be starting to have some vision problems, from buying the device. I have heard many people looking for an entry-level device discard the m100 because of the screen. The smaller screen and funky aesthetics works better when the market is teenagers and college students.

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