Digital Boomerang Singapore 

Product: Palm m125
Price: S$449
Availability: All authorised Palm resellers

In a nutshell: The m125 is definitely not an entry-level handheld. If you just want a device to play games, organise your schedule and make notes, the m105 does that job very well. The m125 is like a rocket launcher in the hands of a newbie.

However, if you are thinking of getting a bit more from your handheld and want to tinker with the more sophisticated functions, the m125 is a good place to start. It’s cheaper than the m500 but you will have to bear with the non-upgradable OS, the smaller screen and the lack of a vibrating or LED alert.

The new m125 is no ground-breaking or earth-shattering device that will transform the PDA market. In fact, most of the goodies in the m125 are already available in the m500 and m505.

So what is this device all about?

It’s a device that puts the latest in Palm technologies into the hands of Palm aficionados without burning a hole in their pockets.

What are the latest technologies in the m125?

For in-depth look at the m125, check out our review. (Power-packed plain Jane)

Is the m125 for beginners?

Palm launched the m125 as an entry-level handheld device. I have my doubts. (Read our This is IT opinion)

It’s simply got too much firepower for entry-level users. I passed the Palm m125 to users of the Palm m105 in my office, and they saw no need to upgrade. They love and swear by their m105s for three simple reasons:

1. It’s easy to use
2. It helps manage the paper clutter
3. It’s got games
The new dual expansion architecture doesn’t add much to this. Well, you can always buy a PalmPak Games Card for more games, but at S$59, it may just be more cost-efficient to download free games from the net. After all, those who opt for the m105 or m125 are more budget conscious. Perhaps Palm could have thrown in a free scaled-down version of the PalmPak Games Card.

Are there any reasons for me to upgrade from the m100 or m105?

Yes, there are!

Design: The soft, flexi flip cover makes the m125 much less clumsy and more elegant. Even though the design is essentially the same, the two-tone colour with the metallic purple does bring it closer to the height of cool. In contrast, the m105 ships in boring black.

Speed: The m125 is significantly faster than the m105 with a Dragonball VZ 33 MHz processor. Switching between applications and screens is a lot faster. Your games too will run faster on this machine.

Software: With the new Palm 4.0 OS, more software can be run your handheld. The Palm Connectivity Kit, bundled together, will give you access to the internet and email. There is also Documents To Go so you can read and edit documents on your little handheld device. You won’t use it much, but it’s a nice feature to include.

Future-proof: As the m125 is based on the dual-expansion architecture which all future Palm devices will be based on, the m125 is a future-proof choice for the next two to five years. (See: Are there any drawbacks?)

Do more: If you have already dabbled with the m105 or m100 and feel ready to try and get more out of your little companion, the m125 is a great place to start. It’s got just about all the techno-power of the m500 but with a lower price tag. To get started, check out our Tips & How Tos. (PDA Specials)

Are there any drawbacks?

Unfortunately, the m125 doesn’t come with an upgradable flash ROM. Buying one today could mean being caught in an OS time warp. You will be at Version 4.0 for eternity.

It also suffers from the same small screen problem (only 49mm) as the m105 and m100. The m500 series comes with a noticeably larger display.

In addition, the new dual-expansion architecture and design means your old accessories, including your m105 stylus cannot be used with the new device.

Can you give it to me in a nutshell?

The m125 is definitely not an entry-level handheld. If you just want a device to play games, organise your schedule and make notes, the m105 does that job very well. The m125 is like a rocket launcher in the hands of a newbie.

However, if you are thinking of getting a bit more from your handheld and want to tinker with the more sophisticated functions, the m125 is a good place to start. It’s cheaper than the m500 but you will have to bear with the non-upgradable OS, the smaller screen and the lack of a vibrating or LED alert.

- First published on IT AsiaOne, Reviews

Share This