m125: a college student's dream come true

When my Dad and I decided that he would buy me a computer as my high school graduation present, I convinced him that I would be saving him money by buying a desktop pc, and then a PDA to keep me "mobile" every day around my campus. I have used the Day-Timer brand organizer for students for 7 years, so I needed something that could perform many of the same functions. I ordered my computer through Dell.com with a special discount, and found that I could also buy my PDA right there, and it would be shipped with everything else. That was convenient, but it meant that I would have to choose my device right then and there, looking at my computer screen. I didn't really have the same opportunity as others to price and compare handhelds, and read reviews online.

We decided on the m125 because of its price (around $200) and its options.

..::The Good::..
I don't have much experience with any sort of portable, electronic device. I own a discman and a cell phone, but that's the extent of my knowledge with such items. The world of SD cards, Palm peripherals, and Flash ROM was completely foreign to me. However, one thing that caught my attention right away was, indeed, the dual-expansion slot. I tend to use up memory faster than the average user, on both my computer and (now) my m125. I write a lot, both for school and for leisure, and I needed something that would let me feed my habit without breaking my wallet. Or, in this case, my Dad's wallet. :)

Additionally, with the plethora of free Palm-based programs available, knowing that I can buy a memory card is comforting - those full dictionaries and word-processing programs can take up a lot of space!

I also really like how my m125 is compatible with m500-series accessories. When I decided to invest in a few peripherals and accessories this past weekend, I discovered that there are far more options for this line of Palms than for the m100/105 models. Because of this, I was able to purchase the stowaway keyboard manufactured by Palm, without much difficulty - when I went to Best Buy and Office Depot, they only carried the model made for m500s.

I have noticed in just this past week that just about every retailer out there has reduced the price of the m500 by a full $100, making it only about $200. However, there are two specific things about the m500 that make me glad I did buy the m125:

1) hotsync cradle
In reading reviews, message boards, and faqs on Palm.com, palmblvd.com, and palmgear.com, it seems that far too many people have issues with their m500s dying after less than 10 hotsyncs. Of course all Palms are under at least a 90-day warranty, but who wants to pay the cost of shipping your unit back to Palm? I've had mine for about a month, and I hotsync many times a day without complications.

2) batteries
I knew from the start that the m125 is the last model to use standard AAA alkaline batteries (the m130 is rechargeable). However, in doing some relatively random internet surfing, I stumbled onto a site that described the concept of rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), AAA-sized, batteries. I went onto the site of one manufacturer, Rayovac, and discovered they have a guarantee that their batteries will not harm any device, when they are used properly. I went to Walgreens the next day and laid down $25 for a wall charger and a four-pack of AAAs. So far, it has been one my best investments. The battery indicator, even when you change it (ShortCut ".7") to Ni-MH is faulty with these batteries, but I set up a third-party program to remind me to rotate pairs of batteries every weekend. Overall, though, I'm happier with AAAs. Even if my rechargeables run out, I can stop anywhere and buy a backup pack of alkalines...not to mention how expensive it can be to replace a Lithium or Ni-Cad battery pack...


..::The Bad::..
This model does, indeed, come with a not-too-swell, 4-bit grayscale screen. The m130 is color, but was about $70 more at dell.com. In my opinion, it wasn't worth the extra cash. The screen is smallish, and the quality of the display isn't as good as the higher-end models, but it is sufficient for what I need: keeping my assignments organized, working on school papers when I'm away from my comptuer, and playing the occasional game.

Along with the grayscale display, the backlight isn't very good. There is an option to invert it (ShortCut ".8"), which can be better for some people. However, if you struggle with farsightedness, it may be a wiser investment to purchase a device with a better display.

The stylus palm created for this model is impossible to find. I have looked at discount megastores, office supply stores, and electronics retailers, but to no avail. I currently am using the stylus that came with my handheld; It seems a better deal to purchase a 3-in-one pen/pencil/stylus.


..::The Ugly::..
I have not had any problems with my own m125 in the month I've owned it; however some people have reported problems with the digitizer or the screen in general. Check the Palm website; there is a patch you can download to resolve some digitizer issues.


All in all, I have been amazed at all that my Palm m125 can do. The software that came bundled with it has been extremely useful; I love being able to print out my work schedule (I have a part-time job) through the Palm Desktop software. The included email program lets me compose messages, which will automatically send at the next hotsync. I have yet to find any truly legitimate reason why I would upgrade anytime soon. By the time I graduate from college, I'm sure there will be much more for your money, but I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

As a side note: on many palm-centered websites, you may read that Palm customer service is horrible. I have not yet needed to send my handheld or my keyboard in for repairs, but I can say that Palm is very prompt in responding to emailed technical support questions. The website gives extensive knowledge and tips on every model, and there is always something new to find on other websites.